The Bachelor of Music program with an instrumental focus at Franklin College is dedicated to cultivating excellence in musical performance, pedagogy, and scholarship. It offers a comprehensive music education that integrates the processes of performing, interpreting, critiquing, and creating music. The program is designed to be both developmentally appropriate and personally relevant, allowing students to develop personal and multicultural awareness through their musical experiences. Students receive individualized attention through small class sizes and applied instruction from working professionals, preparing them for diverse careers in music.
Curriculum: The instrumental music curriculum at Franklin College is designed to develop a deep understanding of music's complex systems and contextual information. Core requirements include extensive coursework in music theory and musicianship, which focuses on developing a student's ability to think in musical sound, understand how music is organized, and gain skills in ear training and sight-singing. Students also complete courses in music history and literature, with specific emphasis on band and orchestra literature for instrumentalists. A crucial element of the curriculum is applied study in their chosen instrument (woodwind, brass, string, percussion, guitar, or piano), involving private lessons and participation in performance seminars. Students are also required to participate in various ensembles, such as the FC Band or String Ensemble, to gain practical performance experience. The curriculum also offers a unique pathway to teaching licensure for those interested in instrumental music education.
Research Focus: While the primary focus of the Bachelor of Music (Instrumental) program is performance and practical musicianship, research is integrated through various avenues. Students engage in the scholarly study of music theory and history, which involves analyzing compositions and understanding their historical context. Performance itself is a form of artistic research, requiring in-depth study of repertoire, historical performance practices, and interpretation. Students may also undertake independent studies or senior projects that involve historical research into specific musical styles, composers, or pedagogical approaches for their instrument. The liberal arts foundation of Franklin College also encourages broader undergraduate research opportunities, allowing music students to explore interdisciplinary connections between music and other fields.
Industry Engagement: The Music program at Franklin College fosters strong industry engagement by providing students with unique internship opportunities. These internships send students to work with top professionals in their chosen musical field, regardless of location. Examples include studying with leading music therapists in Florida or interning with prominent high school choral programs. Students receive applied instrumental instruction from working professionals who are highly regarded in their fields, providing direct mentorship and insights into the music industry. The emphasis on practical experience and professional preparation ensures that graduates are well-equipped to enter the competitive world of music, whether in performance, education, or other related careers.
Global Perspective: Franklin College broadly emphasizes a global perspective in its education, and the music program is no exception. Students are encouraged to develop personal and multicultural awareness through their engagement with music, reflecting upon their own musical experiences as well as those of others. The curriculum includes the study of diverse musical styles and genres from various historical periods and cultures, fostering an appreciation for global human diversity in music. While specific instrumental music study abroad programs aren't explicitly detailed, the college's general global education initiatives provide opportunities for students to experience music and culture in international settings, broadening their understanding of music as a universal language and its role in different societies.
