Mercer University Townsend School of Music

The School of Music is an integral part of Mercer University, a comprehensive university that offers a wide array of academic programs. Mercer University, founded in 1833, has a rich history and tradition of excellence in higher education. The university's School of Music is dedicated to fostering excellence in musical learning and is situated across multiple campuses, with the main campus located at 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, Georgia. The School of Music at Mercer University is committed to providing a strong liberal arts foundation through its undergraduate and graduate programs. These programs are designed to prepare musicians for successful careers in various aspects of the music industry, including performance, music education, church music, and musical scholarship. The school's mission statement emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, musical development, and the role of arts and artists in society. Mercer's School of Music offers a variety of degrees and programs, such as the Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field, and Bachelor of Arts in Music at the undergraduate level. At the graduate level, the school provides a Master of Music in Performance, Collaborative Piano, Conducting, and Church Music. To support the practical aspects of music education, the School of Music hosts a range of instrumental and vocal ensembles, operas, choral music groups, athletic bands, and community music programs. Additionally, it provides opportunities for high school students to engage in music through special events. The school is also home to several centers and institutes that further enhance the educational experience, such as the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, Jubilee Artists Series, Townsend Symposia on Music Philosophy and the Arts, Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies, and the Townsend-McAfee Institute for Graduate Studies in Church Music. The School of Music at Mercer University is known for its highly qualified faculty and staff who are engaged in teaching, scholarship, and performance. They are committed to equipping students with the necessary artistic skills and promoting an understanding of music's impact on society. The school also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. With a focus on collaboration with other university units and partnerships with community, regional, and national music and artistic organizations, the School of Music at Mercer University aims to assist students in making significant contributions to their respective fields of study. The school's dedication to academic and musical excellence is evident in its mission to prepare student musicians for a lifetime of artistic expression and contribution to the cultural fabric of society.