Name that tune! AUC’s Music Majors Take Center Stage
By: Aya El Sayad
@AyaElsayad20
One of AUC’s best-kept secrets may be found in its Music program, which the New York-based theater website Broadway World describes as one of the best in Egypt.
Over the course of eight semesters, the program provides students with theory and enough practical experience to help them excel in the music industry, and offers them two majors to choose from – Music Performance or Music Technology
Students learn about Western and Arabic musical cultures with a bit of history along the way.
The Music Performance major teaches students how to perform based on their choice of specialization, which is based on the choice of instruments students are keen on learning to play, namely, the guitar, clarinet, piano, viola, and even voice.
“All students must learn all basics of their instruments first, then they audition to specialize in what they are interested in,” said Chelsea Green, Director of the Music Program.
Music Performance students are accepted from a beginner level for most of the instruments, and the professors work with them to enhance their abilities and talents.
But for the guitar and viola specializations, students must exhibit intermediate level proficiency to be accepted into the program.
“What is amazing about our major is that it is more of a personalized major based on what the student needs,” says Green.
“If a student comes to me, saying that they want to specialize in tabla or any other instrument, we can do that.”
Music Performance Junior Judith Uttendorfer says she fell in love with the music major and chose the viola as her specialization.
“Whatever you want to do, they always find a way to make it possible; there was never a viola major before, and I came and said: I play the viola, I would like to major in it, and they made it possible. They found me a professor and created a whole major just for me,” Uttendorfer told The Caravan.
Students must perform every semester to continue the program, with a 45-minute solo recital by graduation year. Professors work with students to help them gain the needed confidence and overcome the normal stage fright that most people experience.
“The music major teaches you a lot in general even outside of music; it teaches me to become better at public speaking. I go on stage so often, and I got used to being in front of people, so my confidence increases every semester,” Uttendorfer added.
The Music Technology major, on the other hand, offers all the complexity of dealing with the ever-evolving and fast pace of technology in music. It focuses on recording, editing, mixing, composing, and producing music through hardware and software.
“The major deals with music technology in the industry, experimental music, and audio production for videos and films,” says David Rafferty, Associate Professor of Practice of Music Technology.
Music Technology students have to be proficient with piano basics because they will be working with musicians as well as with software that requires interactions with keyboards.
“Students can also work in sound components and industry to work in live performances; the major gives you a lot of open possibilities. It is amazing how using technologies can enhance the experience of a musical performance,” added Rafferty.
The Music Technology major provides students with many career options to choose from such as becoming composers, music producers, technicians, educators, and DJs as well as working in the area of professional studio recording.
“It is about the exploration of human creativity,” says Rafferty.
Graduates will have greater opportunities available to them when it comes to successfully having their own music studios.
”My major has helped me create my own music. I now have my own studio, and I have learned all the techniques I need to produce my music and songs,” says Ahmed Badr, a Music Technology graduate and aspiring singer.
Badr recently released his first album on the popular platform Anghami and is determined to continue working in music production.
For Youssef Shinaishin, a Music Technology graduate, it’s about the opportunity to express oneself artistically.
“What I liked the most about music technology is the practical work and learning how to be creative while working,” he said.
The program encourages students from both specializations to work together to execute live stream performances
Nouran Sharafeldin, a graduating senior majoring in Music Performance, told The Caravan that the program has helped her gain confidence and experience.
“I like that it is very interactive. There are lots of group classes, we sing together, we do shows on stage and outside of AUC, we do work that is not only tailored for private work; we get exposed to different genres and musicians, which is very helpful,” she said.
The music department has been engaging in live concerts at AUC’s campus, with a recent concert hosted by the Research and Creativity Convention. The concert included solo performances by all seven Music Performance majors.
The department is working toward increasing the number of workshops that will help students of all majors who are interested in music, whether it is songwriting or performing in addition to vocal classes and more.
Green encourages all those interested in music to experience what it feels like to be a part of the music major; she will be looking forward to discussing with students their needs and interests when it comes to music.
She promises a fun, rewarding, and exploratory experience.
