Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 University Catalog 
    
2018-2019 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, Global Music Studies, B.A.


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The Music Major at Roger Williams University offers a solid foundation in music theory, the principle musical styles in western culture, and provides an introduction to the music of various world cultures. This degree program leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Music.

Students study the elements of music and explore their application in various compositional formats. They consider the evolution of popular music styles as well as the classical forms that have characterized and helped define western culture. The Roger Williams University Music Major offers two unique tracks that reflect the mission of the University : one, an exploration of world culture through music, and a second track exploring 21st century developments in music, as influenced by new electronic and computer technologies.

The Music Major and Minor also include an Applied Music component, requiring private instrument, voice, and/ or composition lessons, as well as participation in one of Music’s for-credit ensembles. Although there is a lab fee for the private lessons, it is waived for students pursuing a Major or Minor in Music, as long as they remain in good standing. Eligibility for the fee waiver will be determined each semester by the Music faculty, and will depend on the student’s progress, as measured by their end-of-semester lesson juries and their successful and timely completion of required Music courses for the Major or Minor.

Program Requirements


Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Music must satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210 . Music majors will be required to pass MUSIC 170 - Basic Musicianship  with a C or better or, upon entrance to the program, demonstrate their knowledge in knowledge in basics of music theory through written and oral examination. In addition, all majors must complete the Foundation Requirements (24 credits) and the additional credits in either Track 1: Global Music Studies (19 additional credits, 43 total) or Track 2: Electronic Music, Composition, and Technology (20 additional credits, 44 total).

Foundation Requirements (24 credits, required of all majors):

Required Courses


Music Theory and Musicianship (12 credits all required)


(These courses lay the foundation in theory and basic skills for the study of Western Music. MUSIC 170 - Basic Musicianship  or test-out is required before a student can enroll in MUSIC 270 .)

Final Project (3 credits)


The Final Project must be approved by Music faculty. Select one of the following courses:

Track #1 - Global Music Studies (19 additional credits)


This track of the music major offers students the opportunity to study the music of peoples from around the world within cultural contexts. Faculty experts guide students through both classroom and experiential learning, with both on and off campus concerts, hands-on activities, and research. Furthermore, substantial study in an applied instrument or voice gives students a solid foundation in both solo and ensemble performance.

Global Music Studies Requirements


World Culture Through Music (3 credits)

One (1) course from the WCTM series (MUSIC 310 -MUSIC 314 ), taken in addition to the two required for the Music Foundation.

Music Elective (3 credits)

One additional 3-credit music course, 200-level or above. May not be fulfilled by Applied Music or Ensemble credits.

Applied Music Requirement

Note:

Applied Music courses are each one credit and may be repeated for required totals.

Ensemble Requirement (take 4 credits from the following)

Lesson Requirement: (take 6 credits)

Students must take at least one (1) semester of piano lessons and at least four (4) semesters in their primary instrument, or voice or composition; the final one (1) credit may be in any area.

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