Program Codes:
BMED
Bachelor of Music
Introduction
Mercyhurst University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The D'Angelo Department of Music is dedicated to assisting young musicians realize their potential as performing artists, educational leaders, and music therapists. With its distinguished faculty, the Department fosters musical achievement and cultural growth through its rigorous curriculum; its membership in the National Association for Music Education; its Faculty Recital Series; its numerous ensembles, productions, and solo performance opportunities; and by presenting special master classes and guest artists through its Roche Guest Artist Series. The D’Angelo Music Building is located on the south end of the campus. The three-level facility and was opened in September of 1988. In 1996, the university opened the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. This state-of-the-art facility adjacent to the music building showcases many of the performances and productions of the D’Angelo Department of Music. The Department also utilizes the Walker Recital Hall in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center. This 240-seat hall serves as an additional concert and rehearsal space.
Mission Statement
The D’Angelo Department of Music strives to provide an undergraduate curriculum with comprehensive instruction to students seeking degrees in Performance, Music Education, Composition, Music Therapy, or a Bachelor of Arts in Music. We are committed to encouraging non-music majors to enroll in our department ensembles and courses. Successful completion of degree programs will enable our music students to take a meaningful place within their communities. It is our goal to assist our students to become well-rounded, healthy individuals and life-long learners in the arts. The Department seeks to do this within the context of a liberal arts university and with a deeply personalized approach to learning.
Vision of the Department
The D’Angelo Department of Music strives to be a nationally competitive and well-respected institution of learning. We seek to have a diverse student body that is intellectually curious, and motivated to learn in our rigorous, high quality curriculum. With a faculty of visionary educators, scholars, and musicians, we believe our students will be challenged to achieve these high scholastic and artistic goals. Faculty and students work together in an atmosphere of professional awareness, mutual support, and outreach. As a result, our graduates will be versatile musicians, prepared to pursue successful, fulfilling careers of their choosing.
Music Minor - 19 Credits Required
The D’Angelo Department of Music welcomes any student to audition as a Music Minor (see Audition Requirements below). You will take 30-minute weekly private lessons on your instrument/voice; study Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Music History; and participate in one of our large ensembles. Scholarships are also available to Minors (see Scholarships and Financial Information below).
One Music History course (3 cr) chosen from the following:
Applied Music Lesson Fee
This lesson fee applies only to certain types of students: 1) Non-music majors who wish to enroll in private lessons taught by department faculty, 2) Music Minors who desire to take private lessons beyond the required two years, 3) Current music majors who register for lessons in a secondary area that is not part of the specific degree program.
Description of Degree Programs
The D’Angelo Department of Music enrolls undergraduate students in the following degree programs: Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Bachelor of Music in Composition, Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, and Bachelor of Arts in Music. Applied study is offered in the following areas: Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium, French Horn), Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass), Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone), Composition, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, and Voice. A minor in music is also available to students from other disciplines (see Music Minor above). Each of these degree programs has a minimum GPA requirement.
Scholarships and Financial Information
Majors
Talent-based scholarships are awarded through the audition process at the discretion of the faculty and the Chair of the Department of Music. Any prospective student is eligible to compete for scholarship assistance, regardless of financial status. Students wishing to apply for financial assistance must also apply to the Student Finanical Services ofice. Students who do not meet required academic and performance levels during their time at Mercyhurst may have their scholarship reduced or eliminated.
Minors
Non-music majors are accepted as music minors through the same audition process described above and are awarded a scholarship for their participation in the music department’s large ensembles: Concert Choir, Civic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Jazz Ensemble. Minors are also welcome to participate in the department's small ensembles at the discretion of the ensemble's director. Small ensembles are: Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Chamber Choir, String Chamber Ensemble, Composers Workshop and Opera Workshop.
Non-Music Majors
Students at Mercyhurst University who wish to participate in the large and small ensembles are invited to do so at the discretion of the ensemble conductor. A limited number of scholarships are available through an audition process early in the Fall Semester.
Sophomore Review
At the end of the Sophomore year, a formal review is made by the entire full-time music faculty to evaluate whether the student will be retained in the program. Based on grades, progress on the major instrument/voice, juries, and other criteria established by the faculty, the Sophomore Review must be passed successfully for the student to continue working toward a music degree.
Graduation Recitals
Student Best Practices and Procedures
A student guide outlining all policies of the D’Angelo Department of Music is provided to all music students. It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to guidelines and policies set forth in the document.
Admission
In addition to the Mercyhurst University application and admission process, students applying to the D’Angelo Department of Music must
Audition Requirements (for BM Music Therapy, see Music Therapy page)
This Bachelor of Music in Music Education program stars graduates that are sought after by school districts, and are currently teaching all over the country. Students learn instructional techniques and classroom management skills while performing with a variety of ensembles similar to ones they’ll supervise in schools. The education program has a contemporary curriculum designed to assist future teachers in fostering a lifelong love of music in their own students. In order to receive the degree and certification in Music Education, all candidates must meet all the requirements outlined in the education department section of the university catalog. Please refer to all standards, policies and admissions/retention criteria specified for all education majors seeking a degree from Mercyhurst University and certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Total Credits Required to Graduate in the Major with Instrumental/Voice/Composition concentration - 143 Credits
Total Credits Required to Graduate in the Major with Piano concentration - 140 Credits
REACH Curriculum
Music Core Curriculum
Additional Courses
47 Credits Required for BA Music, BM Music Therapy, BM Music Education (43 credits for piano concentration)
55 Credits Required for BM Performance and BM Composition (51 credits for piano concentration)
This course provides a broad understanding of the Western Art Music tradition from the music of antiquity through the Baroque. Students will be guided through listening, score analysis, and engagement with written scholarship in order to attain knowledge about key pieces of the Western Art Music canon as well as the historical context in which this music was written and performed.
This course provides a broad understanding of the Western Art Music tradition from the music of the Classical period to the present. Students will be guided through listening, score analysis, and engagement with written scholarship in order to attain knowledge about key pieces of the Western Art Music canon as well as the historical context in which this music was written and performed.
The purpose of this course is to introduce basic and essential technologies often used by musicians. Students will have multiple opportunities to immediately apply new knowledge in realistic and useful settings.
Required for all first-year theory and aural skills students. Supplemental guided practice for academic concepts and practical skills covered in the Music Theory I & II and Aural Skills I & II curriculum. 0 credits.
An introduction to sight-singing, rhythm and ear training. The students will apply solfege to major and minor modes using a diatonic melody, perform rhythms in simple and compound meter, and identify intervals isolated and within a melodic dictation.
An introduction to sight-singing, rhythm and ear training. The students will apply solfege to major and minor modes using a diatonic melody, perform rhythms in simple and compound meter, and identify intervals isolated and within a melodic dictation.
Required for all first-year theory and aural skills students. Supplemental guided practice for academic concepts and practical skills covered in the Music Theory I & II and Aural Skills I & II curriculum. 0 credits.
The first of a four-semester sequence of class instruction that will develop functional piano skills and incorporate elements of applied theory. Topics covered include proper technique habits, five-finger patterns, major scales, major and minor triads, basic chord progressions, intro to harmonization and improvisation, easy repertoire pieces, and sight-reading.
The second of a four-semester sequence of class instruction that will develop functional piano skills and incorporate elements of applied theory. Topics covered include major and minor scales and arpeggios in two octaves, harmonization and transposition using all primary and secondary chords, repertoire pieces of increasing difficulty, chord progressions using secondary chords, improvisation to elicit kinesthetic responses, and sight-reading.
(Students with Piano concentration are not required to take MUS 148 or MUS 149.)
A four-year course of individual instruction with, emphasis on the thorough development of, musicianship, technique, style, interpretation, and repertoire. Credits determined by student's, degree program. 1-2 credits.
A four-year course of individual instruction with, emphasis on the thorough development of, musicianship, technique, style, interpretation, and repertoire. Credits determined by student's, degree program. 1-2 credits.
First year of a four-year course of individual, instruction with emphasis on the thorough, development of musicianship, technique, style,, interpretation and repertoire. Credits determined, by student's degree program. 1-2 credits.
Course offers individual instruction with, emphasis on the thorough development of, compositional creativity and techniques. 1-2, credits.
This is a requirement of all music majors. Attendance at weekly Student Forums and certain faculty/guest recitals is required. Students will register for Attendance Requirement each semester for all four years.
This course is designed to broaden the student's knowledge and appreciation of non-Western music and jazz. The world music portion examines music of the world’s major cultures, with an emphasis on style, instrumentation, and the cultural influence those societies had on music, both locally and globally. The jazz history segment examines the origins of jazz through the mid to late twentieth century, with an emphasis on identifying historical figures and the styles of jazz they represent.
Uses the skills achieved in MUS 111/112 to sing and dictate melodies that are diatonic, modal, chromatic, and modulate in various clefs and keys. In addition, students will perform rhythms that are more advanced in simple and compound meters and will be introduced to music that is more metrically complex.
Uses the skills achieved in MUS 111/112 to sing and dictate melodies that are diatonic, modal, chromatic, and modulate in various clefs and keys. In addition, students will perform rhythms that are more advanced in simple and compound meters and will be introduced to music that is more metrically complex.
Required for BM in Music Education
As an introductory course in music education, students will gain understanding in the significance and development of teaching music, specifically in the public school system. In addition to preparing students in obtaining proper clearances and testing requirements, various teaching strategies and philosophies will be discussed. The students will focus studies on the continuous development of one's own philosophy of music education.
7 Semesters - *Students with Piano concentration will have 7 credits for Piano Ensemble
This sophomore-year course encompasses the first year of a two-year cycle. It focuses on the following: a) instructional planning, b) strategies for teaching musical concepts in all ensemble settings, c) administering large and small ensembles, and d) the performance techniques of the voice, string, wind and percussive instruments. The student will build practical knowledge and skills through experiences in instructional design, composition and arranging, ensemble instruction and conduction, as well as ensemble participation on all secondary instruments.
This sophomore-year course encompasses the first year of a two-year cycle. It focuses on the following: a) instructional planning, b) strategies for teaching musical concepts in all ensemble settings, c) administering large and small ensembles, and d) the performance techniques of the voice, string, wind and percussive instruments. The student will build practical knowledge and skills through experiences in instructional design, composition and arranging, ensemble instruction and conduction, as well as ensemble participation on all secondary instruments.
The third of a four-semester sequence of class instruction that will develop functional piano skills and incorporate elements of applied theory. Preparing for the Piano Proficiency Exam is a main focus. Topics covered include all major and minor scales and arpeggios in two octaves, instrumental and vocal accompaniments, harmonization and transposition with or without chord symbols or Roman numerals, more advanced chord progressions, improvisation, sing and play exercises, sight-reading, and memorization of solo repertoire at the mid to late-intermediate level.
The fourth of a four-semester sequence of class instruction that will develop functional piano skills and incorporate elements of applied theory. Preparing for the Piano Proficiency Exam is a main focus. Topics covered include all major and minor scales and arpeggios in two octaves, instrumental and vocal accompaniments, harmonization and transposition with or without chord symbols or Roman numerals, more advanced chord progressions, improvisation, open choral and instrumental scores, sing and play exercises, sight-reading, and memorization of solo repertoire at the mid to late-intermediate level.
(Students with Piano concentration are not required to take MUS 248 or MUS 249.)
Methods and materials for developing appropriate music education curriculum and teaching general music in the elementary school (K-6).
In preparation for teaching, any prospective music educator should have the “tools” necessary to teach General Music at the secondary level. This course will introduce basic ideas and resources to help better the enrolled students in their teaching experience. The content in this course will include, but is not limited to, teaching guitar, music history, music theory, singing, movement, sound exploration/aural skills, classroom management, the inclusive classroom, teacher law, professional expectations, lesson planning, and general discussion topics pertaining to teaching. This class is an immersive learning environment where risks are encouraged to be taken. All concepts introduced in this course are intended to foster success in any teaching environment at the secondary level.
This junior-year course encompasses the second year of a two-year cycle. It focuses on the following: a) instructional planning, b) strategies for teaching musical concepts in all ensemble settings, c) administering large and small ensembles, and d) the performance techniques of the voice, string, wind and percussive instruments. The student will build practical knowledge and skills through experiences in instructional design, composition and arranging, ensemble instruction and conducting, as well as ensemble participation on all secondary instruments.
A broad overview of all aspects of directing a high school marching band program. This course will include organization of all performing sections, marching fundamentals, drill techniques, modern show design, and judging techniques in the competitive arena.
This junior-year course encompasses the second year of a two-year cycle. It focuses on the following: a) instructional planning, b) strategies for teaching musical concepts in all ensemble settings, c) administering large and small ensembles, and d) the performance techniques of the voice, string, wind and percussive instruments. The student will build practical knowledge and skills through experiences in instructional design, composition and arranging, ensemble instruction and conducting, as well as ensemble participation on all secondary instruments.
Fundamentals of baton techniques, score reading and interpretation. Students organize, rehearse and conduct small vocal or instrumental ensembles.
Students are expected to acquire a mastery of more advanced techniques of conducting appropriate to their area of expertise: accuracy and clarity in conducting complex rhythms and the ability to read scores for any combination of instruments/voices. Includes instruction in selection of appropriate repertoire.
This course will address proper vocal and rehearsal techniques necessary for effective choral rehearsals, voice class instruction, and beginning voice lessons. Conducting gesture will be addressed as how it influences--and enforces and promotes--vocal sound, style, and musical clarity during the rehearsal and performance. Rehearsal techniques, repertoire, and time management from the first rehearsal through performance will be considered.
2 MATHEMATICS COURSES (6 CREDITS)
ALEKS exam cannot be applied to this requirement
Note: To receive the degree and certification in music education, all candidates
must meet all the requirements outlined in the Education department section
of the University catalog. Please refer to all standards, policies and admissions/
retention criteria specified for all education majors seeking a degree from
Mercyhurst University and certification by the Pennsylvania Department of
Education.