Degrees & Programs Music
Develop your musical skills and knowledge with Christian professors who encourage your creativity and relate faith to the art and craft of music.
Engage in the serious study, composition and performance of great music at an advanced level. Discover the vital role music plays in the liberal arts and the Westmont community. Choose from the BA degree in music on the general, music performance, and music composition tracks or earn the professional Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree that leads to a public school teaching credential. You may also choose the Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in performance with a concentration in voice, orchestral instruments and piano. Study at a school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190-5248
(703) 437-0700 Phone
info@arts-accredit.org
Since all scheduled performances sold out after the first 10 days of going on sale, arrangements were made to add an additional concert time: Saturday, December 14th at 2:00pm. To purchase tickets for this performance, please visit westmont.edu/christmasfestival. Don't miss out on being able to attend this concert which has become a holiday tradition for many area families!
Each year the program tells the Christmas story in a fresh way and from a new perspective featuring familiar carols and delightfully fresh compositions of the season. This year’s theme, “This Day,” is taken from Luke 2:11.
The College Choir opens the performance with “Hodie Christus natus est” by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and later “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” by Richard S. Willis (1819-1900) and arranged by Kirby Shaw. The orchestra, choirs and audience perform “Joy Has Dawned” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, orchestrated by J. A. C. Redford. Westmont Chamber singers will perform “Go Tell It on the Mountain” by John Work (1901-1967).
“The theme is evocative of the transcendent joy of the Christmas story,” says director Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship and festival director.
Westmont hosts its 15th annual Christmas Festival, retelling the Christmas story by weaving narration with music from the Westmont Orchestra, College Choir, Chamber Singers and Choral Union on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m., all at First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance Ave. Tickets cost $15 each and go on sale Thursday, Nov. 7, at westmont.edu/christmasfestival. The performance, which typically sells out quickly, has become a holiday tradition for many area families.
Each year the program tells the Christmas story in a fresh way and from a new perspective featuring familiar carols and delightfully fresh compositions of the season. This year’s theme, “This Day,” is taken from Luke 2:11.
The College Choir opens the performance with “Hodie Christus natus est” by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and later “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” by Richard S. Willis (1819-1900) and arranged by Kirby Shaw. The orchestra, choirs and audience perform “Joy Has Dawned” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, orchestrated by J. A. C. Redford. Westmont Chamber singers will perform “Go Tell It on the Mountain” by John Work (1901-1967).
“The theme is evocative of the transcendent joy of the Christmas story,” says director Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship and festival director.
Westmont student musicians and composers show off their talents at free concerts this month in Westmont’s Deane Chapel on lower campus. For more information, please contact the music department at (805) 565-6040.
The Composer’s Concert, highlighting original works by Westmont student composers and performers, is Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. “The concert is an outlet for bright, young, new composers to see their own works realized in a legitimate setting that allows the audience to become the first in the world to experience that realization,” says Jared Clarke, a junior music composition major.
The Vocal Chamber Concert will feature the Westmont Chamber Singers, a select 10-member ensemble drawn from the Westmont College Choir and under the direction of Grey Brothers, on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. They will sing a varied program of music composed from the late Renaissance through the present. “The one-hour program will include music by Renaissance Italian, English and Dutch composers, including two madrigals and two works for the Christmas season, William Byrd’s “Hodie Christus natus est” and Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck’s “Gaude et laetare,” Brothers says. A centerpiece of the program will be a performance of Claudio Monteverdi’s early Baroque masterpiece “Lamento della ninfa,” sung by a quartet of voices accompanied by cellist Logan Hodgson and pianist Emma Mitchell.
The Westmont Jazz Concert, featuring a diverse repertoire of traditional and contemporary genres, is Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. The ensemble, under the direction of John Douglas, features vocalists Eve Reiner and Laura Coors on American Songbook standards such as “Cry Me a River” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” jazz waltzes such as “Alice in Wonderland” and “My Favorite Things,” Latin-American beats on “Sway” and swinging gospel with “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Backing up the singers and driving the instrumental numbers are Soren Warren (trumpet), Douglas (piano), Jada Fox (string bass) and Daniel Thiel (drums). The instrumentals featured in this concert include jazz-blues numbers like Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island” and “Watermelon Man.” The ensemble will also perform bebop tunes like “Four Brothers” and Latin American grooves on the “I Love Lucy Theme” and “Freedom Jazz Dance.”
Finally, the String Chamber Concert, featuring Westmont’s top string musicians under the direction of Han Soo Kim, highlights works by Brahms and Arensky on Friday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m.
The National Association of Schools of Music has approved a Bachelor of Music in performance at Westmont for orchestral instruments, piano and voice beginning in fall 2019.
“This latest affirmation of the quality of our music program excites us and expands our opportunities to bring top musical talent to our choirs, orchestra and ensembles,” says Provost Mark Sargent.
In the last seven years, the college has significantly enhanced its music curriculum, strengthening programs in music education and worship leadership and adding courses in piano and vocal literature.
“The new degree completes a robust portfolio of offerings for talented students seeking to excel in professional music careers,” says Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship. “Students who plan to continue their musical training in a conservatory or pursue a career in performance after they graduate will benefit from this degree. Westmont now offers a full range of choices from the Bachelor of Arts in music with a liberal arts emphasis for double majors to the more focused professional degrees of the Bachelor of Music Education and the Bachelor of Music in performance. We hope the new degree will attract more high-caliber performers from around the world.”
Sample Schedule
- MU 10 Principles of Music I
- MU 12 Principles of Music II
- Ensembles
- Private Lessons
- MU 110 Principles of Music III
- MU 112 Principles of Music IV
- Ensembles
- Private Lessons
- MU 15 Conducting
- MU 120 Music History I
- MU 121 Music History II
- Upper Division MU and/or MUA Electives
- Ensembles
- Private Lessons
- Junior Recital
- ART 131 Theory and Criticism in the Arts
- Upper Division MU and/or MUA Electives
- Ensembles
- Private Lessons
- Senior Recital
Faculty Highlights
Active Faculty By Instrument
- Brass
- Daniel Fraats, Brass Coordinator
- Eric Heidner, Trombone, Tuba
- Stephen Hughes, Trombone, Tuba
- John Mason, French Horn
- Jim Mooy, Trumpet
- James Watson, Trumpet
- Composition
- Dr. Steve Butler, Composition
- Conducting
- Dr. Steve Hodson, Conducting
- Dr. Michael Shasberger, Conducting
- Ensemble Directors
- Dr. Grey Brothers, Chamber Singers, Choral Union
- Dr. Nichole Dechaine, Choral Union
- Dr. John Douglas, Jazz Ensemble
- Dr. Paul Mori, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Chamber
- Dr. Michael Shasberger, College Choir, Orchestra
- Music History and World Music
- Dr. Grey Brothers, Music History
- Dr. Steve Butler, World Music
- Music Theory
- Dr. Steve Butler, Music Theory
- Percussion
- Jonathan Palmquist, Percussion
- Piano and Organ
- Erin Bonski-Evans, Collaborative Pianist
- Jim Connolly, Piano Technician
- Neil Di Maggio, Collaborative Pianist
- Dr. John Douglas, Jazz Piano
- Dr. Steve Hodson, Piano Coordinator, Piano, Organ
- Dr. Egle Januleviciute, Piano
- Thomas Joyce, Organ
- Heather Levin, Piano
- Pascal Salomon, Piano
- Strings
- Christopher Ahn, Cello
Jim Connolly, Double Bass - Marcia Dickstein, Harp
- Angela Ezeonyeka, Viola
- Ira Glansbeek, Cello
- Trevor Handy, Cello
- Emily Sommerman, Violin
- Dr. Han Soo Kim, Strings Coordinator, Violin
- Anthony Ybarra, Guitar
- Voice
- Dr. Nichole Dechaine, Voice
- Bryan Lane, Voice
- Kathleen O'Brien, Voice
- Dr. Robert Rockabrand, Voice
- Sara Rockabrand, Voice
- Woodwinds
- Catherine Del Russo, Oboe
- Andrea Di Maggio, Flute
- Dr. Joanne Kim, Clarinet
- Andrew Martinez, Saxophone
- Dr. Paul Mori, Wind and Brass Coordinator, Bassoon
- Andy Radford, Bassoon
- Adelle Rodkey, Oboe
- Laura Walter, Flute
Meet the Staff
Office and Tour Manager
Email: kerickson@westmont.edu
Tel: (805) 565-6240
Office: Music Building 101
Music Department Administrative Assistant
Email: music@westmont.edu
Tel: (805) 565-6040
Office: Music Building 101
Westmont Ensembles
Westmont’s principal choral ensemble and touring concert choir, is under the direction of Dr. Michael Shasberger. The choir performs the classic repertoire of the past five centuries, along with spirituals, folk song arrangements, and music of other cultures. The ensemble presents local concerts including, each year, a major work with orchestra. The College Choir also appears at Westmont events, performs in chapel, ministers in local church services, and participates in regional choral festivals. Highlights of the year include the Christmas concert and the spring tour. To learn more about the College Choir, please see this link.
This select ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Grey Brothers, specializes in a cappella literature, including madrigals and motets of the Renaissance, contemporary sacred and secular music, folk song arrangements, spirituals, and vocal jazz. Community outreach is central to the ensemble. In addition to performing alongside the College Choir, the Chamber Singers performs on its own locally and across Southern California and the Central Coast. Performance highlights include the Fall Choral Festival, the Christmas Concert, the Spring Choral Masterworks Concert, the fall and spring Vocal Chamber Concerts, and the spring tour. Membership in the Chamber Singers is contingent upon membership in the College Choir.
The Westmont Choral Union, under the direction of Dr. Grey Brothers and Dr. Nichole Dechaine, provides a choral music opportunity for all Westmont students who are not members of the Westmont College Choir. It is open to all without audition. Geared primarily toward first-year students, the ChoralUnion focuses on choral music fundamentals and provides opportunities for large mixed, single-gender, and chamber ensembles. The ChoralUnion performs a wide variety of repertoire in various configurations and collaborates with the Westmont College Choir. Performance highlights include the Fall Choral Festival, the Christmas Concert, the Spring Choral Masterworks Concert, and the spring Vocal ChamberConcert.
The College Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Michael Shasberger, performs original literature, transcriptions, and arrangements. Included in this are works for full orchestra, string orchestra, and small ensembles. The study and practice includes various style periods and composers from the Renaissance through the Twenty First Century. The orchestra performs two major independent concerts each semester, as well as a combined Christmas concert with the choral ensembles and a major works program in the spring with the College Choir and plays for the annual opera production. Typically, the orchestra is made up of circa 60 students. Faculty specialists coach each section of the orchestra, including Dr. Han Soo Kim (violin), and Dr. Paul Mori (wind, brass and percussion).
Various Wind Chamber Ensembles, directed and coached by Dr. Paul Mori, are organized for brass, woodwind, and percussion players. The various chamber ensembles perform throughout the semester. Typical groups include a woodwind quintet, 5 brass sextet, brass choir, and flute ensemble. Other ensemble forms to meet student interest and abilities.
The Jazz Ensemble performs and studies classic and contemporary literature, including the art of improvisation, and perform both on and off campus.
A wide range of music from contemporary jazz to hymn arrangements mixed with classical pieces.
Offering traditional string quartets, trios and other ensembles. These groups have an active presence on campus and throughout the Santa Barbara community.
Fall Choral Festival
Westmont College would love to offer you the opportunity to participate in our Fall Westmont Invitational Choral Festival. The focus of the festival is pedagogical and performance oriented, NOT competition.
Choral Festival: Friday, November 1st, 2019
Application Deadline: Monday, September 16th, 2019
Westmont Music Academies
Westmont Academy for Young Artists (WAYA)The Westmont Academy For Young Artists presents a marvelous opportunity for students to sharpen their skills, meet musical friends, forge relationships with top-quality artist teachers, and infuse their summer with a dose of inspiration. The setting is beautiful and the music making is alive with spontaneity. |
WESTMONT ACADEMY FOR VOCAL EXCELLENCE (WAVE)Our distinguished teaching faculty consists of outstanding singers, choral conductors, and teachers, who will teach, inspire, and mentor the students in their lessons, performances, workshops, and classes. In addition to daily lessons and classes in musicianship, students will perform in recitals, participate in the academy choral ensemble, and attend master classes dealing with such topics as vocal technique, repertoire, artistry, and language and diction. |
Career Paths for Music Majors
- Performing musician
- Music teacher
- Church music
- Music publishing
- Music management
- Music business
- Recording
- Broadcasting
See career paths for graduates who majored or minored in music at Westmont.
Make a Gift
Donor Giving Levels
These individuals and families forge personal relationships with Westmont musicians. For a donation of $100, you receive a photo card of your adopted musician and an invitation to special receptions throughout the year.
Individuals, families and foundations contributing $100 to $299 receive a Patron Subscription Pass!
The Patron Subscription Pass is good for the following Concerts:
- Admit 2 - Fall Orchestra Concert
- Admit 4 - Christmas Concert with advanced reservation
- Admit 2 - Spring Choral Masterworks Concert
- Admit 2 - Orchestra Concerto Concert
- Admit 2 - Spring Tour Concert
Individuals, families and foundations contributing $300 to $499 receive a Benefactor Subscription Pass. Benefactors also get to adopt a musician of their choosing!
The Benefactor Subscription Pass is good for the following Concerts:
- Admit 4 - Fall Orchestra Concert
- Admit 4 - Christmas Concert with advanced reservation
- Admit 4 - Spring Choral Masterworks Concert
- Admit 4 - Orchestra Concerto Concert
- Admit 4 - Spring Tour Concert
Individuals, families and foundations contributing $500 to $999 receive a Guardian Subscription Pass. Guardian Angels also get to adopt two musicians of their choosing!
The Guardian Subscription Pass is good for the following Concerts:
- Admit 4 - Fall Orchestra Concert
- Admit 4 - Christmas Concert with advanced reservation
- Admit 4 - Spring Choral Masterworks Concert
- Admit 4 - Orchestra Concerto Concert
- Admit 4 - Spring Tour Concert
- Admit 2 - Opera with advanced reservation
Individuals, families and foundations contributing $1,000 receive a Program Sponsor Subscription Pass. Program Sponsors also get to adopt two musicians of their choosing! In addition, they choose a program during the year to sponsor, and their name will appear on the program as the concert sponsor. We couldn't do it without you!
The Program Sponsor Subscription Pass is good for the following Concerts:
- Admit 4 - Fall Orchestra Concert
- Admit 4 - Christmas Concert with advanced reservation
- Admit 4 - Spring Choral Masterworks Concert
- Admit 4 - Orchestra Concerto Concert
- Admit 4 - Spring Tour Concert
- Admit 4 - Opera with advanced reservation
- Admit 2 - Valentine’s dinner with advanced reservation
This organization includes individuals, families and foundations that make significant financial commitments of $5,000 or more annually for the future of the music program, supporting music scholarships, the acquisition of major instruments and special projects. Guild donors will receive a Guild Subscription Pass. We always welcome inquiries; you may call us at (805) 565-6040.
- The Guild Subscription Pass is good for the following Concerts:
- Admit 4 - Fall Orchestra Concert
- Admit 4 - Christmas Concert with advanced reservation
- Admit 4 - Spring Choral Masterworks Concert
- Admit 4 - Orchestra Concerto Concert
- Admit 4 - Spring Tour Concert
- Admit 4 - Opera with advanced reservation
- Admit 4 - Valentine’s dinner with advanced reservation
- Admit 2 - House Concerts
- Reserved seating for Guild competitions
- Invitation to Guild competition reception
The Music Guild Legacy Society recognizes members of the Guild who have included provisions for the Westmont music program in their estate plans. These members are vital partners who are passionate about Westmont's mission and ministry and wish to sustain future generations of music students who have demonstrated need for scholarship assistance and who would otherwise not be able to attend, build resources for special program initiatives of the music program including supporting Westmont's commitment to global education through our international touring program, and assisting the music program in acquiring artist level instruments to support the music growth of our students. Individuals interested in participating in the Legacy Society may contact the Music Office at 805-565-6040 for more information.
*If you've donated at the Benefactor, Guardian Angel, or Program Sponsor level and have not yet adopted a musician as part of your giving benefits, please call (805) 565-6040 or email music@westmont.edu for assistance. You may also visit our Adopt-A-Musician table at the next concert you attend.
To charge a gift by phone please call (805) 565-7053. Gifts to Westmont are deductible for tax purposes as allowed by law; the charitable amount of your contribution is limited to the amount in excess of the fair market value of the subscription pass you receive as a result of your contribution. For more information or to give without receiving the benefit of a subscription pass, contact Janet Sawlaw at (805) 565-7073.
Music Alumni
Daniel Gee ’13: Daniel earned a master’s degree in choral music at the University of Southern California. A conducting fellow with the Long Beach Symphony, he serves as choir director at Evergreen Baptist Church SGV. He also teaches a private studio of cello students in Los Angeles and works as a freelance cellist. “Westmont’s Music Department is simply an exciting place to be. I encourage prospective students and music majors to explore ways you can grow and contribute to the program. Treasure the unique opportunity to pursue your craft in the intentional, integrated and supportive Body of Christ at Westmont. Graduate school reminded me what a unique and special place Westmont is.”
Sarah Pfister ’12: Sarah majored in violin and viola performance and earned a master’s degree in viola performance with an emphasis in violin Suzuki pedagogy at the University of Hartford Hartt School of Music. She taught violin and viola at the Greenwich Suzuki Academy in Connecticut and is now a violinist with the ruse Opera Orchestra in Ruse, Bulgaria. “Growing up I enjoyed taking private music lessons and found fulfillment in teaching. At Westmont I felt called to bring together my love for music and teaching to pursue a career in Suzuki education. My professors encouraged me and provided the tools I needed to pursue my passions. My well-rounded Christian liberal arts education has helped me both professionally and personally.”
Megan Silberstein Billings ’14: She majored in music and is working on a Master of Music in opera performance at Oklahoma City University. She is a professional opera and musical theatre singer and teaches voice and piano at Southern Hills Baptist Church Fine Arts Academy.“My Westmont professors prepared me academically for graduate school and even more for the challenges of the real music world. They equipped me mentally, emotionally and spiritually for the battle facing modern musicians. They demonstrated the true foundation of their confidence—Jesus Christ—and lived out the difficult conviction to make music for God. Westmont pushes students to excel in music for the right reasons: Christ and His kingdom.”