Information for New Students
Criteria for Application to the A.S. in Music Degree Program:
There are two options to gain admission to the program.
- All applicants to the A.S in Music must take the Basic Musicianship Aptitude Test (BMAT) and the Music Theory Placement Exam (MTPE). The BMAT will be administered at the beginning of fall and spring semesters. See the music department website for scheduled dates. The MTPE portion will be administered either in conjunction with the BMAT or by appointment with the music department. Contact the Music Department to schedule the test.
Applicants who meet the minimum required threshold of 4 out of 10 on a combined score of the BMAT And MTPE will be accepted and matriculated in the A.S. in Music degree program.
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum required threshold may still gain entry to the program by first completing a set of introductory courses with minimum specified grades. Interested applicants will be enrolled in the Liberal Arts and Sciences A.A. degree with a Liberal Studies concentration.
They should register for the following courses in their first semester:
MUS-111 Musicianship I
MUS-121 Music Theory I
Music 160-180 Series Individual Study in Music Performance
MUS-186 Convocation I
Select one course from the following MUS 400-Level:
Music - Pop Choir
Music - Queensborough Chorus
Music - Jazz Ensemble
Music - Percussion Ensemble
Students who wish to be full time in their first term should also enroll in ENGL-101 and a pathways course.
Any applicant who successfully achieves a B or better in MUS-111 and a C or better in both MUS-121 and MUS-150-180 series have met the application requirements and will be enrolled in the A.S. in Music degree program.
With Music Department permission only, applicants may repeat MUS-111, MUS-121, and a MUS-150-180 series course one time each to meet the minimum grade. Students must submit an Appeals Letter (see the Music Department Student Handbook for details). This includes students who received a WN and students who withdrew from the course(s) after the official college drop deadline for any reason. Applicants who do not successfully complete the required courses with the minimum grade requirements will not be admitted to the A.S. in Music degree. They may remain enrolled in in the A.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree or change their major to another degree program.
FAQ for students interested in the A.S. in Music Degree Program:
- Do I need to audition to become a music major at QCC?
No. Our program is open to all students. However, the music department does administer both a Basic Musicianship Aptitude Test (BMAT) and the Music Theory Placement Exam (MTPE) to better advise and place students in the appropriate studio and theory class level.
- When are these ‘placement’ sessions offered?
- Who should take the BMAT and the MTPE?
Any student wishing to pursue the A.S. in Music Degree Program is required to attend one of the above placement session dates. Please come to the March 27 session if you wish to take advantage of early registration.
- What is expected of me for the BMAT and the MTPE?
First off, do not stress or worry about taking either the BMAT or MTPE. This is just a chance for the music department to observe your level of theory knowledge and your musical skills. You may have extensive and well-developed set of musical skills, or you may feel like you are a beginner. Many of our student begin the program without reading music. This is fine, but we need to know that.
During the session, you will be given a quick preliminary questionnaire and theory assessment to see if you have any prior music theory knowledge, including basic note reading skills. If you do, you will be given the more extensive Music Theory Placement Exam (MTPE) to see how far your music theory knowledge goes.
After this, you will be given a quick assessment of your basic musical aptitude (BMAT). This includes seeing if your musical ear can match pitch, if you have a basic sense of rhythm, and if you have a sense of musical phrase and gesture. The BMAT also gives you a chance to show us, the music faculty, your skill on an instrument of your choice.
You can sing for us or play something on an instrument you feel best represents your musical abilities, whether it be piano, guitar (acoustic or electric), drums, violin, trumpet, or anything you wish. We will provide a piano, drum set, mallet instrument such as a marimba, and an amplifier for electric guitar or bass. Any other instrument is your responsibility to bring.
You can play for us for just a minute, or if you have more to show, we can allow more time. If you feel you are an advanced student on an instrument, we would like you to perform two contrasting works to show us your stylistic diversity.
If you do not yet play an instrument, that is fine too. We would assess you to see if either piano, percussion or voice is the best instrument to have you start on.
When it is all done, you will receive a combined score on both the BMAT and MTPE representing the current level of your musical skills. Based on these results, an advisement sheet will be prepared by the department and given to you that can assist you and your advisor in choosing the best set of music courses to take given your current abilities.
Programs of Study
Music (A.S. Degree Program)
For students interested in completing an Associate's Degree in Music and for transferring to a Bachelor's degree program in Music.
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Learn more about the General Education Outcomes and Program Outcomes specific to the Music degree program
Music Production (A.A.S. Degree Program)
For students interested in Sound Engineering and Digital Music Technology.
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Learn more about the General Education Outcomes and Program Outcomes specific to the Music Production degree program
Classes are also open to community members and learners of all musical backgrounds and levels of experience, who are not enrolled in degree programs.
Ensembles
Pop Choir • Queensborough Chorus • Queens Symphonic Band • Jazz Ensemble • Percussion Ensemble • Chamber Music and Piano Ensembles • Instrumental and Vocal Ensemble • Periodic musical theatre collaborations with the Department of Speech, Communication, and Theater Arts
Facilities
Two fully equipped recording studios featuring a Solid State Logic (SSL) mixing board • ATMOS 3D sound lab • 3 state-of-the art computer labs • Classrooms equipped with electronic keyboards • Two lecture halls with grand pianos • A large rehearsal room • Several performance spaces (including access to a newly renovated 875-seat theater) • Significant collection of music books and scores at the Kurt Schmeller Library
Faculty & Staff
Dr. Bjorn Berkhout, Professor and Chairperson (composition/theory, cello)
Prof. Robert Anderson, Lecturer (music production)
Prof. Svjetlana Bukvich, Associate Professor (music production/technology)
Dr. Joanne Chang, Professor (piano, chamber music)
Dr. Steven Dahlke, Professor (choral and vocal music, sight-singing and ear-training)
Prof. Ernie Jackson, Lecturer (music production)
Dr. Mirna Lekic, Associate Professor (piano, chamber music)
Dr. Scott Litroff, Associate Professor (woodwinds, jazz)
Dr. Neeraj Mehta, Associate Professor (percussion, world music)
Dr. Kip Montgomery, Associate Professor (music history/theory)
Distinguished Adjunct Faculty
Ronaldo Carter, Senior College Laboratory Technician
Silvia Loza, Office Assistant
Professors Emeriti: Raoul Camus, Martin Canellakis, Myron Rosenblum, R. John Specht
Scholarships & Awards
The following scholarships are available to current students at the recommendation of faculty:
The Julius Pomann Memorial Award • The Matthew Barbiere Memorial Music Scholarship Award • The Kurzweil Memorial Scholarship Award • The Tatyana Shvartsblat Memorial Scholarship Award • The Abbey Passariello Endowed Music Scholarship
Transfer Information for Graduates
The Music Department prepares students for continuation of their music studies at a four-year institution of higher learning by providing a solid foundation in the areas of musicianship, performance, and music production. Requirements for baccalaureate programs vary by institution and discipline. Students should be prepared to take placement exams in music theory, ear training, and piano skills (including sight-reading), and to audition on their primary instrument/voice. Below are links to application/audition requirements of four-year programs frequently chosen by our graduates:
Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Bachelor of Music in Performance/Composition
Music Production
Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Technology programs in Audio/Music Technology
Sonic Arts Center, City College, CUNY
News
Professor Ernie Jackson
Jackson is an expert on 19th-century African-American guitarist Justin Holland. Hear Jackson play and discuss the music of Holland for American Public Media.
Dr. Mirna Lekic
In March 2024, Dr. Mirna Lekić and Dr. André Brégégère were the featured guest artists at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago where they presented Mirage, a multimedia project combining live piano performance and live video projection. Mirage, which was released in 2023 as a solo piano album, explores sonic illusions, allusions, and transformations that celebrate the piano’s unique capability to imitate, echo and morph into other instruments. Critics have lauded the album as "a captivating listen that truly celebrates the versatility of the piano" with "a wealth of talent and imagination".
Pianist Mirna Lekić regularly collaborates with master shadow puppeteers Caroline and Suzanne Borderies and narrator David McCorkle on unique productions that fuse live piano music and shadow puppetry. In December 2023, they showcased a new adaptation of The Nutcracker and an original production of The Tale of the Radiant Princess at the Charles B. Wang Center in Stony Brook. Commissioned by the Wang Center, the program earned acclaim from the Long Island Press which described it as "spellbinding and captivating".
Upcoming Events -- free admission!
Tavonna Miller, Indie Singer/songwriter
Wednesday, October 16th 12:10 -- 2:00 PM
Humanities Theatre -- free admission
Singer/Songwriter Tavonna Miller emerged from Los Angeles performing her heartfelt and soulful songs for large and small audiences alike. With the release of her albums, “Peace, Love & the Lack Thereof” in February 2012 & "The Beauty of Believing" in July 2016 the Indie Alternative-Soul songwriter has contributed bodies of work to the world of music that express her artistic observations.
Described as having “that voice” by the Boston Weekly Dig newspaper, Tavonna’s vocal ability expands across many styles of performance including Soul, Rock, Gospel, & Opera. Coming from a family background of independent musicians & songwriters, she was motivated at a young age to discover and explore the world of music and craft her own unique sound. SoulTracks recently praised her unmistakable vocal tone as one that "inspires a belief in something hopeful and bright". Tavonna’s sound is influenced by such legends as Oleta Adams, Anita Baker & Nina Simone and also by more contemporary influences like John Legend & John Mayer.
Tavonna's songwriting skills have not been limited to just writing for her own records & her exclusive, national audience. She has also written for sync licensing in TV & Film in collaboration with Emmy Award-winning composer, Brad Hatfield, with their song "Love Will Survive" which was featured in the legendary daytime drama, The Young & The Restless (Season 46, Ep. 154).
Gabriella Logan, guitarist, editor, author, entertainment lawyer, activist
Wednesday, November 13th, 12:10 - 2:00 PM
Location TBA
Gabriella Logan has forged a career and life that nurtures creativity, inclusion, arts advocacy, and social justice. Join the Music Department as she presents a talk on positive change through art.
Gabby says:
"The art of creating is a beautiful gift that comes with a responsibility. As artists, our ability to create comes with the obligation to transform the perspectives of the world around us through the lens of music and art. Join Guitar Gabby for the "The Colors of Music" seminar on November 13 to unlock the principles of intentional creativity."
Recent Events:
Klonos Trio
Tuesday, October 1st 7:00 PM
Humanities Theatre -- free admission
Two saxophones and piano who playing an eclectic mix of musical styles. They will present a full concert followed by a workshop for our music students.
Program includes selections from Porgy and Bess, a musical adaptation of the novel Il Maestro e Margherita, and several contemporary compositions comissioned by the group.
The Klonos Trio is an international trio (two saxophones and piano) formed by Preston Duncan (USA), Davide Nari and Federico Gerini (ITA). Klonos Trio has performed throughout the USA, Italy and Spain, where they also held masterclasses and educational meetings. Creators of the Calizzano Creative Saxophone Festival (Italy), they are currently producing their second studio recording. The Klonos Trio is the dedicatee and commissioning group of numerous contemporary compositions.
