VIDEO : The Sounds of FTC | Five Towns College Music Division

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 and Music Entertainment Industry Studies , which provide both a common core of technical studies and a foundation for specialized courses in students’ major area of concentration. At the present time, the concentrations in Composition, Songwriting and General Performance are paused. Be sure to inquire about the concentrations in Audio Recording Technology and Music Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) which are very popular.

Concerts and Performances

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 Performing Arts Center and experience playing in a large venue on the Main Stage. 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.

Audition Requirements

Music performance degree candidates are required to perform two songs with contrasting styles. In addition, they need to be tested in the areas of sight reading, aural skills, pitch identification, rhythmic reading and tonal memory. This is for Placement Testing and is an important part of the admission process. Students should plan on spending about 1.5 hours when they come to campus for their audition so that they have time to do both the performing and the test taking.  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.

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.

audio engineering during audio recording session

Are You Interested in Audio Recording Technology?

Pursue a career in Audio Recording Technology with a degree in Music Performance (Mus. B), Business Management (B.B.A.), or Mass Communication (B.S.) with a concentration in audio recording technology. The Audio Recording Technology concentration provides students with the business and technical expertise required to operate industry standard audio recording equipment and provides skills necessary for the industry.

These in-demand skills, expertise, and hands-on experience lead to several career paths in this growing industry. Learn more about the variety of careers, like music production and sound engineering, available with a concentration in audio recording technology.

Business Administration, Business Management, & Audio Recording Technology Careers

Get the business skills and technical expertise you need to pursue a career in business with an audio recording technology concentration in the Music Performance program.  The combination of this program and concentration gives students a hands-on-education and access to industry standard audio recording equipment on campus. Music students with business and technical expertise go on to pursue a variety of careers in the music and entertainment industry professions.

  • Live sound engineers. Control the sound at live performances and events, such as concerts, plays and festi
  • Studio engineers. Work with the technical aspects of recording, including sound manipulation, mixing, reproduction and more.
  • Audio format conversion specialists. Work to convert old media, such as 8 tracks or records, into new media, like CD and data.
  • Corporate audio and video professionals. Assist with the post-production work for multimedia companies.

Music Performance & Audio Recording Technology Careers

In Five Towns College’s Business program, students choose either a two-year Business Administration or Music Performance degree (A.S./A.A.S.) or a four-year Bachelor of Business Administration degree (B.B.A.). The addition of the audio recording technology concentration gives students the technical expertise to operate industry standard audio recording equipment needed for audio technology careers and learn industry practices.

  • Audio Professionals. Work for audio manufacturers and recording technology companies that make and engineer professional sound equipment.
  • Professional Audio Salespeople. Work for manufacturers or retailers to sell professional sound equipment to clients, other retailers and consumers.
  • Studio Owners. Manage the day-to-day operations of their studio, hiring additional staff, and coordinating the rental of studio space to clients.
  • Live sound engineers. Control the audio at live events, such as festivals and concerts.

Mass Communication & Audio Recording Technology Careers

Students in the Mass Communication program learn a range of skills that will assist them in any job that includes social media, communicating with groups, video editing, writing and more. Many jobs include social media components. For example, someone opening a music studio in their home would need to create graphics and social media posts to promote their business. Mass Communication students learn this and more.

  • Podcasts. Work in the growing podcasting industry for people interested in audio, including producers, editors, sound designers, talent managers and creatives.
  • Audio engineer. Work at radio and television stations, live events, and sports venues and operate and/or be responsible for maintaining equipment, making sure the audio for microphones, video playback systems, PA announcers, music, game announcers, news anchors and others operate efficiently and properly.
  • Audio editor. Be responsible for editing music and/or voice work for a variety of industries, including music, movies, sports, radio, podcasting, audiobooks, and more.

Get the skills and training you need to pursue an audio recording technology career. Learn about the FTC programs offering an audio recording technology concentration.

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.

Career Options: Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance
With a Concentration in Music Entertainment Industry Studies

A & R Representative (Artist & Repertoire)
Work for record labels to seek out new talent to sign Artist Manager Manage the career and best interests of a band or artist

Booking Agent
Finds work and books shows and tours for bands or artists

Composer
Write or author pieces of music

Music Licensing
Copyrights and approval of usage of musical products to other mediums

Music Marketing
Marketing and promoting an artist, tours, and musical product for talent often signed to a particular label

Musician/Singer
Professional vocalist or musician of a particular musical instrument

Producer
Helps provide guidance to an artist during the recording process in a studio atmosphere

Production Department
Assist in all technical aspects of creating an album

Promotions Director
Runs the promotions department that gets the word out about an artist, event, or new product

Publicist
Works directly with an artist to arrange public appearances, photo shoots, and side work to aids in promotion

Publishing
Authorizing various uses of songs through the use of various licenses

Session Vocalist
Hired by a producer or another musician to play a particular instrument for a specific recording or period of time

Owner-Independent Record Label
Start up and run your own independent record label where you find and book the talent you want, work with your favorite venues, and make all your own decisions

Tour Manager
Manages a band or artist while on tour as well as handles all equipment load in and out for each show

Venue Manager / Owner
Manages and or owns a concert venue where shows and events are held

Wedding / Party Band Vocalist
Sing or play an instrument in a band that performs for parties, weddings, and/or special events

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Interested in learning more about Music Performance at Five Towns College? Students develop their artistry, technical skills, and creative voice through hands-on training in performance, composition, recording, and contemporary music production while preparing for careers in the evolving music industry.

Submit your information, and an Admissions representative will follow up with details about programs, next steps, and upcoming opportunities.

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National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) Standards and Relevant Educational Concerns:

As an institution accredited by NASM, Five Towns College follows their standards and recommends that students enrolled in these programs read and become familiar with NASM promulgated health and safety guides. Here are direct links to these resources:

Contact

Admissions Office

631.656.2110

admissions@ftc.edu