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Preparation
The Music Performance Certificate (MPC) program at Dutchess Community
College is a one-year course of study designed for college-age music
students who desire to sharpen their performance skills, deepen their
practice and performing experience, and broaden their overall
understanding of music. As a preparatory program, the MPC is ideal for
music students who plan to audition for acceptance into a four-year
conservatory. The MPC program helps prepare both instrumentalists and
vocalists for the demanding auditions required by conservatories. With a
strong emphasis on applied private study, the MPC program is beneficial
to all music students who desire to pursue advanced music training in a
college setting regardless of whether they plan to transfer into a music
conservatory. The curriculum provides music theory and music history
courses as well as the opportunity to participate in ensembles and to
perform in recital. The MPC program is designed to build confidence,
raise performance skills, and to bring a student’s goals and
aspirations into clear focus. The one-year program will introduce music
students to the kind of in-depth music study that will be encountered at
the conservatory level.
While the MPC program is not designed to substitute for first year
studies at a four- year college or conservatory, some of the courses may
be accepted for transfer credit or may lead to advanced placement. The
MPC program is designed to prepare students for advanced music
performance study while in a non-competitive and highly supportive
instructional environment. Students are encouraged to apply to the music
schools of their choice.
Practice
Although music theory and history courses are an important part
of the preparation that the MPC program provides, the central
focus of the program is applied study and practice of an
instrument or voice. Students in the certificate program will
engage in private study with a teacher who has distinguished
himself or herself through conservatory training and continued
achievement as a performing artist. Students will take a
90-minute lesson each week and will be responsible for private
lesson fees in addition to the standard DCC tuition. Such study
will also require a practice commitment of several hours each
day.
The demands of the MPC program represent an individual investment
towards the challenging but deeply rewarding goal of becoming a
professional performing artist.
Performance
Toward the end of each semester, students will perform before a
jury of at least three faculty members, each of whom will
provide a helpful and constructive critique of the student’s
progress. In addition, students will perform in an instrumental
or choral ensemble. The ensembles will present at least one
concert each semester. Participation in an ensemble will provide
an opportunity to meet other students enrolled in the MPC
program as well as non-music major Dutchess students.
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