Undergraduate

Music

Feed your intellectual desire to learn more and fulfill your passion to perform. Deepen your knowledge of Western and non-Western music from ancient to modern times and apply principles that lead to an intellectual grasp of the music and your ability to perform.

Music Program

Program Tracks Available

Major, Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

Apply Now

Degrees Offered

B.A.

School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Art & Music

Program Overview
Express Yourself

Assumption believes that the study of music enhances all areas of a liberal arts education. Our graduates have opportunities to pursue careers in performance, arts management, theatre, advertising and marketing, the recording industry, and education. Students also are well qualified to pursue a graduate degree in music studies.

Learning Goals:
1. Fundamental applied skills for piano, guitar, & voice
2. Mastery of music theory, analysis and the creative process
3. An understanding of the historical development of Western music
4. A global perspective for music
5. Ensemble skills: jazz band, concert band, Chorale
Other Scholarships Offered by Assumption
Opportunities for Music Majors at Assumption
- A cappella at Assumption. VOCE is the select mixed a cappella ensemble for advanced Chorale singers. In addition, student-run groups give students an opportunity to explore different types of music without instrumental accompaniment.
- AU Band: A 40-50 member concert band of students, faculty and occasional community members perform concerts throughout the school year.
- AU Jazz Ensemble: This ensemble focuses on the stylistic performance of small group jazz, with opportunities for solo improvisation.
- AU String Camerata: Students who play string instruments can keep up their playing in this chamber ensemble that explores the repertoire for string orchestra.

Program Contact

Peter Clemente, DMA

Professor of Practice in Music

508-767-7592 pclement@assumption.edu Founders Hall - Room 021

An Ideal Place to Learn

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

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Program Curriculum

The music major requires a total of 11 courses in music. Within a liberal arts context, this major offers a balance of historical, theoretical, and performance-based study of a diversity of styles of music, combining high artistic standards with intellectual rigor and breadth. Students have opportunities to develop their performance skills through private lessons and department vocal and instrumental ensembles. Through the major, students are exposed to the essential elements of musical language, and they acquire the critical skills that can be used to develop a deeper understanding of the art.

Required Courses

MUS 122 History of Music I

MUS 124 History of Music II

MUS 201 Music Theory I

MUS 301 Music Theory II

MUS 330 Conducting

Chorale or Band, or Jazz Ensemble, or String Camerata for six semesters (equaling 6 credits, or 2 courses) and four additional courses from among program offerings (not to include MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music)

*Applied music instruction in voice or an instrument may be counted toward the music major. Three semesters at 1 credit per semester are required to count as 1 course

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Major in Music Course Descriptions
To earn a minor in music, a student must take 6 courses in the department, including 4 required courses, 1 elective and 1 required ensemble (1 credit) for 3 semesters, equaling a 3-credit course. A minor in music is meant to harmonize with a program of study in the liberal arts while providing the possibility for concentrated work in this area of the arts.

Required Courses

MUS 122 History of Music I

MUS 124 History of Music II

MUS 201 Music Theory I

MUS 301 Music Theory II

MUS 193 Chorale or MUS 195 Band or MUS 196 Jazz Ensemble, or MUS 197 String Camerata (3 semesters)

One additional course from among program offerings (not to include MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music).

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Minor in Music Course Descriptions

Faculty

Toby Norris, Ph.D. Department Chair, Art, Music & Theatre Associate Professor of Art History

Jonathan Bezdegian, D.M.A. Campus Minister for Liturgical Music and Mission Trips Adjunct Faculty Instructor of Organ

Paul S. Buono, MM Lecturer in Music Director of the Jazz Ensemble

Peter Clemente, DMA Professor of Practice in Music

Bradford Dumont, MM Director of Choral Activities

Michelle A. Graveline, D.M.A. Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Bruce Hopkins, M.M. Lecturer in Music, Band Director

Rev. Donat Lamothe Professor Emeritus of Music Archivist

Jeffrey Nevaras

Adjunct Faculty, Art & Music

Peter Sulski Lecturer in Music Director of Strings

Margaret Tartaglia Adjunct Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Career Paths

Our graduates pursue personally and professionally rewarding careers.

David French Music

Museums and Auction Houses

Teaching

WCVB - TV Channel 5

Sweetwater Music

Austin Organ Company

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

Apr 11 Tue

Jazz Band Spring Concert

The Assumption University Jazz band welcomes all to our spring concert on Tuesday, April 11th, at 7:00pm in the Tsotsis Family Academic Center, Curtis Performance hall. The performance will feature music from some of the biggest dance band hits of all time, and will include classic vocal selection ... Read more

Apr. 11, 2023

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tsotis Family Academic Center: Curtis Performance Hall

Apr 15 Sat

Accept Assumption - Admitted Students Day

Join us for our Admitted Students day and discover what makes Assumption University so special! You'll have the opportunity to take an in-depth look at our academic programs and campus life with other prospective students. Currents students and alumni will be available to give you insight into clu ... Read more

Apr. 15, 2023

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Apr 17 Mon

Greyhound for a Day

Spend the day as a student at Assumption University! Prospective students will attend class with current Greyhounds and other prospective Greyhounds. Meet our professors, dine in Taylor Dining Hall, and take a personalized tour of campus. For accepted students only - space is limited daily.

Apr. 17, 2023

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Events

Apr 11 Tue

Jazz Band Spring Concert

Apr. 11, 2023

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tsotis Family Academic Center: Curtis Performance Hall

Apr 15 Sat

Accept Assumption - Admitted Students Day

Apr. 15, 2023

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Apr 17 Mon

Greyhound for a Day

Apr. 17, 2023

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

View All Admission Events

AU Chorale

The University's auditioned concert choir of 50-60 voices performs on campus and throughout the U.S. and abroad. Their concerts feature a full orchestra and instrumental ensembles. The Chorale’s international concert tours have taken them to Italy, Russia, Greece, and, most recently, France, where they sang at Notre Dame Cathedral.

VOCE

VOCE is the select mixed a cappella ensemble for advanced Chorale singers. In addition, student-run groups give students an opportunity to explore different types of music without instrumental accompaniment.

AU Band

A 40-50 member concert band of students, faculty and occasional community members perform concerts throughout the school year.

AU Jazz Ensemble

This ensemble focuses on the stylistic performance of small group jazz, with opportunities for solo improvisation.

AU String Camerata

Students who play string instruments can keep up their playing in this chamber ensemble that explores the repertoire for string orchestra.

Apply

Visit Assumption

Music

Feed your intellectual desire to learn more and fulfill your passion to perform. Deepen your knowledge of Western and non-Western music from ancient to modern times and apply principles that lead to an intellectual grasp of the music and your ability to perform.

Music Program

Express Yourself

Learning Goals:

Other Scholarships Offered by Assumption

Opportunities for Music Majors at Assumption

Peter Clemente, DMA

An Ideal Place to Learn

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

Required Courses

Required Courses

Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

Study Abroad

Internships

Assumption's Rome Campus

Career Paths

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

Events

AU Chorale

VOCE

AU Band

AU Jazz Ensemble

AU String Camerata

Programs Related to Music

Art History

Core Texts & Enduring Questions

Graphic Design

Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Studio Art

Light the way.

A Catholic university located in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service.

MUS 122	History of Music I
MUS 124	History of Music II
MUS 201	Music Theory I
MUS 301	Music Theory II
MUS 330	Conducting