ACADEMIC CATALOG >>
2007-2008
Attention: This catalog is for archival purposes only. Please see www.ccu.edu/catalog for current information.
MCS (Music - Contemporary Studies)
In cooperation with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, courses under the MCS prefix are earned through a semester-long program of study at the Contemporary Music Center (CMC) on Martha's Vineyard. This interdisciplinary off-campus study program provides a community for young musicians and aspiring music executives to plumb the depths of their creative souls and test the waters of a career in popular music. Designed as an artists' community, the program seeks to develop artists and music executives with a Christ-centered vision for music content, production and delivery. The mission of the CMC is to prepare students academically and creatively for potential careers in the music industry.
Core
MCS 250 Praticum (1)
Intensive week-long practicum in a major music market.
Briefings, tours, meetings and internships will be arranged with leading record companies,
artist management firms, booking agencies, recording studios, concert promoters, writers,
producers and artists. Enrollment is limited to students admitted to the semester-long
Contemporary Music Center program in Martha's Vineyard.
MCS 251 Faith, Music and Culture (3)
Helps students develop a Christian approach
to the creation, marketing and consumption of contemporary music. Studies of theory,
history and criticism: exploration of the concept of culture and the nature of popular
culture; and examination of popular art and music in contemporary aesthetic, social,
cultural and industrial contexts. Enrollment is limited to students admitted to the
semester-long Contemporary Music Center program in Martha's Vineyard.
MCS 252 Inside the Music Industry (3)
Readings, lectures and seminars delivered by
leading industry figures give up-to-the-minute insight into the inner workings of the
music industry. Emphasis on career possibilities and the gifts and skills required
to succeed as a performer, songwriter, record producer and engineer, artist manager,
booking agent, concert promoter, record retailer, entertainment attorney, artists and
repertoire executive, marketing executive, sales executive or music journalist.
Enrollment is limited to students admitted to the semester-long Contemporary Music Center
program in Martha's Vineyard.
Artist Track
MCS 361 Essentials of Songwriting (3)
Artists will receive classroom instruction,
participate in directed study with staff and work in collaboration with other students
to develop their use of form, melody, harmony, rhythm and lyric. Enrollment is limited
to students admitted to the semester-long Contemporary Music Center program in Martha's Vineyard.
MCS 362 Studio Recording (3)
Artists, via both the classroom and lab, will
work with faculty, other students and visiting experts to learn how to produce, record,
mix and edit recordings in a professional multitrack studio. Enrollment is limited to
students admitted to the semester-long Contemporary Music Center program in Martha's Vineyard.
MCS 363 Performance (3)
Artists will develop a live concert presentation that best
utilizes their gifts as musicians, entertainers and communicators. Enrollment is limited to
students admitted to the semester-long Contemporary Music Center program in Martha's Vineyard.
Executive Track
MCS 371 Artist Management (3)
Through lecture, text and visiting music industry experts,
Executive Track students will gain a thorough understanding of the economic, creative and
spiritual elements critical to a career in contemporary music. Enrollment is limited to
students admitted to the semester-long Contemporary Music Center program in Martha's Vineyard.
MCS 372 Artists and Repertoire (3)
Students learn how to create a label business plan;
analyze and forecast trends in popular music; assemble a successful artist roster; and, in
tandem with artist, they will plan, budget and produce recording sessions. Enrollment is
limited to students admitted to the semester-long Contemporary Music Center program
in Martha's Vineyard.
MCS 373 Music, Marketing and Sales (3)
Through classroom instruction and presentations
by visiting industry experts, Executive Track students will become familiar with the role of
packaging, retail point-of-purchase materials, publicity, advertising, radio and video promotion,
Internet marketing and tour support in the marketing and sale of recorded music. Students will
develop comprehensive marketing plans for each semester's artist recordings. Enrollment is
limited to students admitted to the semester-long Contemporary Music Center program in Martha's Vineyard.
