Music

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Curriculum Requirements - 2011-2012 (Click Here)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree program is for students desiring to specialize in music.  The program prepares students for graduate study, a career in performance, and or private teaching. The program emphasis is on integrating music theory, aural skills, and practical and technical competence critical to a musician. Students participate in on- and off-campus solo and ensemble performances. The program has a liberal framework to support students with the communication, critical thinking, information literacy, technology, and cultural diversity concepts required for professional and personal success. Candidates are required to audition on a selected instrument/voice and possess basic music theory and aural skills prior to admittance into the program.

Program Facilities

The Music Department has special facilities for performance, practice, and recording. A 168-seat recital hall is the primary performance space for concerts. This hall contains two Steinway concert grand pianos and a 2 manual Delaware pipe organ. The recital hall is wired to the adjacent recording studio for capturing both live and studio performances. An ensemble room contains electronic keyboards, a state-of-the-art sound system, guitar and bass amps, and a variety of drums and other percussion instruments. This room is used for jazz and percussion ensemble rehearsals, as well as for classes and lessons.  There are fifteen acoustically-paneled practice rooms available for students. Three of these rooms are available for practice with percussion and double bass. The other practice rooms are equipped with pianos.   The MIDI lab/digital recording studio houses state-of-the-art hardware and software including an iMac, Mbox, and MIDI keyboard controller at student workstations. Software programs including ProTools, Reason, and Garage Band are available at the workstations for students’ use in creating their own musical projects. The master/instructor station included a Macintosh G5 computer, a 24 channel mixing board, a Yamaha Motif synthesizer and powered audio monitors. The studio has a recording booth, and a collection of microphones, instruments, and amplifiers used for recording projects and the studio is wired to the adjacent recital hall.

Program Requirements

• Attain a minimum grade of C in all music courses.

• Fulfill recital seminar and concert attendance requirements.

• Complete all Music Department outcomes assessment activities.

• Develop a demo according to Music Department guidelines.

• Pass all sections of the Keyboard Proficiency Exam.

Career Potential & Employment Outlook

The United States Department of Labor indicates an 11% growth for musicians and singers from 2006 to 2016. Musicians work for orchestras, ballet companies and religious organizations.  Opportunities in music  include musical directors and conductors, arrangers, composers, and song writers.  The Music program prepares graduates for careers in professional performance, as well as music education, music therapy, and music librarian. The entertainment industry offers a multiple of music-related careers.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Kevin Donovan
Director of Enrollment Management
Phone: 716.961.1870
Email: kdonovan@villa.edu