Kwantlen Launches New Bachelor of Music Undergraduate Degree Program

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has launched its first foray into a musical degree with its the Bachelor of Music in Musical Arts degree program (BMMA). Kwantlen has been servicing the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. The new program includes not only traditional music courses but also practical courses. It is a career –focused curriculum supports a large number of self-employed individuals in the cultural marketplace. So students can choose their careers that are related to music as business, and they build connections throughout the music industry. Adding another level of diversity in academic music study enlarges the music community and bonds its ties more closely. BMMA degree will develop abilities needed to promotion of leadership and community-based music initiatives and allows career change and development. Music is a business and we need to train the up and coming talent to understand not only the nuts and bolts of music, but also how to thrive as a career choice. Through this program, the students will learn stills while they build their abilities to work at what they love. Kwantlen Launches New Bachelor of Music Undergraduate Degree Program METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (July 14, 2011) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University will offer an undergraduate degree in music beginning September 2011. The Bachelor of Music in Musical Arts degree program (BMMA) was approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education on July 5 and offers traditional music courses, such as music theory, ensembles, and private lessons, but it will also include practical courses, such as the Business of Music, Music Pedagogy, and the Psychophysiology of Music Performance. Zdenek Skoumal, Chair of Kwantlen's Music Department explains, "One feature of the Kwantlen music degree is a career-focused curriculum that supports a high percentage of self-employed individuals in the cultural marketplace.” The BMMA will be mandated to facilitate learners to implement flexible skill sets and lasting strategies for economically rewarding careers in arts and culture. "For example, students would be eligible for entrance into a Professional Development Program after graduation," adds Skoumal. The BMMA degree will develop abilities needed to succeed in a variety of musical careers by providing diverse vocational, educational, and life experiences: ensemble concerts, festival appearances, practicums, forums. The program's commitment to creativity, innovation, personal, intellectual, and performance development will foster lifelong learning. The broad-based program will mentor students through professional activities and engagement in the vibrant musical life of the Kwantlen communities. Practicum opportunities will also be available to students in several streams of the program. The degree will support lifelong learning by addressing the needs of recent high-school graduates, as well as mature students returning to upgrade their education. The acquisition of new skills will promote leadership and community-based music initiatives, as well as allowing career change and development. http://www.kwantlen.bc.ca/news/2011/071411.html