The QCC Liberal Arts - Music Option will prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university, or entry-level work requiring communication and critical thinking skills and provide a foundational education comprised of the humanities, social sciences, and mathematics, with a concentration in music knowledge, skill, and a solid base of musical proficiency.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate in Arts

This program will allow you to demonstrate fundamental musicianship, music theory and composition and identify historical perspectives of music, including styles and nationality, and interpret the underlying meanings of music from historical perspectives.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

60-61 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 90% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Curriculum

A foundation for success

Semester 1

This semester will focus on English, music, psychology, sociology, and communication skills.
Become an Expert

Semester 2

This semester will explore humanities, more advanced music theory, and English.
Electives

Semester 3

This semester will cover more advanced music classes and multiple electives.
Advanced electives

Semester 4

This semester will focus on advanced music and electives.
See the full curriculum

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: LAMU).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in four semesters.
  • Attend Transfer Services events. For information see www.QCC.edu/transfer.
  • Complete ENG 101 and the Mathematics Elective.
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Music Theory IMUS 151F/S4Placement into college level English
Introduction to Psychology ORPSY 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Introductory Sociology (Principles)SOC 101
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Mathematics Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total16 

Semester 2

Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Introduction to HumanitiesHUM 105F/S/SU3ENG 101
Music Ensemble IMUS 135F/S1MUS 151
Music Theory IIMUS 152F/S4MUS 151
Mathematics Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total14 

Semester 3

  • Meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process.
  • Confirm that MassTransfer 34-credit general education transfer block can be completed.
Music Ensemble IIMUS 136F/S1MUS 135
Music History IMUS 261F/S3Placement into college level English
Literature, Philosophy, or Language Elective---F/S/SU3 
Science Elective or Lab Science Elective---F/S/SU3-4 
Social Science Foundational Elective---F/S/SU3 
U.S. or World History Survey Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total16-17 

Semester 4

  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Music Ensemble IIIMUS 137F/S1MUS 136
Music History IIMUS 262F/S3MUS 261
Elective---F/S/SU3 
Lab Science Elective---F/S/SU4 
Multiple Perspectives Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total14 
Total Credits Required:  60-61 

Program Goals:

The QCC Liberal Arts - Music Option associate degree program includes the following program goals:

  • Prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university, or entry-level work requiring communication and critical thinking skills.
  • Provide a foundational education comprised of the humanities, social sciences, and mathematics, with a concentration in music knowledge, skill, and a solid base of musical proficiency.
  • To attract to the college experience students with a strong interest in music whom might otherwise never attend college.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the 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 or her chosen instrument.
  • Demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skill, and abilities for interpreting the human experience via the arts and humanities, mathematics and natural sciences, and the social and behavioral sciences.
  • Appreciate and contribute to the history of diverse human cultural experience and develop a global perspective for interpreting and evaluating it.
  • Use rich, descriptive language and logical, coherent structure to convey ideas effectively in multiple modes of communication - speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
  • Acquire, analyze, organize, and utilize data to determine appropriate solutions to myriad work/life/personal challenges.
  • Develop a life path that develops self-actualization, adapts to change, and recognizes the value of life-long learning.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 50.0901.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

With more than 100 performances per year, QCC Music Option delivers a diverse, vibrant, and engaging music program for anyone looking to have fun, meet other musicians, collaborate, and expand their musical knowledge.

Our Students

QCC Music offers an array of options geared towards your music goals. Some of our students fall into one of the following categories:

  • Students who would like to pursue a career in music
  • Students who would like to continue their education in music, while pursuing a different degree
  • Students who are self-taught or are taking or have taken private music lessons
  • Students who are part or have been part of a band either at school, church or with friends
  • Students who are not sure if they would like to go to college, but have an interest in music, and have no formal education or training in music

Events

Besides the core music curriculum, students have the opportunity to perform in the following events:

  • Meet and Greet - Semester welcoming party
  • Music Club – An opportunity to share ideas and perform
  • Treble Makers – Social media event showcasing your talent
  • Hallway Music – A series of concerts in the hallways of the college
  • College public events- Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer- welcoming, holiday concerts, and graduation.
  • College private events – Restaurants, venues, and meetings.

Our Courses

Music Ensemble

History of Music

Music Theory

 Music Appreciation

Jazz in America

José Castillo

José Castillo is a composer and music educator with 20 years of experience. José graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston MA earning two music scholarships and graduating Magna Cum Laude. The experience acquired through the years has granted José with qualifications that allowed him to be knowledgeable in different genres of music, therefore making him a much sought-after musician, arranger, producer and educator. His flawlessness of the instrument and melodic approach has granted him the opportunity to performed with many Grammy wining artist. His work has received great reviews in some of the top music industry’s magazines such as Guitar Player, Guitar Magazine, and Modern Drummer. Currently Jose is an active performer, studio owner, speaker, clinician, and a college music professor at Clark University and Music Coordinator at Quinsigamond Community College.

Jose was a recipient of the 2015 Fellowship grant by the city of Worcester and later served as a member of the Worcester Arts Council (WAC)

Tom Herbert

Educator, Performer, Composer, Arranger, Information Technology Specialist and Digital Production Programmer.  Tom Herbert holds a Bachelors in Music Composition from Berklee College of Music and Lowell University, including a Master’s of Science in Information Technology from Clark University. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Worcester’s Jazz Radio Station WICN.

Tom brings to his Jazz in America Class not only his experiences as a Jazz and R&B performer but, also his technology skills to compliment students digital recording and listening experience. Tom is an active saxophone player in the Worcester and Boston area and participates with many bands as a freelance musician.  As part of his Jazz class Tom often brings guest artists to perform and occasionally have teachers from Berklee College present a Jazz Workshop for all students.

John Coltrane - "When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people."

Alan Pearlmutter

Originally a jazz drummer and currently a pop keyboard player for senior entertainment programs, Alan Pearlmutter is a classical music conductor. Besides Quinsigamond, he currently teaches at Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA and Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA. He also has served Boston University’s online graduate music education program and the Department of Fine Arts of Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts.  Prior to his relocation to Boston, he served the music departments of numerous colleges in the St. Louis/ Illinois region.  

Alan established Kammerwerke in Boston in 2006. Currently a double wind quintet, its ten musicians emerged from an earlier chamber orchestra format in order to perform wind music. Alan conducts these rarely known classical works for dectet.

Alan has composed numerous miniatures including works for chamber orchestra, brass quintet, woodwind quintet, SATB chorus, and two works for double wind quintet, the most recent of which was performed by Kammerwerke.

Alan Pearlmutter was originally educated at Brooklyn College, City University of New York, where he received bachelors and masters degrees. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore.

As a part of the college’s efforts to continue to support arts, QCC’s Performing Arts Music students are encouraged to showcase their talents Fridays and Mondays in recorded performances. These musicians, the QCC Treblemakers, are offered a fun way to express themselves in a variety of musical mediums and the opportunity to practice performing on camera.

Richard Forget performs “Indigo”

Andrew Meindersma Performs “Whatsername”

Erin Shea Performs “Journey to Combat”

Nate Oppong performs “Piano Medley”

Courses

Check out our music courses.

Music

MUS 102 - Music Appreciation

This course focuses on the importance of understanding the elements of music and the appreciation of the artistic value of music. The course covers an overview of major composers and their works and familiarizes students with the essentials of music sound, wave, rhythm, and notation. Students explore classical European music, American music such as: folk, blues, jazz, and rock 'n' roll, as well as world music.

Credits: 3
Semester Offered: F/S
Prerequisites: Placement into college level English
MUS 121 - Jazz in America

This course introduces the various forms and styles of jazz (ragtime, Dixieland, swing, bebop, and modern) and the musicians and composers of each style, including Scott Joplin, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and George Shearing. Students develop a better understanding of the sources and roots of the various jazz styles and stylists.

Credits: 3
Semester Offered: F/S/SU
MUS 135 - Music Ensemble I

This course examines the basic performance of different genres of music: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Blues, and Latin. Students examine concepts of ensemble playing and responsibilities. Course materials cover basic performance techniques such as: instrument techniques, music reading, scales, chords, ear training, rhythm and teamwork. Students focus on building camaraderie, cohesiveness, listening, rhythm/tempo, musicality, preparedness, and harmonic/melodic elements.

Credits: 1
Semester Offered: F/S
Prerequisites: MUS 151
MUS 136 - Music Ensemble II

This course focuses on the performance of: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Blues, Samba/Bossa Nova, and Afro-Cuban. Students build on the concept of ensemble playing and responsibilities from MUS 135. Students examine intermediate performance techniques such as: instrument techniques, music reading, scales, chords, ear training, rhythm and teamwork. Students focus on building camaraderie, cohesiveness, listening, rhythm/tempo, musicality, preparedness, and harmonic/melodic elements.

Credits: 1
Semester Offered: F/S
Prerequisites: MUS 135
MUS 137 - Music Ensemble III

This course focuses on advance performance of different genres of music: Jazz, Rock, Blues, World Music Samba/Bossa Nova, and Afro-Cuban. Students examine advance performance techniques such as: instrument techniques, music reading, scales, chords, ear training, rhythm and teamwork. Students focus on building camaraderie, cohesiveness, listening, rhythm/tempo, musicality, preparedness, and harmonic/melodic elements.

Credits: 1
Semester Offered: F/S
Prerequisites: MUS 136
MUS 151 - Music Theory I

This course focuses on the fundamentals of Western music, including writing, understanding and analysis of notation. Students examine rhythm, meters, clefs, keys signatures, major/minor scales, triads and chord inversions. Students study music symbols, intervals seventh chords, tonality, forms, harmonization, and keyboard layout. The laboratory component of this course covers basic piano skills to reinforce the concepts taught in music theory lectures.

Credits: 4
Semester Offered: F/S
Prerequisites: Placement into college level English
Please Note: Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory
MUS 152 - Music Theory II

This course emphasizes diatonic harmony, including seventh chords, figured bass, and cadences. Students study voice leading, outer-voice framework, four-voice part writing, the choral, and dominant and non-dominant seventh chords are introduced. Students examine chromatic harmony, secondary functions, secondary dominants, secondary leading-tones chords, melody harmonization, modulation, binary, and ternary forms. Students focus on listening, analysis, and composition. The laboratory component of this course covers aural/visual development and proficiency skills to reinforce the concepts taught in music theory lectures.

Credits: 4
Semester Offered: F/S
Prerequisites: MUS 151
Please Note: Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory
MUS 261 - Music History I

This course covers the foundational historical events of traditional Western European classical music through 1750. Students focus on the music of ancient Greece, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque. Students examine the foundation of historical context, aesthetic awareness, and music vocabulary. Students listen to and analyze different genres, styles and forms of music.

Credits: 3
Semester Offered: F/S
Prerequisites: Placement into college level English
MUS 262 - Music History II

This course covers the foundational historical events of traditional Western European classical music from 1750 to the 20th century. Students examine the Classical Styles, Romantic, 20th century and beyond. Students listen to and analyze different genres, styles and forms of music.

Credits: 3
Semester Offered: F/S
Prerequisites: MUS 261