The Provost, along with several deans and heads of academic departments, is looking into the possibility of adding a music major to N.C. State’s curriculum.

One issue holding this back is which college the program would fall under and where funding would come from.

But at a college that continually strengthens its engineering and science programs, along with its emphasis on graduate research, balance is crucial.

Who really cares what college the major would be a part of? In fact, it may best be suited to fall under the Provost’s office.

Just think of the possibilities: a music major with concentrations in history, music business, music composition, music production, music education.

With that broad of a curriculum, keeping it away from one particular college would be beneficial.

With a music major comes other benefits to the cultural scene on campus.

Most likely, these students will be required to have concerts or recitals. They would be required to attend other concerts on campus and would add their expertise to the various bands already at NCSU.

There are even theoretical aspects to explore: what is to become of the music industry with rampant illegal downloading taking over? What will be the next technological innovation to further the industry?

There are cutting-edge answers to these questions that can be explored at the University and garner attention past the usual science-based research.

The simple fact that a music major seems so “un-N.C. State” makes it extremely attractive to current students.

So how can the University community get this in place?

It starts with funding and encouragement from everyone who can do so.

Send e-mails and talk personally with heads of the music and education deparments, deans from humanities and design, event the Provost and officers from Student Affairs.

Alumni who support the program should donate funds to the music department. They need more room to branch out. This may end up being a crucial aspect of the new Talley Student Center.

Students who are taking music classes must push for more concerts to be played on campus and to be part of recitals.

An emphasis on the arts should be placed not only in the construction of the center, but throughout campus as we have to keep from being the one-dimensional science school down the road from the medical and liberal arts school.