Music Minor
Description. The Music minor offers students the opportunity to explore music through a comprehensive and multi–faceted approach. The minor combines core requirements with two areas of concentration, Music History/Comparative Music, or Composition/Technology/Theory. Through the study of western art, music and comparative music studies such as Caribbean music, world music, and pop, rock and jazz, the student examines and contextualizes the art form. The study of voice, piano, songwriting, composition, and music technology encourages the student to explore their inherent creative potential by directly engaging in the creation of music, while also developing a foundation in the basic skills of music making.
Rationale. Music, one of the most universal and fundamental art forms, reflects virtually every aspect of personal and social experience. Through the development of its skills and the consideration of its history, we see how broader cultural patterns are reflected in music specifically, and in art forms generally. The core courses in the minor will ensure homogeneity among the students in their abilities and, in conjunction with the advanced courses, will allow them to express their creativity while developing an understanding of the place of music in the history of the world.
Credits. 18
Minor coordinator. Professor Benjamin Bierman, Department of Art and Music (646.557.4822, bbierman@jjay.cuny.edu)
Requirements. A maximum of two courses can overlap with a student’s major, other minor or program.
Part One
Required
| MUS 102 | The Language of Music (was Music Skills) | 3 |
MUS 102: Students who possess prior knowledge or experience may consult with the minor coordinator or instructor for a possible exemption from this course.
Choose two
Total Credit Hours: 9
Part Two. Tracks
Select three from one track
Track I: Music History/Comparative Music
200-level, Choose two
MUS 280: When topic is appropriate.
300-level Required
| MUS 310 | Comparative History of African American Musics | 3 |
Track II: Music Composition/Theory/Technology
200-level, Choose two
MUS 280: When topic is appropriate.
300-level Required
| MUS 336 | Composition Through Technology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 9
Total Credit Hours: 18