Music Minor
Keep your music going through college — theory, history, applied lessons, and ensemble performance — alongside whatever you're majoring in.
Program Overview
Shawnee State’s Music Minor offers students of all majors the opportunity to enrich their education through the study of music. With a combination of required and elective coursework, students build foundational knowledge in music theory and history while developing technical and artistic skills through ensemble participation and applied lessons. Whether you’re continuing a lifelong passion or discovering a new talent, the Music Minor lets you engage deeply with the cultural life of campus and beyond.
At A Glance
Music Minor
Degree
Minor
Format
On campus
Length
Complete alongside your major
Credits
Minimum 19
Class Size
12:1
Location
Main Campus, Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
Why Study Music Minor at Shawnee University
You'll keep playing or singing through college with applied private lessons in voice, piano, guitar, organ, woodwind, brass, percussion, or composition.
Two semesters of music theory and a music history survey give you the academic foundation behind the performance.
Ensemble participation — University Choir, Shawnee Chorale, or Instrumental Ensemble — puts you in the cultural life of the campus.
Faculty are working musicians and teachers. Applied lessons are one-on-one and ensembles are coached by people who perform.
The Music Minor requires a minimum of 19 credit hours — a 12-credit music core, plus 8 credits of ensemble and applied lessons. A grade of C or better is required in all courses applied to the minor.
- Music Core (12 credits): MUSI 1111 Music Theory I; MUSI 1112 Music Theory II; MUSI 2211 Music History: Opera to Pop
- Ensemble Participation (5 credits, multiple semesters): MUSI 1311 University Choir; MUSI 1341 Shawnee Chorale; MUSI 1351 Instrumental Ensemble
- Applied Private Lessons (3 credits, multiple semesters): MUSI 3411 Applied Voice; MUSI 3421 Applied Piano; MUSI 3431 Applied Guitar; MUSI 3441 Applied Organ; MUSI 3451 Applied Woodwind; MUSI 3461 Applied Brass; MUSI 3471 Applied Percussion; MUSI 3481 Applied Composition
The Music Minor is a strong fit for students who:
- Want to keep playing or singing seriously through college
- Major in education and plan to teach in schools that value music programs
- Study communication, digital arts, or theater and want a music background
- Are interested in music production, sound design, or audio for media
- Want a creative outlet alongside any major
Classes, rehearsals, and applied lessons meet on the Shawnee State campus in Portsmouth, Ohio, with many performances at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
Music Minor Frequently Asked Questions
Applied lessons typically include an audition or placement to set the right starting level. Some ensembles also audition; others are open. The department can confirm for the instrument or voice part you play.
Yes. The minor requires applied study in one instrument or voice across multiple semesters, but additional applied study is possible — talk with the department.
Yes. Applied lessons are individual sessions with a music faculty member.
The Music Minor is built for non-majors. If you want a full music degree, talk with the department about whether SSU's offerings or another path fits your goals.
