Music (BA)
Courses in music are designed as cultural enrichment for students whose principal interests are in other disciplines and for students pursuing a major in music history or practice. Music courses develop the student’s ability to listen intelligently to a wide spectrum of music from many traditions, and to educate students about the cultural, social, religious and political influences that shape the music of any given place and era. The introductory courses present a general appreciation of music by exploring traditional Western music as well as the music of non-Western cultures. Such experience is extremely beneficial to a liberal arts education and will enhance the student’s creative work and performance in the humanities, science and other professional areas. It also provides an excellent background for more specialized offerings. There is no strict sequence in which music courses must be taken; however, the introductory courses (MUS 120 or MUS 121) are normally taken first.
Students who take MUS 349 Directed Study at the New England Conservatory are required to take one of the following courses: MUS 110, MUS 111, MUS 120, or MUS 121 before or at the same time as their first semester of applied music. Depending upon the student’s musical background and with the permission of the instructor, it is possible to fulfill the course requirement for MUS 349 Directed Study with any Simmons music history or theory course. A student’s musical and technical proficiency with any instrument or voice should be at an advanced intermediate level or above. Therefore, a consultation with the music faculty is necessary before registration can be completed. The department welcomes students wishing to develop joint majors with other departments; such students should consult with the music faculty about ways to integrate their interests.
Majors in Music
Majors offered in music include arts administration, and a music major with a music history or an applied music (performance) track. The study of music can lead to careers in a wide variety of fields, including teaching, performance, arts administration, music editing and publishing, recording, programming for radio and television broadcasts, etc. The major in music would be enriched if combined with a major in another area, such as English, math, communications, management, or history.
Program Requirements:
Students are required to complete 32 semester hours in one of the tracks listed below:
Applied Music Track
- Four semesters of MUS 349 or equivalent
- One course in music theory
- One course in music history
- Two electives chosen from music history or theory courses, depending upon interest
Music History Track
- Four music history courses (two at the 200 level)
- One course in theory or theoretical studies
- One applied music course
- Two electives chosen from music history, theory, or applied studies, depending upon interest