Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

Music & Entertainment Industry Studies


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Contact Information  

Chair:  Richard Strasser
Office: Arts Building, Suite 288
Telephone: 303-315-7450
Fax: 303-315-7489

Faculty

Professors:
Stan Soocher, JD, New York Law School
Gregory Walker, DMA, University of Colorado

Associate Professors:
David Bondelevitch, MFA, University of Southern California
Lorne Bregitzer, MS, University of Colorado Denver
Storm Gloor, MBA, West Texas A&M University
Catalin Grigoras, PhD, University Politehnica Bucharest
Erin Hackel, DMA, University of Colorado
Sean McGowan, DMA, University of Southern California
Sam McGuire, MS, University of Colorado Denver
Paul Musso, MM, University of Denver
Richard Strasser, DMA, Manhattan School of Music

Assistant Professors:
Cecilia Wu, PhD, University of California Santa Barbara

Assistant Professors Clinical Teaching Track:
Benom Plumb, MM, University of Miami

Senior Instructor:
Peter Ellingson, DMA, University of Colorado
Owen Kortz, MM, University of Southern California
Todd Reid, MM, University of Cincinnati - Conservatory of Music

Instructors:
Gregory Garrison, DMA, University of Colorado Boulder
Andrew Guerrero, BS, University of Colorado Denver
Jeffrey Merkel, MS, University of Colorado Denver
Andrew Morell
Leslie Soich, MM, University of Colorado Boulder
Evan Shelton, MM, University of Denver

Bachelor of Science in Music

The music program prepares students for professional careers related to commercial performance, recording, music business and the entertainment and creative industries, as well as for graduate studies at leading conservatories. More specifically, the Department of Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music. Students apply to an intended emphasis and track: 

Performance Emphasis  

Singer/Songwriter Emphasis  

Music Business Emphasis, on one of two tracks:

Recording Arts Emphasis, on one of two tracks:

Acceptance into MEIS is on a competitive basis with specific entrance evaluation requirements for both first year and transfer students. All applicants are placed in an enrollment pool and admission decisions are based on several factors, which include an indexed composite score of GPA and an audition (if applicable). Application materials must be received by the deadline.

Prospective students should refer to the MEIS website for current entrance requirements, deadlines and procedures.

All students in MEIS are required to abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the MEIS Student Handbook (available by contacting meis.dept@ucdenver.edu) as well as all university policies and codes of conduct.

Performance Emphasis

The performance emphasis  includes specialized courses in small performance ensembles, applied private study, contemporary improvisation, and analysis and history. Students gain a diverse set of performance skills in commercial, jazz, classical and experimental music styles. The curriculum includes the presentation of junior and senior recitals. Students are required to pass a Sophomore Proficiency at the end of the sophomore year in order to progress into advanced performance and musicianship courses.

Students must pass an entrance audition to pursue the performance emphasis.

Singer/Songwriter Emphasis

Students in the singer/songwriter emphasis  complete specialized courses in the songwriting and arranging repertoire while developing their performance skills through small performance ensembles and applied private study of voice, accompanying instrument and songwriting. The curriculum includes the presentation of junior and senior recitals. Students are required to pass a Sophomore Proficiency at the end of the sophomore year in order to progress into advanced performance and musicianship courses.

Students must pass a singer/songwriter entrance audition to pursue the singer/songwriter emphasis.

Music Business Emphasis (Audition Track ** or Non-Audition Track ***)

The music business emphasis prepares undergraduates for careers in fields such as artist management, music publishing, concert promotion, record production, venue management, label promotion, distribution and entertainment law.

Recording Arts Emphasis (Audition Track ** or Non-Audition Track ***)

The recording arts emphasis focuses on contemporary analog and digital technology as it is used in music recording, sound reinforcement and media applications (Internet, video games, interactive art installations, etc.). While mastering technology skills and formats, students also study the artistic and aesthetic applications of technology to recording, reinforcement, composition and performance.

**Audition Track (for students pursuing the music business or recording arts emphasis)

The audition track provides an in-depth study of musicianship/performance through lectures and hands-on learning, while allowing students to specialize in their area of interest. As part of the admissions process, students must pass an entrance audition on a musical instrument or voice.

Students on the audition track must complete three semesters of music theory and ear training & sight singing courses, followed by a semester of jazz theory. In addition, students complete four semesters of class piano. All students in MEIS complete two music history courses.

Audition track students take four semesters of private lessons, culminating each semester in a performance for a jury of faculty. They also take four semesters of general recital, which culminates each semester in a performance for an audience of their peers.

***Non-Audition Track (for students pursuing the music business or recording arts emphasis)

The non-audition track provides a broad overview of various musicianship/performance topics through lectures and hands-on learning. This track does not require an entrance audition.

Students on the Music Business (MB) or Recording Arts (RA) non-audition tracks complete one semester of music theory, and either two semesters of ear training & sight singing for RA, and one semester of ear training & sight singing for MB, one class piano or class guitar. Students may opt to complete up to two semesters of class piano or can switch to voice class or guitar class. Non-audition track students are required to take additional musicianship course work, including Music in Culture and a music history elective.

***Non-Audition Track (for students pursuing the recording arts emphasis)

The non-audition track recording arts emphasis provides an in-depth review of recording arts topics through lectures and hands-on learning. This track does not require an entrance audition.

Students on the non-audition track complete one semester of music theory, two semesters ear training & sight singing, and class piano, guitar class, or voice class. All students in MEIS complete two music history courses.

 

Students are encouraged to contact the College of Arts & Media at CAM@ucdenver.edu to talk about the differences in curriculum and to determine which track is best suited to them. 

See the Graduate Catalog or contact CAM@ucdenver.edu for information about the graduate programs in media forensics.

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