Music Degrees at Aquinas College

Olivia Vargas '18

"I was in almost every choir," said Olivia Vargas '18. A liturgical music graduate, Vargas was the only student in the program who utilized her voice as her primary instrument. Passionate about exploring her faith through singing, Vargas was a part of the majority of the on-campus singing groups, as well as off-campus churches and organizations. Studying to become a music director, Vargas had made a commitment to music and faith, looking to guide others in their own musical and faith journeys. 

A Detroit native, Vargas was originally attracted to Aquinas' business program, and entered the College as a dual major in music and business. However, after just one semester, "I fell in love music and less with business," said Vargas. Realizing a passion that had been rooted in singing in her home church's choir. "I really enjoy the messages that are coming from the music," she said.

After joining choir in high school, becoming part of her church’s youth group and eventually writing her own Christian music, Vargas sought a deeper understanding of worship through music. These experiences "really propelled me into discovering this faith on my own," said Vargas. "I just wanted to know more." So, when faced with switching her major to focus solely on music, the decision was a no-brainer. What came next was the hard part.

As part of the liturgical music major, students are required to designate a primary instrument. "It was a very difficult decision," said Vargas, who noted that most students choose piano or organ. "For me to be a voice emphasis is really not normal," she said. Again, Vargas followed her heart, and became the only vocal musician in the program, choosing to continue to hone her piano and eventually her organ skills as well. In the meantime, she began joining choir groups with fellow vocalists. 

Vargas soon became a vital part of AQ College Chorus, AQ Collegiate Singers, AQ Women's Chorus and the Bukowski Chapel Choir, in addition to singing in her own contemporary Christian band, Islands of Mercy. She also serves as the choral librarian for Dr. Mark Webb, associate professor of music, who directs her in three of her four choirs as well. 

"Olivia stood out for a few reasons," said Dr. Webb. "First is her natural talent – she is a gifted musician–exceptional voice, good piano skills, composes beautiful songs. She was a tireless worker, and basically lived at the AMC, practicing (piano and voice) and studying."

This work ethic, paired with her passion for exploring faith through music, allowed Vargas to be involved in so many groups, even holding an internship at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Grand Rapids. Despite this experience, Vargas noted, "I have so much to learn."

But with a music program with deep Catholic roots, "Being at Aquinas makes it quite easy to incorporate faith and worship in choir," said Dr. Webb. "Most of the music that we learn has sacred texts, which we can discuss quite freely."

A music degree is a multi-faceted and engaging path, utilizing many learning approaches to investigate everything we recognize as Music. The great 20th Century American conductor and composer, Leonard Bernstein said “Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” While some degrees (such as the Bachelor of Arts) may be less of a singularly defined career path like others that are offered at Aquinas College (such as the Bachelor of Music Education or the Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Concentration in Church Music, Jazz or Performance), the nature of these studies which encompass music theory, piano, history and literature, performance - solo and ensembles, pedagogy and conducting, jazz and more enables students to develop skills desired by employers today, such as self-direction, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, perseverance, verbal and written communication, and creativity. 

At Aquinas College, many students who are pursuing a Major outside of Music desire to continue their musical involvement and development after high school by: making Music their Second Major; adding Music as a Minor; participating in Performing Groups for General Education credit; taking other Fine Arts or Humanities courses offered by the Music Department; or taking Lessons for credit - Private or Group Instruction - in areas such as Piano, Voice, Guitar, Brass, Strings, Percussion, Harp, Jazz, or Organ. Learning music is a meaningful and gratifying experience for people of all ages.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Throughout the school year, the Music Department hosts many concerts and events. All events are FREE and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Click here to view the Music Events Calendar

Contact music@fjnike.net if you’d like more information.

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Contact: Barbara Witham McCargar, M.M.
Office: Arts & Music Center 126
Phone: (616) 632-2417
FAX: (616) 732-4487
Email: Barbara.McCargar@fjnike.net

Art & Music Center, Aquinas College 
1700 Fulton St. E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49506 

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Please complete this form for any on or off campus event(s) that you would like to request the involvement of the music department and its musicians. We ask that you allow 5 business days for a response back from a music department faculty or staff member.

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