Music

Start your journey at Daytona State College.

Complete a short program interest form here and an Admissions specialist will get back with you.

Share Your Passion!

Are you passionate about performing and ready to take your music skills to the next level? Whether you’re aiming to major in music or simply looking for a rewarding elective, music classes at Daytona State are designed to meet your needs!

With top-tier courses and experienced faculty, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with fellow students who share your passion. Our diverse offerings include band and choir, music theory, music appreciation, and personalized applied music lessons—everything you need to immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene at Daytona State.

Our music courses also set you up for success if you plan to transfer to a four-year university music program. Core classes such as music theory, recital seminar, music appreciation, class piano, ensembles, and applied instruction are all available to help you build a strong foundation for the future.

Join us and be a part of the music experience at Daytona State! The first step is to contact one of our full-time music faculty, who will offer support as you sign up for classes:

Instrumental Music

Professor Peter Waidelich
Peter.Waidelich@DaytonaState.edu

Choral/Vocal Music

Dr. Jean Hickman
Jean.Hickman@DaytonaState.edu

Apply today

Start your journey in the Arts with an Associate of Arts degree.

Instrumental Music

You may choose to study wind, brass, and percussion and string instruments as part of your general education elective credits. A professional instrumental music faculty, drawn from some of the finest musicians in Central Florida, bring with them expertise in symphonic, jazz and popular styles. Diverse performance offerings include the College/Community Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra and a host of rock and chamber ensembles.

seven student singing at Shades of Blue concert

Choral Music

The Concert Choir performs a wide variety of music styles in concerts including the medieval Yuletide Feast and collaborative projects with the college’s orchestra, symphonic band and theater departments. Shades of Blue, an auditioned a cappella vocal ensemble, performs extensively for college and community events. Listen to a recent Shades of Blue recording session.

Class and private voice lessons are offered by artist faculty who are active performers and highly effective instructors. Our strong connections with the DSC theater department allows for exciting collaborations in Broadway revues and musicals.

Scholarship Opportunities

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Music Department Scholarship

Scholarship Audition Requirements

The Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment, and Art offers tuition scholarships for both vocalists and instrumentalists. The awards are offered to any student attending classes at Daytona State College who will participate in the many ensembles available. Students do not have to major in music to be eligible for scholarship consideration. Scholarships may be renewed on a semester-to-semester basis provided the student maintains a 2.5 GPA and is actively progressing towards a degree.

Vocalists

Vocalists are asked to prepare two contrasting songs which show off your voice. In addition, they should be prepared to vocalize and sight sing.

For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Jean Hickman.
Jean.Hickman@DaytonaState.edu
(386) 506-3339

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists are asked to prepare two contrasting pieces or significant sections of pieces demonstrating both lyrical and technical playing. In addition, they should have the major scales and the chromatic scale, two octaves where possible, in All-State format prepared.

For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Peter Waidelich.
Peter.Waidelich@DaytonaState.edu
(386) 506-4690
Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation Scholarship

Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation, Inc. Scholarship at Daytona State College

The Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment, and Art in collaboration with the Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation is proud to offer the annual smooth jazz scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. The recipient of this scholarship is a student attending classes at Daytona State College and participating in the jazz-oriented ensembles. Further, the student should possess an already developed jazz ability with a strong desire to further those skills. The amount of this scholarship is $2,500 per academic year and the recipient is eligible for other music-oriented scholarships. Vocalists and instrumentalists are eligible for this award. If this sounds like you, please complete and submit the registration form below. The audition date for this scholarship is Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Audition Requirements:

Each entrant will perform two selections using the same format, melody-improvise one chorus-melody. Each entrant will perform the first selection which is “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin. Below you will find links to the backing tracks for this tune in three different keys. Vocalists will select one of these keys which suits your vocal range. Instrumentalists will play this tune in Bb.

Bb Rhythm Changes

D Rhythm Changes

F Rhythm Changes

The second selection may be chosen from the following, “Misty” by Erroll Garner, “My Funny Valentine” by Rodgers and Hart, and “All the Things You Are” by Jerome Kern. The links to these backing tracks may be found below.

Misty

My Funny Valentine

All the Things You Are

For more information please email:

Jean Hickman, Jean.Hickman@DaytonaState.edu

Peter Waidelich, Peter.Waidelich@DaytonaState.edu

AUDITION DATE:

Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 9 a.m.