Music (A.S.)

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The department of Music and Art offers the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program in Music with specializations in:

  • Music Studies
  • Music Education
  • Music Performance
  • Jazz and Popular Music

You will learn the fundamentals of music, as well as more specialized topics in music education and music performance.

The curriculum that includes the basics of music theory, keyboard skills, ear-training and sight-singing. You will be prepared to enter a variety of majors at senior colleges and pursue a range of occupations in music.

If you are interested in pursuing the Music Education and Music Performance specializations will be required to do an audition to gain admissions.


Transfer Options

This program articulates with Lehman College’s Music program. Please note, Music majors who elect to take the concentration in Music Education should be aware that completion of the AS in music education does not guarantee admission into a music education program at CUNY’s senior colleges, nor does it ensure New York State certification. However, all the core courses in education do have articulation agreements within the CUNY system and transfer for equivalent credit. Courses within the music education concentration were developed following the guidelines of New York’s State Office of College and University Education with the intention of fulfilling some of the requirements for eventual certification.


Explore Careers

BMCC is committed to  students’ long-term success and will help you explore professional opportunities. Undecided? No problem. The college offers Career Coach for salary and employment information, job postings and a self-discovery assessment to help students find their academic and career paths. Visit Career Express to make an appointment with a career advisor, search for jobs or sign-up for professional development activities with the Center for Career Development. Students can also visit the Office of Internships and Experiential Learning to gain real world experience in preparation for a four-year degree and beyond. These opportunities are available to help BMCC students build a foundation for future success.

Explore career paths for Music (pdf)


Requirements

Required Common Core

Flexible Core

Curriculum Requirements

Theory1 6
Musicianship2 5–6
Specialization Requirements 18–19
Total Curriculum Credits 30
Total Program Credits 60

Music Studies Specialization Requirements

Applied Studies3 6
Performance (Ensembles)4 3
MUS 114 Music Business
OR
MUS 123 Basics of Digital Music Production
3
Any MUS Courses5 6

Music Education Specialization Requirements6

Applied Studies7 4
Performance (Ensembles)8 2
Instrumental and Vocal Music Methods9 2–3
EDU 201: Observing Children’s Development
OR 3-4
EDS 201: Adolescent Learning & Development
Any MUS Courses5 5–7

Music Performance Specialization Requirements6

Applied Studies10 8
Performance (Ensembles)11 4
Any MUS Courses5 6

Jazz and Popular Music Specialization Requirements6

MUS 180 Guitar Class I12
AND
MUS 190 Guitar Class II12
2
MUS 160 Voice Class I
AND
MUS 170 Voice Class II
2
MUS 114 Music Business 3
MUS 123 Basics of Digital Music Production 3
Performance (Ensembles)8 2
Any MUS Courses5 7

Notes

Please note, these requirements are effective the 2023-2024 catalog year. Please check your DegreeWorks account for your specific degree requirements as when you began at BMCC will determine your program requirements.

Footnotes

  1. Students must take Music Theory I & II (MUS117/217) or Exploring Music (MUS105) and Jazz and Popular Music Theory I (MUS137). The prerequisite for Music Theory 1 (MUS117) is MUS105 Exploring Music OR MUS123 Basics of Digital Music Production, or by departmental placement exam. If the department placement exam results in a student not being required to take either level, the student shall make up the credits with any music course.
  2. Students must take these courses. The prerequisite for MUS118 and 119 is MUS105 Exploring Music OR MUS123 Basics of Digital Music Production, or by departmental placement exam. If the department placement exam results in a student not being required to take any course, the student shall make up the credits with any music class.
  3. Students must select a one to three-semester sequence from MUS651–654 (strings), MUS656–659 (piano), MUS661–664 (woodwinds), MUS666–669 (brass), MUS671–674 (voice), MUS676–679 (guitar), MUS 681–684 Composition, or MUS686–689 (percussion), or MUS124 Music Notation Software, MUS 222/THE 222 Theatre Musical Acting the Song, MUS 102 Principles of Music, MUS 103 Music in Western Civilization, MUS 104 World of Jazz, MUS 107 Introduction to World Music, MUS116 Music and Movement in Learning or MUS351/352 Arranging I & II.
  4. Students must select a three-semester sequence for a total of 3 credits based on interest. Courses must be selected from MUS165/166/167/168 College Chorus I-IV, MUS265-268 Concert Choir, MUS301-304 Jazz Ensemble, MUS305-308 Orchestra, MUS501-504 Wind Ensemble, MUS510-540 Instrumental Ensemble, MUS701-704 String Ensemble, or MUS705-708 Guitar Ensemble.
  5. Students can choose any MUS courses to fulfill this requirement.
  6. All incoming students will be automatically enrolled in the Music Studies specialization. Acceptance into the other specializations requires the successful completion of MUS105 (or departmental placement exam), and an audition (Music Education/Music Performance), or departmental advising (Jazz and Popular Music).
  7. Students must select a two-semester sequence for a total of 4 credits based on interest. Courses must be selected from MUS651–654 (strings), MUS656–659 (piano), MUS661–664 (woodwinds), MUS666–669 (brass), MUS671–674 (voice), MUS676–679 (guitar), MUS681-684 composition, or MUS686–689 (percussion).
  8. Students must select a two-semester sequence for a total of 2 credits based on interest. Courses must be selected from MUS165/166/167/168 College Chorus I-IV, MUS265-268 Concert Choir, MUS301-304 Jazz Ensemble, MUS305-308 Orchestra, MUS501-504 Wind Ensemble, MUS510-540 Instrumental Ensemble, MUS701-704 String Ensemble, or MUS705-708 Guitar Ensemble.
  9. Students must choose either MUS 116/EDU 204 Music and Movement in Learning (3 cr) or two 1-credit classes from the following: MUS 121 Woodwinds; MUS 126 Strings: Violin/Viola; MUS 127 Strings: Cello/Bass; MUS 131Brass; MUS 136 Percussion; MUS 161 Voice; MUS 181 Guitar.
  10. Students must select a four-semester sequence for a total of 8 credits based on interest. Courses must be selected from MUS651–654 (strings), MUS656–659 (piano), MUS661–664 (woodwinds), MUS666–669 (brass), MUS671–674 (voice), MUS676–679 (guitar), or MUS686–689 (percussion).
  11. Students must select a four-semester sequence for a total of 4 credits based on interest. Courses must be selected from MUS165/166/167/168 College Chorus I-IV, MUS265-268 Concert Choir, MUS301-304 Jazz Ensemble, MUS305-308 Orchestra, MUS501-504 Wind Ensemble, MUS510-540 Instrumental Ensemble, MUS701-704 String Ensemble, or MUS705-708 Guitar Ensemble.
  12. Students must take these courses unless given credit for ‘life experience’ from departmental exam.

Music and Art Department

199 Chambers Street, Room F-1130A
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 220-1464

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
9 a.m.-5 p.m