Chairperson:  Sung-Jun Kim, Ph.D.
E-mail: skim@ncu.edu.jm  
Telephone: (876) 523-2025 or 523-2028

Introduction               

The music department is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and training necessary to function as competent and innovative musicians in the Jamaican musical environment as well as in the wider society.

Objectives

The music program is designed to:

• Teach students to recognize and analyze the broad trends in the development of art and music in society.

• Provide students with the basis needed for effective performance in the classroom and on the platform.

• Foster musical awareness in all groups of the society through its sacred, secular, and classical musical presentations.

• Promote ethno-musicological research in the music of the Caribbean , with emphasis on Jamaican music.

Programmes Offered

• Bachelor of Arts in Music General

• Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance

• Associate of Arts in Music

• Minor in Music

• Minor in Steel Pan

The Bachelor of Arts in Music is designed for students pursuing a broad liberal arts education.  The Bachelor of Arts in  Music Education is designed for students who plan to teach music at the elementary or secondary school level.  The students who wish to establish a career in musical performance and/or private studio teaching should choose the Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance.  The Bachelor of Arts degrees all require completing a minimum of 128 credit hours.

Matriculation Requirements

Applicants must satisfy university entry requirements and pass department auditions.  To qualify for admission into the programme, prospective music majors must demonstrate performance proficiency (vocal or instrumental) through an audition, and pass the placement tests in music theory and aurals.

Additional Requirements

Music majors and minors must appear before the music faculty each semester for jury examination. The exam includes solo presentations in the student’s principal instrument.

RECITAL REQUIREMENTS

Music majors are required to be involved in recital activities for achievement of the required level of competence.  Junior recitals are required of all music majors.  Senior recitals are presented upon completion of the required level for graduation, and must be auditioned by music faculty  before recital date. Students whose applied emphases are in other areas may choose  to give a joint recital.

CONCERT AND RECITAL ATTENDANCE

Attendance to all major concerts, recitals, and forums  sponsored by the department is expected of all music students.

APPLIED MUSIC CREDIT 

Applied Music credit is granted based on a minimum of 6 hours practice per week, participation in recitals and sponsored functions by department, and attending weekly lessons.