The NSU music major will help you grow as a musician while preparing you to excel in your dream career. The bachelor of arts in music, offering a general background in music theory, literature, history and performance, is for students majoring in music as part of a liberal arts program.*
About The Program
NSU is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). As a music major at Northern, you'll get individual attention from our renowned music faculty members who will help you develop your fullest potential.
Performance and ensemble opportunities at NSU are numerous. Performance groups include the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony, Symphonic Band, University/Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and opera scenes. Here, you’ll also find opportunities to participate in NSU’s woodwind, brass, percussion, and chamber music ensembles.
Music majors are required to perform a senior recital and complete the MFAT exam.
*NSU’s music B.A. is not a teacher preparation program. For teacher preparation, please see Northern's Music Education Bachelor's Degree.
We’re happy to offer career planning assistance so you can make informed and satisfying decisions related to your career and educational goals.
Potential careers include elementary, secondary, and collegiate level teacher, private studio instructor, music supervisor, church musician, composer/arranger, music librarian, conductor, music or television/radio industry worker, music technician, and sound technician.
For more information on careers in your major or help choosing a major, contact Career Services.
Internships are not required.
NSU offers four-year music scholarships to incoming freshman and transfer students. Awards are based on spring auditions (dates announced in advance) and academic achievement, talent, and letters of recommendation. NSU also may award music scholarships to full-time students who participate in at least one major ensemble during each semester the award is in effect.
For more information about this degree, call 605-626-2267. Or, contact NSU Admissions at 605-626-2544 or admissions@northern.edu.
Our Faculty
B.S. North Dakota State University
M.M., G.P.D. Peabody Conservatory of Music
D.M.A. North Dakota State University
In addition to her operatic repertoire, Dr. Bultema has appeared as a soloist in an assortment of orchestral works with The Florida Philharmonic, New World Symphony, Miami Chamber Symphony, Peabody Symphony…
Maturita, Conservatory, Prague, Czech Republic
Absolutorium, Academy of Musical Arts (terminal degree) Prague, Czech Republic
D.M.A., Michigan State University
M.M., Wichita State University
B.M., Concordia College
Dr. Marla Fogderud, a native of North Dakota, is an active stage performer and recitalist throughout the United States and Europe. She was an apprentice artist with the Des Moines Metro Opera and has performed roles with Opera Kansas, Wichita State University Opera, Fargo Moorhead Opera, and Michigan State University Opera. She has been a soloist with the Cincinnati International Chorale, Wichita Symphony, Wichita State University Orchestra, Greater Grand Forks Symphony, Michigan State University (MSU) Concert Band, MSU Philharmonic and MSU Symphony.
Dr. Fogderud has appeared on the Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., faculty recital series; Minnesota Public Radio Regional Artist broadcasts; North Dakota Museum of Art Summer Concert Series; Plymouth…
M.M., Northwestern University
B.A., Northwestern University
B.M.E, Northern State University
M.M., Western Michigan University
D.M.A., Arizona State University (Tuba Performance)
Dr. Travis Netzer is a lecturer of tuba and euphonium at NSU. He grew up in Ipswich, S.D., and attended Northern for his bachelor's degree in music education. During his undergraduate degree studies, Netzer competed in the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Brass Competition and reached the national level of the competition two years in a row, placing runner up his second year. He received a graduate assistantship to attend Western Michigan University for his master’s degree in music performance and earned a doctorate of musical arts at Arizona State University, where he was the graduate assistant to Dr. Deanna Swoboda. While there, he competed and advanced to the semifinals in the International Tuba Euphonium Solo Competition…
Born and raised in the Chicago area, he previously maintained a private voice studio and taught voice at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. In recent years, his students have advanced to compete at the national level. In 2009, one of his students was selected to be a finalist with the NFAA YoungArts…
D.M.A., M.M., Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
B.M., Central Washington University
“It was as though he were telling a story with his hands.” — Pravda Cevera (Russia)
“One of the best musical conductors to appear in Latin America”— Diario Xalapa (Mexico)
"The ever-smiling and extremely animated (Stanichar) guided the Everett Symphony through a superb performance filled with wit and charm… It was the kind of charismatic interaction with the audience and orchestra that showed the brilliance of Stanichar's directorial methods."—Mukilteo Beacon (Seattle)
Christopher Stanichar (b. 1969) is an active conductor, composer, and educator. He is a popular conductor, having directed some of the finest orchestras in Europe,…
Ph.D. Northwestern University
M.A. University of Minnesota
B.A. Valley City State College
Bill Wieland, a native of North Dakota, is an educator, composer and pianist. His compositions have received numerous awards and performances and he is often featured as a piano accompanist in the region. Dr. Wieland earned a bachelor of arts in composite music (piano) from Valley City State College in 1986, a master of arts in theory and composition from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in 1988 and a doctor of music in composition from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., in 1991. He has taught at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, De Paul University and Northwestern University.
He began teaching music…