From creating powerful visual works of art to helping others experience the challenges of making music to bringing enjoyment to others through live theatre productions, those working in arts make a difference in the lives of others each day.
The visual and performing arts program is part of the College of Liberal Arts, which is about making connections freely—exploring human achievement, examining the past critically and discovering ways to build upon it, and understanding yourself and our diverse world in order to transform it.
Learn about the College of Liberal ArtsThe Mount’s visual and performing arts department allows you to choose from concentrations in art, graphic design, music and theatre. In each program, you’ll not only learn concepts and techniques central to your study of interest, you’ll also gain transferable skills as you build your critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. Finally, the senior project/capstone course will provide the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained by preparing an independent art or performance project, to be presented during the Mount’s annual SPARC Festival.
The art concentration provides the framework to study drawing, painting and sculpting, including two- and three-dimensional design, principles of design and how to work with different materials. Through electives, you can learn concepts and techniques in graphic design and digital photography, as well as ceramics, environmental art, mixed media and varying types of printmaking.
A concentration in art from the Mount can provide the training and experience necessary to pursue a career as a graphic designer or illustrator for a publisher, an art director for a creative agency, or build a business as a professional photographer or videographer.
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See full course listingsCombining art and communication, the graphic design concentration at the Mount equips you to transform your creative talents into a thriving career.
As a student in our graphic design program, you'll have a unique experience, which mixes the best of tradition and innovation. With a solid foundation in fine arts, classical art principles, and media - in addition to technology-driven skills - you'll be ready for various creative career paths.
A concentration in music from the Mount provides the education and experience necessary for students who seek a career or further study in music. Through its rigorous curriculum, you’ll take courses in music history and theory, study voice or your instrument one-on-one with seasoned professional performers, and challenge your musical skills in one of several choral and instrumental ensembles.
The degree will prepare you for a wide range of possible career paths from music education to performance to management.
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See full course listingsThe theatre concentration provides the framework to study theatre production and technology, performance, and the art of live theatre, encompassing the wide range of theatrical expression in history, society and human culture. You’ll participate in various hands-on projects with faculty- and student-directed productions, as well as study acting, theatre history, and theatre theory, as well as various design and technology courses.
A concentration in theatre from the Mount can provide the education and experience necessary to pursue a career as an actor, stage manager, producer or many other options.
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See full course listingsMount graduates with a degree from the Visual and Performing Arts Department have pursued graduate degrees or post-graduation opportunities at:
The Mount’s art minor can be a great complement to many majors. Pair the minor with a business major and work toward a career managing a creative agency, a psychology degree to pursue a career as an art therapist, or a biology major to help people better understand medical concepts through visual communication.
The Mount’s music minor can be a great complement to many majors. Pair the minor with a communication major and work toward a career as a talent agent and publicist, a business degree to pursue a career in sales and marketing for a concert venue, or a political science major if you plan to attend law school and work toward a career as an entertainment lawyer.
The Mount’s theatre minor can be a great complement to many majors. Pair the minor with an English major and work toward a career using critical analysis and narrative development in editing, publishing or content creation; a psychology degree to pursue a career using skills in human behavior and character analysis as a counselor or social worker; or an education major to help you master classroom presence and innovative instructional design as a teacher.
Department Chair / Associate Professor
Lecturer in Music / Director, Mount Chorale
Lecturer in Clarinet and Saxophone
Lecturer / Theatre-Technical Director
Associate Professor of Music / Director, Mount Wind Ensemble, Mount Lab Band, Mount Big Band
Professor
Lecturer in Cello
Lecturer in Bassoon
Lecturer in Trumpet
Lecturer in Guitar and Bass
Lecturer in Violin and Viola
Lecturer in Piano