Department of Music

Introduction

The Department of Music is one of the newest departments of the University; yet it has already gained a reputation for offering innovative subjects. Bangladesh has a rich history of music. From the classical ragas, music has flowed uninterruptedly through the songs of Tagore, Nazrul and a host of other composers, song-writers and musicians to more modern forms of musical styles. The rich cultural heritage is reflected in the rural areas through Lalon Geeti, Bhawaiyas, Bhatiali, Jari, Shari, Murshidi, Marfati songs and dances, as well as other forms of rural songs  like  marriage songs, crop harvesting songs, to name only a few. Classical artists like Ustad Ali Akbar Khan or Vstad Vilayat Khan are noted not only within the sub continent but also have gained international acclaim.

To keep up with this rich musical tradition, the Department of Music at UODA has introduced a number of subjects into its course curricula, which are not offered anywhere else. These subjects include Rhythm Programming, Music Programming, Sound Engineering, Staff Notation, Appreciation of Music, Theory of Rhythm and Beats, Composition of Tunes, and Voice Culture. The overall program is fairly intensive with emphasis on practical rather than theoretical aspects. Eminent musicians and singers of the country participate in the teaching. The course curricula have been designed in such a manner that both amateurs and professionals may gain from various aspects of the program. Although the overall course design is centered on Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, Folk Music and Classical Music, there are other in-built programs, which would enable a Music Graduate to go abroad and build up a career in Computer Music Programming and Music Therapy amongst other things. In these aspects, the departmental course curricula match those practiced in a number of uiniversities at the United States, Canada and Europe.

It is heartening to realize that  the appreciation of music is reappearing in the country. It is also worthwhile to note that at various times, the law makers of this country have thought aloud in introducing music into the course curricula of schools and colleges. If this happens, the students of Music should be able to find professional jobs and can build up their careers in a more satisfactory manner.    

The two-year MSS program is divided into six semesters: each year having three semesters. The duration of each semester will be of four months. Total credit hours for each semester is 16 credit hours and thus in each year, the students will complete 48 credits.