Apr 18, 2024  
2015-16 Catalog 
    
2015-16 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Studies, A.A.


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Program Design

The Music Studies associate degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for direct employment in music-related careers (i.e., music retail, faith-based music worship services) or with a transfer-orientated course of study towards a baccalaureate degree in the music profession.

The Music Studies program also serves an ever-expanding population of diverse students seeking personal enjoyment in the study of music.  Students may enroll in the program full- or part time. The credentialed music staff brings an understanding of the community college student to their teaching approach.

Curriculum

The curriculum has been revised as part of the process in seeking national accreditation as a school of music. Additions to the curriculum in the areas of music theory, ear training, piano and history align the program offerings with the first two years of a four-year accredited music degree program.

Specific changes include the following.

  • Music theory has been expended to four levels-Music Theory I, II, III, IV.
  • Private music instruction allows students to study with assigned private music teachers as part of the applied music course offerings on campus.
  • Vocal and instrumental ensembles provide students with performance experiences in a variety of musical styles (i.e., Classical, contemporary, jazz).
  • Music history courses include European Classical, American contemporary and jazz. •Music electives include music technology, beginning vocal and guitar, introduction to conducting and diction for singers.
  • Voice students are required to complete one semester of foreign language as a humanities requirement in the fourth semester.
  • Students completing the fourth semester of applied music will be required to perform in a group recital for the music faculty and the college community.

Scholastic Preparation and Admission Process

Proper advisement prior to entering the music studies program guarantees success in completing the degree.  If you are a high school graduate, hold a state equivalency certificate or are a transfer student from another college, you must submit an official application to the Admissions office. 

During the first Tuesday in May, June, July and August, members of the music faculty are available to interview all perspective students to assess skill level and interest.  The 45-60 minute interview/audition provides academic guidance and information in course selection, career planning and eligibility to receive college credit by examination for prior work completed. Interviews will be conducted day and evening.  To schedule an interview, please call Brenda St. Peters, Administrative Assistant, Division of Liberal Arts, 860-512-2663.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of Music Studies degree program requirements, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate a historical/cross-cultural awareness and appreciation of Western European and American contemporary music.
  • Demonstrate skills and techniques that reflect an understanding of the theoretical aspect of music, including: an understanding of music theory fundamentals; exploration and development of voice leading principles; aural skills and accompaniment and improvisation techniques.
  • Demonstrate an ability to perform solo music selections and within a music ensemble group (i.e., chorale, madrigal, chamber, jazz).
  • Demonstrate technical facility and knowledge on specified instrument or voice (i.e., soprano, tenor, piano, guitar, clarinet, violin).

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

Music Studies Requirements


Total Credits Required: 60-67


Note:


First semester jazz students will be assigned to MUS* 159  or MUS* 149  based upon skill level.  The jazz concepts course is credited as Jazz Ensemble I in the jazz sequence.

Jazz/chamber students should follow the sequence of MUS* 158 , MUS* 159 , MUS* 258  and MUS* 259 .

Instrumental students should choose instrumental sequence MUS* 158 , MUS* 159 , MUS* 258  and MUS* 259 .

It is recommended that Piano Performance students take 2 semesters of choir.

Voice students should choose from chorus sequences:

Chorale: MUS* 161 , MUS* 162 , MUS* 270  and MUS* 271 . No previous experience necessary but being able to match pitch is a requirement for this course.
or
Madrigal/Chamber Singer: MUS* 174 , MUS* 175 , MUS* 275  and MUS* 276  (For students signed up for this ensemble: Choral is a co-requisite).  This ensamble requires an audition, basic knowledge of music notation and sight-reading skills, good intonation and aural memory, and previous experience singing in a choir.

‡‡Piano Class: Students demonstrating keyboard competency through an examination may be exempt from taking any or all of the Piano Classes. Instructor’s permission required.  These students must make sure they choose other Music elective courses to achieve the number of music credits needed for the degree.

‡‡‡Visual Art Elective List:

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