Music

M State has a proud history of excellence in the fine arts and provides an array of music opportunities that allow you to pursue your interests in the performing arts.
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PURCHASE TICKETS for upcoming concerts at https://mstate.universitytickets.com/.

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!

Music scholarship information

Music scholarship auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year will open in February 2024. 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
Fine Arts Spring 2024 Schedule

2024 Spring Semester Fine Arts Events:

Jenny Field Art Exhibit - January 10-March 8 (Beck Gallery) 

Alice Blessing Art Exhibit - January 10-May 4 (Waage Gallery) 

Alice Blessing and Jenny Field Artist Reception - January 25, 1-3 p.m., Legacy Hall 

HS Spring Play - March 1, 2, 8 & 9 at 7:30 p.m. and March 7 & 10 at 2 p.m. (Waage Theater)

M State 50th Art Invitational - March 27-May 4 (Beck Gallery) 

Empty Bowls - Ceramics showcase with Salvation Army fundraiser & soup lunch, April 18 (Legacy Hall) 

Spring Combined Concert - Concert Band, Chamber Chorale, Concert Choir, Voice Ensemble, April 21, 1:30 p.m. (Waage & Legacy Hall)  

Music Department hosts MSHSL Section Contest - May 4 (campuswide)

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.

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