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Music (minor only)

Music is a universal language. It functions as a “sonic text” that gives evidence to who we are as individuals and what we desire to be. Music researchers, musicians, and sound engineers help us to connect with history, art, religion and ideas bigger than ourselves.

Why Choose Music?

The Subject Matter

Music is interdisciplinary, meaning it encompasses many areas of knowledge. As a student of music, you’re also a student of the world. Music creates community and highlights our unique cultural identities. Music helps us express and understand:

  • Religion
  • Gender relations
  • Prejudices
  • Technology in society
  • Politics
  • Human emotion
  • Literary ideas
  • Economics
  • Philosophy
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The Opportunities

New York City is one of the greatest cultural centers in the world. The sounds of the city abound in concerts, musicals and street performances. But rather than just listen, you can take part. Manhattan College students have interned at performing arts institutions, music theaters, record labels, local radio stations, music magazines and production companies including:

  • Atlantic Records
  • The David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
  • MTV
  • The New Victory Theater
  • Q104.3 - New York’s classic rock station
  • Rolling Stone magazine
  • Sony BMG Music Entertainment
  • SPIN magazine
  • Universal Music Group
  • VH1

Whether music is your passion or your hobby, there are opportunities to perform on campus at annual events or off campus in the national spotlight. See where our co-curricular groups have performed.

The Facilities

Our on-campus facilities are open for class use or for personal projects and presentations. A fully-equipped digital audio lab features:

  • Nine 88-key digital pianos with classic-weight keys
  • 24-key MIDI controller with programmable soft drum pads
  • Mbox2 digital audio interface
  • Estonia baby grand acoustic piano
  • Studio monitor speakers and headphones
  • Condenser, drum-kit and boon microphones
  • Nine 17” iMac computers
  • Digital surround-sound environment

The Music History Lecture Classroom in Hayden 108 features:

  • 88-key upright acoustic piano
  • 88-key digital piano with synthesizer sounds
  • LP record player
  • Digital audio receiver and amplifier
  • Four-speaker digital surround-sound environment

I have always felt an intricate connection to music. The classes I took in this program helped me envision my future, and surprised me with their correlation to other classes in my English major. Through this minor, I’ve learned that I can take a lifelong love of mine and turn it into a viable career.

Pamela Segura ’14, ELA Urban Teacher Resident at New Visions for Public Schools

What Will You Learn?

As a music minor, you will:

  • Examine major works of music from the medieval period to the present, and place them in a contemporary context
  • Explore music from around the world
  • Study popular music and engage in music technology
  • Learn music theory and study ear training and dictation
  • Perform original and creative work
  • Intern at a performing arts organization in the city
  • Attend performances by world-class musicians
See the Degree Requirements

What Will You Do?

While performing musicians tend to take the spotlight, there are many careers that require music knowledge and skill. There are opportunities in the fields of science and engineering, business, media and education.