Music Studies
- Bachelor of Arts
- Minor
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The Music Program
The Department of Music offers three majors that lead to the bachelor of arts degree: arts administration with a performing arts concentration, a music studies degree, and a music performance degree.
Two minors are offered: music studies and music history, with concentrations in sacred music, in music and in music performance. Admission to the Department of Music as a major or minor is based upon a successful audition for the departmental faculty as well as the normal admission procedures. Only the students who show the most artistic and musical promise will be admitted to the music performance program.
Undergraduate Programs
What Can I Do With a Major in Music Studies?
Students obtaining a degree in music studies are prepared for a wide variety of careers in the music field. Those who desire to advance in their field are encouraged to continue their musical training by pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.
Curriculum Requirements
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Prerequisites
Students must successfully pass an audition to be admitted to this major and minor. Please contact the department chair to schedule an audition and receive audition guidelines. Students may choose their primary instrument from one of the following instruments: voice, piano, organ, violin, viola, guitar (acoustic, classical, jazz, bass), flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn and trombone.
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Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Studies
Music Major Requirements (48-50 credits)
Required each semester (16 credits):
MU 090 Recital Attendance - 0 credit
MU 325 Primary Instrument for Majors/Minors - 2 credits
(2 credits for eight semesters or a total of 16 credits)Required courses (24 credits):
MU 108 Music History: Baroque and Classical Periods - 3 credits
MU 109 Music History: Romantic and Contemporary Periods - 3 credits
MU 115 Fundamentals of Music Theory - 3 credits
MU 205 Sight Singing, Ear Training and Solfeggio I - 3 credits
MU 206 Sight Singing, Ear Training and Solfeggio II - 3 credits
MU 208 Harmony I - 3 credits
MU 209 Harmony II - 3 credits
Any combination of ensembles selected from (8 credits):
MU 171 Marching Band - 1 credit
MU 172 Concert Band - 1 credit
MU 175 Instrumental Ensemble - 1 credit
MU 180 Saint Vincent College Singers - 1 credit
MU 181 Musical Theater Workshop - 1 credit
MU 182 Opera Workshop - 1 credit
MU 185 Saint Vincent Camerata - 1 credit
Additional requirements for voice majors (2 credits):
MU 317 Diction for Singers: Italian, Spanish and Latin - 1 credit
MU 318 Diction for Singers: German, English and French - 1 creditMusic Major - Concentration in Sacred Music (54 credits)
Required each semester (20 credits):
MU 090 Recital Attendance - 0 credit
MU 280 Supervised Sacred Music Practicum (.5 credits per semester) - 4 credits
MU 425 Primary Instrument for Performance Majors (2 credits for eight semesters or a total of 16 credits) Voice, Organ, Sacred Music Composition, Gregorian ChantRequired courses (26 credits):
MU 108 Music History: Baroque and Classical Periods - 3 credits
MU 109 Music History: Romantic and Contemporary Periods - 3 credits
MU 115 Fundamentals of Music Theory - 3 credits
MU 205 Sight Singing, Ear Training and Solfeggio I - 3 credits
MU 206 Sight Singing, Ear Training and Solfeggio II - 3 credits
MU 208 Harmony I - 3 credits
MU 209 Harmony II - 3 credits
MU 220 Form and Analysis - 3 credits
MU 280 Supervised Sacred Music Practicum (.5 credits per semester) 2 creditsEnsemble (8 credits):
MU 185 Saint Vincent Camerata (Camerata Scholars) - 1 creditAdditional Courses recommended (core curriculum requirements)
One or two of the following:
EM 725: Sacramental Theology and Liturgy - 3 credits
TH 325 Vatican II History and Theology - 3 credits
TH 330 Catholic Sacraments - 3 credits
TH 345 Christian Spirituality - 3 credits
LT 101, 102 Elementary Latin I and II - 6 credits
LT 203, 204 Intermediate Latin I and II - 6 credits -
Requirements for Minor in Music Studies
Music Minor Requirements (18 credits):
Students must successfully pass an audition to be admitted to this minor. Please contact the department chair to schedule an audition and receive audition guidelines.
Required each semester:
MU 090 Recital Attendance - 0 credit
Required courses (9 credits):
MU 108 Music History and Literature: Baroque and Classical Periods - 3 credits
MU 109 Music History and Literature: Romantic and Contemporary Periods - 3 credits
MU 115 Fundamentals of Music Theory - 3 credits
Two or three semesters of private instruction (3 credits):
MU 325 Primary Instrument for Majors and Minors - 1 or 2 credits
Any combination of ensembles or private instruction selected from (6 credits): Two semesters of piano study are recommended if the minor's primary instrument is non-keyboard.
MU 225 Secondary Instrument for Majors and Minors - 1 or 2 credits
MU 171 Marching Band - 1 credit
MU 172 Concert Band - 1 credit
MU 175 Instrumental Ensemble - 1 credit
MU 180 Saint Vincent College Singers - 1 credit
MU 181 Musical Theater Workshop - 1 credit
MU 182 Opera Workshop - 1 credit
MU 185 Saint Vincent Camerata - 1 credit
MU 325 Primary Instrument for Majors and Minors - 1 or 2 creditsMusic Minor - Concentration in Sacred Music
Required Courses (Total 18 credits)
MU-325 Primary Instrument (6 credits)
An approved combination of Voice, Organ, Sacred Music Composition, Gregorian Chant or other courses related to the Concentration (2 credits of Gregorian Chant required)
MU-280 Sacred Music Practicum (1 credit - 2 semesters)
MU-185 Saint Vincent Camerata and/or Camerata Scholars - 6 credits (6 semesters)
One Music Theory or Music History Course (3 credits):
MU 115 Fundamentals - 3 credits
MU 205 Sight Singing - 3 credits
MU 208 Harmony I - 3 credits
or
MU 104 Monasticism - 3 credits
MU 106 World Music - 3 credits
MU 108 Baroque/Classical - 3 credits
MU 109 Romantic/Contemporary - 3 credits
Program Highlights
Results
The graduate with a degree in music performance is prepared for a career in the music field, with a knowledge of music theory, history and aural skills that will assist their success and an understanding of the etiquette and professional standards required for a career in music.
Scholarships
Gabriel Burda Memorial Music Scholarship
Any incoming freshman Music major may apply and audition for this scholarship at the same time he/she auditions for the Department of Music. The scholarship award is $4000 per year for up to four years as long as the student makes progress in their Music major and stays in good academic standing each semester. Students applying for the music major should indicate their interest in this scholarship when registering for an audition to receive additional application materials. Notification of acceptance into the Department is made separately from the announcement of the scholarship recipient.
Marching Band and Chorus Scholarships
The Saint Vincent Marching Band and Saint Vincent Singers enrich our community and enhance campus culture by performing at sporting and academic events. We are pleased to offer up to ten $1000 renewable scholarships to incoming freshmen who commit to participating in the Saint Vincent Marching Band or Saint Vincent Singers (chorus). A deadline for expressing interest in these scholarships is April 1. Interested students should contact Dr. Sean Durkin (marching band) or Dr. Caryn Greco (chorus) for more information.
Internships and Careers in Music
Students who complete the Music program may be employed or continue their education as:
- Music organization managers
- Church musicians
- Private music teachers
- Music performers and directors
- Retail music
- Recording studios and other music-related fields
- Graduate school students
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- analyze the musical styles of the Western tradition and at least one style from the non-Western traditions.
- apply vocabulary related to performing and composing music.
- play the piano proficiently and play the piano, organ or another instrument, including voice, at the advanced level.
- apply standards of performance and portfolio development.
Saint Vincent College Singers
The Saint Vincent College Singers is a small ensemble that provides students with the experience of singing in an ensemble that explores the various genres of vocal music throughout all periods. The Singers are comprised of music majors and minors and non-music majors. Directed by Thomas Octave, associate professor and Chair of music, the ensemble performs concerts and provides music at special events as well as Commencement and community Masses.
Audition Days for Future Music Majors
Looking to study music at Saint Vincent College? Schedule your audition to join our program. Email caryn.greco@stvincent.edu to get started.