Music: Programs of Study

Purpose

The Hood College music curriculum has the following objectives: development of the enjoyment of music, proficiency in the art of music, guidance in understanding music, the opportunity for a career in music and preparation for graduate school.

Music is a cornerstone of a liberal arts education and, as such, Hood offers majors in music history/literature, performance and piano pedagogy, and minors in music history/literature and performance.

Most members of the department are concert artists, some of whom have performed nationally and internationally. Several are recording artists, as well.

Facilities

Hood's facilities for the study of music include eight practice rooms in Carson Cottage, open 16 hours a day and furnished with Yamaha studio upright pianos; teaching studios with Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos; a large pipe organ; a practice organ; and a harpsichord. Performing venues include Brodbeck Music Hall, Rosenstock Auditorium and Coffman Chapel. Hood also boasts an excellent collection of books, music, CDs and videos in the Library and Information Technology Center.

Performances

Students have many opportunities to perform through participation in recitals, performance labs and concerts. The wind ensemble, string, early music and jazz ensembles and other instrumental groups present concerts each semester. The choral groups perform several times each semester, including the annual "Messiah" performances with the U.S. Naval Academy. There are also numerous concerts each year by distinguished guest artists and faculty artists.

Credit by audition

Student who have a substantial background in applied music may apply for credit for that study by arranging an audition with the department. Up to four credits may be awarded based on the quality of the performance.

Credit by exam

Students may challenge any music history course thorough he 200 level (with the exception of MUSC 299) and any 100-level music theory course by taking a departmental exam. Exemption from a course and credit will be earned for successful completion of the exam with a grade of C or better.

Programs offered:

Music Major (B.A.)
Music History and Literature concentration
Music Performance concentration
Piano Pedagogy concentration

Minors
Music History and Literature
Music Performance Minor

Other opportunities
Applied Music
Music Ensembles (Choir, Chamber Singers, String, Wind, Early Music, Jazz)

Academics.