Music students singing
Undergraduate

Music

Explore historical and modern music from around the world as you apply key principles of music and improve your skills as an artist.

Why Study Music at Assumption?

We believe that the study of music enhances all areas of a liberal arts education. Through this program, you will deepen your knowledge of music from around the world – from ancient to modern times –  and apply principles that lead to an intellectual grasp of the music and your ability to perform.

Our graduates have opportunities to pursue careers in diverse fields including performance, arts management, theatre, advertising and marketing, the recording industry, and education.

Ensemble Opportunities at Assumption

  • AU Choirs: The Chorale is an academic concert choir that performs the great choral repertoire of all style periods from Gregorian chant to twentieth-century music. VOCE is an auditioned ensemble for advanced Chorale singers. In addition, student-run a cappella groups give students an opportunity to explore different types of musical genres without instrumental accompaniment.

  • AU Band: A 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, which explores the repertoire of string orchestra.

Music Scholarships Offered by Assumption

  • Vocal Scholarship: Learn more about the scholarship requirements and audition process for the Vocal Scholarship as you become a part of a group dedicated to musical learning and appreciation.
  • Band Scholarship: Join the AU Band and discover what scholarship opportunities are offered to students. Find more information about the application process for the Band Scholarship.
  • Organ Scholarship: Share your musical gifts with the Assumption community through the Organ Scholarship, as you dive into a passion for pipe organs and liturgical music. 
Program Contact

Peter Clemente, DMA

Professor of Practice in Music
508-767-7592 Founders Hall - Room 021

Program Details

  • Learning Objectives

    • Fundamental applied skills for piano, guitar, & voice
    • Mastery of music theory, analysis and the creative process
    • An understanding of the historical development of Western music
    • A global perspective for music
    • Ensemble skills: jazz band, concert band, Chorale
  • The major in Music covers the areas of Music Theory, Music History, and Performance with the opportunity for development of individual performance skills. Studies develop musicianship, competency in the principles and procedures that lead to an intellectual grasp of the art, and the ability to perform.

    Required Courses (11)

    MUS 123 History of Western Music
    MUS 125/MUS 126 World Music/Global Pop
    MUS 201 Music Theory I
    MUS 301 Music Theory II
    MUS 330 Conducting
    MUS 193/MUS 195/MUS 196/MUS 197 Chorale/Band/Jazz Ensemble/String Camerata (six semesters at 1 credit per semester, equivalent to two 3-credit classes) 

    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 major. Three semesters at 1 credit per semester are required to count as one course. 

    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 (6)

    MUS 123 History of Western Music
    MUS 125/MUS 126 World Music/Global Pop
    MUS 201 Music Theory I

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

    Two additional courses from among program offerings. Applied music instruction in Voice or an instrument may be counted toward the minor. Three semesters at 1 credit per semester are required to count as 1 course. 

    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Toby Norris, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Art, Music & Theatre Professor of Art History
Jonathan Bezdegian, D.M.A.
Campus Minister for Liturgical Music and Mission Trips Adjunct Faculty Instructor of Organ
John Black
Director of Choral Activities and Lecturer in Music
Paul S. Buono, MM
Lecturer in Music Director of the Jazz Ensemble
Peter Clemente, DMA
Professor of Practice in Music
Michelle A. Graveline, D.M.A.
Professor Emerita
Bruce Hopkins, M.M.
Lecturer in Music, Band Director
Rev. Donat Lamothe, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Music Archivist
Peter Sulski
Lecturer in Music Director of Strings
Margaret Tartaglia
Adjunct Faculty

Career Paths

Our graduates pursue personally and professionally rewarding careers.

David French Music

Museums and Auction Houses

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.


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.


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 concert band of students, faculty and occasional community members perform concerts throughout the school year.


AU Jazz Ensemble

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


AU String Camerata

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

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