BA in Music

Our faculty consists of teachers/musicians who have practical, relevant experience in music education from pre-kindergarten to post-graduate. As lifelong learners, our professors and instructors seek to instill a passion for not only making music but teaching it as well. Education permeates every aspect of music instruction at SHU, and Music students graduate with the necessary skills to become not only effective teachers but also leaders in their field.

The strong relationship between the Division of Education and the Department of Music at Siena Heights University shows the unique emphasis placed on a shared vision of Music that is a source of pride to students, faculty, and alumni. This commitment is exemplified through effective and inspirational teaching by outstanding faculty both in the Department of Music and the Division of Education and as an accredited program through the Higher Learning Commission and Michigan Department of Education.

As such, Music students at Siena Heights University have the potential to become outstanding K-12 music teachers, at the state and national levels. This is accomplished through individualized attention in more personal settings, while not compromising quality or experience.

Mission

The mission of the Music Education program at Siena Heights University is to prepare outstanding music educators in an authentic context learning environment grounded in dynamic real-life experiences. Our undergraduate program provides a rigorous curriculum, rich in content and practice; and designed purposefully to reveal individual student potential as innovative, risk-taking, inquisitively unique voices as future music educators.

Ensembles

All Siena students have the option of participating in the following ensembles:

• Marching Band
• Concert Band
• Percussion Ensemble
• Jazz Band
• University Chorale
• Chamber Singers
• Youth Symphony
• Chamber Ensembles

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

Mission

The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution – to help students become more competent, purposeful, and ethical – grows out of the philosophy of Siena.

Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative responses to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

In addition to the accreditation of Siena Heights University by the Higher Learning Commission, the following academic programs are accredited by their professional organizations:

• BFA and BA Programs in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• BSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE).
• The Division of Education at Siena Heights University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Siena Heights University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Siena Heights holds membership in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, the Michigan Colleges Foundation (MCF), the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and several athletic conferences, including the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The University is authorized to prepare students for teacher certification in Michigan and other states. Upon request, students may review University accreditation at the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sacred Heart Hall, Room 202, on the Adrian campus.