The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Music – Sound Studies offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to the exploration of sound as an artistic and expressive medium. This program is designed for students passionate about sound design, composition, and the creative use of sound across diverse fields. Students will engage with sound in various contexts, including music composition, experimental sound art, acoustics, and multimedia applications.
The curriculum combines creative and technical aspects, providing students with the opportunity to explore sound through hands-on projects, critical listening, and experimentation. Students will gain a strong foundation in the theory and practice of sound, while developing their own unique sonic voice. The program emphasizes artistic innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration, preparing graduates to push the boundaries of sound.
Learning Outcomes for BFA in Music – Sound Studies
- Sound Creation and Composition
Students will demonstrate the ability to create original works of sound through composition, improvisation, and experimentation, utilizing both traditional and innovative techniques to manipulate sound across various mediums. - Sound Creation and Manipulation
Students will develop an artistic mastery in creating, shaping, and transforming sound. They will explore various methods of sound production, from capturing natural sounds to experimenting with digital tools, using these skills to craft unique auditory experiences that resonate across diverse artistic and media landscapes. - Critical Listening and Analysis
Students will exhibit advanced critical listening skills, analyzing and interpreting sound in both artistic and technical contexts, and applying this knowledge to enhance creative projects and productions. - Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Students will engage in collaborative projects that integrate sound with other disciplines (such as visual art, performance, or theater), demonstrating the ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams to produce cohesive artistic works. - Creative Innovation
Students will demonstrate professional readiness for careers in sound-related industries, exhibiting innovative approaches to sound design, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies and trends in sound and multimedia production.
All courses in major area must have a minimum grade of C.
BFA Sound Studies Required Courses
Take all in this section:
Lessons and Ensembles
Students are expected to take 2 semesters of either class piano or guitar lessons, 2 credits of beginning private lessons or MUSC 132 Beginning Voice, 2 credits of advanced private lessons, and 12 credits of music ensembles.
Sound Studies Electives
Complete 16 credits from the below list, 4 of which must be in the additional academic category.
Special topics courses in COMM/ANTH/SOCI/PSYC/BUSI/ART/ENGL may be taken with faculty advisor approval.
University Requirements
The University Requirements must also be fulfilled, and will count towards the required minimum credits for this program:
Electives
Take as many general elective courses as needed to complete a total of 121 credits, except PFIT courses.