Music

BA - 120 credit, four-year program of study

a world of sound...a community of musicians.

BA Music Options:

• Music Education (leading to teacher certification)
• Music Technology (computer-based performance / composition)
• Western Music (western classical performance / composition / theory / history)
• World Music (world music traditions, African-American music, jazz / pop)

All candidates for a BA in Music follow a standard core curriculum which meets the requirements for a well-rounded liberal arts education. Options may be chosen in the second year. They are not required, but recommended.

The Music Education Option develops skillful teachers who are in demand throughout New England and nation-wide. Students benefit from the exposure to western classical, jazz/pop, electronic, and traditional world musics, allowing them to bring diverse experiences into the classroom. In addition to a thorough training as an instrumentalist/vocalist and teacher, there is an emphasis on developing and conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles, rhythmic training, and updated electronic teaching tools. Class-room experience in schools complement this program, which leads to the Initial License to teach in schools.

All other options give students a thorough foundation for performance and composition, as well as historical and theoretical grounding in a great variety of musical styles.

The exposure, understanding and practice of many kinds of music and their common ground, emphasis on musical personality, and insights into new production and marketing strategies provide invaluable professional advantages in today's multi-faceted music world.

Graduates of these options may enter graduate school or pursue careers as active composers and performing musicians.

Technology

State-of-the-art facilities and course content in electronic music enable students to function at the cutting-edge of today's music scene, from sound recording and manipulation to electronic composition and video scoring.

Performance Opportunities

Students have opportunities to perform in the following groups: University Chorus, Spinners Vocal Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Large and Small Jazz Ensembles, Brass Ensemble, West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Contemporary Jazz and Jazz Vocal Ensembles, Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and student-led ensembles of any style and form, coached by the faculty. The Music Department presents a Guest Artist Recital Series, a Faculty Recital Series, a Guest Artist Lecture Series, and community concerts, as well as student ensemble and solo recitals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have a variety of career options open to them from teaching and performing, to electronic music (composition, sound design, and audio recording), advanced study, and careers in related fields.

Special Programs

Music Minor Students majoring in another field may pursue a minor in music emphasizing performance, music theory, or jazz.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad Students are encouraged to pursue fieldwork study and research abroad in a culture relevant to an area of concentration. This work may fulfill specific course requirements with prior approval. All study abroad should be planned in consultation with your faculty advisor and the music department chairperson.

Requirements for Admission

All candidates must pass an entrance audition and take an advisory exam to assess background and determine potential. Candidates are expected to have facility on their instrument and to have some preparation in fundamental concepts of music theory. All applicants must also follow UMass Dartmouth admissions procedures detailed in the University Catalogue.

UMD Music Program Auditions

The music program at UMass Dartmouth is unique in its broad spectrum of music under one roof. Whether the future Music Educator and Performer/Composer concentrates on classical music or jazz/world music or new/electronic music, this exposure and understanding of many kinds of music and their common ground provides an invaluable professional advantage. Auditions will be held in the Visual & Performing Arts Building (Lots 8 & 9), on the main campus of UMD. Please contact Michelle Cieto at (508) 999-8568 for more information or to schedule an audition.

Music Department Audition Requirements

All applicants must audition in person in their applied area (instrument or voice: jazz or classical) and also take a music theory placement exam. For the audition, please be prepared to perform two contrasting pieces that demonstrate the range of your background, training, and preparation. In addition, students may also be asked by the auditioning faculty member to perform scales, arpeggios, or other exercises that demonstrate technical ability. The entire process with the audition, an overview of the music department, and the theory placement exam, usually takes no more than two hours to complete.

You MUST schedule an appointment for an audition. To schedule an appointment for an audition contact the Music Department at (508) 999-8568. In addition, other audition times can be accommodated on an individual basis when classes are in session. For applicants outside of the New England region, please contact the department for requirements of a video/CD audition. If you have any other questions about the Music Department or the audition process, please call (508) 999-8568.