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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What types of career opportunities will I have with a music degree?

There are dozens of careers available for students with a music degree. Most common are professional performer and music educator. However, music therapy, music business, music production, film scoring, songwriting, and audio engineering are increasingly popular. In addition, students may pursue music librarianship, instrument repair, music law, acoustical engineering, and many other exciting fields.

To where can I transfer with a music degree from Suffolk?

An associate's degree in music from Suffolk can transfer to any bachelor’s degree music program and benefits the student by cutting the total cost of a bachelor’s degree in half. Suffolk graduates have transferred to many fine programs, including those at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Westminster Choir College (NJ), Berklee College of Music (MA), SUNY Fredonia, the Longy School of Music (MA), Temple University (PA), Columbia University, Mannsfield University (PA), University of Miami (FL), SUNY Purchase, Brooklyn College, Queens College, and University of the Arts (PA).

Are music ensembles open to all students or only music majors?

Music ensembles are open to all students regardless of major, faculty, staff, and members of the local community.

Do you need prior experience to join an ensemble?

Students do not need prior experience to join an ensemble. However, auditions are required for some ensembles. See the Music Ensembles page for more details.

I see that some of the ensembles require an audition. How do I find out when auditions are?

Auditions will typically be held on the first day the ensemble meets in any given semester. Students may register for an ensemble before auditioning. For more information, contact the director of the ensemble. For contact information, see the Music Ensembles page.

I don’t have my own instrument. Does the College lend instruments to students?

Students must have their own instruments (except percussion). Check with local retailers for instrument rentals.

Can I store my instrument at school?

Yes. A storage locker is available. Students must supply their own padlock for the locker.

What do I need to do if I want to become a music major?

Contact the Music Department at 631-451-4346 to set up an audition and placement test. Students who are new to the College must visit Advising & Testing prior to contacting the Music Department.

Can I start the music program in a spring semester?

Yes. New students are admitted into the music program in September and January.

Is the music major offered at the Riverhead or Brentwood (Grant) campuses?

No. While a few music courses are offered at the other campuses, the music major must be completed at the Ammerman (Selden) campus.

Are music courses offered in the winter session or summer session?

Understanding Music (MUS101) is held in the winter session and summer session. MUS101 does not count towards the A.S. degree in music. Music Theory II (MUS126), Aural Skills II (MUS127), Piano II (MUS128), and Applied Music II (MUS129) are offered in the Summer Session 2 (July) and do count towards the major.

What is the teacher-student ratio in the Music Department?

The teacher-studio ratio is approximately 1 to 15.

What is Applied Music?

Applied Music is the private lessons on an instrument or voice that each music major is required to take. It consists of 12 lessons per semester, culminating in a graded live performance.

How do I find out who my private lesson teacher is?

The Applied Music instructor is assigned to the student two weeks before the start of a new semester.

If I currently study with a private teacher, can I keep this teacher when I enroll in the music program at Suffolk?

Students are welcome to continue study with their prior lesson teacher outside school, but in order to fulfill the requirement for graduation, they must take private lessons on campus with a Suffolk faculty member.

I play two different instruments. Can I major in both of them at Suffolk?

No. Students may only have one major instrument of study in Suffolk’s music program. A student also may not switch instruments after the first semester. Students are welcome to play their secondary instrument in one of our many ensembles.

I play the piano. Do I have to take MUS124 Piano 1 and MUS128 Piano 2?

Students are welcome to take a “Challenge Exam” in order to place out of these courses. There is a fee to take this exam and the exam must be completed the first week of the semester.

I got placed into MUS121 Basic Musicianship. Does this mean it will take me longer to graduate?

Students who are placed in MUS121 Basic Musicianship in a fall semester will still graduate in two years. In order to accomplish this, they will take Music Theory 2 in the summer semester. Students who are placed in MUS121 Basic Musicianship in a spring semester will require two and a half years to graduate.

Contact Us

Music Department
Ammerman Campus
Southampton Building, Room 18
533 College Road,
Selden, NY 11784-2899

Steve Page 
Principal Clerk for Music & Theater 
(631) 451-4164 
pages@sunysuffolk.edu

Central Admissions
Phone: (631) 451-4414
Fax: (631) 451-4415
admissions@sunysuffolk.edu

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.