Dec 01, 2024  
2018-19 Catalog 
    
2018-19 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Studies, A.A.


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Program Design

MCC’s Music Studies degree program is nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM.) As the only two-year music degree program in Connecticut, MCC is among over 650 music institutions across the country that follow required standards and guidelines regarding the selection and content of the course in the curriculum. The music faculty brings extensive experience, understanding of and sensitivity to the community college student. Students completing the program gain knowledge and skills required for direct employment in music-related careers (i.e. music retail, faith-based music worship services) or foundational music courses towards the completion of 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.

Current articulation agreements are with Eastern Connecticut State University and Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. MCC music Students have also been accepted at Central Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University and University of Connecticut with success in passing music auditions and satisfying music theory placement course requirements.

Students transferring from music programs including NASM accredited institutions must undergo a music audition and theory placement 4exam to verify the knowledge and skills obtained from music theory courses taken at the prior institution.

Curriculum

The music curriculum includes courses comparable to the first two-years of area baccalaureate music degree programs. Courses include:

  • Music Theory
  • Ear Training
  • Group Piano
  • Private Music Instruction
  • Music Master Classes
  • Music History
  • Performance Ensembles

The music program also offers courses for the general college community to fulfill general education requirements and for personal enrichment.

Admission Process

Proper advisement prior to entering the music studies program guarantees success in completing the degree.  In compliance with the National Association for Schools of Music (NASM) accrediting standards, students interested in pursuing the MCC’s Music Studies A.A. Degree Program are required to audition with a member of the music faculty to determine their level of instrumental or vocal music proficiency. Auditions are scheduled for 15-minutes, and students will be required to perform, in person, two contrasting compositions. 

The audition process, application and scheduled dates can be found on the Music Studies web page in the left hand column under Audition Information. Students who indicate prior theory instruction may have the option to be tested and receive credit for Music Theory, Ear Training, and Group Piano courses.

For any questions, please contact Dr. Deborah Simmons, Program Coordinator. (dsimmons@manchestercc.edu or 860-512-2674)

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 keyboard 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 Minimum Credits Required: 64


Note:


First semester jazz students will be assigned to MUS* 187  or MUS* 149  based upon skill level.  The jazz concepts course (MUS*149) is credited as Jazz Combo I (MUS*187) in the jazz sequence.

Jazz/chamber students should follow the sequence of MUS* 187  or MUS* 149 , MUS* 193 , MUS* 242  and MUS* 247 .

Students registering for a music theory course must co-register for Music Ear Training. For example, MUS* 115  and MUS* 166 , MUS* 116  and MUS* 168  

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

Voice students should choose from chorus sequences:

Chorale: MUS* 133 , MUS* 134 , MUS* 242  and MUS* 247 . No previous choral experience necessary but student being able to match pitch is a requirement for this course.  Any student unclear about the pitch matching process should contact Dr. Carolina Flores, Associate Professor of Music and Choral Director at 860-512-2640 prior to registering for the 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 ensemble 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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