by Sadie Shields
For students interested in performance or composition, the applied music concentration requires an audition. Students in this pathway receive four years of private lessons to prepare for audition-level performance. Composition students receive coursework and, in some cases, individual instruction to prepare a portfolio. The applied concentration culminates in a senior recital.
The music teacher preparation degree is intended for students pursuing public school teaching careers. Like the applied track, it requires an audition, typically at the end of the sophomore year. Transfer students often audition after their first semester. A music minor is also available and popular across the university. Additionally, a proposed minor in music production, which includes instruction in recording technology, beat-making and related journalism-radio coursework, is expected to launch in Fall 2026.
The program also emphasizes the importance of music and the arts as essential components of human development. While some students specialize in music, members of the department like department head Cindy Moyer also value those who pursue it recreationally.
“It’s really good that we have engineers who also are going to make music for fun and that we have people who are excited about being consumers of music and knowledgeable about it, just because it enriches their lives,” Moyer said.
Students graduating with music degrees pursue a wide variety of careers. These include performers, composers, conductors, music educators and more.
Alumni have found success in diverse fields, with one recent graduate winning a Grammy and another contributing to a Star Wars movie soundtrack, according to Moyer.
The music program emphasizes transferable skills such as long-term goal setting, problem-solving, time management and collaboration. Students learn how to break complex tasks into manageable parts, persist through frustration, and prepare for high-stakes performances. Collaborative ensemble work also teaches students how to make artistic decisions together in a constructive, respectful environment. These skills are broadly valued across career fields. One alumnus, for example, now works for the CIA analyzing data patterns, attributing much of their analytical ability to their background in music performance.
To support students in career readiness, the department offers a career skills class. It focuses on resume development, cover letter writing, and preparation for both performing arts and non-arts careers.
While the program does not currently offer formal internships, faculty occasionally assist students in securing off-campus opportunities, particularly in the commercial music industry. The university also hosts summer music workshops — some for pre-college students and others for amateur or professional musicians — which serve both as educational experiences and recruitment tools.
A defining feature of the Humboldt music program is its inclusive and collaborative culture. Non-majors are fully welcomed and often excel within the program — winning competitions, performing as principal players in ensembles, and even presenting senior recitals.
Mechanical engineering major and freshman Sean Hartzell joined the beginner guitar class with minimal technical training.
“I played guitar a year or two prior to this, mainly because my cousin got me to play it, and then some of my friends are in this class. I [was] like, ‘I might as well come to a class and see how it is,’ and I just joined,” Hartzell said.
Sierra Carrere, a senior and cultural anthropology major, has been a musician and singer for over 30 years, and she still finds she is learning new stuff every day in her beginner class.
“What I like about this class is how the teacher really breaks it down slowly. So, even though I’ve been doing music my whole life, I’m still learning new things every day with her and in a really slow way,” Carrere said. “And, I actually almost failed music theory in high school, and she’s making music theory makes sense. I’m really appreciating that, and it’s so much fun.”
Unlike many competitive conservatory environments, the Humboldt music community is known for its supportive atmosphere.
“Our students are super friendly and super supportive of each other, even though they have widely different skill levels,” Cindy Moyer said.
The program also offers beginning-level classes for students who have never played an instrument. Instruments are provided during instruction, allowing students to explore new creative outlets without needing to invest in their own equipment.
From aspiring professionals to curious beginners, the Humboldt music program offers a welcoming space to grow artistically and personally.
Sadie is a junior communications major, journalism minor at Cal Poly Humboldt who has an interest in covering and taking photos for sports and wildlife journalism, and a slight interest in breaking news. She can be reached at sls331@humboldt.edu.
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