Music and Technology, Contemporary - General Studies Diploma
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The General Music Major is a flexible program designed for students seeking a broad understanding of music. It offers a wide range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. The program emphasizes practical skills, including music theory, ear training, instrumental or vocal lessons, and ensemble participation. Graduates are prepared for careers in various aspects of the music industry, such as performance, songwriting, composition, and music education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The General Music Major is a flexible program offered to students who would like to pursue a less specific path of study. There are no concentrated courses in this major to allow for a wide range of elective courses. This program is also for students who don’t meet the admission requirements of the other majors.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in various formats to a variety of stakeholders
- Apply entrepreneurial skills
- Apply developing problem-solving skills
- Outline the importance of professional and ethical behaviour
- Explain terms, concepts and practices relevant to the music industry
- Use music industry-related technology proficiently
- Function collaboratively in a modern music industry environment
- Demonstrate developing critical and creative thinking skills
Program Outline:
Content:
- Music Theory
- Ear Training
- Instrumental or Vocal Lessons
- Ensembles
- Music History
- Music Business
- Songwriting
- Improvisation
- Composition
- Recording Techniques
- MIDI Applications
Structure:
- Two-year program
- Four semesters
- 60 credits
Course Schedule:
Term 1
- Music Forum A
- Private Lesson I
- Basic Keyboard I
- Ensemble I
- Computer Applications to Music I
- Instrumental Lab I
- History Of Jazz
- Rudiments of Music
- Contemporary Harmony I
- Ear Training I
Term 2
- Music Forum B
- Private Lesson II
- Basic Keyboard II
- Ensemble II
- Computer Applications to Music II
- Instrumental Lab II
- History Of Rock
- Arranging I
- Contemporary Harmony II
- Ear Training II
Term 3
- Music Forum C
- Private Lesson III A - Non Performance Major
- Ensemble III
- Instrumental Lab III
- Contemporary Harmony III
- Ear Training III
- The Business of Music
Choose THREE of the following elective courses:
- Songwriting I
- Improvisation I
- Film Scoring I
- Composition I
- Advanced MIDI Applications I
Term 4
- Music Forum D
- Private Lesson IV A
- Ensemble IV
- Instrumental Lab IV
- Contemporary Harmony IV
- Ear Training IV
Choose THREE of the following elective courses:
- Survey of Recording Techniques
- Songwriting II
- Advanced Improvisation II
- Film Scoring II
- Composition II
- Advanced MIDI Applications II
Individual Modules with Description:
Music Forum:
A weekly educational experience that provides opportunities for students to perform, witness performances by faculty and guest artists, and gain insights into the industry from guest lecturers and music professionals.
Private Lesson:
A weekly one-hour private instrumental or vocal lesson designed to increase students' technical and musical abilities.
Basic Keyboard:
A course that provides practical "hands-on" knowledge of the keyboard in today's music industry. Students will gain an understanding of chording and will be required to create musical excerpts using upper structure triads.
Ensemble:
Ensembles are the focal point of the Music program. All students are placed by audition in one or more ensembles. Students must participate in a minimum of four ensembles to graduate. Types of ensembles offered will focus on contemporary music including rock, funk, fusion, jazz and vocal, with the goal of developing both the student's repertoire and improvisational abilities.
Computer Applications to Music:
This course covers the fundamentals and practical applications of a digital audio system, as well as methods for functioning in an integrated MIDI/digital audio workstation (DAW) studio environment.
Instrumental Lab:
This course is designed to help students develop instrumental skills. Grouped by instrument, students learn the fundamentals of reading, articulation, balance, dynamics, styles and technique as related to their particular instrument.
History Of Jazz:
A survey of the music of the jazz idiom from its origins to the present. Included is a chronological study of important soloists, bands, vocalists, and composers.
Rudiments of Music:
This introductory course covers the rudiments of music theory, terms, rhythm, symbols, and music notation.
Contemporary Harmony:
This course covers basic harmonic theory and common musical notation used in the music industry today.
Ear Training:
This course focuses on aural recognition of intervals, triads, seventh chords, rhythms, melodies, diatonic chord progressions and diatonic relative pitch.
Arranging:
An introductory course in commercial arranging dealing primarily with the rhythm section.
Songwriting:
This course is designed to help students prepare for survival in the competitive world of the songwriter's market.
Improvisation:
In this course, students will begin applying the basic tools of melodic and harmonic improvisation.
Film Scoring:
This hands-on course focuses on TV and radio broadcasting. Students are required to score themes and cues for various TV and radio shows using mostly electronic equipment along with one or two live musicians.
Composition:
This course is designed to improve the skills of composers by presenting a wide variety of compositional tools in styles ranging from Classical to Jazz, Folk, Rock and Pop.
Advanced MIDI Applications:
This course is an applied study of the software and concepts used in the recording home studio environment.
Survey of Recording Techniques:
An introduction to recording principles and practices.
Fundamentals of Private Studio Teaching:
This course studies aspects of effective private studio teaching.
Assessment:
- Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Written exams
- Oral exams
- Performance exams
- Projects
- Portfolios
Teaching:
- The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are active in the music industry.
- The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Demonstrations
- Workshops
- One-on-one instruction
Careers:
- Graduates of the General Music Major can pursue a variety of careers in the music industry, including:
- Performers
- Songwriters
- Composers
- Arrangers
- Producers
- Engineers
- Music teachers
- Music therapists
Selkirk College
Overview:
Selkirk College is a public post-secondary institution located in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs, including associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeship programs. The college is known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a strong sense of community.
Services Offered:
Selkirk College provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Upgrading & Development:
Programs for students seeking to improve their academic skills or prepare for post-secondary studies.Student Supports:
Services such as accessibility services, counselling, employment services, Indigenous services, and learning supports.Campus Services:
Resources like the library, bookstore, food services, IT services, childcare services, and a duplicating centre.Student Life:
Opportunities for students to engage in athletics and recreation, join student clubs, participate in leadership activities, and access health and wellness resources.Housing:
Options for on-campus and off-campus housing, including homestays.Financial Aid & Awards:
Scholarships, bursaries, student loans, and grants to help students finance their education.International Programs:
Programs for international students, including English language programs, study abroad opportunities, and support services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Selkirk College offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect to:
Connect with a diverse community:
The college has a diverse student body, creating a rich and inclusive learning environment.Engage in extracurricular activities:
Participate in athletics, clubs, and leadership opportunities to enhance their college experience.Access a range of support services:
Benefit from academic, personal, and financial support services to ensure their success.Experience the beauty of the Kootenay region:
Enjoy the natural beauty of the region with opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality education:
Selkirk College is known for its high-quality instruction and commitment to student success.Small class sizes:
Students receive personalized attention and support from instructors.Strong industry connections:
The college has strong ties to local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.Affordable tuition:
Selkirk College offers competitive tuition rates and a variety of financial aid options.Beautiful and welcoming campus:
The college's campuses are located in scenic and welcoming communities.Academic Programs:
Selkirk College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts & Technology:
Programs in areas such as music, digital arts, web development, and textile arts.Business:
Programs in business administration, office administration, accounting, and business management.Environment & Geomatics:
Programs in applied environmental science, forest technology, recreation, fish and wildlife, and geographic information systems.Health & Human Services:
Programs in nursing, community support work, early childhood care and education, education assistant, gerontological nursing, health care assistant, human services, mental health and addictions, pharmacy technician, and social service work.Hospitality & Tourism:
Programs in culinary management, hospitality management, professional cook, resort and hotel management, and ski resort operations and management.Industry & Trades Training:
Programs in carpentry, electrical, fine woodworking, hairstylist, heavy mechanical, metal fabricator, millwright/machinist, welding, and youth train in trades.University Arts & Sciences:
Programs leading to associate degrees in arts and sciences, as well as transfer programs for students seeking to continue their education at a university.Community Education & Workplace Training:
A wide range of courses and programs for individuals and businesses.Entry Requirements:
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, applicants to the Contemporary Music and Technology Program must meet the following requirements to be considered fully qualified: Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% or higher in English Studies 12 Additional Requirements Successfully pass an audition/interview that consists of: Assessment of instrumental ability on an instrument/voice. The instruments that are accepted are: guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, voice, saxophone, trumpet, banjo, mandolin and violin/fiddle. Demonstration of basic music theory proficiency equivalent to the Royal Conservatory Grade II, through a written examination that includes identifying intervals, key signatures and triads in basic music theory equivalent to Royal Conservatory of Music Grade II requirements. An ear training test for pitch, triads, rhythmic and melodic diction and interval recognition. When it is not feasible to do the audition in person, alternate arrangements can be made. The theory and ear training test can be sent to the applicant for invigilation by an authorized person, and the performance portion can be submitted through approved audio/media material or by providing a link to an online video. Special Exceptions Applicants who perform an exceptional audition but who do not meet the theory and ear training standard will be required to attend a two-week theory preparation course in August. The applicant must have a minimum final grade of 75% in both the ear training and the theory sections to be accepted into the Music Program for September. Applicants who do not meet the minimum standard in matching pitch will not be accepted into the program. Completed applications (except for the audition) are recommended to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by April 30 prior to the start of the next intake of the program. Applications may be accepted after this date with permission of the school chair. The recommended deadline for completion of the audition process is May 31 prior to the commencement of the program. Auditions will be arranged by the department when the completed application form and transcripts are received. Study your instrument and related skills in the first year and choose a major in the second. An initial core year that provides solid grounding in music theory and ear training is followed by one of five program majors. Graduation and Promotion Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher with no grades below "C-". Specific majors have additional graduation requirements.
