Division of Music
Bloomsburg University's Division of Music exists within the framework the College of Liberal Arts, offering a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in music, including three tracks of concentration:
- Music Education Certification K-12 (which is accredited with the Pennsylvania Department of Education) — develops musical skills through courses in music theory, music history, applied study, and performing ensembles. This track provides ample opportunity for students to participate in experiential studies through observations and teaching in local schools throughout their studies. The degree leads to Pennsylvania public school certification. Earn a B.A. in Music and PA Certification in four years!
- Audio-Video Recording — designed for musicians with a career interest in the technical aspects of studio sound recording and/or sound reinforcement in either "live" applications or in recording studio. This track provides sound equipment for hands-on use, and internship experiences in the field. Our modern audio recording studio is updated on a regular basis to provide real-world applications and equipment.
- Liberal Arts — Is it musical performance, theory, composition or history that excites you? Designed as a general music track to suit a multitude of career interests, the program is tailored to suit your needs. Music facilities for all include faculty studios, classrooms, music libraries, a new innovative music lab using a computer/keyboard/software combination for music theory composition, and two performance venues.
- Fast-Track Music/MBA — get your B.A. in Music and a Master of Business Administration in five years!
(*) All tracks require an audition for acceptance into the program.
Interested in a Music Minor?
Contact the Music Division for more information on how to declare a minor at 570-389-4284.
The music department strives to maintain course requirements, performance objectives, and an artistically enriched environment conducive to the development of the comprehensive musician and to meet the requirements of accrediting organizations. In the spirit of a liberal arts setting, the department of music also recognizes a responsibility to the general student population to provide the opportunity for musical experience and provide artistic leadership to the university and the community.
Division of Music
Stephen Clickard, D.M.A., Chair
Haas 262
Music Division Office
Haas 168
570-389-4284
Keyboard Wizard
Alan Poltorak is a wizard of the piano keyboard and the recording soundboard. Poltorak a December ’17 graduate in music, has both played Carnegie Hall in New York City and engineered an album. With the encouragement from BU piano professor Charisse Baldoria, Poltorak auditioned to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in the spring of 2016. Earning a score of 100 percent, he was selected from among 200 students who auditioned to perform.
Despite playing since he was ten, Poltorak admits that performing at Carnegie was intimidating.
“I’m the type who gets nervous no matter how much I perform. I ended up playing a lot better and being a lot more comfortable than I thought I’d be. In the end, you stand up and everyone is cheering, and you’re like wow this is actually happening.”
Out-of-state licensure and certification
Bloomsburg University is approved to offer Education programs that lead to certification in Pennsylvania. While we regularly monitor licensure/certification laws in each state, state requirements are subject to change without notice. If you are interested in certification outside of Pennsylvania, we encourage you to contact the appropriate state licensing agency to seek guidance and verify requirements before beginning a program and during your program of study. Please visit http://intranet.bloomu.edu/state-authorization and https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html for more information. If you are planning to teach in New Jersey, please note that you may be required to complete the edTPA, a performance based assessment. It is strongly recommended that you contact the school district(s) of interest and the New Jersey Department of Education for more information specific to New Jersey.