Music
While furnishing a rich and diverse exposure to the history and appreciation of the field, our Music course offerings start at a basic level and work up to advanced courses in music theory, composition, and performance, with the option of a Music minor. Students also learn to make music through private instrumental or vocal lessons, classes in electronic music production and DJ performance, and participation in the H-SC Chorus and Instrumental Ensembles. In recent years the College Chorus has toured out of state, performing in Puerto Rico and Quebec. The student-run Music Production & Performance Club offers opportunities for students to perform together, including the Battle of the Bands, and the student-run a cappella group, The Acousticals, is a favorite at Hampden-Sydney events on and off campus.
H-SC Chorus
The H-SC Chorus is one of the oldest official student organizations on campus. Its roots can be traced back to the 1820s. Membership is open to any student interested in choral singing.
Instrumental Ensembles
The H-SC Instrumental Ensemble is a year-long flexible instrumentation group and one-credit class. This multi-genre group learns repertoire from classical to jazz to blues to folk music, depending on student interest each semester.
Students may also participate in instrumental ensembles at Longwood University for credit through the Longwood University Cooperative Program. Instrumental ensembles at Longwood include Chamber Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. If interested in ensembles at Longwood, contact Dr. Mike Waddell, Wind Symphony Director at waddellmk@longwood.edu or (434) 395-2628
Clubs
- The Acousticals is H-SC's student a capella music group.
- The Music Production and Performance Club is a group for solo and collaborative music-making with club-owned instruments and technology. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Dr. Szabo (vszabo@hsc.edu).
- Tiger Radio is H-SC’s streaming radio station. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Dr. Szabo (vszabo@hsc.edu).
Our instructors currently offer private music lessons in voice, piano, guitar, bass guitar, violin, viola, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, jazz improvisation, and traditional Japanese instruments and practices in kotsuzumi, ôtsuzumi, taiko, and utai. These lessons are typically taught once a week for 30 minutes, scheduled individually, and count for 1 academic credit toward graduation for each semester that you enroll. There is an additional fee of $400 to take part in the program. Additional information can be found on TigerWeb, under course MUSI 270.
Students interested in taking private music lessons in flute, percussion, French horn, or low brass for academic credit can do so at Longwood University by enrolling through the Longwood University Cooperative Program. The lessons cost $355 per semester, take place weekly, last a half hour, and count for one credit. Interested students should contact immediately the professor who teaches the instrument they would like to learn. If the professor can take you on as a student, you will need to fill out paperwork with the H-SC registrar.
The Viar-Christ Center for the Arts was newly renovated to provide facilities for Music and Visual Arts. The Center, located in Brinkley Hall, houses eight pianos in classrooms, offices, and practice spaces and includes:
- Digital Keyboard Lab with Clavinovas and iMacs equipped with Logic Pro
- Seminar and Lecture Classrooms
- Music Workshop
- Choral Library
- Three practice rooms
- Instrument storage lockers
- Choral rehearsal and lecture space
Students who wish to receive an instrument storage locker should contact Tiffany Gee (tgee@hsc.edu), Fine Arts Administrative Assistant and Program Coordinator, to sign an agreement form.
Any student may use an available practice room while Brinkley Hall is open, Mon-Fri 8am-10pm. Students who wish to access the practice rooms when the building is closed may request access by contacting Tiffany Gee (tgee@hsc.edu).
Students who wish to access the Digital Keyboard Laboratory may request access by contacting Dr. Szabo at vszabo@hsc.edu or (434) 223-6635.
Music Professors
Visiting Assistant Professor of Fine Arts
Brinkley Hall, 015
(434) 223-6367
dgonzales@hsc.edu
Elliott Associate Professor of Fine Arts
Brinkley Hall, 014
(434) 223-6635
vszabo@hsc.edu
The Hampden-Sydney Music Series
Hampden-Sydney is committed to the intellectual and cultural enrichment of the Southside community and presents free public concerts throughout the academic year.
All events are FREE and open to the public.
H-SC Faculty Sweep VFIC Harris Awards
11/7/2025
Retiring Faculty Bid Farewell to H-SC
5/27/2025
H-SC Chorus Takes Talent to Canada
5/23/2025
Student Takes on Heavy Challenge
5/19/2025