Mission

In harmony with La Sierra University's mission to enlarge human understanding through scholarship, to educate the whole person and to serve others in a global community, the mission of the Music Department is to advance Christian values and ideals through the study and practice of music.

General Objectives

The general objectives of the Music Department of La Sierra University are:

1. to participate in the overall campus emphasis on a broad, balanced curriculum by providing the non-music major opportunities to participate in performance ensembles, performance instruction and general education classes.
2. to foster an environment which supports a learning dialogue among students, faculty, and community.
3. to assist in gaining insight into the significance and function of music in the student's spiritual life and community of worshippers.
4. to nurture the student's growth in aesthetic sensitivities and values and to enable the student to effectively communicate these values.
5. to assist the student in developing a critical and open-minded approach to music of diverse cultures and styles.
6. to stimulate the student's awareness of the vital role of music in society and to inspire a commitment to help provide exposure to music for all.
7. to support the advancement of musical life in the Seventh-day Adventist Church by encouraging the student to become an active contributor.
8. to foster the student's development of self-discipline, responsibility, and professionalism in music.

Measurable Objectives

The measurable objectives of the Music Department for the development of specific competencies in the student are:

1. to assist the student in developing the ability to hear, identify, and respond to the basic elements of music.
2. to provide the student with the basic knowledge and understanding of music history and musical styles.
3. to impart an understanding of music in its cultural context, both within and without the European-centered tradition.
4. to help the student acquire an understanding of the theoretical basis of music and pertinent techniques of analysis.
5. to equip the student with the uses of technology as it pertains to classroom teaching and learning.
6. to assist in the development of the student's technical and interpretative skills necessary for sensitive, perceptive solo and ensemble performance.
7. to equip the student with a knowledge of the principles and techniques of music pedagogy.
8. to aid in the development of the student's ability to critically evaluate performance