8 CLACKAMAS PRINT • APRIL 29,2015
New degree prepares to rock
by Robin Scott and Megan McCoy
A new music degree is In the works at Clackamas
Community College for students hoping for careers
in the music Industry.
The Associates of Applied Science in music per
formance and technology would be a new option
for those wanting to go into the music business,
according to vocal music director, Kathleen Holling
sworth, who came up with the Idea.
Hollingsworth said that the college Is hoping to
have the new degree program available to students
starting In the fall 2015; It first must be approved
by the state.
In the college’s proposal, the degree is described
as being for students who are seeking contemporary
careers in music.
Hollingsworth emphasized that a degree like this
does not exist almost anywhere else In the United
States. The only other place with a degree like this
is in Miami. It takes performance, technology and
business and combines them all into one specific
degree.
Students who complete the degree would have
the skills needed to be successful, professional inde
pendent musicians. It is focused mainly on musicians
and singers. College officials said the degree will
ultimately help musicians start their own business
after two years and help musicians be well rounded.
In addition, It will hopefully teach students how to
promote themselves out In the real world.
“ Performing degrees
are still useful and
relevant, but are not
training or preparing
musicians for the jobs
that are out there.”
-Clay Giberson
The proposal states the current annual wage for
musicians and singers Is around $48,880 national
ly. The two-year degree Is designed for those not
interested in transferring to a four-year university.
Clay Giberson, a member of the advisory com
mittee for the degree, said, “The music Industry
Is changing, influenced by technology and what’s
happening socially. Performing degrees are still
useful and relevant, but are not training or preparing
Jacob Buswell mixes original music for his music tech certificate In the Niemeyer recording studio.
musicians for the jobs that are out there."
The required courses to obtain the degree will
include classes focused on building music skills,
such as Music Fundamentals, Keyboard Skills and
Music Notation Software.
Contemporary skills will also be a focus with
classes like Songwriting, Recording and Live Sound
Engineering as a few options to fill that require
ment. Music business skills are addressed in Ca
reers in Music, Intro to Music Business and Small
Business Greenhouse just to pick a few from the
list of options.
The complete list will be available to all students
after the degree is finalized by the state. This new
degree is great news for those that are wanting to
get a music degree but have no desire to have all
the schooling this would normally entail.
Although, according to Matthew Altman, Asso
ciate Dean for the Arts and Sciences, to get a new
degree started, many hoops must be navigated
before state approval.
A few required classes for the degree
Music skills- Music fundamentals, individual
lessons and contemporary music ensemble.
Contemporary skills- Cooperative work
experience, electronic music and recording.
Music business skills- Careers in music and intro
to music business.
One class from- Small business greenhouse, intro
to business, business math, general accounting,
intro to business computing, principles of mar
keting, sales or advertising.
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