Music Production and Recording Arts

Students have access to all labs and studios for personal projects assuming the student has appropriate skills and is self-sufficient in a particular facility. Students are assigned their own personal studio time in conjunction with a particular course and may also reserve the studios for additional projects using an online booking procedure. Outside guests are welcome accompanied by the student.

The Bachelor's program has 60 credits (20 courses) in a sequence spread over four years in conjunction with Liberal Arts requirements. It is recommended that students complete 9 credits (three courses) in the major per semester beginning the freshman year. A transfer student that already has completed most liberal arts requirements can generally complete the program in five semesters (2 & 1/2 years).

The program houses a database of career related resources. A dedicated member of the program faculty provides assistance to students with preparing resumes, cover letters, portfolios and personal web sites used for pursuing employment. Career related topics and preparation for entering the industry are discussed in the Music Business courses.

Students have the opportunity to perform at open mics, festivals, concerts, as well as in studio seminars on songwriting and performance throughout the year.

Depending on placement exam results, students may enroll in three major courses their first fall semester (Audio Production I, Electronic Music I, Music Theory).

General Liberal Arts and Sciences

General Education Requirements: 60 Credits

Major Concentration: 60 Credits
 

Total: 120 Credits

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

• Students must demonstrate a fundamental understanding of music notation, or complete MUSI 101 Elements of Music before enrolling in the required MUSI 103 Theory & Musicianship I.
• Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 in all attempted and completed major courses. If the GPA in the major is less than 2.5, the student will be subject to a formal assessment of his/ her aptitude for the subject matter and standing in the program may be dismissed from the major.
• Students may be required to repeat or take additional courses to achieve the required GPA.
• Students must pass a final comprehensive department proficiency exam, and complete an approved portfolio to be eligible for graduation.
• There is a 24-credit residency requirement for the concentration in Music Production + Recording Arts. In addition, a minimum of 9 credits in 300-level program electives must be taken at the Dobbs Ferry campus.
• Students should enroll in MUSI 101, MTEC 101 & MTEC 110, their first fall semester.

In addition to the Mercy University application, students interested in the Music Production & Recording Arts major must complete a separate application for formal acceptance to the program.

The application should include a portfolio of three items:

1. A short cellphone video (1-minute long is ideal) showing the applicant making music—such as playing an instrument, deejaying, singing, or writing music at the computer. All styles and skill levels welcome!
2. An MP3 of a finished song (or other recording) that demonstrates the applicant's musical and/or production abilities using whatever software or hardware tools they have.
3. A detailed written description of the specific tools and techniques the applicant used in creating that song or recording

Please note: These portfolio items are not audition materials. The program accepts students with all levels of musical skill and interests. The materials are used to demonstrate that prospective students in the program will be comfortable using software and hardware tools to create recordings and have a basic level of musicianship so they can apply what they learn about music theory and production to their own projects. 

Please contact Admissions at 1.877.MERCY.GO or admissions@mercy.edu for more information about applying to the program and uploading portfolio materials.

1. Students will demonstrate their conceptual and applied knowledge by identifying, expressing, and applying theoretical concepts in a locally-developed written and oral exams.

    

   Students will analyze music and sound recordings, and present sophisticated judgments orally, via papers, and on exams.

    

2. Students will demonstrate technical proficiency with production tools (equipment & software) and associated techniques via proficiency exams, and by completing culminating projects in the recording studios and labs.

    

3. Students will create, produce and present professional-quality music recordings and sound design projects.

    

4. Students will conduct self-directed learning by completing research projects pertaining to Music Business, Music Production, and Music Technology, and will present their observations and conclusions through written and oral presentation.

    

5. At the completion of the program, students demonstrate readiness for career via an ePortfolio that presents a significant capstone project, representative samples of audio and written project work from prior courses, and a reflective essay that reflects upon their growth while in the program.

Download a copy of the sequence map for:

• 2024 - 2025 B.S. Music Production and Recording Arts

   

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