As an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1946, Benedictine College offers majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree and to a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Additional areas of specializations within the Bachelor of Arts in Music program include Liturgical Music and Music Composition. Students have the opportunity to study music through the minor program.

Department of Music Goals

The Benedictine College Department of Music seeks to:

1.  Prepare students for entrance into graduate study and guide them to various career options through its liberal arts degree programs (Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Music, Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music with Specialization in Liturgical Music, Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music with Specialization in Music Composition).
2. Prepare students to teach PK–12 instrumental, choral and general music through professional training offered in its Bachelor of Music Education program
3. Provide all students at the college opportunities for artistic expression through participation in ensembles, applied lessons, and music courses.
4. Present concerts and recitals on campus as an educational experience and cultural enrichment for the entire community.

Programs

Bachelor

Bachelor with Specialization

Minor

Progress Through the Music Program as a Major

1. During the first fall semester, it is recommended for intended music majors to enroll in MUSC-1003 Keyboard I, MUSC-1010 Music Theory I, MUSC-1020 Aural Skills I, applied lessons on the primary instrument, ensemble, and concert attendance.

2. A student may declare the music or music education major as early as their first semester if they are enrolled in applied lessons or class voice, and a music ensemble.

3. To ensure timely progress through the degree program, students should complete MUSC-1010 Music Theory I and MUSC-1020 Aural Skills I with a grade of C- or better, no later than the sophomore year.

4. Department faculty evaluate the student’s progress through the major at the Freshman Jury/Interview and Sophomore Jury/Barrier. Faculty will consider course grades, progress in the applied area, and ensemble participation. They will make one of the following recommendations, informing students of any concerns:

   1. Continue in the major without reservations.
   2. Continue in the major with reservations.
   3. Continue in the major on probation.
   4. Drop the major.

5.  The Sophomore Barrier Jury/Interview will determine the final status of the student as a major in the department.

Departmental Procedures

1. There is a concert attendance requirement for all music majors and minors.
2. Candidates for all music degrees must give either a public recital or, by special arrangement, a semi-public recital before the faculty during the senior year.
3. Piano proficiency examinations are administered at the end of every semester by the music faculty.
4. A senior comprehensive will be administered to all students majoring in music prior to graduation.
5. The music department will accept no grade below a “C–” in any music course in the curriculum for the music major or minor.
6. All students majoring in music must submit a portfolio prior to graduation for assessment by the music faculty. The portfolio will contain programs in which the student has participated, practice logs, scholarly work and other procedural, participation, and interest documents. The portfolio is a component of the Senior Comprehensive, MUSC-COMP Senior Comprehensive Exam.
7. Applied Music
   1. Music Majors in the Bachelor of Arts degree program must enroll in 1–2 credits per semester of applied music for the primary instrument. Students may enroll in 1 credit of applied music for a secondary instrument.
   2. Music majors in the Bachelor of Music Education degree program must enroll in 2 credits per semester of applied music for the primary instrument. Students may enroll in 1 credit per semester of applied music for a secondary instrument.
   3. The music department requires documentation of minimum practice through practice logs for applied music. The minimum requirement is 3 hours weekly for 1 credit and 6 hours weekly for 2 credits.
   4. All applied students are assessed at the end of the semester through recital participation (non-majors) or by a jury examination (majors).
8. All departmental procedures are outlined in the Benedictine College Music Handbook. Majors in music education should refer to the School of Education Policies and Procedures Handbook regarding specific rules and procedures for the Benedictine College School of Education.
9. Transfer students pursuing a major or minor in Music must take a minimum of 40% of the coursework required for the major/minor at Benedictine College.