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Music – Performance Transfer AA

Associate in Arts Code: 1023

Program Contacts:
QC Campus
Jonathan Palomaki, 309-796-5478, palomakij@bhc.edu
Edgar Crockett, 309-796-5479, crockette@bhc.edu

The music curricula are primarily intended for those planning to transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree in a music-related field. Four-year degree programs in music are complex and highly structured, making careful preparation and course selection in the first two years essential. Students are urged to study the general information given below, follow the suggested curricula closely, and consult often with a music advisor. It is also recommended that prospective students be auditioned by a music instructor before enrolling at Black Hawk.

Students planning to major in music at a four-year institution should follow the Black Hawk College Associate of Arts curriculum. Since requirements for a music major vary at four-year institutions, students are encouraged to work closely with academic advisors at Black Hawk College and the transfer school.

Music Achievement Awards Available: The music program offers achievement awards to both music and non-music majors. Students must audition before the full-time faculty. Awards are given in full, three-quarter, half, or quarter tuition waivers. Contact the contact persons listed above for more information.

Music Fundamentals, Music Theory, and Music Literature
All the music curricula require classes in music fundamentals (MUSC 110 or proficiency) and music theory (MUSC 111 and 112). All curricula require one semester of music literature (MUSC 113). Note: In order to satisfy the Humanities/Fine Arts general education component for graduation, you must submit and have approved a “Course Substitutions and/or Waiver for Graduation Form” that substitutes MUSC 113 for MUSC 154. See Mr. Palomaki for details.

Performance Groups
Each music student should participate in a performing group each semester, either MUSC 101 or 102 and 103, instrumental ensembles, or MUSC 107 or 109, choral ensembles. Music students may also participate in other performance groups for additional elective credit. Performance groups are open to all Black Hawk College students. No more than 4 credits in each ensemble can be counted toward graduation requirements.

Applied Lessons, Applied Major, Applied Electives
An important part of a music major’s curriculum should be individualized and/or group instruction on specific musical instruments and/or in voice. This form of instruction is called “applied lessons.” Students choose one instrument, or voice, for primary study and the instruction they receive in that instrument, or voice, makes up their “applied major.” One or more additional instruments, or voice, may also be chosen for additional but less intensive study, and these form the “applied electives.” All applied lesson classes may be repeated two times for credit. However, music majors can count only 12 credits of applied lessons toward graduation requirements and non-majors may count only up to 4 credits of applied lessons toward graduation. Lesson classes numbered 200 or above may be taken only by sophomores or by students with two semesters of instruction in the corresponding 100 level class.

The following individual lesson classes are offered and are available to all students:

Applied Lesson (Non-major or secondary instrument)

  • MUSC 121, 221 — Elementary Voice
  • MUSC 123, 223 — Elementary Piano
  • MUSC 141, 241 — Elementary Brass Instrument
  • MUSC 143, 243 — Elementary Woodwind Instrument
  • MUSC 145, 245 — Elementary String Instrument
  • MUSC 147, 247 — Elementary Percussion Instrument

Applied Major Lesson

  • MUSC 125, 225 — Voice
  • MUSC 127, 227 — Piano
  • MUSC 129, 229 — Organ
  • MUSC 131, 231 — Brass Instrument
  • MUSC 133, 233 — Woodwind Instrument
  • MUSC 135, 235 — String Instrument
  • MUSC 137, 237 — Percussion Instrument

Piano Proficiency Exam
All music majors are expected to complete the BHC Piano Proficiency Exam by the end of their sophomore year. As such, applied lessons in piano are encouraged for each semester of study in order to adequately prepare for this exam.

Required courses for this program include: »

CS 100 Introduction to Computers
Prerequisite: Appropriate placement score or REA 093 “B” or better.
Introduction to computer concepts, computer applications, and the impact of computers on society. Applications include word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and web-based software. Basic Algebra or equivalent is recommended.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 1 lab hour per week.

ENG 101 Composition I
Prerequisite: ACT English score of 22-30 or appropriate COMPASS score; or English 091 “C” or better.
English 101 is designed for students who are competent in the fundamentals of composition. Students will write essays using a variety of expository strategies and will apply standard techniques of documentation when appropriate.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week. IAI: C1 900 (Grade of “C” or higher required for this course to be eligible to be included in the IAI General Education Core Curriculum.)

ENG 102 Composition II
Prerequisite: English 101 “C” or better.
English 102 is a continuation of English 101, is a required composition course that involves reading, discussion, and analysis of a body of literature to generate ideas for critical and persuasive papers, including one documented research paper.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week. IAI: C1 901R (Grade of “C” or higher required for this course to be eligible to be included in the IAI General Education Core Curriculum.)

MUSC 101 Instrumental Ensemble
Standard band literature as well as chamber music and other material as required. String instrumentalists are also welcome. No auditions required. No more than 4 credit hours will apply toward a degree.
1 credit hour: 0 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.

MUSC 102 Stage Band
Preparation, exploration, and performance of popular music suitable for dance band instrumentation. No more than 4 credit hours will apply toward a degree.
1 credit hour: 0 lecture hours; 3 lab hours per week.

MUSC 103 Instrumental Chamber Ensemble
Performance of selected chamber music according to the group instrumentation. No more than 4 credit hours will apply toward a degree.
1 credit hour: 0 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.

MUSC 107 Choir
Sacred and secular choral literature from early Renaissance to the 21st Century. No audition required. No more than 4 credit hours will apply toward a degree.
1 credit hour: 0 lecture hours; 3 lab hours per week.

MUSC 109 Chamber Singers
Vocal literature particularly suitable for small groups. Membership also open to certain selected instrumentalists. No more than 4 credit hours will apply toward a degree.
1 credit hour: 0 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.

MUSC 110 Fundamentals of Music
Musical notation, scales and intervals, sight-singing and fundamental keyboard skills. Recommended for music majors judged deficient in fundamentals, elementary teaching majors, and other interested students.
2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 111 Theory of Music
Prerequisites: MUSC 110.
Structure of music, notation, scales, intervals, sight-singing, keyboard skills and composition.
4 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.

MUSC 112 Theory of Music
Prerequisite: MUSC 111 with recommended concurrent enrollment in MUSC 113.
Continuation of MUSC 111.
4 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.

MUSC 113 Exploring Music Literature
Prerequisite: MUSC 110 and MUSC 111.
Study of representative vocal and instrumental works illustrative of the principal forms and styles from the Medieval period to the present.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 121 Elementary Voice
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee. (Voice class option available.)
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 123 Elementary Piano
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 125 Voice
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 127 Piano
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 129 Organ
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 131 Brass Instrument
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 133 Woodwind Instrument
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 135 String Instrument
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 137 Percussion Instrument
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 141 Elementary Brass Instrument
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 143 Elementary Woodwind Instrument
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 145 Elementary String Instrument
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 147 Elementary Percussion Instrument
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 158 Introduction to Non-Western Music
Introduction to non-western culture through the study of music.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week. IAI: F1 903

MUSC 211 Theory of Music
Prerequisite: MUSC 112.
Continuation of sight-singing, ear-training and dictation, with review of tonal harmony. Emphasis in harmony on analysis and composition in tonal harmonic styles using musical examples to the 20th Century.
4 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.

MUSC 212 Theory of Music
Prerequisite: MUSC 211.
Continuation of MUSC 211. Twentieth century harmonic practices.
4 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 2 lab hours per week.

MUSC 221 Elementary Voice
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee. (Voice class option available.)
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 223 Elementary Piano
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 225 Voice
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week. IAI: MUS 909

MUSC 227 Piano
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 229 Organ
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 231 Brass Instrument
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 235 String Instrument
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 237 Percussion Instrument
Applied major lessons are available, but require a lesson laboratory fee.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 241 Elementary Brass Instrument
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 243 Elementary Woodwind Instrument
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 245 Elementary String Instrument
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

MUSC 247 Elementary Percussion Instrument
Applied lessons available to all students. Students will be required to pay a lesson laboratory fee.
1-2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

SPEC 101 Principles of Speech Communication
The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The oral communication course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking and speaking.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week. IAI: C2 900

Course of Study Outline
First Semester Suggested Courses (Credit Hours)
CS 100 — Introduction to Computers (3)
ENG 101 — Composition I (3)
MUSC 101 — Instrumental Ensemble or (1)
MUSC 102 — Stage Band or
MUSC 103 — Instrument Chamber Ensemble or
MUSC 107 — Choir or
MUSC 109 — Chamber Singers
MUSC 110 — Fundamentals of Music (2)
MUSC 111 — Theory of Music (4)
Physical Science (3)
1See specific recommendations for music lessons, etc.

Second Semester Suggested Courses (Credit Hours)
ENG 102 — Composition II (3)
Mathematics (3)
MUSC 101 — Instrumental Ensemble or (1)
MUSC 102 — Stage Band or
MUSC 103 — Instrument Chamber Ensemble or
MUSC 107 — Choir or
MUSC 109 — Chamber Singers
MUSC 112 — Theory of Music (4)
MUSC 113 — Exploring Music Literature (3)
Social and Behavioral Science (3)
1See specific recommendations for music lessons, etc.

Third Semester Suggested Courses (Credit Hours)
2Humanities (3)
Life Science (4)
MUSC 101 — Instrumental Ensemble or (1)
MUSC 102 — Stage Band or
MUSC 103 — Instrument Chamber Ensemble or
MUSC 107 — Choir or
MUSC 109 — Chamber Singers
MUSC 211 — Theory of Music (4)
Social and Behavioral Science (3)
1See specific recommendations for music lessons, etc.

Fourth Semester Suggested Courses (Credit Hours)
(Music Ensembles are strongly encourages during the fourth semester)
**Humanities or Fine Arts (3)
MUSC 212 — Theory of Music (3)
Non-Western Studies - MUSC 158 recommended (3)
SPEC 101 — Principles of Speech Communication (3)
Social and Behavioral Science (3)
1See specific recommendations for music lessons, etc.

Minimum total hours required for degree (64)

1Lessons
A. The music major should enroll in a minimum of one hour of applied major lessons each semester (two hours preferred).
B. The music student should enroll in a minimum of one hour of applied elective lesson each semester.

(MUSC 123 or 223 for all students with applied major lessons other than piano. MUSC 121 or 221 for all applied major students in piano.)

Participation in a recital is expected in the sophomore year.

2Students planning on majoring in music with an emphasis on performance at a four-year institution should enroll in two semesters of German or French. Those courses taken at the 202 or above level can be counted as part of the Humanities electives.