QCC Announces Launch of Performing Arts Program

Jose Castillo, a music professor at QCC, has been working for five years to bring an accredited music program to the college.

“We have had music classes, but now we are able to offer music and theater as associate degree options,” he said. “The previous classes were lecture-based, but now students can learn to play piano and learn music theory as well.”

Quinsigamond Community College is launching a performing arts program for the Fall 2016 semester.

This is part of the college’s effort to add Arts to its STEM offerings, for a full STEAM ahead focus on a well-rounded education.

He said the college had created a committee to study the feasibility of creating and music and theater program. Previously, credits could only be transferred as electives credits, but not directly as music or theater credits.

“This will provide an opportunity for our students to experience music and the arts at QCC,” Professor Castillo said. “This will allow people to give it a try, everyone is welcome. Students are sometimes intimidated, but we will provide a path for students to try it out and learn more about their options.”

Professor Castillo helped create the curriculum after doing research about what other colleges in New England were offering for music courses. The college also asked students to fill out a survey about what they could like to see offered. The top three items were learning to play an instrument, being involved in ensembles and learning more about music technology.

The Liberal Arts Music option will provide a foundational education compromised of the humanities, social sciences and mathematics, with a concentration in music knowledge, skill and a solid base of music proficiency. Upon successful completion program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate fundamental musicianship.
• Demonstrate and apply music theory and composition.
• Identify historical perspectives of music, including styles and nationality, and interpret the underlying meanings of music from historical perspectives.
• Distinguish melodic and rhythmic intervals and demonstrate this through musical dictation.
• Create, analyze, and understand the aesthetic value of musical works.
• Demonstrate musical proficiency in his/her chosen instrument.

The Liberal Arts Theater option will provide a rigorous aesthetic, intellectual and practical opportunity for students to explore the frontiers of learning and the formation of collaborative communities. The primary mode of study is the practice of theater, involving theoretical, historical, aesthetic and technical elements. The program is comprehensive in nature, and is designed to maximize opportunities for training that would transfer to four-year institutions for students interested in theater arts, or provide our students with enough knowledge to enter the visual or performing arts workforce.

These options will attract students with an interest in theater and music who may not have otherwise considered Quinsigamond Community College. Both associate’s degrees will provide training and opportunities to transfer to a four-year college to continue study in the chosen area of interest.