Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

Julia E. Robinson Music Building and Annex
Office: #109
386-481-2745

Mission:

The mission of the Bethune-Cookman University Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is to contribute to a vibrant artistic culture in the campus, local, and regional communities by maintaining a vigorous commitment to performance, scholarship, and the development of future educators, practitioners, and arts advocates. We also maintain a commitment to serving diverse constituencies, seeking to ensure that academic and performance-based opportunities remain available for deserving students of all communities.

Program Overview:

The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music Recording Technology, and Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts Performance.

Admissions Requirements:

Students seeking admission into a major program in the Department of Music, Theatre & Dance must meet the admission requirements of Bethune-Cookman University as described in the Admissions and Enrollment Services section of this catalog.

In addition, admission to all music programs is determined by audition. Students applying to any music program or the minor in music must:

1. gain admission to the University;

2. complete the “Music Program Inquiry”;

3. audition successfully with a principal instrument or voice. Recorded auditions may be acceptable when a live audition is not possible;

4. complete the musicianship placement examination.

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Arts in Music offers students a liberal arts education with a concentration in music. Graduates of the program will have a comprehensive background in core musicianship and performance requirements in addition to a minor in an outside field suited to each student’s career goals. Students will consult with a student success coach to choose the minor and concentration in music that is most appropriate. This degree allows students to craft a degree that is suited to their needs while allowing them the flexibility to pursue a wide range of interests in order to craft an individualized educational experience.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Recording Technology is a focused degree that, in addition to providing a strong musical foundation through required musicianship and performance courses, covers the fundamental aspects of audio, music production and music business to prepare students for a career in the music and audio industries. Some of the more specific topics covered include: digital audio, fundamentals of sound, microphone technique, music production, arranging, MIDI production, songwriting, music licensing, artist management, record label structure, audio for post-production, live sound reinforcement, and sound design. Students can also complete coursework leading towards Pro Tools certification and have the opportunity to become a Pro Tools Certified Operator. Students graduate with a portfolio and clinical experience through an internship.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Education is offered through the School of Education in conjunction with the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance. This degree provides professional training for students seeking to pursue a career as a public school music teacher. Required courses help students to develop musicianship, performance skills, and instructional strategies. Various field and clinical experiences, in addition to a solo senior recital, are major components of this degree. Students desiring a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education must satisfy all requirements of the Department of Music as well as those of the School of Education. Those requirements are listed under the School of Education portion of this catalog. Graduates from this degree program are certified to teach music K-12, vocal and instrumental in the state of Florida.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts Performance is designed to train students who are interested in such fields of work as acting, directing, producing, and voice talent for radio, film, television, sales, marketing, news reporting, and theatre arts education. To facilitate students’ goals, students study theatre history, dramatic literature, dance, actor movement, and design and technical theatre. Performance study also places importance on the development of critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Enrollment in Performance Repertory is required for the program. Students must also be actively involved with the Mary McLeod Bethune Players. Orchesis Dance Ensemble is also within this program. Students, outside of the major, are also invited to participate in these organizations.

Programs

Major

Minor