Music Major and Minor
The Seaver College music department prepares students for musical careers. Our students
develop knowledge of the music industry, demonstrate understanding in music technology,
apply theoretical and historical theories to music, and develop their own musical
skills, techniques, and abilities.
Music Degree
Many factors contribute to our reputation as a top music program. In the past decade, Pepperdine University has emerged as one of the nation's leading private universities. Our music department is personal and unique, offering high-quality instruction and an exceptional learning experience for each individual. This nurturing environment allows our students to refine their talents and skills for a successful career in music.
Designed to enhance and strengthen students' innate musical abilities, our program offers music majors one or more areas of emphasis study in order to prepare them for meaningful lives as performers, composers, educators, and innovators in one of many music-related professions.
Your experience at Pepperdine University will include:
- A liberal arts education, with a conservatory atmosphere
- Emphases in performance (applied), composition, and music education (pre-teaching credential)
- Renowned faculty (including musicians of the LA Philharmonic)
- Access to Los Angeles and all of its cultural resources
- A unique international program tailored for musicians - the Heidelberg Music Program
Music Minor
Our music minor introduces students to music theory through core music classes, private lessons, and ensemble courses. The minor allows students to have a meaningful and structured life in music while at Pepperdine. A minor in music shall consist of 24 total units, 16 lower-division units and eight upper-division units.
What Fine Arts Division Grads Are Doing
Data collected from the 2021 class within six months of graduation.
Employed Full-Time or Part-Time
Admitted to Graduate School
Total Settled Graduates
Why Pepperdine
Pepperdine Seaver College is consistently recognized among the top-ranked universities in California and the United States. We are a Christian university where students grow in knowledge and character. As a liberal arts institution, we focus on providing rich opportunities for intellectual and spiritual exploration for students with a diverse community.
Located in Malibu, CA
13:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
80% of Students Participate in an International Program
120,000 + Alumni Network
Student Opportunities
Our students study with distinguished faculty, leading soloists, and top studio professionals,
including members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber
Orchestra, the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, and the region's other top professional
musical ensembles. Our University Choirs, University Orchestra, Flora Thornton Opera
Program, Collegium Musicum, Jazz Ensemble, Collaborative Arts, and Chamber Music groups
are open to all students by audition, and provide stimulating ensemble experiences.
Annual opera and musical theater productions, recitals, concerts, and master classes
provide additional performance opportunities. We believe that students are the heart
of our program. They are active participants in their own aesthetic growth and creative
enrichment.
Music Composition
Fostering unique creative musical talent, the music composition program provides student
composers with opportunities to learn techniques and current trends associated with
the creation of new music.
Choral Activities
Under the direction of Dr. Ryan Board, our choral program offers a choice of three
outstanding ensembles in which to participate: Concert Choir, Collegium Musicum, and
Chamber Singers.
Performing Ensembles: Instrumental
Under the direction of Pierre Tang, our Instrumental Ensembles offer a choice of these
outstanding ensembles in which to participate: the University Orchestra, Pepperdine
Wind Ensemble, Pepperdine Jazz Ensemble, Collegium Musicum, Chamber Music, Percussion
Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, and the Pickford Ensemble.
Classical Guitar with Christopher Parkening
Our students can study classical guitar with America's reigning guitar virtuoso Christopher
Parkening. We offer a BA in Music with an emphasis in classical guitar. The music
program, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), also includes
a rigorous core curriculum comprised of theory, history, private lessons, ensemble
participation, and numerous performance opportunities.
Opera
The Flora L. Thornton Opera Program at Pepperdine offers a multi-faceted approach
to the development of the undergraduate singing. Performance opportunities in fully-staged
productions of opera, summer study abroad, and master classes with top professionals
in the field are hallmarks of our program.
Heidelberg Summer Music Program
Our music students have the opportunity to study abroad at the University's campus
in Heidelberg, Germany. The Heidelberg Summer Music Program provides opportunities
for intensive training for singers and instrumentalists. Studies include chamber music,
acting techniques for singers, German, and general education courses. Students receive
expert input from distinguished guest faculty.
Our Facilities
Each year the Pepperdine University Center for the Arts hosts over 250 public events,
including performances by international touring stars and visual artists, student
productions, and exhibitions.
Youth Summer Music Programs
Music Student Testimonial
Take the Next Step
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Contact Us
Fine Arts Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
Office: CAC 200
Fine Arts Recruitment Office
310.506.4111
fineartsrecruit@pepperdine.edu
FA Recruitment Office: MB 301
Bradley Griffin
Divisional Dean & Professor I of Theatre
Ryan Board
Program Coordinator
Danah H. Sanders
Office Manager
Bronson Somerville
Academic Support Resources Specialist (ASRS)
Christopher Jerabek
Administrative Assistant Recruiting