Music Department

Hamline’s music department addresses a broad canvas of study incorporating performance and critical analysis, emphasizing both pragmatic skills and aesthetic purpose. The department has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1961. All music courses, lessons, and ensembles are open to nonmajors. The ensembles include the A Cappella Choir, Chamber Ensembles, Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Women’s Chorale. Sundin Music Hall, with its warm ambience and recording-quality acoustics, is used for recitals, juries, and concerts. The Hall has digital recording equipment, a Hamburg Steinway, and a nine-foot Yamaha concert grand.

Building global connections, recent students have come from as far away as Russia, China, Indonesia, Korea, Germany, Ukraine, Holland, Venezuela, and Columbia. International study is encouraged. Various study abroad opportunities are offered by the semester, during January, and the summer. Hamline International Piano Institute brings advanced pianists for intensive study and collaborations with undergraduates at Hamline, and offers masterclasses with visiting artists. Hamline is the home of the International Piano-e-Competition which invites young musicians from all over the world to hone their performance skills.

Faculty

Rees Allison, professor, chair. LRAM 1963, GRSM 1964, Recital Diploma 1965, Royal Academy of Music in London; MMusic 1967, PhD 1970, Washington University-St. Louis. Piano, music history. Member of the Musical Offering ensemble, and Hill House Players.

George S.T. Chu, professor. BA 1969, Yale University; MM 1976, DM 1979, Indiana University. Theory, Voice, Music Director of A Cappella Choir. At Indiana University he studied with Julius Herford.

Janet E. Greene, associate professor. BA 1978, Smith College; MM 1982 Manhattan School of Music; DMA 1996, Rutgers University. Clarinet, music theory, chamber music, director of Hamline Winds.

Kathy Thomsen, associate professor. BA 1976, Hamline University; MM 1980, University of Michigan; DMA 2000, University of Minnesota. License in Dalcroze Eurhythmics 2003, Longy School of Music. Piano, accompanying, eurhythmics, director of Women’s Chorale.

Yali You, professor. BA 1984, Shanghai Conservatory of Music; MM 1987, Performance Certification 1988, Northwestern University; DMA 1996, University of Cincinnati. Cello, music history, chamber music, director of Hamline Orchestra.