Bachelor of Arts

BA Applied Music

Offering premier music instruction and performance opportunities, the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Music advances versatile graduates sought after by industry leaders.

The Applied Music program prepares students for a wide variety of music careers through skill training and experiential learning with talented LIU faculty and Roc Nation’s world-renowned artists. Applied Music students study ear training and musicianship, harmony and counterpoint, music notation software, and the origins of musical genres, while receiving instrument training and performing in ensembles. Roc Nation students have the opportunity to enroll in electives that are only available at LIU, such as The Business of Shawn Carter, Women in Music, and Monetization of Music. Students leave with unmatched insight into the process of building a successful and thriving career in the music industry.

LIU’s one-of-a-kind partnership with Roc Nation offers students an insider’s view of the music industry and unlocks a world of opportunity.

Qualities that Set Our Program Apart:

  • Students work with New York City’s most talented musicians and decorated scholars. LIU faculty members are active musicians and the most cutting-edge and high-profile professionals in the industry.
  • LIU’s location in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn provides students with direct access to the best of New York City’s vibrant arts community, including outstanding concerts, workshops, master classes, and collaborative projects.

Major Requirements

Course # Course Name Credits
MUS 215P Advanced Individual Instruction - Piano 1
MUS 216P Advanced Individual Instruction for Music Majors - Piano 1
MUS 207A Theory/Keyboard Harmony I 3
MUS 207B Theory/Keyboard Harmony II 3
MUS 208A Aural Skills I 3
MUS 208B Aural Skills II 3
MUS 201 Introduction to Music Notation Software 3
Required Voice Instruction (8 Credits)

Choose 8 credits from the following:

MUS 216A Studio Lessons - Voice 1
MUS 216B Studio Lessons - Voice 2
Required Chorus/Ensemble (10 Credits)

Choose 10 credits from the following:

MUS 223J Small Instrumental and Vocal Combo 2
MUS 223V The Jazz Salon 2
MUS 225 University Chorus 2
MUS 205 Musical Theatre Workshop 2
MUS 206 Brooklyn Soul Ensemble 2
Required Professional Coursework (3 Credits)
MUS 230 Professional Preparation for a Music Career 2
Required Music History (6 Credits)

Choose 6 credits from the following:

MUS 146 History of Hip Hop 3
MUS 147 History of Rock Music 3
MUS 248 History of Rhythm and Blues 3
MUS 159 History of Country Music 3
Recommended Music Electives (16 Credits)

Choose 16 credits from the following:

MUS 380 The Music Business 3
MUS 211 Monetization of Music 3
MUS 221 The Business of Shawn Carter 3
MUS 231 Making of the Album 3
MUS 101 Women in Music 3
TEP 207 Introduction to Music Technology and Production 3
TEP 210 Sequencing and Production 3
TEP 221 Foundations of Recording 3
TEP 348 Foundations of Mixing 3
TEP 346 Songwriting I 3
TEP 464 Songwriting II 3
TEP 443 Creative Promotion in Media 3

Core Requirements

Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO)

Courses

ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities

 (3 credits)

Openness to new ideas, integrative and reflective thinking, investigation, and synthesis of existing knowledge as a way of creating, appreciating, and reflecting on original, innovative work grounded in scientific, humanistic, historical, and/or aesthetic disciplinary knowledge.

ART 101: Introduction to Art

ART 105: Introduction to Beginning Drawing

ART 106: 3D Visualization and Production

ART 131: Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture I

CIN/FIL 109: Screenwriting II

CIN 111: History of World Cinema

CMA 109: Media Arts and Technology

DNC 108: History of Dance

ENG 167: Creativity and Nature

ENG 182: Introduction to Creative Writing

ENG 183: Creative Non-Fiction

JOU 110: Journalism, Media and You

MA 109: Media Arts and Technology

MUS 101: Introduction to Musical Concepts

MUS 102: Music Fundamentals

MUS 110: Introduction to World Music

PHI 172: Philosophy and the Mind

SPE/ORC 105: Public Speaking

THE 100: Introduction to Drama

THE 111: The Art of Theatre

THE 143: Shakespeare in Performance

THE 193: Theatre Research/Performance

ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness (6 credits)

Recognition of oneself as a member of a global community consisting of diverse cultures with unique histories and geographies.

History

HIS 100: American Civilization to 1877

HIS 101: Perspectives on Premodern World History

HIS 102: Perspectives on Modern World History

HIS 108: American Civilization since 1877

Intercultural Awareness

ANT #: Any Anthropology Course

ART 104: Introduction to Visual Arts

CIN 105: The Art of Documentary

ENG 115: Global Literatures

ENG 132: Shakespeare

ENG 158: American Literature

FRE 111: Introduction to French I

FRE 112: Introduction to French II

GGR 102: Geography and the Global Citizen

HIS 144: Topics in Asian History

HIS 157: Topics in Latin American History

ITL 111: Introduction to Italian I

ITL 112: Introduction to Italian II

MUS 103: Music in Western Civilization

MUS 146: History of Hip Hop

MUS 147: History of Rock Music

MUS 159: History of Country Music

PHI 170: Philosophies of Love and Sex

POL 150: International Relations

POL 161: Introduction to Comparative Politics

SPA 111: Introduction to Spanish I

SPA 112: Introduction to Spanish II

SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity

SOC 135: Global Cultures

SOC 165: Culture and Society

SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity

SOC 165: Culture and Society

SPE 100: Oral Communication

THE 142: Modern Theatre History

ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning (7-8 credits)

Competence in interpreting numerical and scientific data in order to draw conclusions, construct meaningful arguments, solve problems, and gain a better understanding of complex issues within a discipline or in everyday contexts.

Scientific Reasoning

AST 109/109A: Introductory Astronomy I

AST 110/110A: Introductory Astronomy II

BIO 120/120L: General Biology I

BIO 124/124L: Foundations of Biology I

BIO 125/125L: The Science of Sustainability

BIO 126/126L: DNA and Human Life

BIO 137/137L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

CHM 101/101L: Chemistry for Health Science I

CHM 103/103L: Principles of Chemistry I

ERS 101/101L: Weather and Climate

ERS 102/102L: Planet Earth

ERS 103/103L: Oceanography

ERS 125/125L: Environmental Sustainability Science

FSC 100/100L: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

PHY 103: University Physics I

PHY 104: University Physics II

PHY 120/120L: The Physical Universe

PHY 127/127L: Physics for Pharmacy

PHY 131/131L: General Physics I

PHY 131/131L: College Physics I

PHY 132/132L: General Physic II

PHY 132/132L: College Physics II

Quantitative Reasoning

MTH #: Any Mathematics Course

ILO 4:

Oral and Written Communication

(6 credits)

Knowledge and skill in exchanging informed and well-reasoned ideas in effective and meaningful ways through a range of media to promote full understanding for various purposes, among different audiences and in a variety of contexts and disciplines.  

Written Communication

ENG 110: Writing I – Composition and Analysis

ENG 111: Writing II – Research and Argumentation

ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies

 (3 credits)

Ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.

CGPH 126: Web Design for Everyone

EDI 100: Contemporary Issues in Education

ENG 148: Ideas and Themes n Literature

ENG 173: Writing in the Community

ENG 175: Writing in the Professions

ENG 178: Writing in the Sciences

HIS 107: Engaging the Past

HIS 190: Research Problems in History

POL 100: Research Problems in Political Science

SOC 102: Social Problems

SOC 148: Medical Sociology

SOC 148: Sociology of Health and Illness

ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis 

(3 credits)

Reflective assessment and critique of evidence, applying theory, and practicing discernment in the analysis of existing ideas and in the production of new knowledge across a broad array of fields or disciplines.

ENG 103: Grammar and the Structure of English

ENG 112: World Literatures I

ENG 113: World Literatures II

ENG 140: Introduction to Literature

ENG 180: Literary Genres

FRE 100: French Cinema

GGR 101: The Geography of Sustainable Development

HIS 104: Topics in American History

HIS 120: Topics in Medieval History

HIS 164: History of Gender and Sexuality

HIS 167: History of Science and Technology

PHI 100: Beginning Philosophy

PHI 163: Philosophy of Art

PHI 179: Social and Political Philosophy

POL 147: Political Psychology

POL 156: Diplomacy and Negotiation

PSY 103: General Psychology

PSY 111: Psychological Perspectives on Teaching and Learning

SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology

SOC 112: Gender, Race and Ethnicity

SOC 126: Sociology of Gender

SOC 161: Sociology of Sport

ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement (3 credits)

Evaluation of ethical issues in conduct and thinking, development of ethical self-awareness, consideration of various perspectives, and responsible and humane engagement in local and global communities.

ART 177: High Impact Art

CIN/FIL 103: Major Forces in the Cinema

ECO 101: Microeconomics

ECO 102: Macroeconomics

ENG 150: Empathy and Literature

HIS 116: History of Race and Society

HIS 158: History of Politics and Power

PHI 105: Bioethics

PHI 113: Philosophy and Film

PHY 178: Ethics and Society

POL 101: Introduction to Political Science

POL 102: Introduction to American Politics

POL 123: Political Parties and Public Opinion

SOC 108: Sociology of Youth

SOC 109: Social Movements and Change

SOC 110: Human Rights and Social Justice

SOC 119: Sociology of the Family

SOC 122: American Social Problems/Global Context

SPA 105: The Hispanic World

Courses

MUS 101 Introduction to Musical Concepts
This course explores the topic of Women in Music from multiple perspectives, highlighting the contributions of female, trans, and non-binary musicians who have shaped popular contemporary Western music over the past century. Students examine the artistic journeys of these musicians within the broader historical, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts that have influenced their careers and work.
Credits: 3
Every Fall

MUS 102 Music Fundamentals
This course introduces basic music theory, notation, and terminology, covering topics like rhythm, scales, key signatures, and basic harmony, preparing students for further musical study.
Credits: 3
Every Fall

MUS 103 Music in Western Civilization
This course explores the characteristics and evolution of 19th-century classical music, beginning with the death of W.A. Mozart and extending to contemporary art music. Students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and global trends that have shaped this period in music history.
Credits: 3
Every Fall

MUS 110 World Music
This course offers an introduction to musical styles, emphasizing the cultural contexts in which music is created and experienced. Students learn the fundamental elements of musical composition and explore the music, cultures, and customs of various peoples from around the world. Course materials include lectures, discussions, and live performances, providing a comprehensive examination of musical styles and forms.
Credits: 3
Every Fall, Spring and Summer

MUS 146 History of Hip Hop
This course traces the origins and evolution of hip-hop from the early 1970s to the present. It charts the growth of a unique youth culture from the streets, parks, and playgrounds of America's most influential city to the streets, beaches, pubs, dance halls, and parks across the globe. The class explores the transition of rap music from a counter-culture to a subculture, and ultimately to mainstream culture.
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis

MUS 147 History of Rock Music
This course covers the development of rock music from the 1950s to the present. Sub-genres covered include Rock and Roll, Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, Grunge, and Indie Rock.
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis

MUS 159 History of Country Music
This course highlights the singers and instrumentalists who have played a pivotal role in the development of country music. Students explore the historical, sociocultural, and stylistic factors that have shaped the genre, gaining a deeper understanding of country music's influence on contemporary music development.
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis

MUS 175 Introduction to Music Production I
An introduction to the technology and aesthetics of digital composition, sound design, multi-track recording and production using digital software including Logic and/or Pro Tools on state-of-the-art hardware. Weekly individual access to studios is provided.
Pre-requisite of MA 101 is required or permission of the instructor.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring

MUS 205 Musical Theater Workshop
This ensemble course emphasizes both solo and ensemble performance, focusing on developing appropriate styles for the modern performer. Students will gain a well-rounded background in musicals from the mid-19th century Golden Age, as well as contemporary commercial genres such as Rock, Country, and Pop.
Credits: 2
Rotating Basis

MUS 206 Brooklyn Soul Ensemble
This audition-based ensemble course focuses on performing contemporary Black popular music styles, including Classic Soul, Funk, and NeoSoul. The Brooklyn Soul Ensemble prepares students for a vibrant and dynamic live performance experience.
Credits: 2
Rotating Basis

MUS 207A Theory/Keyboard Harmony I
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of music theory and keyboard harmony. Students explore topics such as major and minor modes, simple and compound meters, basic rhythms, chords, and harmonization.
Prerequisite: MUS 102.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring

MUS 207B Theory/Keyboard Harmony II
This course continues the fundamental concepts of MUS 207A, examining the basic components of music theory aimed to give students the skills to read, write, and perform basic musical concepts such as chords, scales, and rhythms as well as introductory musical terminology.
Prerequisites: MUS 102, MUS 207A/TEP 206, and MUS 208A/TEP 209.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring

MUS 208 Publicity and Promotion in the Performing Arts
This course will provide an overview of the goals, strategies and techniques of Publicity and Promotion in the Arts, as it applies to diverse fields including Music and Theater/Dance. Topics include identifying a target market, marketing strategy, and implementation through traditional and innovative media approaches.
Credits: 3
Every Spring

MUS 208A Aural Skills I
This course includes the fundamentals of ear training, sight-singing, melodic dictation, rhythmic dictation, harmonic dictation, and an introduction to intervals.
Prerequisites: MUS 102, MUS 207A/TEP 206.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring

MUS 208B Aural Skills II
This course continues Aural Skills I with emphasis on advanced ear training, sight singing, dictation, intervals, and chord structures

Sam Newsome

Sam Newsome graduated from the Berklee College of Music with a degree in jazz composition and arranging. He then toured the world playing in the bands of music greats such Donald Byrd, Terence Blanchard and Lionel Hampton. Newsome has released 15 critically acclaimed recordings as a lead, and has appeared on over 40 recordings as a supporting musician. This includes appearing in numerous movie soundtracks such as The Inkwell featuring Larenz Tate, and Sugar Hill featuring Wesley Snipes. Newsome was also selected by the 68th Annual DownBeat Critics Poll and 14th Annual International Critics Poll as one of the top soprano saxophonists of 2020. Newsome has served as an associate professor in the Music Department at Long Island University for 14 years.


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