Our mission is to provide students with a music experience deeply rooted in artistry, skill, knowledge, methodology and current practices all within the context of a liberal arts education. We offer five (8) auditioned and non-auditioned instrumental and vocal ensembles for students to be a part of (three bands, orchestra, and four choirs).
Music Education Course of Study
Music Performance Course of Study
Music General Emphasis Course of Study
Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in Music - General Emphasis
Bachelor of Arts in Music - Performance Emphasis
*Bachelor of Arts in Music Education - Teaching Endorsement
*Completed in 4 years and one summer, this major certifies students to teach all areas of music in the state of Nebraska.
About the Department
Doane ensembles tour annually all over the United States, at no extra expense to students or their families. There are also regular international tours; recent trips have included tours to Costa Rica (choir, 2022), South Africa (choir, 2025), and France (band, 2026).
Doane students are also given regular opportunities to work alongside outstanding teachers, and attend conference such as:
- The National Association for Music Education
- The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic
- The Nebraska Music Educators Association
- The Nebraska Choral Directors Association
- The Nebraska State Bandmasters Association
Guest Speakers and Performers
Doane University regularly hosts a diverse group of local and international artists and educators to share their talents and love of music with Doane students. Past visits have included:
- Composer / Conductor Jake Runestad
- Jazz pianist Valerie Capers
- Choral arranger Alice Parker
- Bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen
- Wind band conductor Frank Tracz
- Pianist Arnaldo Cohen
- Pianist Spencer Myer
- The Cantus Ensemble
- Imani Winds
- The Modigliani String Quartet
- Boston Brass
- Conductor René Clausen
- Former Presidents of the North Central Chapter of the National Association for Music Education; Dr. Glen Nierman and Dr. Lance Nielsen.
Scholarship Opportunities
All students planning to attend Doane University are invited to audition for a music scholarship. Upon enrollment, you will have the opportunity to sing or play to fit your interest. We welcome students at every ability level, and you do not need to have a Music scholarship to participate in any of our ensembles. Our top ensembles tour every year, at little, to no cost for the student.
For students unable to audition for a Doane Music scholarship in person, we would be pleased to review a recorded audition in any format convenient for the student: video, mp3, YouTube link, etc.
Health and Safety for All
Doane University is committed to ensuring a safe environment for its students and faculty to pursue musical excellence. Doane University has embraced the health and safety guidelines of the National Association of Schools of Music. Each Semester all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend a workshop by our faculty and health professionals on health and safety for musicians. All students, faculty and staff should familiarize themselves with the following information: