Mar 28, 2024  
2021-22 Catalog 
    
2021-22 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, University of Bridgeport, Hartt School of Music, and 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 exam 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

Music Electives include: Intro to Music Education, Intro to Conducting, Electronic Music Composition, Language for Singers, Beginning Voice, Beginning Guitar, and Beginning Piano.

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 to determine their level of instrumental or vocal music proficiency. Auditions must be in persona and are scheduled for 30 minutes. Students are required to perform scales and two contrasting compositions.. 

The audition process, application and scheduled dates can be found on the Music Studies web page under Audition Information: https://www.manchestercc.edu/offices/academic-affairs/divisions/liberal-arts/music/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


Notes:


Becoming Connecticut State Community College

STUDENTS: The Community Colleges are undergoing a merger with a plan to become Connecticut State Community College in fall 2023; please work closely with your advisor/program coordinator to select your courses accordingly. See below for more detail about this exciting transition!

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. Connecticut State Community College (CT State), a statewide college comprised of all Connecticut’s current community college locations, plans to open its doors in the Fall 2023. Here are some important facts students need to know:

  • the final commencement ceremony for Manchester Community College is scheduled for May 2023. Ceremonies will continue to be held at each location as campuses of CT State.
  • as a part of the planned merger, students continuing their studies beyond summer term 2023 will be matched with the CT State program that most closely aligns with their Spring 2023 major and is offered at the Manchester location,
  • students beginning Associate degree programs in Fall 2021 should plan with their advisor/program coordinator to attend full-time if they wish to graduate prior to the planned merger,
  • students who begin an Associate degree program in January 2022 would be anticipated to complete their degree at the merged college, Connecticut State Community College,
  • in all cases, the College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption and staying in touch with your advisor/program coordinator is essential,
  • further details can be found and will be updated on the Frequently Asked Questions page:  www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics.

 

First semester Applied Music students must undergo an audition with music faculty and receive program coordinator approval before enrolling in course MUS* 185: Applied Lessons I  

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, 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 Group 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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