University News

WIU Signs 2+2 Agreement with Kaskaskia College for Music Business

April 30, 2020

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MACOMB, IL – Students interested in pursuing a degree in music business can now complete their academic program in four years by starting study at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, IL, and completing their bachelor's degree at Western Illinois University.

Through the agreement, signed virtually Monday (April 27), Kaskaskia community college students would complete the requirement for an Associate of Fine Arts degree in the first two years. Students would then transfer to WIU to be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Music/Music Business degree in the final two years.

The WIU portion of the agreement was signed this week by College of Fine Arts and Communication Interim Dean William "Buzz" Hoon.

"Courtney Blankenship continues to provide invaluable leadership for the music business program," said Hoon. "These agreements go through many drafts and revisions before being finalized. Courtney's hard work and dedication led directly to this signing. She understands the importance of strengthening the program by streamlining the transfer process for Kaskaskia students. We are thankful for Courtney's guidance and service in signing this agreement."

Blankenship said work on the agreement began in 2018 between Kaskaskia College Professor of Music Lynda Marshall and previous WIU School of Music Director Tammie Walker. The discussion included Blankenship because of another 2+2 agreement she created with Lincoln Land Community College.

"Lynda was excited at the prospect, and the conversations have evolved over many months," said Blankenship. "Lynda's colleague, Professor of Music Cliff Jourdan, was involved in the discussions, as well. We have been emailing and discussing curriculum of core music classes like music theory and aural skills to ensure incoming transfer students are set to succeed, while allowing for transferability of coursework."

Blankenship said music business has been more conducive to this type of agreements, though there is strong interest from Kaskaskia College in creating 2+2s/2+3s in music education and music therapy, as well.

"These types of curricula are part of a concerted effort to work with Illinois community colleges, reduce barriers while maintaining standards and increase the likelihood of music students transferring to WIU to continue their education while staying in Illinois," said Blankenship. "Both Interim Director of School of Music Jeff Brown, and Interim Dean of COFAC William Hoon have been championing these efforts."

WIU also has a 2+2 in music/music Business with McHenry Community College and one in the works with Waubonsee Community College.

For more information about WIU's music business program, visit wiu.edu/cofac/musicbusiness.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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