History of Popular Music

History of Popular Music offers a socio-historical approach to the history and context of American popular music from the; upper level cross-cultural courses deal with Western traditions (such as Celtic Musics, Irish Folk Music, Music in America, Rhythm and Blues) and non-Western traditions.

Protest Music

Focuses on the ways black people have experienced twentieth-century events. Examines social, economic, and political catalysts for processes of protest music production across genres including gospel, blues, folk, soul, funk, rock, reggae, and rap. Explores ways in which people experience, identify, and propose solutions to poverty, segregation, oppressive working conditions, incarceration, sexual exploitation, violence, and war.

Musicology: History, Composition,
and Criticism

Students with a concentration in MUSICOLOGY: History, Composition, and Criticism will have the ability to investigate music in a critical way and expand the range of analytical methods, theoretical perspectives, creative techniques, and research approaches developed in the music major core.

Music History and Culture

The music history and culture classes lay the foundations for understanding how music has been created, performed, and heard over time and across civilizations. The subjects range from broad overviews of western and non-western music to smaller, more specialized classes in particular genres, time periods, and forms of musical expression. Popular and classical, western and non-western music are all areas of inquiry.

Certificate Program

The NEC Prep Certificate Program is designed for students who are looking for an intentional, advanced path to a comprehensive musical education.

Through expert guidance, students achieve recognized certificates to develop advanced performance, theory, and ensemble participation while exploring a diverse repertoire in a nurturing, achievement-oriented environment.