Music
The Edith Lester Harbin
Department of Music
Often regarded as one of Shorter University's signature programs, the Department of Music has earned a reputation throughout the Southeast for excellence in performance, academic preparation, and personalized instruction. Students benefit from close mentorship with experienced faculty who are invested in their artistic, academic, and spiritual growth.
The Department of Music offers a conservatory-quality experience within the supportive environment of a Christian liberal arts university, combining rigorous musical training with a well-rounded education. Students studying voice, piano, and organ have achieved outstanding success in regional and national competitions, while music education majors are highly sought after by school systems and frequently secure employment before graduation. Performance is at the heart of the Shorter music experience. All music students participate in ensembles that foster collaboration, artistry, and professional development.
The renowned Shorter Chorale is recognized as one of the premier collegiate ensembles in the region, and additional opportunities include the Shorter Chorus and the Javanese Gamelan Ensemble. Students also gain valuable stage experience through productions presented by Opera Theatre and Musical Theatre each academic year. These performances showcase the talent, dedication, and creativity of our students while preparing them for successful careers in music, education, ministry, and the performing arts. The accomplishments of our graduates and current students reflect the strength of a program dedicated to excellence, innovation, and Christ-centered education.
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
Choral Studies at Shorter
The Choral program at Shorter University exists to transform lives through Christ by equipping students for choral excellence and fostering a choral community in the classroom and church. The Shorter choral program includes The Shorter University Chorus, which is the worship choir of Shorter University, as well as the historic Shorter Chorale, the premier choral ensemble on the Hill. Both choirs perform in churches and schools around the Southeast. The entire choral program combines in December to present “Feaste of Carols” and in April to present a major choral masterwork. If you are interested in having one of the choirs perform at your church or school, please contact Dr. Bryan McDonald at bmcdonald@shorter.edu.
The Shorter Chorale
The Shorter Chorale, founded in 1968, maintains a history of excellence in choral singing. The Chorale performs concerts annually in the Rome area. Additionally, the Chorale tours annually throughout the United States and internationally every three years. The 2004-2005 season featured a tour of the great cathedrals and churches of England with performances in Coventry Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, Christ Church, Oxford and Great St. Mary’s in Cambridge. In 2005, the first broadcast of the Shorter Chorale was heard on National Public Radio.
Previously, the Chorale has toured extensively throughout Europe and Russia, earning resounding critical acclaim. The Chorale has been featured at the Georgia convention of the American Choral Directors Association, Georgia Music Educators In-Service Conferences, as well as the Georgia National Association of Teachers of Singing convention. Additionally, the Chorale performed at the 2012 American Choral Directors Association Southern Division Convention.
Repertoire is based on a variety of choral music, including classical works of all eras, world music, spirituals, gospel pieces and jazz standards. Recent major works performed include Mozart’s Vesperae solennes de confessore. K.339, the Poulenc Gloria, and the Mozart Requiem.
The Shorter Chorus
The Shorter University Chorus is a non-auditioned ensemble open to anyone from the university that specializes in music for worship. The SU Chorus’ repertoire includes modern hymns, contemporary Christian music, traditional hymnody, and standards of church music from various musical periods.
Shorter has a tradition of excellence in producing pianists. Our graduates can be found across the United States in college teaching positions, as church musicians, as professional collaborative artists (accompanists), and as first-rate private instructors.
As a keyboard student at Shorter University, you will benefit from excellent one-on-one teaching and ample performance opportunities.
Shorter University is a Kawai Epic Institution. There are twenty-two practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, and studios, all equipped with Kawai pianos. Brookes Chapel, our main performance space, has two concert grands: a Shigeru Kawai and a Steinway & Sons.
Currently, we offer the following degree programs:
- Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance
- Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy
- Bachelor of Music in Music Education (piano primary)
- Bachelor of Music in Worship and Music Leadership (piano primary)
- Bachelor of Arts in Music (piano primary)
BM in Piano Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance is for pianists interested in taking their skills to the highest possible level. Pianists achieving a BM in Performance often continue as Master and Doctoral level students, with a goal of teaching at the collegiate level and performing professionally as a solo and/or collaborative artist. The degree is structured to allow for the maximum number of credit hours for piano study, providing ample room in the schedule for practice. The capstone projects are a 30-40 minute recital as a Junior, and a 50-60 minute Senior recital.
BM in Piano Pedagogy
The Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy is designed to teach pianists how to become effective teachers. This degree provides future teachers with the skills and resources necessary to develop a thriving private studio. Many students who receive an undergraduate degree in piano pedagogy have continued in graduate school, obtaining Master and/or Doctoral degrees in the field.
At Shorter University, pianists seeking this degree are required to perform almost as much as Piano Performance majors. This is not the national trend, but at Shorter, we believe that those who desire to teach other pianists to perform should themselves be regularly involved in performance. The capstone performing events in the Piano Pedagogy degree are a 20-30 minute Junior recital, and a 30-45 minute Senior recital.
Shorter also has a keyboard lab equipped with thirteen Kawai electronic pianos and SMARTboard software. Undergraduate pedagogy students are provided with the invaluable experience of teaching group classes.
Organ Facilities
The pipe organ in Brookes Chapel was designed and built in a classic American design by Walter Holtkamp, a prominent American builder, in the mid 50’s. It was enlarged in the late 80’s by Michael Proscia. It is an electric-action, 33-stop, 39-rank instrument with three manuals and pedalboard and contains over 1,400 pipes. Shorter also owns a 6-stop two-manual tracker organ built by the prominent North German Rudolph von Beckerath. This instrument resides in the Organ/Gamelan studio.
Accompanying Opportunities
Pianists at Shorter can develop their collaborative skills through accompanying. With strong programs in voice and musical theatre, collaborative pianists are always in high demand.
Upon completion of a one-semester Accompanying course, pianists have the opportunity to become paid accompanists. Accompanists are paid to play for the following: voice lessons, seminars, and juries; musical theatre and audition technique classes; Chorus and Chorale concert choirs; major musical productions such as Operas and Musicals produced by Shorter University. Many of our keyboardists also have church jobs. In recent years, many of our pianists have continued graduate work in collaborative arts.
Contact Us
There are several degree programs to choose from, and we can help you decide which program is best-suited for you. Questions regarding keyboard studies and piano pedagogy may be directed to Dr. Jerico Vasquez at jvasquez@shorter.edu.
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education with an emphasis in Instrumental Music
Shorter offers an instrumental emphasis to the Music Education degree. This is an important part of our music department and we are excited about applying our excellent tradition in training music teachers to the band world. This degree will lead to the Georgia Music Certification and is excellent training for a career as a band director. Shorter will be accepting new students for this program taught by professional musician-teachers.
We have scholarships to award prospective band directors who want to pursue an instrumental music education degree, and we also have band scholarships available for non-music majors who join the Shorter University Marching Hawks.
We offer students the opportunity of seeing up close how to build a band program from the ground up. If you would like additional information regarding our program and scholarship availability, please contact Ms. Christianne Grist - cgrist@shorter.edu
Shorter Bands are part of Shorter University’s acclaimed School of Fine and Performing Arts, which offers numerous degrees including a Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music. The Department of Music is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Shorter Bands offer performing opportunities for music majors and non-music majors alike, with scholarship awards available.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- All-State Band Workshop - $15
- Deadline to registerd November 5, 2026
- Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 9:00 - 5:00 PM
TO JOIN
• Complete the Admissions Application and select “Band” as an extracurricular activity.
• Contact Dr. Denney-Wright about scheduling an audition.
• After being accepted into the Shorter Bands, register for MUA 1800 for one credit
hour per term.
The Bachelor of Music degree in Worship and Music Leadership requires core curriculum, major, and elective courses to prepare students for seminary, graduate school, or church music ministry. Students gain experience in both traditional and contemporary worship contexts, and they have numerous opportunities to participate in worship leadership both on- and off-campus.
Many graduates of the program continue their education at seminary, while others began serving as Ministers of Music throughout the southeast. Our graduates receive excellent training in voice, piano, and organ, in addition to courses in theology, hymnology, service planning, church music administration, contemporary worship, church music education, and music production.
Contact Dr. Bryan McDonald for more information: bmcdonald@shorter.edu
Shorter University's Music Education program has a longstanding tradition of preparing exceptional music educators and musicians. Through personalized instruction, hands-on teaching experiences, and mentorship from accomplished faculty, students develop the skills needed to excel in classrooms, performance settings, and beyond.
Graduates are well prepared for teacher certification and enjoy outstanding job placement rates, with many securing positions before graduation. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies and careers in arts administration, music business, private instruction, ministry, and other music-related fields.
At Shorter, music education majors receive the same high-level musical training as performance majors while benefiting from practical teaching experience that equips them for a wide range of career opportunities. Combining professional preparation, artistic excellence, and a Christian learning environment, the Music Education program empowers students to make a lasting impact through music.
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is a four-year degree that leads to a Georgia Certificate in teaching music for Preschool through Grade 12. The curriculum combines common academic (core) courses with rigorous music study. The music courses include:
- applied study in voice, piano, or instrumental music
- secondary study in voice or piano
- ensemble participation
There are also important courses in education principles that guide students in organizing, planning, leading, and evaluating music instruction. One of the highlights of the program is the fieldwork, including observation and hands-on experience in public school music classes prior to student teaching. Because of these practica, our music students are experienced teachers before they begin their student teaching semester. We maintain good relationships with the premier public-school music teachers in the area and are proud to place our student teachers in these excellent programs.
Opera is alive and well at Shorter University! Boasting a rich tradition, Shorter’s musical legacy is maintained by outstanding graduates performing in the world’s greatest operatic venues, as well as those teaching at prestigious conservatories and universities.
At Shorter Opera Theatre, students have the opportunity to perform in fully staged productions each year, supplemented with presentations of opera scenes. Seasons are curated to expose the students to the breadth of operatic literature from early music to contemporary works. When possible, the operas are performed in their original language and feature the use of supertitles.
In addition to the potential for performing lead roles and receiving first-class vocal training from the Shorter voice faculty, the opera program includes fundamental training in acting for singers, as well as studies in opera history and literature. Additionally, the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre provides rich opportunities for performing in plays and musicals, dance and movement, further acting instruction, and other crossover collaborations.
All events are on the main Shorter University campus, located at 315 Shorter Avenue, Rome, Georgia, unless otherwise indicated.
Contact Dr. Maryann Kyle for more information: mkyle@shorter.edu
Learn From the Best
Piano
Piano lessons are offered in both private and group settings. Student teachers are Shorter piano majors who have completed the piano pedagogy course. The Coordinator of the Preparatory Department in the Arts supervises them. Some lessons will be taught by qualified graduates of Shorter, who are designated as Staff Teachers.
- Private and Group Lessons
- Groups of four students are formed according to age and experience. The students will have one group lesson of 40 minutes per week, taught by a faculty member and student teacher, and one 30 minute private lesson taught by the student teacher. Times to be arranged. Fee is $263.
- Private Lessons
- Fees for the entire semester (14 weeks) range from $255 to $407.
Voice
Voice lessons are offered in a private setting for older teens and adults. Student teachers chosen from Shorter voice majors who have completed the vocal pedagogy course and will be supervised by a member of the college faculty. Some lessons will be taught by qualified graduates of Shorter, who are designated as Staff Teachers.
The voice lessons will cover the fundamental principles of tone production, including breath control and resonance, through the medium of such exercises and songs as may fit the student’s particular need. Fees for the entire semester (14 weeks) range from $255 to $407.
Instrument Lessons: Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone and Trumpet
Fees for the entire semester (14 weeks) range from $255.00 to $407.00.
POLICIES AND FEES
Registration Fee
A $15 fee must accompany each application. One $15 fee per student covers any single or multiple registration for the year. Fees quoted are for a 14-week semester unless otherwise indicated. Registration fees are not refunded or deducted from the tuition fee.
Tuition
Tuition fees are due at the beginning of the semester and are not refundable. Fees vary due to each teacher’s qualifications and education background. A late fee of $15 will be charged after the 5th of the month.
Missed Lessons
Two missed private lessons will be made up if the teacher receives notification 24 hours in advance. Class lessons are not made up, however, assignments will be mailed to students.
Practice
Parents are expected to cooperate with the Preparatory Department in the Arts by encouraging students to maintain regular practice in their daily schedules.
All recitals will be held in Brookes Chapel on Shorter University’s Rome campus.
Contact Sandy Yeargan, Director of Preparatory Department in the Arts at 706-233-7334 or syeargan@shorter.edu
Vocal Studies at Shorter University has a long-held tradition of excellence. Building on the fifty-year tenure of the renowned John Ramsaur, Shorter University remains a premier vocal program in the Southeast.
Shorter vocal students include numerous national MTNA winners as well as winners of Regional NATS competitions. This includes Indra Thomas (class of 1993), who was hailed as “the next great Verdi soprano” after highly lauded performances with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. In 2006, she made her Italian debut with the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa and was recently featured in a new opera by Ricky Ian Gordon.
Students in the vocal studies program gain a variety of performing experience as solo performers and in ensembles. These include Opera Theatre and Musical Theatre productions, as well as singing with the acclaimed Shorter Chorale.
The Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance is an intense program designed to train the well-rounded singer and musician. The degree centers on private applied voice study culminating in a 25-minute junior recital and a 50-minute senior recital. Students also study Diction, Song Literature, Opera Literature, and Vocal Pedagogy as well as Music Theory and Ear Training, Musicology, Piano, and Conducting.
Voice Performance Sites
The online site for NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) has all kinds of useful info about upcoming events, contests, publications, and SNATS (Talk to Dr. Weiler about SNATS!).
Classical Singer is a must for those of you who are interested in a classical career. This is a subscriber site that is THE bible of auditions for the opera industry. It has lists of competition, summer program, opera company, crossover, and even temple/church position auditions. The site is also searchable by the experience required, the size of the company, and more.
Looking for an aria to sing, or wondering whether an aria is in your range? Search no further than Aria Database. The database has a diverse collection of information on over 1000 operatic arias. The Database includes translations, and many aria texts, as well as a collection of MIDI files of operatic arias and ensembles.
Theory and Ear Training
Music Fundamentals is a site which will prove helpful to those struggling with basic theory. I cannot recommend this site highly enough. It has everything to help someone trying to learn theory, including rhythmic dictation, interval exercises, clear explanations of Augmented Sixths, Neopolitan chords, and secondary dominants…and so much more! Even if you’re good at theory, it’s a fun site to check out!
Experience the Arts is an opportunity for high school musicians, thespians, and dancers to experience the life of a college performing arts student at Shorter University. During their time on campus, students will attend classes related to their area of concentration (music, theatre, or dance) and attend private lessons with members of the Shorter Faculty. Students who attend Performing Arts One-on-1 will be able to audition for the School of Fine and Performing Arts the day they attend, thus receiving first consideration for Fine Arts scholarships. Come experience the tradition of excellence of the School of Fine and Performing Arts at Shorter University!
For more information, please contact event coordinator:
Ms. Christianne Grist, Administrative Assistant to the Dean
cgrist@shorter.edu
706-260-7488
Cost: This event is free-of-charge.
CONTACT US
EMAIL: boxoffice@shorter.edu ⇒ PHONE: 706-233-7488 ⇒ CAMPUS LOCATION: Cooper Fine Arts