SUNY Fredonia has launched a new Bachelor of Arts in music studies program within its School of Music, giving students more options to pursue their interest in music. According to the university, the program offers a flexible curriculum that does not require an audition or performance component. Students may study music from creative, historical, cultural, theoretical, and interdisciplinary perspectives, with options to focus on songwriting, music production, arts administration, artist management, music theory, music history, and ethnomusicology. The curriculum also allows students to integrate music studies with interests in writing, business, communications, history, digital media, and social media.
Sarah Hamilton, interim Dean of Fredonia's College of Music, Theatre, and Dance, says, "This program is about meeting students where they are and giving them the opportunity to grow into their goals. There are many ways to build a future around music. Music Studies gives students another way to become part of Fredonia's music community and shape an educational experience around their individual interests."
Music Studies adds another option to Fredonia's undergraduate music offerings. While the Bachelor of Arts in Music combines liberal arts course work with applied music study across five tracks, Music Studies gives students more flexibility to explore music from academic and interdisciplinary perspectives, with a wider range of electives and no performance requirement.
The program can lead to careers across the music and arts industries, including music production, arts administration, artist management, music business, publishing, journalism, digital content, communications and nonprofit arts. It can also serve as a foundation for students who plan to pursue graduate study.
Students interested in performance can participate in Fredonia's vibrant musical community, which hosts over 350 concerts, lectures, master classes, and performances annually. Music Studies students who later wish to pursue an audition-based music major may also audition for that pathway.
Dr. Rob Deemer works with music students. Photo by SUNY Fredonia
