For immediate release

Kwantlen Launches New Bachelor of Music Undergraduate Degree Program

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (July 14, 2011) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University will offer an undergraduate degree in music beginning September 2011. The Bachelor of Music in Musical Arts degree program (BMMA) was approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education on July 5 and offers traditional music courses, such as music theory, ensembles, and private lessons, but it will also include practical courses, such as the Business of Music, Music Pedagogy, and the Psychophysiology of Music Performance.

Zdenek Skoumal, Chair of Kwantlen's Music Department explains, "One feature of the Kwantlen music degree is a career-focused curriculum that supports a high percentage of self-employed individuals in the cultural marketplace.” The BMMA will be mandated to facilitate learners to implement flexible skill sets and lasting strategies for economically rewarding careers in arts and culture. "For example, students would be eligible for entrance into a Professional Development Program after graduation," adds Skoumal.

The BMMA degree will develop abilities needed to succeed in a variety of musical careers by providing diverse vocational, educational, and life experiences: ensemble concerts, festival appearances, practicums, forums. The program's commitment to creativity, innovation, personal, intellectual, and performance development will foster lifelong learning. The broad-based program will mentor students through professional activities and engagement in the vibrant musical life of the Kwantlen communities. Practicum opportunities will also be available to students in several streams of the program.

The degree will support lifelong learning by addressing the needs of recent high-school graduates, as well as mature students returning to upgrade their education. The acquisition of new skills will promote leadership and community-based music initiatives, as well as allowing career change and development.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information on the Kwantlen Music program, visit: www.kwantlen.ca/music

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca