Music Department

The Department of Music offers students a well-rounded curriculum taught by a dedicated faculty of highly qualified professional performers, composers, conductors, musicologists and audio engineers. Students enjoy small classes open to both majors and non-majors, a variety of opportunities for performing and composing, and access to the vibrant cultural life of NYC. Each semester, the department presents a series of concerts, master classes and workshops by distinguished visiting artists, as well as QCC faculty.

Mission Statement

The Music Department serves as a gateway for students wishing to pursue a career in music and shall provide a viable place to train in that endeavor as well as enrich the cultural education of the general student and the surrounding community. The Music Department is dedicated to academic excellence and offers a diverse curriculum designed to achieve the following goals:

Prepare students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning to pursue a career in music by providing a solid foundation in the areas of musicianship and performance.
Prepare students who wish to pursue a career in music and recording industries by providing an innovative program that integrates musicianship, music production and recording studio training.
Provide the general college students with the opportunities to study music in a variety of classes that promotes intellectual inquiry, global awareness and lifelong active learning.
Culturally enrich the surrounding community through performances and musical outreach.

Programs of Study

Music (A.S. Degree Program)

For students interested in completing an Associate's Degree in Music and for transferring to a Bachelor's degree program in Music.

Learn more about the General Education Outcomes and Program Outcomes specific to the Music degree program
View the Music degree program course offerings

Music Production (A.A.S. Degree Program)

For students interested in Sound Engineering and Digital Music Technology.

Learn more about the General Education Outcomes and Program Outcomes specific to the Music Production degree program
View the Music Production degree program course offerings

Classes are also open to community members and learners of all musical backgrounds and levels of experience, who are not enrolled in degree programs.

Ensembles

Pop Choir • Queensborough Chorus • Queens Symphonic Band • Jazz Ensemble • Percussion Ensemble • Chamber Music and Piano Ensembles • Instrumental and Vocal Ensemble • Periodic musical theatre collaborations with the Department of Speech, Communication, and Theater Arts

Facilities

Two fully equipped recording studios featuring a Solid State Logic (SSL) mixing board • ATMOS 3D sound lab • 3 state-of-the art computer labs • Classrooms equipped with electronic keyboards • Two lecture halls with grand pianos • A large rehearsal room • Several performance spaces (including access to a newly renovated 875-seat theater) • Significant collection of music books and scores at the Kurt Schmeller Library

Faculty & Staff

Dr. Bjorn Berkhout, Associate Professor and Chairperson (composition/theory, cello)

Prof. Robert Anderson, Lecturer (music production)

Prof. Svjetlana Bukvich, Assistant Professor (music production/technology)

Dr. Joanne Chang, Professor (piano, chamber music)

Dr. Steven Dahlke, Associate Professor (choral and vocal music, sight-singing and ear-training)

Prof. Ernie Jackson, Lecturer (music production)

Dr. Mirna Lekic, Assistant Professor (piano, chamber music)

Dr. Scott Litroff, Assistant Professor (woodwinds, jazz)

Dr. Neeraj Mehta, Associate Professor (percussion, world music)

Dr. Kip Montgomery, Associate Professor (music history/theory)

Distinguished Adjunct Faculty

David Taubman, choral accompanist

Ronaldo Carter, Senior College Laboratory Technician
Silvia Loza, Office Assistant

Professors Emeriti: Raoul Camus, Martin Canellakis, Myron Rosenblum, R. John Specht

Scholarships & Awards

The following scholarships are available to current students at the recommendation of faculty:

The Julius Pomann Memorial Award • The Matthew Barbiere Memorial Music Scholarship Award • The Kurzweil Memorial Scholarship Award • The Tatyana Shvartsblat Memorial Scholarship Award • The Abbey Passariello Endowed Music Scholarship

Transfer Information for Graduates

The Music Department prepares students for continuation of their music studies at a four-year institution of higher learning by providing a solid foundation in the areas of musicianship, performance, and music production. Requirements for baccalaureate programs vary by institution and discipline. Students should be prepared to take placement exams in music theory, ear training, and piano skills (including sight-reading), and to audition on their primary instrument/voice. Below are links to application/audition requirements of four-year programs frequently chosen by our graduates: