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 or with a transfer-oriented course of study towards a baccalaureate degree in music education, music business, music technology or music performance.

Courses in the music curriculum offer a thorough preparation in music fundamentals, jazz and popular theory, history (classical, contemporary and jazz) and performance. Individualized study with professional instrumental and vocal instructors is an important part of the curriculum. Each student plans his/her selection of courses with a member of the music faculty.

Curriculum

Music students must complete the following curriculum to earn an associate degree. Students may enroll full- or part-time.

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 fundamentals; exploration and development of voice leading principles; ear training, sight singing, rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation; keyboards skills and accompaniment 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, alto, piano, saxophone).

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

Music Studies Requirements

MUS* 161:&nbsp;Chorale I 2 Credits ^‡ or
MUS* 158:&nbsp;Chamber Music/Jazz Ensemble I 2 Credits ^‡
ENG* 101:&nbsp;Composition 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Mode 2 )
MUS* 101:&nbsp;Music History and Appreciation I 3 Credits
MUS* 185:&nbsp;Applied Lessons I 1 Credits
MUS* 111:&nbsp;Fundamentals of Music I 3 Credits ^‡‡
Choose any General Education course 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
ENG* 110:&nbsp;Introduction to Literature 3 Credits or
ENG* 200:&nbsp;Advanced Composition 3 Credits
MUS* 102:&nbsp;Music History and Appreciation II 3 Credits or
MUS* 124:&nbsp;Music of the Classical Period 3 Credits
MUS* 162:&nbsp;Chorale II 2 Credits ^‡ or
MUS* 159:&nbsp;Chamber Music/Jazz Ensemble II 2 Credits ‡
MUS* 186:&nbsp;Applied Lessons III 1 Credits
MUS* 215:&nbsp;Music Harmony 4 Credits ^‡‡
Choose any General Education course 3 Credits
Subtotal: 16
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Mode 4 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Mode 5 3-4 Credits
MUS* 270:&nbsp;Chorale III 2 Credits ^‡ or
MUS* 258:&nbsp;Chamber Music/Jazz Ensemble III 2 Credits ^‡
MUS* 285:&nbsp;Applied Lessons III 1 Credits
Music elective 3 Credits ^‡‡‡
Choose any General Education course 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15-16
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Mode 3 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Mode 6 3 Credits
MUS* 271:&nbsp;Chorale IV 2 Credits ^‡ or
MUS* 259:&nbsp;Chamber Music/Jazz Ensemble IV 2 Credits ^‡
MUS* 286:&nbsp;Applied Lessons IV 1 Credits
Music elective 3 Credits^‡‡‡
Choose any General Education course 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15

Total Credits Required: 61-62

Note:

^‡ Voice students should choose chorus sequence MUS* 161 , MUS* 162 , MUS* 270 and MUS* 271 . Instrumental students should choose instrumental sequence MUS* 158 , MUS* 159 , MUS* 258 and MUS* 259 .

^‡‡ Students who have not studied the piano or are not knowledgeable of the piano keyboard are strongly encouraged to enroll in a beginning piano class (MUS* 148: Beginning Piano ) or take piano lessons before taking the theory sequence (MUS* 111 and MUS* 215 ).

^‡‡‡ Music Elective List:

MUS* 107:&nbsp;Today’s Music 3 Credits
MUS* 108:&nbsp;Today’s Music Gospel, Ragtime, Blues, Jazz 3 Credits
MUS* 151:&nbsp;Class Piano II 3 Credits
MUS* 216:&nbsp;Contemporary Music Theory and Application 3 Credits
MUS* 218:&nbsp;Electronic Music Composition I 3 Credits
MUS* 219:&nbsp;Electronic Music Composition II 3 Credits
MUS* 277:&nbsp;Vocal: Opera to Broadway 3 Credits