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Music – BA

Program Overview:

The Bachelor of Arts in Music is designed for students who wish to pursue a major in music in a liberal arts setting. B.A. in Music majors receive comprehensive training in the core music curriculum and the liberal arts. It is designed to be a more independent degree in which students may concentrate in a number of areas such as applied performance, music history and music theory or composition. The standard for each concentration is much more intense than the general music curriculum. Audition is concentration specific and musicianship is the core of this degree program. Additionally, it offers the student many curricular options as well as diversity among career choices and graduate study.


Program Contacts:

Dr. Michael Lister

Music Department Chair

Email: listerm@mail.strose.edu

Program Webpage:

BA in Music

Program Requirements:

Auditions

An audition with members of the Music Department faculty is required for everyone who wishes to major in Music at The College of Saint Rose. For examples of appropriate audition repertoire, please consult the College of Saint Rose Music Webpage: www.strose.edu/music.

Transfer Credit and Advanced Placement Theory Credit

Entering students with an advanced placement grade of 4 or 5 in the written and/or aural section of the AP Music Theory Exam will be advanced to MUS 201 Music Theory III and/or MUS 203 Advanced Ear Training and Sight Singing, respectively.

Acceptance of transfer credit will be evaluated at the time of entry by way of course placement tests in the appropriate areas at the time of audition and through a review of student transcripts. Based upon skill and work, music faculty may approve up to 4 semesters of applied lessons.

Music Talent Awards

Music talent awards and academic scholarships are available to qualified entering students on the basis of their musical and academic abilities. Music talent scholarship recipients are required maintain a minimum average of 3.0 in their music courses and a minimum cumulative average of 2.0. Those who perform at an acceptable level on a secondary instrument or voice that may serve the needs of Department ensembles are also eligible for awards. 

As part of the responsibility for accepting this award, students will be required to perform in 1 to 2 ensembles in addition to the required performing ensemble, as determined by the Talent Award Committee. This responsibility is required for eight semesters for Bachelor of Arts in Music majors.  Students seeking scholarship beyond the standard 8-semester sequence may submit their request to the Talent Award Committee for consideration (contact the Music Department Chair for more information).

Applied Music

Applied music instruction on their principal instrument or voice is required of all Music majors. All Bachelor of Arts in Music majors are required to complete eight semesters of applied study on their major instrument as specified in their given tracks. Repertoire Class and Music Convocation are required for each semester registered for applied lessons. Students are required to successfully complete an Upper Divisional Jury at before advancing to their fifth semester of applied lessons. Semester and annual juries are part of the assessment tools used in applied study.  Please consult specific syllabi for detailed requirements.

Major Ensembles

Bachelor of Arts in Music majors are required to participate in the major performing group appropriate to their applied concentration for eight semesters. All transfer students are required to take a minimum of four semesters of their major performing ensemble at The College of Saint Rose.

MUS 287 Jazz Guitar Ensemble: Participation in this ensemble is an option as a substitute for participation in MUS 291 for for Bachelor of Arts Guitar majors. Guitar majors who unsuccessfully audition for this group are required to participate in Masterworks Chorale until they are able to successfully audition for the Jazz Guitar Ensemble.

MUS 289 Symphony Orchestra: Participation in this ensemble is required of all music majors whose applied area is violin, viola, cello, harp or double bass.


MUS 291 Masterworks Chorale: Participation in this ensemble is required of all vocal, piano, and guitar Music Education majors and all vocal and piano Music Industry majors.

MUS 292 Wind Ensemble: Participation in this ensemble is required of all brass, woodwind and percussion majors. MUS 290 Symphonic Band may be substituted in this area for proper placement after an approved successful audition each semester.

Small Ensembles

All Bachelor of Arts in music majors are required to complete four semesters of small ensembles appropriate to their applied Degree Track.  These ensembles include: Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Brass Choir, Flute Choir, Woodwind Quintet, Double Reed Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Trombone Choir, Chamber Winds, Madrigal Singers, Opera Workshop, Women’s Chorale, Baroque Flute Ensemble, Men’s Glee Club, Clarinet Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Mixed Vocal/Instrumental Ensemble, Vocal/String/Piano Chamber Music Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Strings.

All music majors may participate in non-required major and small ensembles as well. 

Overall Music Student Requirements

Music majors are required to earn a minimum grade of C in all required music courses. Any and all of these courses in which a student receives a grade below C, are required to be repeated at Saint Rose until a grade of C or higher is attained.  

Music Department Listening List: Music students will be assessed on their knowledge of and familiarity with a body of music literature selected by the music faculty in MUS 302.

Music Theory Placement Exam: All entering music students, major and/or minor, will be required to take a Music Theory/Ear training placement test. Those students who do not achieve a passing score will be placed into MUS 110 (Fundamentals of Music) as a prerequisite to MUS 101 (Music Theory I) and MUS 103 (Ear Training I).

Concert Attendance Requirements

Students enrolled in music degree programs are required to attend ten live performances per semester as a member of the audience. Performances that will fulfill the concert attendance requirement are those presented by college and university ensembles, college student recitals, college faculty recitals, professional orchestras, chamber ensembles, soloists, student playbacks and selected commercial music performances which are approved by the music faculty of the individual Repertoire classes (MUS 100).

Students are required to arrive before the beginning of the concert and stay until the end. For performances at The College of Saint Rose, students are required to submit programs signed by a member of the Saint Rose music faculty as evidence of attendance. For performances not at The College of Saint Rose, a program signed at the concert by a concert participant, or someone related to the performance, is required. The programs are to be submitted to their Repertoire Class Instructor (MUS 100) in accordance with the class syllabus.

Piano Proficiency (MUS 484)

Bachelor of Arts in Music majors are required to pass the piano proficiency prior to being approved to begin their capstone project. It is administered during final exam week and may be taken during subsequent semesters until passed. Prerequisites: MUS 281 and MUS 282.

Final Projects

Bachelor of Arts in Music majors are required to perform/produce a capstone project (MUS 490), which is congruent with and specified within their Degree Track.

Summary: B.A. in Music (Total credits 122)

Basic Musicianship and Performance

36

Degree Track

14

Major Performing Ensembles

8

Capstone (MUS 490)

1

Liberal Education Courses

41

Electives

22




Basic Musicianship and Performance (36 credits)

Music Theory and History (24 credits)

MUS 101Music Theory I

3

MUS 102Music Theory II

3

MUS 201Music Theory III

3

MUS 202Form/Analysis West/Non-W Music

3

MUS 260Introduction to Musical Style

3

MUS 301Music History 1

3

MUS 302Music History 2

3

1 additional course to be taken from the following:
MUS 253Jazz: Historical Overview

3

MUS 254History of Rock

3

MUS 303World Music

3

MUS 304American Music

3

MUS 306History of Musical Theater

3

Ear Training and Solfege (8 credits)

MUS 103Ear Training and Solfege

2

MUS 104Ear Training and Solfege

2

MUS 203Adv Ear Train/Sol

2

MUS 204Adv Ear Train/Sol

2

Keyboard Harmony (4 credits)

MUS 281Keyboard Harmony 3

2

MUS 282Keyboard Harmony 4

2

MUS 484Piano Proficiency

0

Small Ensembles (4 semesters)

Students must take Small Ensemble for 4 semesters at either 0 or 1 credit.

Degree Track (14 credits)

Students will select a degree track by the end of their sophomore year. Students will need to complete any additional audition requirements specific to their chosen track before being accepted into the track. 

Vocal Studies Track: Core requirements plus 8 semesters each of applied lessons (MUS 393), repertoire class (MUS 100) and convocation (MUS 200), MUS 434 (Vocal Diction), MUS 435 (Vocal Pedagogy), and 2 credits from additional music courses. The final project/capstone for the Instrumental Performance Track consists of a recital/concert performance of approximately 50 minutes.

Instrumental Studies Track: Core requirements plus 8 semesters each of applied lessons (MUS 393), repertoire class (MUS 100) and convocation (MUS 200), 4 credits/semesters of chamber music (MUS 268), and 2 credits from additional music courses. The final project/capstone for the Instrumental Performance Track consists of recital/concert performance of approximately 50 minutes.

Keyboard Studies Track: Core requirements plus 8 semesters each of applied lessons (MUS 393), repertoire class (MUS 100) and convocation (MUS 200), MUS 322 (Piano Pedagogy), MUS 323 (Piano Literature and Pedagogy), and 2 credits from additional music courses. The final project/capstone for the Instrumental Performance Track consists of recital/concert performance of approximately 50 minutes.

Composition Track: Core requirements plus 4 semesters in MUS 393 (Applied Voice or Instrument), 4 semesters in MUS 397 (Applied Composition), 8 semesters in repertoire class (MUS 100) and Composition Seminar (MUS 300), Orchestration (MUS 334), and either MUS 351 (Jazz Arranging) or MUS 341 (Choral Arranging). The final project/capstone for the Music Composition Track consists of a performance/lecture of original composition(s).

Conducting Track: Core requirements plus 4 semesters in MUS 393 (Applied Voice or Instrument), 4 semesters in MUS 395 (Applied Conducting), 8 semesters in repertoire class (MUS 100) and Composition Seminar (MUS 300), MUS 223 (Choral Techniques), MUS 334 or 341 (Orchestration or Choral Arranging), and one credit of an additional music course. The final project/capstone for the Conducting Track consists of conducting an ensemble in a 30 minute concert/performance setting.

Music History/Theory Track: Core requirements plus 4 semesters in MUS 393 (Applied Voice or Instrument), 4 semesters in repertoire class (MUS 100), 8 semesters in Convocation (MUS 200), and 10 additional credits to be taken from courses related to Music History and Theory. The final project/capstone for the Music History/Theory Track consists of presenting an academic paper on a musical subject.

Students who wish to change degree tracks will need to undergo all additional audition requirements as indicated in the specific track.

Major Performing Ensembles (8 credits)

Students must take Ensemble for 1 credit for 8 semesters. Ensemble is based on applied area.


MUS 287Jazz Guitar Ensemble

0 or 1

MUS 289Symphony Orchestra

0 or 1

MUS 290Symphonic Band

0 or 1

MUS 291Masterworks Chorale

0 or 1

MUS 292Wind Ensemble

0 or 1

Capstone (1 credit)

MUS 490Capstone Project

1

Liberal Education (41 credits)

Students must fulfill the College Wide Liberal Education requirements. MUS 257, Music Technology, can be taken to fulfill L08 requirement. L05 requirement is fulfilled through Music courses.

Suggested 4 Year Course Plan:

Instrumental

This suggested plan is designed to give students an idea of how to balance their coursework over 8 semesters and to graduate within 4 years. Most students will need to take a minimum of 30 credits each year in order to meet the graduation requirement of a minimum of 122 overall credits.  It should be used along with your Degree Works worksheet and in consultation with your faculty advisor. It is meant as a guide, not a definitive list of courses that must be taken as written. Your faculty advisor will help you make any necessary adjustments during advisement.

Year 1:

 

Fall (14-16 credits)

Spring (14-17 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

MUS 101: Music Theory I (3)

MUS 102: Music Theory II (3)

MUS 103: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 104: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 181: Keyboard Harmony (2)*

*If haven’t passed exam*

MUS 182: Keyboard Harmony II (2)*

*If haven’t passed exam*

MUS 260 Intro to Musical Style (3)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

ENG 105 (4)

Choice: Lib Ed History (3)

 

Choice: Lib Ed Lab Science (4)


Year 2:

 

Fall (16 credits)

Spring (14 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

MUS 202: Form & Analysis (3)

MUS 201: Music Theory III (3)

MUS 204: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 203: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 282: Keyboard Harmony IV (2)

MUS 281: Keyboard Harmony III (2)

MUS 484: Piano Proficiency (0)

MUS 257 Music Technology (3)

Chamber Music (1)

Choice: Lib Ed Language (3)

Choice: Lib Ed Phi/Religion (3)

 

Choice: PE Lib Ed (1)

 

 


Year 3:

 

Fall (15 credits)

Spring (16 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

MUS 301: Music History I (3) *Fall*

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 291: Masterworks (1)

MUS 302: Music History II (3) *Spring*

Chamber Music (1)

Chamber Music (1)

Choice: Lib Ed Literature (4)

Choice: Math Lib Ed (3)

Choice: Lib Ed L11 (4)

Choice: Econ/Politics Lib Ed (3)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

Choice: History of Rock/Jazz History/World Music/American Music (3)


Year 4:

 

Fall (16 credits)

Spring (15 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

 

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 393 Applied (1)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

MUS 100 Repertoire (0)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 200 Convocation (0)

Chamber Music (1)

MUS 450 Capstone Project (1)

Choice: Further Disciplinary (2)

Elective (3)

Choice: PE Lib Ed (1)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)   

Elective (3)

 

Keyboard

This suggested plan is designed to give students an idea of how to balance their coursework over 8 semesters and to graduate within 4 years. Most students will need to take a minimum of 30 credits each year in order to meet the graduation requirement of a minimum of 122 overall credits.  It should be used along with your Degree Works worksheet and in consultation with your faculty advisor. It is meant as a guide, not a definitive list of courses that must be taken as written. Your faculty advisor will help you make any necessary adjustments during advisement.

Year 1:

 

Fall (15 credits)

Spring (15-16 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

MUS 101: Music Theory I (3)

MUS 102: Music Theory II (3)

MUS 103: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 104: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 260 Intro to Musical Style (3)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

ENG 105 (4)

Choice: Lib Ed History (3)

 

Choice: Lib Ed Lab Science (4)


Year 2:

 

Fall (15-16 credits)

Spring (15-16 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

MUS 282: Keyboard 4 (2)

MUS 201: Music Theory III (3)

MUS 202: Form & Analysis (3)

MUS 203: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 204: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 281: Keyboard 3 (2)

MUS 484 Piano Proficiency ( 0)

MUS 257 Music Technology (3)

Choice: Lib Ed Phi/Religion (3)

Choice: Lib Ed Language (3)

Choice: Lib Ed Math (3)

 

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)


Year 3:

 

Fall (15-16 credits)

Spring (15 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

MUS 301: Music History I (3) *Fall*

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 291: Masterworks (1)

MUS 302: Music History II (3) *Spring*

MUS 322: Piano Pedagogy (2)

MUS 323: Piano Literature and Pedagogy (2)

Choice: Lib Ed Literature (4)

Choice: PE Lib Ed (1)

Choice: Lib Ed L11 (4)

Choice: Econ/Politics Lib Ed (3)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

Elective (3)


Year 4:

 

Fall (15 credits)

Spring (15 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

 

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 393 Applied (1)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

Ensemble: MUS 289, 290, or 292 (1)

MUS 100 Repertoire (0)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 200 Convocation (0)

Choice: History of Rock/Jazz History/ World Music (3)

MUS 450 Capstone Project (1)

Elective (3)

Choice: Further Disciplinary (2)

Elective (3)

Choice: PE Lib Ed (1)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)   

Elective (3)

 

Voice

This suggested plan is designed to give students an idea of how to balance their coursework over 8 semesters and to graduate within 4 years. Most students will need to take a minimum of 30 credits each year in order to meet the graduation requirement of a minimum of 122 overall credits.  It should be used along with your Degree Works worksheet and in consultation with your faculty advisor. It is meant as a guide, not a definitive list of courses that must be taken as written. Your faculty advisor will help you make any necessary adjustments during advisement.

Year 1:

 

Fall (15-17 credits)

Spring (14-17 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 101: Music Theory I (3)

MUS 102: Music Theory II (3)

MUS 103: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 104: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 260 Intro to Musical Style (3)

MUS 182: Keyboard Harmony 2 (2)*

MUS 181: Keyboard Harmony 1 (2)*

*If haven’t passed exam*

*If haven’t passed exam*

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

ENG 105 (4)

Choice: Lib Ed History (3)

 

Choice: Lib Ed Lab Science (4)


Year 2:

 

Fall (14-15 credits)

Spring (16 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 201: Music Theory III (3)

MUS 282: Keyboard 4 (2)

MUS 203: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 202: Form & Analysis (3)

MUS 281: Keyboard 3 (2)

MUS 204: Ear Training/Solfege (2)

MUS 257 Music Technology (3)

MUS 484 Piano Proficiency ( 0)

MUS 291: Masterworks (1)

MUS 291: Masterworks (1)

MUS 434: Vocal Diction (2)

MUS 435: Vocal Pedagogy (2)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

Choice: Lib Ed Phi/Religion (3)

 

Choice: Lib Ed PE (1)



Year 3:

 

Fall (15-16 credits)

Spring (15 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 301: Music History I (3) *Fall*

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 291: Masterworks (1)

MUS 302: Music History II (3) *Spring*

Lib Ed L11 (4)

Choice: Lib Ed Math (3)

Choice: Lib Ed Language (3)

Choice: PE Lib Ed (1)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

Choice: Econ/Politics Lib Ed (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)


Year 4:

 

Fall (14-15 credits)

Spring (15 credits)

MUS 393: Applied Music (1)

MUS 393 Applied (1)

MUS 100: Repertoire Class (0)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 200: Convocation (0)

MUS 100 Repertoire (0)

Choice: Small Ensemble (0-1)

MUS 200 Convocation (0)

MUS 291 Masterworks (1)

MUS 450 Capstone Project (1)

Choice: History of Rock/Jazz History/ World Music/American Music (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)

Choice: Further Disciplinary (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)   

Elective (3)

 

Culminating Academic Experiences:

Required Course

MUS 490Capstone Project

1

Professional Accreditation:

The College of Saint Rose, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province, is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State. All of its degrees and programs are registered and its professional programs fully approved by the Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department.

The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.msche.org

The Department of Music at The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/

Admissions and Financial Aid Information:

The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of Freshman applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete an application as early as November. The Admissions Team will return a decision on complete applications within just three weeks. The College awards academic scholarships at the same time.

What Makes an Application Complete

  • Online or Paper application (fee waived for online applicants!)
  • Official High School Transcripts
  • Official Transcripts for any College Level Courses
  • SAT or ACT scores  (See Test Optional FAQ's)
  • Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor or Teacher
  • Essay or Graded Paper
  • Applicants may also apply via the Common Application Online.
  • Art applicants are required to complete a portfolio review.

Admissions contact information (telephone number, admissions web pages)

Scholarships and Financial Aid

See Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section for more information.

The Bottom Line

The total cost of The College of Saint Rose (including tuition, fees, room and board) is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast, and we still award more than $25 million in Saint Rose scholarships, grants and financial aid.

Take a look at our bottom line, and view a cost comparison with a four-year public institution.

More about Financial Aid

Financial Aid is defined as any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity given with the express purpose of assisting you with education-related expenses to make you education affordable. Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds.

The Admission and Financial Aid teams have designed a Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid to help prospective students and families get to the bottom line and find that The College of Saint Rose is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast--while maintaining powerful academic opportunities.

Find Out More: