On this page:
Q. I think I want to major in Music, what courses should I take?
A. The Music major involves a combination of performance (both solo and in ensemble), Music theory and composition, Music history and literature, and Music technology. You start right away in all of those things, and build on that experience from one semester to the next.
The most important thing to do if you want to major in Music is to make sure you’re in touch with an advisor in the Music Department as soon as possible.
Here’s the suggested first year schedule for Music majors: English Composition (based on placement), MUT 1126, 1131, 1132, 1102, 1103, Applied Music Lessons, Piano as needed, First-year Seminar, Performance Ensemble, Four Basic Liberal Arts Requirement Classes, Physical Education.
Back to Top
Q. Which courses can I take to help me decide if I want to major in Music?
A. The best thing to do is to sign up for a performance ensemble and get to know everyone. It is also good to sign up for private lessons and for theory – both MUT 1131 and 1102, so you don’t get behind if you decide to major, and you’ll have a better idea what level of skill and knowledge you’re on compared with what is expected.
Back to Top
Q. Which courses can I take in the department if I have chosen another major?
A. We have lots of choices in ensembles and private lessons. Check out our website and see what might be best for you: http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/Music/studentensembles.html
Back to Top
Q. What kinds of jobs do graduates who majored in Music have?
A. Many of our graduates are now Music teachers, both in the public schools and in private schools or private studios. Others are pursuing recording careers – including one who now is active in Nashville. Some are active as church Musicians. A good number are actively performing in Musical theater throughout the region. A few have gone into Music/arts management positions, including one at a major theater in Philadelphia. Several have gone to graduate school for advanced study in fields such as solo performance, conducting, and ethno-Musicology. Some have gone into other business pursuits and remain active in Music as an important part of their life.
Back to Top
Q. What are the volunteer or service learning opportunities in this department?
A. We frequently send ensembles out to perform in the schools or in managed care facilities for senior citizens. We are just now developing a relationship with the local boys and girls club, which is located on a street right next to the Music building.
Back to Top
Q. Does this department sponsor any special programs or internships?
A. We don’t sponsor internships directly, but we work with students individually. The most recent student to do this worked with a major Music publicity house in nearby Montgomery County. Another did an internship at the Kennedy Center.
Back to Top
Q. Can I major in Music and still study abroad?
A. Yes. We’ve had several Music majors study abroad. One just returned from Ghana. Another is in Budapest right now.
Back to Top
Q. Do I need any special computer equipment for courses in this department?
A. A lot of our professors and students do a great deal of Music editing. Most use Mac computers. The most popular software for MIDI (Musical instrument digital interface) around here is Finale, but some of us prefer Sibelius. Our course in MIDI (MUT 1126) focuses on Finale for editing, and a number of other packages for sequencing.
Back to Top
Q. What are the major requirements?
A. We have a variety of requirements in Music performance, Music theory and composition, and Music history and literature. We also have several tracks you can pursue, and a couple of different minors if you’d prefer that. The best way to understand our requirements is to check out this website: http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/Music/majorminor.html, and to get in touch with an advisor in the Music Department.
Back to Top
Q. How can I major in Music and complete a minor in education?
A. There are two ways to do this. If you want to go into elementary education (as a classroom teacher – not a Music specialist), then do the basic major and the elementary education minor. If you want to be certified to teach Music preK-12 then do the Music education major with the education minor. That is a very demanding major – so make sure you get in touch with an advisor in the Music Department right away and plan ahead! In addition to the 9– semester option (4 years and get your degree – then do your student teaching in the 9th semester), there is a 5–year option that results in a masters degree in education.
Back to Top
Q. What are the minor requirements in Music?
A. We have two minors in Music. One basic minor, and a jazz minor. The requirements can be found on this link: http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/Music/majorminor.html
Back to Top
Print-Friendly Page
Email a Friend