Music, Theatre, and Dance

Learning outcomes for students who complete a degree program in Plymouth State University’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance:

MUSIC

The B.A. in Music prepares students for graduate school and/or an entry-level position in their area of specialization. Students will demonstrate:

1. Musical artistry in a variety of stylistic periods.
2. Competence in music theory, aural skills, technology, and formal structures of diverse styles.
3. Understanding of music history and an in-depth understanding of repertory for one’s own performing area.
4. Ability to produce, and respond effectively to, constructive critiques on musical matters.
5. Competence to write well and speak articulately on music in individual or group situations.

MUSIC EDUCATION

The B.S. Music Education degree is a teacher preparation program for music in grades K-12 leading to preparation for the Praxis II Music Content Exam and eligibility for NH certification. The curriculum aligns with the 2012 proposed NH Music Teacher Preparation Standards (Ed 612.20). Through a combination of academic work, demonstrated competency, and pre-service experiences, graduates will possess the skills, competencies, and knowledge required in the following areas:

A. Personal musicianship and performance ability

1. Performing as a soloist and as a member of a musical ensemble accurately and expressively from notation either vocally or instrumentally:
2. Improvising to a structured harmonic accompaniment, in a variety of styles, including but not  limited to jazz;
3. Playing and transposing on
   a. piano; and
   b. guitar;
4. Conducting representative musical literature;
5. Researching, planning, and presenting a musical performance.

B. Aural skills and theory

1. Hearing and correcting individual parts;
2. Aurally recognizing a variety of historical and contemporary musical forms and genres;
3. Sight-singing;
4. Notating music from listening;
5. Reading and writing music in
   a. traditional notation using a variety of clefs; and
   b. non-traditional notation;
6. Making common transpositions;
7. Analyzing formal and expressive elements in written music;
8. Composing and arranging music.

C. Music history and culture:

1. Describing the development of Western art music beginning with The Middle Ages;
2. Analyzing the role of music in a variety of cultures;
3. Describing the music of a variety of cultures.

D. K-12 general music pedagogy:

1. Developing in students the ability to read and write music in traditional and non-traditional notation;
2. Guiding students to express themselves musically through singing, playing instruments, moving purposefully, improvising, composing and arranging;
3. Developing in students the ability to describe, analyze and evaluate music and musical performances through a variety of methods including guided listening;
4. Creating sequential instruction in music history, its role in culture, and its relationship to other disciplines;
5. Designing standards-based curriculum, planning and instruction and assessments including modifications to meet the needs of all learners;
6. Using competency-based assessment strategies to determine and communicate student progress and achievement;
7. Working with colleagues to provide inter-disciplinary instruction;
8. Describing and advocating for a comprehensive K-12 music program;
9. Using current technologies and multimedia to
   a. plan and prepare instruction;
   b. deliver instruction;
   c. provide opportunities for music students to create, perform, and respond; and
   d. amplify and augment performance.

E.  K-12 music performance pedagogy, the candidate will be able to do (1 & 2 & 3) or (1 & 2 & 4)

1. Developing in students the ability to sing and perform expressively alone and with others at a beginning level in healthy, age appropriate ways including:
   a. tone production in the general and extended ranges of the voice including the changing voice;
   b. vocal techniques, including, but not limited to diction, breathing, and posture; and
   c. varied repertoire;
2. Developing in students the ability to play and perform expressively alone and with others at a beginning level on classroom instruments,  band instruments, and orchestral instruments in healthy, age appropriate ways including:
   a. tone production;
   b. articulation;
   c. fingerings; and
   d. transposition for commonly used instruments;THE FOLLOWING (3 & 4) IS AN AND/OR COMPETENCY
   
3. Instructing, rehearsing, assessing and refining vocalists throughout their school career and in performances of choral music with knowledge of advanced techniques of:
   a. tone production in the general and extended ranges of the voice including the  changing voice;
   b. vocal techniques, including, but not limited to diction in English and in foreign languages; and
   c. varied repertoire, including music of four or more parts, accompanied or a cappella;AND/OR
   
4. Instructing, rehearsing, assessing and refining instrumentalists throughout their school career in performances including advanced techniques of:
   a. tone production;
   b. articulation;
   c. fingerings, including alternate fingerings; and
   d. transposition for less commonly used instruments.

 THEATRE ARTS

The B.A. in Theatre Arts prepares students for a career in the professional theatre and broader entertainment industry and/or for advanced study at the graduate or conservatory level. Students will:

1. Demonstrate basic competencies in general areas of theatre arts, including performance, design, technology, directing, writing, and scholarship.
2.  Possess and demonstrate a specific knowledge of theatre decorum as it relates to all areas of production.
3.  Demonstrate specific skills, knowledge, creativity, and artistry in their chosen Option(s), utilizing these tools for professional development and employment.
4.  Ably prepare a professional audition, interview, resume and portfolio, as these elements relate to their Option(s).
5.  Communicate on a professional level with other theatre artists, technicians, managers, and business personnel.
6.  Become intelligent consumers of entertainment, interested in various styles, modes, eras and genres from a culturally diverse world.
7.  Possess the ability to think, write, and speak critically about the art form and will develop a critical eye in order to further their artistic growth.
8.  Exhibit an enthusiasm to experiment and grow as theatre practitioners.
9.  Integrate skills and knowledge learned at the basic level in upper-level courses, in production, and in professional situations.