Music and Theatre minors reinstated at Fairmont State University

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Music and theatre minors have been reinstated at Fairmont State University. The programs were cut in 2020 but are now available for fall semester students.

Humanities Chair Dr. Angela Schwer said both programs are 18 credit hours.

Students in the theater minor will learn production, design, acting, and directing. The music minor includes courses in written theory, aural theory, music business, piano, music history, ethnomusicology, major ensembles, and similar topics.

“If students have a particular interest in playing an instrument, singing in their high school choir, or acting in plays in high school, they might want to take advantage of that interest and get some academic credit for it,” Schwer said.

According to Schwer, a group of local educators and people from the arts founded the International Thespian Society at Fairmont State University in 1929. Since then, she said, the university has been known in the region for the level of talent and quality of production coming from the school.

“I think these are good platforms for students who want to go on professionally,” Schwer said. ” But they’re even better for students who just love the art form and want to get better at their own practice of it.”

Schwer said music students will get to explore deeper than just learning to play the instrument. The music minor allows students to take advantage of the talented faculty and build on their experience.

“Many of them want something a little deeper, not just going to band every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but learning more about the theory of music and what they can do after college with this musical knowledge,” Schwer said.

Schwer said they have added music business to the course offerings as well. A number of full-time educators are also successful musicians who can help the students learn tips and tricks to make it in the “gig” economy.

“Many of them are able to make a living as musicians, but they don’t do it all in one place,” Schwer said. “They have to be really savvy about how they manage their career in order to make a living.”

The more information about the programs click here.