Music Department

Overview

Music has been an integral part of Grambling’s history and development since the very founding of this institution.  Indeed, one of the very first members of the teaching faculty taught music.  Since 1905, when the historically black, public institution offered its first music classes, the Grambling State University Music Department has held an important place in the life of the university and the surrounding community. The first degree in music, the Bachelor of Science in Music Education, was conferred in 1952; and the department grew to seventeen faculty and two secretaries by 1977-78.  While experiencing steady growth in its faculty and staff, the Music Department continues to increase its student enrollment, community involvement, and service activities.

Purpose

The purpose of the department is to provide appropriate curricular offerings, required and/or elective courses, activities, knowledge, services, talent, and skills which enable the university to fulfill its mission.

Mission

The mission of the Music Department, an academic and service unit whose programs and activities are planned and executed in full agreement with university goals and objectives, is to:

  • provide undergraduate, graduate, professional and continuing education courses for both music majors and non-music majors regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, and veteran status;
  • educate future music professionals through appropriate curricular offerings leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Bachelor of Science in Music Education degrees through pure and applied research related to curricular emphases in liberal arts, and education;
  • enable the university to fulfill its mission through talent and skill development and community service dedicated to raising the standard of living and enhancing the quality of life;
  • provide students with opportunities for research and performances experiences, utilizing information technologies in preparation for participation in a global society;
  • prepare students for involvement in musical and artistic endeavors in the society at large; and
  • promote self-actualization through electives, service courses, and community service for those who pursue music as a collateral subject or for personal enrichment.
The total departmental program has been developed in direct response to specific elements of the stated purpose and mission.

General Information

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Applied-Music Performance is granted to students who successfully complete the outlined program with a minimum "C" average in music, with no grade lower than "C", and meet the requirements of the College of Liberal Arts.

Credit for applied music is based on (1) the completion of the outline for study for each area semester, (2) a successful jury appearance before a faculty committee in a designated applied music field at the end of each semester of study, and (3) the approval of the recital jury regarding the student's ability to present the senior recital.

See the Department Head or an Advisor for details concerning the following areas of applied study and additional information relative to degree requirements.

APPLIED AREAS OF STUDY

  • Baritone Horn TromboneOboe
  • BassoonPercussionsTrumpet
  • ClarinetPianoViolin
  • CornetSaxophoneViola
  • FluteTubaVoice
  • French hornString Bass

Department Head:

Dr. Larry J. Pannell
Office Location: Dunbar Hall - Room 142A
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone Number: (318) 274-2682
Fax: (318) 274-3723
Email: Pannell@gram.edu

Degree Programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Music
  • Bachelor of Science in Music