Music, Theatre, and Dance
Faculty
Rick Hoffenberg, D.M.A., Department Chair
*Christiane Appenheimer-Vaida, M.M.
*Elise Bond, D.M.
*Frank Carey, M.T.-B.C.
*William Carter, M.Div.
Diogo Salmeron Carvalho, Ph.D.
*Joseph Cole, B.M.
Jennifer Cowgill, D.M.A.
*Anthony Fortuna, M.M.
Allison Fox, M.A., M.T.-B.C.
*Bernard Gardzalla, M.M.
*Samantha Guevrekian, M.M.
*Laura Ann Camlet Houser, Ph.D.
Ryan Houser, M.A.
*David Jumper, M.M.
*Andrew Kolojejchick, M.A.
*Steven Kurilla, B.M.
*Mark Laubach, M.M.
*Vincent LoRusso, M.A.
*Steven Mathiesen, M.M.
*John Maurer, Jr., M.M.
Joan McCusker, IHM, Ph.D.
*Leslie Mason Moran, B.M.
*Erin McClelland, M.M.
*Cheryl Mozdian, M.M., M.T.-B.C.
*Kerri Mulligan, B.M.
*Carolann Page, B.M.
*Michael Parker, B.M.
*Joan Paskert, IHM, M.M.
Timothy Pyles, M.F.A., Ph.D.
*Sarah Radzieski, B.M., M.T.-B.C.
*Ellen Rutkowski, M.A.
*Cristina Sohns-Williams, B.F.A.
*Camilo Téllez, M.M.
Sophie Till, M.M.
*Edward Wargo, M.M.
*Part-time
Music Program Overview
In keeping with the mission and goals of Marywood University, the programs in music, theatre, and dance provide a framework for students to master the professional and leadership skills necessary for various careers in the performing arts, while at the same time enabling them to develop their highest human potential. Our goal is to foster and inspire spiritual and ethical values as we teach our students to live in a global and interdependent world.
Our degrees in music prepare students for careers as school teachers, private studio instructors, therapists, and performing artists, in addition to related vocational options such as music librarianship, arranging, composition, arts management, and consulting. Programs in theatre prepare students for careers in musical theatre, theatre production, stage direction, technical work, and the business of theatre. Teacher certification programs in music (PK-12) and theatre (7-12) are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Requirements for Admission
In addition to fulfilling the general requirements for admission to the University, prospective music majors must audition in their primary area of performance (instrumental, vocal, or composition). The audition also includes brief assessments of sight-singing and in some cases piano skills. For students interested in the Music (Musical Theatre) program, the audition includes acting and dance components. A written theory test is part of the audition for students interested in focusing on composition. The test evaluates:
1. Familiarity with basic music terms
2. Ability to read treble and bass clefs
3. Knowledge of key signatures and all major and minor scales
4. Understanding of meter and rhythm
5. Ability to write major/minor triads
Transfer Students
Students transferring from other schools or other programs of study must follow the same procedure as new applicants, including the audition. Marywood will accept credits for equivalent courses taken at other colleges and universities as approved by the department chair.
Accreditation
Marywood University has been a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1945. This association is responsible for the accreditation of music curricula in higher education. Membership ensures the establishment and maintenance of standards for the education of musicians..
Marywood University also has full approval of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). AMTA and NASM collaborate regarding standards for education and clinical practice. Curriculum, personnel, and criteria are recommended by AMTA to NASM for accreditation. AMTA approval places colleges and universities offering programs in health-related fields on par with other health care associations that require this type of endorsement.
The professional Music Therapist Board Certified (MT-BC) credential is awarded by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Students who complete the music therapy degree at Marywood also fulfill the academic and clinical training requirements established by the American Music Therapy Association.
Facilities
Marywood University’s library system supports the performing arts with holdings of books, scores, audio recordings, and video recordings in the Learning Commons, as well as the following in the Sette LaVerghetta Center:
- 1,100-seat auditorium
- Black Box Theatre
- Roland digital piano lab
- Two harpsichords
- Two harps
- Practice facilities
- Orchestra library
- Choral library
- Vocal music library
- Band library
- Two computer labs
- ETC Expression lighting control console and Source Four Lighting
- MIDI Creator equipment and Roland digital keyboard (Music Therapy Lab)
- Multiple organs including: Peragallo pipe organ (in the Marian Chapel), Moeller pipe organ (at the I.H.M. Center), and Allen AE-50 electronic organ with MIDI-capability (in the Sette LaVerghetta Auditorium).