Music Academy

a child plays a violin during one of SEMO's music academy workshops

Do you have a love for music? Enroll in the Music Academy at SEMO and be a part of a group of fellow music lovers.

We congratulate your choice to enrich your own or your children's lives by incorporating music into your daily schedule. The Music Academy at SEMO is dedicated to enriching the lives of its students by stimulating a lifelong appreciation of music. Its professional faculty offers musical instruction to students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and guides the development of basic musical and performing skills while encouraging the creative use of those skills. From birth through the retirement years, the Academy welcomes any student wishing to increase his or her musical knowledge and proficiency.

Founded in 1985 with approximately 80 students, the Music Academy has grown steadily to an enrollment of 250 students representing the entire region. The Academy is a part of the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Music, and is located on the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus in the Kenneth and Jeanine Dobbins River Campus Center but is funded solely by instructional fee(s) and donations. The Academy has met the requirements for and is a full member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

At the Music Academy our caring and professional faculty members provide personal attention, positive reinforcement, and encouragement that make learning music an enjoyable experience. Instructors at the Academy are not only gifted artists but also caring and imaginative educators. They are able to prepare young people for further career studies in music or for a life of music appreciation.

Interested in enrolling in the Music Academy?

The enrollment process for entry to the Music Academy is for new and continuing students. Registration is required each semester.

Enroll Today

Classes Available

  • An instructor gives a one on one lesson to a young musician.

    Private Instruction

    Children and adults at any skill level may register for private instruction for any band or orchestral instrument, piano, voice, classical guitar, organ, harp, and composition. Curriculum for individual lessons is tailored specifically to the needs of each student. Since the study of a musical instrument is based upon a steady progression of both intellectual and physical skills, it is strongly recommended that students enroll for an entire semester or year.

  • A Music Academy student practices playing the violin.

    String Project

    The Southeast Missouri Music Academy String Project is made up of Student, Professional and University Faculty committed to nurturing musicality in young students.

    Students are invited to register for the Southeast Missouri String Project.

  • A group of teenagers attending the Vocal Arts class practice singing with sheet music.

    Group Classes and Musicianship

    The study of music in a group class is far more than just learning how to sing or play an instrument. It includes the study of history, musical styles, genres and forms, music theory and much more. The Music Academy offers a variety of classes to anyone interested in learning more about music. In addition, we are proud to be the only community music school in the state of Missouri to include Musicianship Classes in the regular enrollment fee for students in grades 1-12.

  • A group of musicians attending Orchestra Camp practice together.

    Summer Classes

    Make music, make friends, and have fun while doing it during our summer classes. It’s not about hitting the right note or being the best-it’s about enjoying the experience, having fun, and picking up some new skills and friends along the way.

Being part of a large school offers possibilities for ensembles and frequent performances. Students at all levels and all ages may perform for friends, family, and for each other, in both formal and informal settings. Some of the performance opportunities include:

  • Numerous recital opportunities including performances in Shuck Recital Hall at the River Campus
  • Community service, outreach recitals at area nursing homes and other locations
  • String group class recitals
  • Practice recitals

Music Department Events The Department of Music at Southeast Missouri State University offers multiple concerts and recitals each semester. The Music Academy encourages its students to attend these events. Music Academy students receive a 50% discount on all ticketed events! Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Please contact the River Campus Box Office at (573) 651-2265 for more information.

Mission Statement

The Department of Music provides a student-centered curriculum to develop the artistic, intellectual, and multi-cultural competence needed to excel in the modern world of music. Experiential learning opportunities prepare students for professional careers in music performance and education as transformative participants in their communities.

Vision Statement

The Department of Music seeks to be a nationally-known music program recognized for musical and academic excellence.

Music Academy

Contact Us

Location

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 7925
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701