The role of the Music Program is to provide a basis of support for the Benedict College liberal arts curriculum by offering a broad base of concepts and principles, historical perspectives, techniques and processes, understanding and appreciation of the creative process in music. The Program also provides the following services to the College: Music Appreciation is offered in support of the General Education requirement of the College to provide awareness and appreciation of music; Support courses are designed and offered for the Teacher Education and Recreation majors who have a need to teach or use music in their professions; students are offered varied opportunities for musical performances through the Program's many performing units.

The Music Program further aims to provide students with a broad base of educational experiences in music which will provide them with skills necessary to enter professional career fields and graduate study in music. Students selecting the Program of Study in Music Education, either Vocal/Choral or Instrumental, will be prepared to teach music in grades K-12. All interested students must audition for acceptance into Music Education and must meet certification standards of the State Department of Education, including obtaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

The objectives of the program seek to provide experiences for students to:

1. develop creative expression through music and acquire artistic knowledge and skills in order to express and communicate through music;
2. gain knowledge of their cultural heritage through study of the history and cultural milieu in which musical works are created;
3. develop critical thinking skills and cultivate the ability to make intelligent and informed judgments regarding excellence in the arts;
4. acquire knowledge and skills necessary for teaching music in kindergarten through twelfth grade;
5. acquire knowledge and skills necessary for entry level positions in music fields; and
6. enhance their liberal arts education and for other majors in the College.

Course Descriptions

Source: Benedict College Catalogue 2007-2009.