Study Abroad for Music Students

All degree programs offered by the Center of Music can accommodate international study, but planning must occur early in a student’s tenure at IC. To begin planning, students should:

  • Contact the Office of International Programs and attend an information session.
  • Meet with their studio teacher to determine an appropriate semester and an appropriate program. (Some of the most popular music programs are listed below.) In some cases, IC faculty members have direct experience with colleagues at international sites and may be able to assist students in obtaining lessons. Students attending the London Center will be provided with private instruction through the LC administrative offices.
  • Meet with their advisor regarding the same.

  • Meet with the Associate Dean to pre-approve waiver/substitutions, confirm degree requirements, and discuss curricular issues that may arise.

What follows are some basic planning guidelines for international programs, including IC’s London Centre and all affiliated and non-affiliated programs. 

General Guidelines Concerning Coursework and Application for International Study

  1. Other than private lessons and music electives, students should not plan to fulfill specific music requirements during international studies.
  2. Most coursework taken during a study abroad experience will apply toward fulfilling Liberal Arts (LA) and Complementary Liberal Arts (CLA) requirements. Students needing to fulfill Themes and Perspectives requirements should contact the Associate Dean as options here are limited.
  3. Students must file the Application for Transfer Credit form (available at the Registrar’s Office) prior to enrolling in any unaffiliated or affiliated programs. The form is not required for Ithaca College-administered programs such as London Center (or ICNYC).
  4. In cases where private lessons are not available for the number of credits required by a student’s degree program, remaining credits will be waived with a substitution of music (or open) electives.
  5. In most cases, students should complete all core sequences prior to their study abroad including: Keyboard Musicianship, Music History, Music Theory, Sight-Singing, and Music Education (including conducting). Interruption or delay of core musicianship sequences may lead to additional semesters of study. Interruption of the Music Education sequence (Music Education for Children, Conducting, Junior Student Teaching, etc.) will result in students needing to add an additional fall or spring semester to complete degree requirements.

Degree-Specific Guidelines for Study Abroad (In IC Programs, Affiliates Programs, and Unaffiliated Programs)

Degree Suggested Year/Semester Likely Waiver/Substitutions Special Concerns
Music Education Senior Year (after MUED Course Sequence through Jr Student Teaching and Conducting II) 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy Communication w/MUED Chair regarding placement for Sr Student Teaching
Performance and Music Education Senior Year or ninth semester (after MUED Course Sequence through Jr Student Teaching and Conducting II) 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy (possibly 0.5 Chamber Music) Communication w/MUED Chair regarding placement for Sr Student Teaching and w/Performance Studies faculty member regarding timing of Jr and Sr Recitals
Performance (including Collaborative Emphasis) Sophomore, Junior or Senior years 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy (possibly 0.5 Chamber Music) Communication w/Performance Studies faculty member regarding timing of Jr and Sr Recitals
Sound Recording Technology Senior year 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy Communication w/SRT faculty regarding Recording Internship and Sr Project
Music with an Outside Field Sophomore, Junior or Senior years 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy Communication w/Assoc. Dean and outside field advisor regarding outside field requirements, sequential offerings, and possible substitutions by courses taken abroad
Jazz Studies Sophomore, Junior or Senior years 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy Communication w/Jazz Studies professor and private instructor regarding timing of recital
Music Theory Sophomore, Junior or Senior years 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy Communication w/Chair of Music Theory, History, and Composition regarding sequential offerings of upper-division music theory requirements
Composition Sophomore, Junior or Senior years 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy Communication w/composition instructor regarding timing of recital and w/Chair of Music Theory, History, and Composition regarding sequential offerings of upper-division music theory requirements
BA in Music Sophomore, Junior or Senior years 1.0 Ensemble, 0.5 Performance Repertoire and Pedagogy With only four semesters of ensemble and six semesters of lessons/rep class required, may be able to choose exclusively non-music courses during international study, avoiding the need to schedule lessons or waive/substitute for ensembles and rep class.

*Any approved waiver/substitutions will require the taking of additional music electives

MOST POPULAR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

1. IC's London Center

2. IES Abroad

  • Amsterdam: Amsterdam School of Music (IES)
  • Milan: (special music programs) Accademia Internazionale della Musica, Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi (previous Italian required for some programs) (IES)
  • Santiago: (previous Spanish required) Universidad de Chile (IES)
  • Vienna: (special music programs) University of Music and Performing Arts (previous German required for some programs) (IES)