WELCOME VIDEO : Undergraduate Music Division Chair John Kelly
Bachelor of Music (Mus. B.) Degree in Performance
Overview
Five Towns College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The Music Performance program leads to a Bachelor of Music (Mus.B.) degree. Without a doubt, it is designed for students planning to pursue careers as music performers, educators, professional musicians, composers, recording engineers, music business executives or producers. In addition, this program offers different concentrations, including Audio Recording Technology, Composition, Music Entertainment Industry Studies, Performance, and Songwriting, which provide both a common core of technical studies and a foundation for specialized courses in students’ major area of concentration.
Moreover, a degree in Music Performance includes an intensive schedule of ensemble workshops, coordinated with composition, arranging and repertory courses, enables students to perform, analyze and evaluate work in professional-level laboratory sessions. Importantly, each concentration in the Music Performance program is taught by experienced educators and professional musicians. Enjoy a sampling of the Music Division’s concerts and performances posted on the FTC Official YouTube by clicking here.
Further, student musicians love the opportunity to perform and showcase their craft. In addition to what is mentioned above, the FTC campus life is so busy with all types of events that encourage and incorporate music into their programming. For example, each fall, FTC Campus Events hosts the S.T.A.G.E. event where student musicians get to audition and showcase original compositions and perform with their bands over a period of months for a significant award and recognition. The Final S.T.A.G.E. event is conducted on the main stage in the FTC Performing Arts Center. In addition, the public is invited to hear our students at the semi-annual concerts performed in the FTC PAC. Click here to see upcoming events!
Musical Opportunities and Outreach
Without a doubt, Five Towns College Music educators proudly support the professional and educational experience of their students and graduates. In addition to advisement and academic support, Five Towns College also hosts several outreach programs for potential interested undergraduate and graduate students. For example, the Music Division hosted the 2025 Honors Band Festival for High School students and created a platform for young musicians to engage musically in the FTC Performing Arts Center.
In addition, an intriguing offering has been conducted on campus over the summer and sometimes during the academic year for graduate students and music educators. Through a collaboration with TeachRock, the Music Division serves the community and public at large by hosting a one-week long opportunity to enhance and enrich the pedagogy of music educators. This is something the institution is very proud of and will be hosting again this summer. Read more about what’s happening this summer by clicking here!
Read about the Graduate Music Studies Incentive (GMSI) for music graduates designed to encourage graduate study at the College with financial incentives here.
For curriculum and faculty information, view the current Five Towns College Catalog.
VIDEO : An Evening of Jazz
Audio Recording Technology Concentration
The Audio Recording Technology Concentration provides music students with the business and technical expertise required to operate professional audio recording equipment for music production and other related fields.. In particular, students study the theory of sound, recording electronics, engineering procedures, audio/video post-production, and advanced mixing procedures in a sequence of courses designed to develop the skills required for this field. Learn more about the Audio Recording concentration.
For curriculum information, view the current Five Towns College Catalog.
Music Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) Concentration
The Music Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) Concentration provides students with the necessary and relevant expertise needed to excel in the music industry. Students study the legal, production, commercial management, marketing and merchandising aspects of this field. Every year, the Business and Music programs host the MEIS Conference and invite industry experts to attend and share their knowledge with FTC students. From podcasting to talent management to understanding music licensing and branding, students thrive in this program and feel they learn more about what to expect in the real world. Also, networking opportunities with alumni, outside professionals and related specialists in the Music and Entertainment fields offer internships and employment options. Pursue a career as a talent manager, concert promoter, music and entertainment marketer, music publisher and more by concentrating in Music Entertainment Industry Studies!
Learn more about the MEIS Conferences here.
For curriculum information, view the current Five Towns College Catalog.
Performance Concentration
The Performance Concentration is designed for students planning to pursue music careers as professional performers. It provides a common core of technical studies and a foundation of specialized courses, such as music history, harmony, improvisation, ensemble performance and private instruction.
For curriculum information, view the current Five Towns College Catalog.
Composition and Songwriting Concentrations
The Composition and Songwriting Concentrations are designed to provide students with the professional training to pursue music careers as composers, arrangers and songwriters. Students receive intensive instruction in a core of technical studies that include courses such as harmony, orchestration, counterpoint, MIDI, songwriting, keyboard techniques, form and analysis, commercial arranging and composition. These concentrations are distinct for the music performance degree. Do something you love at Five Towns College!
For curriculum information, view the current Five Towns College Catalog.
VIDEO : Live at the Upbeat
Audition Requirements
Music performance degree candidates are required to perform two songs with contrasting styles. In addition, they will be tested in the areas of sight reading, aural skills, pitch identification, rhythmic reading and tonal memory. Please click here to review the Audition Requirements.
Furthermore, auditions will be used for scholarship purposes which may be available based on merit, community service, talent and need.