Find your sound. Sharpen your skill. Share your gift.
Program Overview
The Music program at Elizabeth City State University provides a strong foundation in music theory, aural skills, history, and technology, while emphasizing performance and real-world musical experiences.
As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the program prepares students for careers in music, graduate study, and creative expression across diverse musical fields.
You won’t just study music—you’ll develop as a musician, performer, and creative leader.
National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190-5248
(703) 437-0700 Phone
(703) 437-6312 Fax
Performance & Ensemble Experience
Performance is at the heart of the program. Students participate in ensembles such as:
- Concert Band & Marching Band
- Jazz Ensemble
- University Choir & Choral Ensemble
- Popular Music Ensemble
These opportunities allow students to perform regularly, collaborate, and grow on stage.
Degree Options & Concentrations
Customize your path with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and choose from concentrations like:
- Composition
- Performance
- Music Education Licensure (K–12)
- Music Production (pending approval)
- General Music
The program blends liberal arts education with specialized musical training to support multiple career paths.
Minor:
Auditions & Admission
All music majors must complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice after being admitted to the university.
What to Expect:
- Perform pieces from standard repertoire
- Demonstrate music reading ability
- Audition before a faculty panel
Students who need additional preparation may be admitted provisionally and given time to meet performance standards.
All students seeking to major or minor in music must first gain admission to ECSU by applying through the Office of Admissions. Following admission to the University, prospective music majors must complete and pass an audition on the primary instrument. Students who are not at the collegiate performance level may be accepted provisionally. then given two semesters to successfully complete an audition at the college level to be admitted into the program. Music students must earn a 2.0 G.P.A in music classes by the end of the sophomore year to stay in the music program. Music students admitted into the Teacher Education Program must maintain the required G.P.A. designated by this program.
All prospective students must audition before being accepted into a program of study. Auditions occur before a panel of faculty. Each student must perform works from the standard repertoire for their voice/instrument and demonstrate a level of proficiency in music reading. Students who successfully pass their auditions are enrolled in applied lessons. Audition procedures are the same for those students who wish to minor in music. Prospective students audition in person; however, video submissions shall be pre-screened by the music faculty. Should the music faculty deem the quality and content of the video insufficient, the applicant will be required to addition in person. Prospective students should email the approved video submission to: vlprice@ecsu.edu.
Audition Procedures:
Contact the Department of Music and Visual Arts and make an appointment with designated faculty advisor and copy Valerie Price, vlparice@ecsu.edu Music and Visual Arts Administrative Assistant on all correspondences. Or call Valerie Price 252 335-3359.
Elizabeth City State University ensembles are open to all majors. Students interested only in performing in one of the ensembles may contact the following faculty members directly.
Concert Band and Marching Band – Dr. Juliet Boykins, Director of Bands, and applied woodwinds : jmboykins@ecsu.edu : 252-335-3658.
Concert Band, Marching Band and Popular Music Ensemble – Mr. Bracy Martin, Assistant Director of Bands, and applied low brass: bcmartin@ecsu.edu : 252-335-3377.
Jazz Ensemble, and applied trumpet: Douglas Jackson: dajacksonecsu.edu : 252-335-3377.
University Choir and Choral Ensemble, Dr. Walter Swan, Director of Choral Activities, and applied voice : wrswan@ecsu.edu : 252-335-3364.
University Choir and Choral Ensemble, Mrs. Sarah Weeks, Choir Accompanist, and applied piano : ssummers@ecsu.edu : 252-335-3362
What You’ll Learn
Build technical skill, musical knowledge, and artistic confidence:
Students graduate with the ability to analyze, perform, and create music at a professional level.
Hands-On Experience
This program is built around real-world Beyond the classroom, students gain experience through:
- Applied lessons with faculty
- Recitals and jury performances
- Senior projects or capstone experiences
- Internships (depending on concentration)
These experiences help you refine your craft and build confidence as a performer or educator.
Career Pathways
A Music degree prepares you for diverse opportunities, including:
- Performer (instrumental or vocal)
- Music Educator (K–12)
- Composer or Arranger
- Music Producer / Audio Specialist
- Private Instructor
- Arts & Cultural Program Coordinator
Program Leadership
Assistant Professor, Music & Visual Arts | Fine Arts Building, Room 236
dajackson@ecsu.edu | 252-335-3377
Start Your Journey
Your talent has a place here—and a stage.
