2009-2011 - Benedict College

160 FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
MUSIC
Mission Statement of the Music Programs
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, and understanding and appreciation of the creative process in music. The music programs
develop cognitive, perceptual, emotive, and communication skills that help students establish higherorder
thinking proficiencies desperately needed to function in today’s society.
The Programs also pro-vide 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 cours-es are designed and offered for Teacher Education, Recreation, Religion,
Business, and History majors who have a need to teach or use music in their professions. Music
courses are open to non-music majors as electives, used for enriching their liberal arts education. A
minor in music is also an option students. The program also offers varied opportunities for performances
on campus and throughout the local, state, regional, national, and international communities
through its many performing units. The Music Faculty often serve as consultants to other colleges,
public schools, churches, government entities, and private constituents.
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 all certification standards of the South Carolina State
Department of Education for graduation. (NOTE: Music Education is not offered to new students at
this time). Students electing the General Music Program of Study are prepared for entry-level careers
in the field, studio teaching, music industry and graduate studies. All interested students must audition
and take a diagnostic exam to be accepted into the Music Programs.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students within the Music Area Programs will:
• develop proficiencies in hearing, identifying, and working conceptually with the elements of
music, including melody, rhythm, timbre, harmony, texture, and form;
• acquire essential foundation skills to apply the fundamentals of music theory, aural, and
keyboard proficiency for creative expression through music;
• gain knowledge and understanding through the study of the history, musicology, ethnomusicology,
and the cultural milieu in which musical works are created;
• gain a working knowledge of the historical basis of the development of musical forms and
genres;
• develop critical thinking, listening, and aural skills to make intelligent and informed judgments
of musical works and performances;
• acquire skills in performance, aural analysis, improvisation, and composition to solve
musical problems;
• become familiar with music technology in its various forms and applications for teaching,
composing, research, and other creative and scholarly pursuits in the field music as well as in
the collaborative arts;
• acquire competencies in performance, aural analysis, score analysis, improvisation, and
composition to solve musical problems and enhance creativity;
• acquire and exhibit practical knowledge of performance practice in solo and ensemble performing
areas;
• develop competencies in analysis and performance of repertoire and technical studies in the
major area of applied study and ensembles; and
• acquire knowledge and skills necessary for entry level positions in music fields and graduate
study.