Professional Music Courses

In this course, students explore K-pop's global popularity by examining its history, culture, business, production, and technological aspects. Students will learn how to create “idol” groups with their own artistic concepts and navigate all elements of the creation process. By completing the course, students will gain comprehensive knowledge of K-pop, along with practical examples to apply in the industry, thus expanding their career aspirations.

Korean Culture and Media is an introductory course designed for students interested in exploring Korea, with a focus on understanding how key aspects of Korean culture and media have shaped its societal framework. This course delves into detailed case studies of elements central to Hallyu (the Korean Wave), examining its influence across various domains such as film and drama, cuisine, fashion, new media, cosmetics, and music. These studies are approached through the lens of media studies, particularly semiology, as a tool for conducting midterm essays and the final presentation. The primary objective of this course is to equip students with analytical tools to critically examine both Korean culture and media, as well as their own cultural and media landscapes, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding.

This course prepares students to become leaders by developing competencies through the lens of independent musicianship. Each week, students will build their versions of leadership competencies, engage in reflective activities, and evaluate existential questions from philosophical perspectives, such as the holistic self, the concept of beauty, and community engagement. Students will also analyze and understand traditional leadership theories that form the foundation of their customized confidences. By writing weekly positionality journals and completing a final group project that applies their leadership knowledge to real-world contexts, students will complete the course with the competence to lead in any setting, helping them actualize their career aspirations.

This course invites students to explore how migration, identity, and colonization shape both who we are as people and the art we create. Through creative projects, discussions, field research, and reflection, we will investigate how these forces impact us as individuals and artists. The course will foster a supportive, community-oriented environment, encouraging students to experiment with music, movement, and other forms of expression. Together, we will decolonize the classroom, our creative practices and explore the deep connections between our personal experiences and artistic output.

Throughout the semester, students will engage in guided improvisations, collaborative projects, and field research in Boston. These explorations will inspire creativity and reveal how colonial histories are embedded in our surroundings. Experiential learning opportunities will provide students the opportunity to critique, reflect, and respond artistically to representations of culture and identity in public space. Readings, videos, and presentations will generate discussions that help students translate personal and collective histories into powerful artistic expressions, challenging traditional narratives.

This course develops the awareness and skills required for a career in the music and entertainment business. Students will conduct self-directed research into their future career path in addition to developing and applying strategies for independent musicians. They will also explore techniques for making the transition from college to career. Course outcomes focus on digital marketing and social media techniques, networking in a new music economy, understanding copyright and performing rights organization, and business development planning.

Students receive individualized guidance in the preparation and completion of their final capstone project. In this course, students will develop an approach, timeline, and self-evaluative criteria for assessment for their final project, and realize this project at the level of artistry and professionalism required in the industry.

Students receive individualized guidance in the preparation and completion of their final capstone project. In this course, students will develop an approach, timeline, and self-evaluative criteria for assessment for their final project, and realize this project at the level of artistry and professionalism required in the industry.

Monitored and evaluated professional work experience in a retail, entrepreneurial, or corporate environment matched to the student's individual career goals. Placement is limited to situations available from or approved by the Career Center and the Professional Music Department chair or a designee. To apply for an internship, students must visit the Career Center prior to registering. Note: Equivalent credit for prior experience is not available due to the requirement of concurrent contract between the employer/supervisor and the college. International students in F-1 status must obtain authorization on their Form I-20 from International Student Services prior to beginning an internship.

This course is for any musician interested in being more comfortable in their body and developing confidence through movement. The musician’s first asset is their physical body, and it is critical that performers develop a body language and awareness that allows them to fully deliver their artistic vision. This course fosters full-bodied expression through increased awareness of breath and alignment coupled with discovering one’s full range of movement. Students will develop their senses—including sight, touch, hearing, and kinesthetic motion—to enhance overall performance skills. They will also work on strength, stamina, performance intention, and wellness in addition to audition skills. Movement disciplines may include various dance forms such as yoga or other somatic practices, and also involve improvisation. No previous dance or movement experience is required.