Popular Music
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.
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
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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.”
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
Get Involved
Get Involved
- Get musically involved with your fellow Music majors in Catawba’s Chapter of the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), promoting college student involvement in the performance and teaching of music.
- Join the Music and Entertainment Industry Students Association (MEISA) to satisfy an interest in the music and entertainment industry.
- Audition for membership in the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, a community organization of professional musicians, teachers, students and local residents who are musically inclined.
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