The Seaver College music department prepares students for musical careers. Our students develop knowledge of the music industry, demonstrate understanding in music technology, apply theoretical and historical theories to music, and develop their own musical skills, techniques, and abilities.
Designed to enhance and strengthen students' innate musical abilities, our program offers music majors one or more areas of emphasis study in order to prepare them for meaningful lives as performers, composers, educators, and innovators in one of many music-related professions.
Our music minor introduces students to music theory through core music classes, private lessons, and ensemble courses. The minor allows students to have a meaningful and structured life in music while at Pepperdine.
The Music Program, which is part of the Fine Arts Division at Seaver College, has been an integral part of the curriculum at Pepperdine University since the founding of the university as George Pepperdine College in 1937. With the move to Malibu in 1971, the program has continued to be a vital part of Seaver College. The program achieved distinction in 1968 when the National Association of Schools of Music officially accredited it. The departmental facilities are currently housed in a multi-level structure adjacent to and adjoining the Cultural Arts Center. While classroom, rehearsal, and practice facilities are provided in the Music Building, concerts and recitals are presented in both Smothers Theatre and the Raitt Recital Hall. Performances are also occasionally given in Stauffer Chapel. The National Association of Schools of Music has accredited the program to offer the degree “Bachelor of Arts in Music.”
Quality Assurance: Each degree program should employ sufficient faculty such that there is a capacity to design and deliver the curriculum (CFR 2.5). Curriculum design and implementation should involve evaluation, improvement, and promotion of student learning and success (CFR 2.5). Thus, faculty are responsible to exercise effective academic leadership on a consistent basis to ensure that the program's quality and educational purposes are upheld (CFR 2.6). Student support and co-curricular programs and services of sufficient nature, scope, and capacity go hand-in-hand with the degree programs for promoting students' academic, personal, and professional development (CFR 2.13). - WSCUC 2023 Handbook, Standard 2