At McNally Smith College of Music, the liberal arts form a web of interconnection with all music degree coursework, preparing students to explore critically and creatively and communicate effectively and ethically.
Communication
Writing and speaking effectively is a vital element of every student’s education and professional life. In addition, digital communication across a variety of media allows music students to practice entrepreneurship. Learning to navigate the ever-changing social and new media landscape will serve students in many aspects of their career and life.
Humanities
The humanities includes the history of music along with other artistic and cultural disciplines such as film, visual art, literature, poetry, and theater.
Social Sciences
We all interact with human social systems and cultures, and global society seems to change daily. These courses help students connect with the intriguing musics of the world, the powerful role economics plays in society, and more.
Math/Natural Science
From acoustics to physiology, algebra to statistics, this discipline offers courses that develop creative, quantitative, and analytic skills. Students expand approaches to problem solving and learn the economics of building and sustaining a musical career.
Liberal Arts faculty at McNally Smith are musicians and artists as well as experts in their liberal arts field.
The creative application of cross-cultural studies, history, theory, quantitative analysis, and critical writing provides the vital foundation for a broad and fulfilling life in music.
The Liberal Arts division supports academic resources for all McNally Smith students such as The Learning Center and tutoring services. Liberal Arts-sponsored organizations and initiatives are open to all interested students and include The Decibel, a student-run publication, Composed: The Literary Journal, Films for the Arts, and other arts-related ventures.
Whether in required or elective courses or through interdisciplinary student organizations and activities, McNally Smith’s Liberal Arts division is committed to providing courses and resources that help prepare students for a meaningful and sustainable creative life.
