Nazareth College is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music
and has been granted degree approval by the State Education Department of New
York and the American Music Therapy Association, Inc. Entrance into the department
is granted through an audition on the applicant’s primary instrument and a personal
interview. Placement exams in piano (for the non-piano major), theory, and sight-singing
are also part of the process.
The department offers the bachelor of music degree in music education, music
therapy, music theory, performance, music history and literature. The bachelor
of music is a professional degree. Its primary emphasis is on the development
of the skills, concepts, and sensitivity essential to the professional life
of a musician. The bachelor of music degree focuses not only on technical competence
but also on broad knowledge of music and music literature, sensitivity in musical
style, and an insight into the role of music in human life. Along with the bachelor
of music degree, the department offers the bachelor of arts degree in music.
The specific course requirements for each program are listed in the Degree
Programs Booklet and departmental requirements are in the Music
Department Handbook. All music degrees feature a core of study in music
history/literature, music theory and applied music. The bachelor of arts degree
includes 40 credits in music and an upper-division core in a second field of
concentration chosen from the liberal arts. The degree programs in music education
and music therapy include field experience and supervised training at off-campus
placements.
The Senior Experience for the music major has as its objective the integration
of the student’s training as a professional musician with the liberal arts curriculum
of Nazareth College. The students are required to present a public recital on
their major instrument and write a paper in which they demonstrate the interconnectedness
of selected liberal arts courses with the professional training they have received.
An undergraduate minor in Music is available for the non-music major. Eighteen
credit hours selected from theory, history, and applied, constitute this program.
All minor programs of study must have the approval of the music department.
Performance Opportunities
Performance study is a vital aspect of all music degree programs. The department
philosophy is that we are developing musicians first, and specific areas of
study are a key ancillary aspect of the program. The department sponsors numerous
ensembles, which offer students many performance opportunities. Music majors
must participate in one large ensemble each semester (Mus 080, 081,082 or 084),
and may elect others also. Ensemble membership is by audition (non-majors are
also eligible). Music majors must appear at least once each semester in recital,
emphasizing a commitment to music as a performing art. A graduation recital
is a requirement for all Bachelor of Music programs. These requirements are
enhanced by other opportunities for more extensive performance experience.
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