Music majors at Concordia University Irvine study a rigorous core of music classes aimed at developing general musicianship, performance, musical collaboration, critical listening, and an understanding of various contexts of music. Our Music major offers you the opportunity to choose a specialization in the following areas:
- Church Music
- Commercial Music
- Composition
- Instrumental Performance
- Music Education
- Piano Performance
- Vocal Performance
Ensembles are open to students studying to be music professionals, as well as students who are non-music majors but desire to perform for the joy of music and sometimes ministry. Some of our most popular ensembles include:
- Americana
- Chamber
- Choirs
- Commercial Music
- Handbells
- Jazz
- Orchestras
- Worship
Since 2020, Concordia has partnered with PBS to produce and televise our annual Christmas concerts and performances. Our concerts showcase Concordia’s excellent Music Department, from choirs and ensembles to orchestra, commercial music, and more. These made-for-TV productions wouldn’t be possible without top local music venues like the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Concordia’s exceptional music facilities, including the newest building on campus, the Borland-Manske Center.
The Borland-Manske Center includes over 50 rooms designed specifically for music-making and teaching, including:
- Charlie and Ling Zhang Orchestra Hall
- Caryn Borland ’85 Recording Suite
- Henley PIano Studio
- Large choral rehearsal hall
- Teaching studios
- Practice rooms
- Faculty offices
- Ensemble music library
- Student lounges
Prospective students who want to perform in Concordia’s music ensembles are strongly encouraged to audition for music scholarships. Students accepting Music scholarships enjoy some of the largest financial aid packages that we offer! Exceptional musicians will receive highly competitive offers ranging up to full tuition (including academic awards), and students with high school level music competency are very likely to be awarded tuition discounts to encourage participation. Interested students should complete the music scholarship interest form during their final year of high school (or before transferring).
