Music

M State's Associate of Fine Arts in Music, offered on our Fergus Falls campus, provides both a vocal and instrumental focus. With the foundation provided by the AFA degree, graduates can seamlessly transfer into a bachelor's degree program and earn a four-year music degree in preparation for careers in musical performance, composition, music education, music therapy or music business and industry.

Our exceptional music facilities include an instrumental and choral rehearsal hall, music composition computer lab, piano studios and Steinway performance grand piano, and Bechstein rehearsal grand piano. Our talented music directors have led groups to national distinction, including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Musical experiences open to students in the program include:

• National and international travel
• Jazz Extravaganza
• Musical theatre
• Sophomore recitals
• Field trips to art, theater and music events

Here is what you'll learn

• Technical proficiency and interpretive competency with your chosen instrument
• Understanding of the cultural and historical development of music
• How to apply critical thought through technical and compositional analysis of written music
• How to articulate an informed personal reaction to music study
• How to interpret and perform a variety of musical styles within a collaborative context
• Working knowledge of the role of technology in the musical arts

Music scholarships are available

Thanks to Fergus Area College Foundation, music scholarships are available to students on M State's Fergus Falls campus. Students do not need to be a music major to apply for a music scholarship. Visit the FACF site for more information and to submit a scholarship application. When you apply for a music scholarship, you will automatically be considered for more than 70 additional scholarships awarded by FACF.

• The average music scholarship award in 2021-2022 was $1,100, and;
• The average additional scholarship award was $1,460, meaning;
• Scholarships together equaled $2,560, or nearly half of full-time student tuition!

2023-24 music scholarship information

Music scholarship auditions for the 2023-2024 academic year will open in February 2023. Contact laura.quaintance@minnesota.edu with questions.

For a digital audition you will need:

• An audio/video sample of your musical skill set
• The recording uploaded to your YouTube account (or set up a live performance)
• The link emailed to laura.quaintance@minnesota.edu

All music scholarship applicants must also:

• Obtain two letters of recommendation from music directors, teachers, counselors, etc. The recommendations should be emailed by March 31 to laura.quaintance@minnesota.edu.

Articulation agreement

M State's Music program has an articulation agreement with Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Graduates who earn an Associate of Fine Arts in Music from M State can transfer seamlessly into these schools' bachelor degree programs in Music.