Music
Music at Molloy
Our degree programs help you acquire essential skills to become the performers, music educators, music therapists and music industry leaders of tomorrow. Molloy University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Degree Programs in Music
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Music (Bachelor of Science)
The Bachelor of Science in Music allows students to develop their artistic voice through a flexible curriculum that combines musicianship and creativity with a rich liberal arts education. Our program is individualized, allowing us to work closely with you to develop a plan of studies that fulfills your academic and musical interests, and it will prepare you for a wide array of careers. Elective courses in music allow you to further develop skills in music technology, composition, or performance. You may also choose to take elective courses in another discipline, allowing you to pursue a second major or a minor in a wide variety of areas such as Business, Theology, Education, Communications, Languages or more.
Learn more here: Molloy University - Music Program (smartcatalogiq.com)
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Music Education (Bachelor of Science)
Our Bachelor of Science in Music Education program produces dynamic, responsive and ethical musical leaders in diverse school and community-based settings. We serve student musicians from all musical traditions, offering rigorous training required to access a variety of careers in the music teaching profession.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates are eligible to pursue the Initial Teaching Certificate in Music (grades Pre-K - 12) from the New York State Education Department. This professional credential qualifies program graduates to teach in New York State public schools.
Learn more here:
Molloy University - Music Education Program of Study (smartcatalogiq.com)
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Music Therapy (Bachelor of Science)
The Bachelor of Science Program in Music Therapy provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical techniques and clinical experience required to use music as a therapeutic modality with children and adults who have special needs. The program is interdisciplinary and incorporates both the music coursework to develop students’ musicianship skills, and the coursework in Psychology to provide models for evaluations and treatment of clinical populations. Courses in Music Therapy include the theoretical basis for music as therapy and music in therapy, exploration of clinical techniques and models, training in clinical improvisation, music therapy lab experiences and fieldwork experiences at clinical sites on Long Island and the Metropolitan area. The culminating experience of the student’s training is a 900-hour clinical internship completed in the senior year.
Our undergraduate Music Therapy degree program is the only program on Long Island that is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Graduates of Molloy’s dynamic program are eligible to sit for the Board Certification Exam in Music Therapy. Upon passing this exam, the student acquires the credential, Music Therapist— Board Certified (MT–BC).
Learn more here: Molloy University - Music Therapy Program (smartcatalogiq.com)
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Music Therapy Dual Degree
The Dual Degree Program (Bachelor and Master of Science) in Music Therapy provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical techniques and clinical experience required to use music as a therapeutic modality with children and adults having special needs. The program is interdisciplinary and incorporates both the music coursework to develop students’ musicianship skills, and the coursework in Psychology to provide models for evaluations and treatment of clinical populations.
Courses in Music Therapy and Music Psychotherapy include the theoretical basis for music as therapy and music in therapy, exploration of clinical techniques and models, training in clinical improvisation, music therapy lab experiences and fieldwork experiences at clinical sites on Long Island and the Metropolitan area. The culminating experience of the student’s training is a 900-hour clinical internship completed in the senior year.
The Dual Degree in Music Therapy features the only Bachelor of Science program on Long Island that is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Graduates of Molloy’s dynamic program are eligible to sit for the Board Certification Exam in Music Therapy. Upon passing this exam, the student acquires the credential, Music Therapist— Board Certified (MT–BC).
Learn more here:
Molloy University - Dual Degree Music Therapy Program (smartcatalogiq.com)
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Music Therapy (Master of Science)
The Master of Science degree in Music Therapy (M.S. in M.T.) is the first and only graduate program in Music Therapy on Long Island and is designed to prepare students for advanced clinical practice in music therapy and music psychotherapy, supported by studies in research, ethics and diverse models of practice. Learn more about this program for graduate students here
Minors Offered
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Music Minor
The School of Arts and Sciences offers a Music Minor that gives students a holistic overview of the discipline of music. Students can choose up to 11 credits of elective courses in music, which may include applied lessons in an instrument or voice, courses related to the history and performance practice of music, courses in music theory, and courses that make use of music technology, and music creation. Students may also join our performing ensembles, which include the Concert Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Opera Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, and Molloy Sinfonietta. Auditions are required for joining our ensembles. A performing arts stipend is offered for qualified students performing in an ensemble. For more information on the minor requirements click here:
Performance Opportunities
The Music Department produces over twenty concerts and musical events each semester. These include student recitals, ensemble concerts, faculty recitals, guest artists, master classes, and special presentations. Students perform in a variety of ensembles. Music majors are required to participate in at least one ensemble per semester. Our performing ensembles also include experienced musicians pursuing majors at Molloy outside of music (a brief audition is required).
Our Molloy Guest Artist Series brings outstanding musicians and innovative scholars from around the globe to perform, lecture, and teach master classes. Students can work closely with our guest artists and develop relationships, which may lead to future collaborations.
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Chamber Ensembles
Ensembles performing chamber works in duo, trio, quartet and other small-group configurations.
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Concert Choir
A traditional concert choir of SATB voices that studies and performs choir repertoire.
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Guitar Ensemble
A guitar ensemble performing classical repertoire in large and small ensemble configurations. Enthusiastic guitarists with experience in genres other than classical music are welcome.
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Jazz & Contemporary Music Ensemble
An ensemble that performs standard jazz repertoire, student arrangements and original compositions in a variety of musical genres.
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Opera Ensemble
For experienced, classically-trained singers, this ensemble studies and performs operatic scenes with staging and costumes.
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Percussion Ensemble
A percussion ensemble performing a range of repertoire (classical, contemporary, modern, and popular) on drums, auxiliary percussion, and keyboard percussion instruments (bells, marimba, vibraphone, xylophone).
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Sinfonietta
A chamber orchestra performing repertoire ranging from classical to folk, pop, video games, and R&B. Student arrangements and original compositions are also workshopped and performed in this ensemble.
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String Ensemble
An ensemble performing baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary works for chamber orchestra, as well as other smaller configurations (trios, quartets, etc.).
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Vocal Ensemble
An a cappella ensemble of treble voices performing chamber repertoire from a variety of genres and musical traditions. Students with voices in the treble range (soprano/alto) of all gender identities are welcome.
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South Shore Symphony
Some of our most experienced student musicians perform with the South Shore Symphony, a professional orchestra in residence at Molloy University. An audition is required with orchestra personnel to join. For more information about this ensemble, please visit https://www.sssymphony.org/.
Performing Arts Stipends
To incentivize a robust culture of music making on campus, qualified students receive a $500 stipend for participating in a performing ensemble each semester.
Current Molloy University students interested in joining a Music Ensemble can contact Coleen Petersen for more information: cpetersen@molloy.edu
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For Music Majors
Music majors are eligible for a $500 stipend each semester they participate in a secondary performing ensemble. Students must be registered in the secondary ensemble to qualify. The stipend is renewable for students remaining in good standing with all registered ensembles. One stipend per student, per semester.
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For Students Not Majoring in Music
Experienced student musicians who are not majoring in Music at Molloy are considered for a $500 stipend each semester they participate in a performing ensemble. Students must demonstrate eligibility through a brief ensemble audition and register for each ensemble for 0.5 or 1 credit to qualify. The stipend is renewable for students remaining in good standing with registered ensembles. Up to two stipends per student, per semester (subject to eligibility).
Career Preparation
At Molloy, we prepare you to succeed in a wide array of musical careers. We encourage you to study diverse styles of music and the most current music technology. Molloy music students have gone on to be professional performers, music therapists, teachers, recording engineers, and numerous other music professionals. They have also gone on to earn advanced degrees in music performance, composition, musicology, music education, and music therapy.
What Our Students Say
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Kaira Hassell, B.S. Music ’17
“Molloy’s Music program was the best fit for me as an eager and creative musician. I had the will and openness to learn and they met this with technique and structure to advance my skills as a professional. The diversity in classes, such as orchestration and music production, gave me an opportunity to try new things so that I could go into the field with a broad view on what was possible in the music industry. I am now a songwriter working with Sync companies for TV and Film, as well as a recording artist. Molloy was an essential foundation for my professionalism and skill going into this industry, and I am forever grateful!”
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Brianna Mastandrea, B.S. Music Education ‘21
Brianna Mastandrea graduated from the Music Education program in 2021. She teaches high school band and music appreciation, and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Music Education.
She says, “My time at Molloy wouldn’t have been the same without the professors. They motivated me to become a confident musician and music teacher. Their passion and dedication for music inspired me to learn more and try new things.”
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Nicholas Miller, B.S. Music Therapy ‘24
Nicholas Miller graduated from the Music Therapy Dual Degree program in May 2024 and is completing his internship at Stony Brook Hospital. He was just hired as a full-time music therapist at Brookside Multicare Center.
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Kaitlyn Upshaw, (MT-BC) B.S. Music Therapy ’19; M.S. Music Therapy ‘21
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying music therapy at Molloy University! The music department offers a small and intimate learning environment while catering to the individual needs of each student! After graduating, I am working at a job in my field and passed the certification exam.”
Scholarships for Music Majors
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Performing Arts Scholarships
Performing Arts scholarships are awarded to qualified incoming students on the basis of artistic merit. These partial-tuition scholarships are renewable for full-time students remaining in good academic and musical standing.
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Scholarships for Current Music Majors
A number of partial-tuition scholarships are available to current, continuing students. These include the Robert R. Current Memorial Scholarship and the Sister Anna Marie Hardenburg, O.P. Music Award. Music Program Faculty determines the recipients in January of every academic year.
How to Apply
Eager to get started? The application process at Molloy couldn't be simpler. You have two options: use our specialized Molloy Portal or the Common App. Whichever route you choose, you'll find the steps easy to follow and hassle-free.
Start your application here.
Log into your account here.
You can also apply to Molloy University using the Common App by clicking here.
If you're a transfer student, don't worry; we've also thought of you. Our program is built to be welcoming, providing transfer guidelines, articulation agreements, and even financial aid options to ensure your move is seamless.
So, why hesitate? Your gateway to countless opportunities is just a click away. Make the informed decision: Opt for English at Molloy University.
Department Chair
Dr. Michelle Rampal
Public Square
1000 Hempstead Ave.
Rockville Centre, New York 11570