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On several occasions I have been asked what kind of music education resources and such NC State has to offer. It would make sense that if I have been asked a handful of times that there are others who are also curious.
Music Majors
To start off and answer the most common question: No, NC State does not have a Music Major. There are two Music Technology Majors: one with a concentration on software/hardware and the other with a concentration in electronics and circuits.
There are two music specific minors available at NC State. They are either Music Performance or Music Studies.
Music Performance
Music Performance pretty much is exactly what it sounds like. This minor focuses on providing an education on performance, musicianship, and proficiency in the instrument of a student’s choosing (provided the instrument in question has a curriculum).
The minor itself is an 18 credit hour commitment with eight of those being requisites. The remaining 12 are open and dependent on concentration.
In order to apply for this minor, academic standing is taken into consideration. There is also a required preliminary audition. At the end of the first semester, specifically the completion of the Applied Music Lessons class, a jury exam is conducted to determine if the student is eligible to continue in the minor.
Music Studies
Music Studies is more concentrated in music theory. In this minor, music theory, music history, and some applied music technology are available.
The minor is a 15 credit hour commitment and the student is able to shape their own curriculum. This is the program I am enrolled in. I started my minor with music theory and applied music theory and then moved on to digital audio workstation classes, a singing class, and even a guitar class.
I happen to know that there are several music history classes available as well as examinations on specific types of music.
I hope this helps to answer any questions anyone might have on the music specific programs available at NC State.
— dj dragonfly
