The college, meanwhile, provides opportunities for music majors to involve themselves in other cultures and in a wide range of academic areas outside the arts, so they can enrich their musical contributions through a fuller understanding of themselves and the world around them. For the nonmajor, the music department provides opportunities to develop skills in a performance area and to gain an appreciation of the fine arts. The rich and varied cultural life on campus is an important part of the educational process for both music majors and nonmajors. Central College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The music department offers a well-balanced major, consisting of thorough academic and practical preparation.
Majors are available in music and music education.
Vocal and instrumental emphases are offered leading to certification for elementary or secondary teaching. The music education major also provides a foundation for graduate study in music therapy. Private study is available in piano, harpsichord, organ, voice, percussion, and all string, brass and woodwind instruments. Music majors are involved in highly concentrated private studies in their performance specialty, and usually give recitals during their junior and senior years. Most ensembles require an audition for membership.