Music Department
Professor: Wayne L. Wold (chair, music theory, composition, organ, harpsichord, concert manager)
Associate Professor: Noel Verzosa (music history and literature, world music, appreciation, special topics)
Instructor: Lynn Staininger (choral activities, conducting, appreciation, fundamentals)
Adjunct Instructors: Anna Claire Ayoub (bassoon), Lisa Dodson (voice), David Duree (clarinet and saxophone), Lynn Fleming (string bass), Brian Hinkley (brass and wind ensemble, conducting), David Howard (cello), RoseAnn Markow Lester (violin, viola, string ensemble, director of preparatory music), Kevin Lewis (jazz ensemble), William Powell (piano), Gregory Shock (oboe and english horn), William Simms (guitar, early music ensemble), Barbara Spicher (flute), Antony Zwerdling (voice).
Music is a cornerstone of a liberal arts education and, as such, Hood offers majors and minors in music history and literature, performance, and piano pedagogy and certificates in piano pedagogy and performance. The music curriculum has the following objectives: development of the enjoyment of music, proficiency in the art of music, guidance in the understanding of music, preparation for a career in music, and preparation for graduate school.
Most members of the department are concert artists, some of whom have performed nationally and internationally. Several are recording artists, as well.
Facilities: Hood’s facilities for the study of music include eight practice rooms with Yamaha studio upright pianos, teaching studios with grand pianos (mostly Steinways), a large pipe organ, a practice organ, a harpsichord, a music-lab computer station and several performing venues: Brodbeck Music Hall, Hodson Auditorium, and Coffman Chapel. Hood also boasts an excellent collection of books, music, CDs and DVDs in the Beneficial-Hodson Library and Information Technology Center.
Performances: Students have many performing opportunities through participation in recitals; performance labs; choir; chamber singers; the wind, string, jazz, and early music ensembles; and other smaller chamber groups. The choral groups perform several times each semester, including the annual “Messiah and More” performance, Candlelight Vespers, and the other ensembles present end-of-the-semester concerts each term. Numerous concerts each year by distinguished guest artists and faculty artists are also held.
Credit by audition: Students who have a substantial background in applied music may apply for credit for that study by arranging an audition with the department. A maximum of 4 credits will be awarded, based on the audition.
Undergraduate Programs Offered:
Applied Music
Hood offers individual instruction in piano, organ, harpsichord, violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, english horn, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, all brass instruments, voice, guitar, composition, and conducting. Beginning instruction in all areas is available with consent of the Department. In all instrumental areas except piano, organ, and harpsichord, students are expected to provide their own instruments.
Students take applied music for credit. Normally, a student would need to practice about five hours a week for one half-hour lesson, and eight hours a week for two half-hour lessons. Two half-hour lessons may be combined into one hour lesson each week at the discretion of the instructor. One hour of credit will be awarded for a semester of weekly half-hour lessons.
Students taking applied music for credit must attend three department-approved concerts each semester and are expected to participate in performance labs scheduled throughout the semester. Applied music credits are based on reasonable progress, successful completion of a departmental exam, and fulfillment of the concert and performance requirements. Students must take a departmental exam in each applied area of study every semester, following two semesters of study.
There is a modest fee for lessons and use of the practice rooms; several scholarships are available. A maximum of 4 credits by examination may be earned by students with an extensive background in applied music.
For detailed, up-to-date information on the applied music program and policies, please consult the Applied Music Handbook.
Music Ensembles
Students may elect to enroll in a music ensemble for credit regardless of their field of study. Music majors and minors have specific requirements regarding specific ensembles and number of credits required. Students earn one-half credit for each semester of ensemble and may earn up to six credits during their Hood careers.
Note: in all cases, the appropriate director must approve placement in music ensembles.