The music program offers both a major and a minor, as well as courses and activities for non-majors. Courses are designed to teach students to listen to music intelligently, develop musical perception, master the skills of music, and apply them creatively. Our curriculum acquaints students with music across a broad stylistic, cultural, and historical spectrum. The study of music can open new perspectives on many aspects of culture and society, therefore Clarks music program stresses the advantages of combining professional musical development with the humanistic breadth offered by a strong liberal education. Courses and ensembles are open to majors and non-majors. Assignments and projects are designed to suit the different goals and backgrounds of the students in each category.
The Music Major requires 11 courses: 3 foundational, 7 based on the students area of concentration and 1 non-music VPA course. In addition, students must take 2 semesters of music performance in an ensemble, which we count as .5 units per semester. Therefore, the music major requires a minimum 12 course units.
For more information, please visit the Music Departments webpage.
Non-Majors
All of the courses, seminars, and activities in the music program-with the exception of MUSC 180-are open to qualified non-majors. Students who have a strong interest in music but whose major lies in another discipline can declare a minor in music.
Performing Organizations
Non-majors and majors may audition for a variety of organizations, which rehearse regularly and perform several yearly concerts. Auditions are held during the first week of each semester. The following musical activities - MUSC 170 Clark Concert Choir, MUSC 171 Clark Chamber Chorus, MUSC 172 Concert Band, MUSC 173 Chamber Music Ensemble, MUSC 174 Jazz Workshop and Combo, and MUSC 175 Sinfonia -are open to all undergraduate and graduate students and offer 0.5 credit. MUSC 170 Clark Concert Choir, MUSC 171 Clark Chamber Chorus, MUSC 172 Concert Band, MUSC 173 Chamber Music Ensemble, MUSC 174 Jazz Workshop and Combo, and MUSC 175 Sinfonia are available to students who wish to audit and have their participation recorded on their transcripts.
Private Lessons
Private lessons for nonmajors and majors are offered with or without course credit in several areas. See MUSC 180 - Private Instruction in Instruments and Voice (for credit for majors and minors) and MUSC 018 Private Instruction for Instruments and Voice (noncredit).