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We provide students, majors and non-majors, with a full range of musical opportunities, academic and performance, guided with a high level of personal attention. We offer instrumental and vocal instruction (private and class), the opportunity to participate in a variety of excellent ensembles, and coursework that supports an understanding of music in its wider historical, social, cultural and geographical contexts. Our numerous college-level and professional-level performance activities provide a substantial educational foundation and serve as an important cultural resource for our region. The unique summer international and orchestral programs offer students the opportunity to expand horizons and deepen understanding of worlds beyond their own by engaging in conservatory-like, pre-professional training here and abroad. Taken together, these endeavors prepare our students for advanced training and careers in a variety of fields such as performance, composition, music scholarship, education and arts administration.
Students who graduate with a major in music will have achieved college-level proficiency in:
- General musicianship (ear training, dictation, keyboard competency)
- Music theory
- Music history
- Performance in their chosen instrument(s) or voice
Skills in these areas of music will be demonstrated in:
- Classroom work and examinations
- Public Performances
The final project (St. Mary’s Project) will show, in addition to the above, proficiency in:
- Writing
- Research
- Critical thinking
The major in music incorporates a high degree of flexibility beyond the core of required courses. All students pursue electives in music, and additionally, some students undertake double majors or minors in other subjects. This helps students prepare for careers and graduate study in a wide variety of musical areas.
NOTE: Some music requirements may be waived (by the department chair in consultation with the music faculty) for transfer students or for students with experience or knowledge equivalent to the material of a particular course.