Music Students playing in band

Popular Music

Mode of Study:
On Campus
Degree Level:
Undergraduate, Major, Concentration
Degree Types:
Bachelor of Arts
Department:
School:
School of Performing Arts

Find Your Own Road to Success in the Pop Music Industry

Music majors pursuing the Popular Music concentration at Catawba College are prepared to establish successful careers as professional musical performers, songwriters, engineers, or producers in one or more of the many unique forms of contemporary pop music, including rock, alternative, country jazz, gospel, and urban genres.


Student Singing

Learn the true origins of popular music in the classroom, including the theory and history behind it. Then, explore its progression and evolution and what pop music means to you through advances in technology, cultural influences, and even personal participation in our pop a capella ensemble. One of the best advantages that the Music Department at Catawba College offers you as a musician is a safe, nurturing environment for you to develop your singular artistic voice.

At Catawba, you will have plenty of creative freedom, support, and encouragement to pursue your own unique brand of popular music, from our many organized and varied ensemble groups, to private lessons, studio spaces, industry involvement opportunities, and more. As a capstone experience, you’ll complete an individually designed Senior Music Project.

Program Highlights

  • Break the Rules

    Whether honoring the traditional or experimenting with your own sound, you’re encouraged to challenge, expand and reimagine the definition of “pop.”

  • Industry Internships

    Music students have completed internships at Def Jam, Aware Records (John Mayer’s recording label), Muzak/Mood Media, and other important organizations in the industry.

  • Music Scholarships

    All prospective music students are encouraged to audition for music scholarship opportunities while auditioning for acceptance into the Catawba College Music Department.

Music Degree Programs

Learn about the six Music programs offered at Catawba College and what makes it so unique. Concentrations include Music Business, Music Performance, Popular Music, Music Education, Sacred Music, and Worship Arts

Music Facilities Tour

Take a student-led guided tour of the music venues and facilities at Catawba College.

Program Details

Work as hard as you can, because what you give into a program, you'll get out. Live on campus. You'll get to know everyone and really connect with people.

Emma Stoneberg '15 Popular Music and Music Business Graduate

Get Involved

Get Involved

Music Ensembles

Music Ensembles

Catawba College's 14 Music Ensembles include:

  • Catawba Spirit Marching and Pep Bands 
  • Catawba Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble
  • Gospel Choir
  • Catawba Singers
  • Catawba Chamber Singers
  • Catawba Praise Band
  • The Vernaculars (created to perform both covers and students’ original compositions in various popular music styles)
  • Catawba Roots Ensemble
  • Pop AC (A Cappella)

Net Price Calculator

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your share of college costs and how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive

Our calculator is designed to give you an early indication of what type of financial aid you may qualify for if you were attending Catawba College as a first-year, transfer, online, or graduate student.

Outcomes

Outcomes

Careers Catawba Music majors are making their musical mark in the following careers:

    • Professional Musician
    • Recording Artist
    • Songwriter
    • Music Publishing
    • Artist Management
    • Audio Production
    • Digital Music Distribution
    • Tour Management
    • Recording Labels
    • Music Management
    • Music Supervisors

Graduate Schools - Music Majors from Catawba College are being enrolled at the following graduate schools:

    • Florida State University
    • Mercer University
    • Winthrop University
    • East Carolina University
Contact Us

Department of Music

Hours
M
9am - 5pm
TU
9am - 5pm
W
9am - 5pm
Th
9am - 5pm
Fr
9am - 5pm
SA
CLOSED
SU
CLOSED
Phone
Location
2nd Floor
Williams Music Building