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 and 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 in the summer.

Faculty

George S.T. Chu, professor and chair. BA 1969, Yale University; MM 1976, DM 1979, Indiana University. Theory, voice, 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, 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 Certificate 1988, Northwestern University; DMA 1996, University of Cincinnati. Cello, music history, chamber music, director of Hamline Orchestra.