Music for Non-Majors at UIndy
You don't need to be a music major to play music beyond high school.At the University of Indianapolis, our Department of Music is open to all students—no matter your major. We believe that music education enriches your life and can support your future career in any field.
We offer a wide range of courses designed for all students who embark on a musical journey. Students can also explore their musical talents by participating in a performance class or joining an ensemble.
Areas of Interests
No matter your music interests or background, UIndy’s Department of Music has something for you including Symphonic Wind Ensemble, treble and mixed choirs, Symphony Orchestra, jazz, chamber ensembles, and more!
Consider a music minor!
Whether you’ve been playing for years or you’re just getting started, we offer classes to help you develop your skills and expand your musical horizons. By adding a music minor to your major, you will:
- Learn more about the inner workings of music while still focusing on your intended career path
- Strengthen your creativity
- Demonstrate your versatility to future employers
- Build cultural awareness
- Diversify your learning
Ensembles
The performing groups in UIndy's Department of Music provide all students with a wide variety of experiences to develop versatility in many genres and styles. With both vocal ensembles and instrumental ensembles, students have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the canon associated with their chosen fields.
- Concert Choir (vocal)
- Schola (vocal)
- Symphonic Wind Ensemble
- Pep Band
- Symphony Orchestra
- Jazz Ensemble
- Treble Choir (vocal)
- Crimson Express (vocal jazz)
- Chamber Music
- Jazz Combo
- Latin Jazz Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Collaborative Piano
Auditions are required for placement in all Major Ensembles and several Secondary ensembles. These are generally held during Welcome Week in August, just prior to the start of the school year. Audition procedures vary by ensemble. Contact the Ensemble Director for the group you are interested in joining for more information.
Eligible Grants
Ensemble grants are awarded to talented non-music majors who participate in one or more ensembles, especially on instruments or vocal ranges that are in need by the ensemble. These grants come with the stipulation of a full-year commitment and are renewable for up to four years. To be considered for an ensemble grant, students must apply and complete a formal audition that is similar to, but less involved than, those for the music major. Register for an audition today.
Facilities
While our growing Music Department also occupies spaces in Martin and Sease, the main home of the Department of Music and the Department of Art and Design is the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center (CDFAC). This structure is dedicated to the development of young artists at UIndy. Its practice rooms provide music students with pianos, percussion equipment, and the sound-reduced space they need to perfect their skills.
Located within the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall showcases some of the top performers in the world. With over 100 performances held each semester, students will have the opportunity to experience a variety of artists, including their fellow music majors. The performance hall has hosted internationally known ensembles and organizations including:
- The American Pianists Association
- The Emerson Quartet and Juilliard Quartets
- The London Chamber Orchestra
- The Metropolitan Opera regional auditions
- Chamber Ensembles from the United State Army, Navy, and Air Force
- And Jazz artists Emmet Cohen, Doc Severinsen, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Students interested in Music Industry have access to the state-of-the-art recording equipment within Ruth Lilly Performance Hall and have the opportunity to assist in the production of on-campus performances.