Music Studies, A.A. Degree

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.

  Music Option Requirements 

Gen Ed ENG* 101: Composition 3
MUS* 101 History and Appreciation I 3
MUS* 161 ^
MUS* 158^  
Chorale I or
Chamber Music/Jazz Ensemble I
2
MUS* 185 Applied Music Lessons I 1
MUS* 111 ^^ Fundamentals of Music I 3
Elective Choose any mode    3
      Subtotal: 15
ENG* 110
ENG* 200
Introduction to Literature or
Advanced Composition
3
MUS* 102
MUS* 124  
History and Appreciation II or
Music of the Classical Period  
3
MUS* 162 ^
MUS* 159 ^  
Chorale II or
Chamber Music/Jazz Ensemble II
2
MUS* 186 Applied Music Lessons II 2
MUS* 215 ^^ Music Harmony 3
Elective Choose any mode 3
      Subtotal: 16
Gen Ed Mode 4
3
Gen Ed  Mode 5 3-4
MUS* 270 ^
MUS* 258 ^
Chorale III or
Chamber Music/Jazz Ensemble III
2
MUS* 285 Applied Music Lessons III 1
Elective ^^^ Music 3
Elective Choose any mode 3
      Subtotal: 15-16
Gen Ed Mode 3 3
Gen Ed Mode 6 3
MUS* 271 ^
MUS* 259 ^   
Chorale IV or
Chamber Music/Jazz Ensemble IV
2
MUS* 286 ^ Applied Music Lessons IV 1
Elective ^^^ Music 3
Elective Choose any mode 3
      Subtotal: 15
       Total Credits Required: 61-62

       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: Today’s Music                                                    3
MUS* 108: Today’s Music II                                                 3
MUS* 151: Class Piano II                                                     3
MUS* 216: Contemporary Music: Theory and Application    3
MUS* 218: Electronic Music Composition I                              3
MUS* 219: Electronic Music Composition II                             3
MUS* 277: Vocal: Opera to Broadway                                    3

Learning Outcomes

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

1.      Demonstrate a historical/cross-cultural awareness and appreciation of Western European and American contemporary music.

2.      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.

3.      Demonstrate an ability to perform solo music selections and within a music ensemble group (i.e., chorale, madrigal, chamber, jazz).

4.      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.

Division of Liberal Arts: 860-512-2660
Source: 2011-2012 Course Catalog

Last Update: January 18 2012
For Additional Information, Contact: 860-512-2663