Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 University Catalog 
    
2020-2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, Electronic Music, Composition, and Technology, 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 - Music Theory and Composition I  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 - Music Theory and Composition I  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 #2 - Electronic Music, Composition, and Technology (20 additional credits)


This track explores 20th and 21st century developments in music, with an emphasis in electronic and computer music technologies. Using state of the art facilities in the Bergquist Music Lab as part of the Roger Williams Center for Electronic, Computer, and Experimental Music, students engage in a series of courses to learn the history and foundation of contemporary music, digital music synthesis, computer music programming, and applied use of electronic and computer tools for sound design. Furthermore, students in this track may also explore the art of music composition in both acoustic an electronic domains with applied study with our expert faculty.

Electronic Music, Composition, and Technology Requirements


Music Elective (3 credits)

One additional 3-credit music course at the 200-level or above; may not be fulfilled by one-credit Applied Music or Ensemble courses.

Applied Music Requirement

Note:

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

Ensemble Requirement (1 credit)

Lesson Requirement: (3 credits)

Students must take at least one (1) semester of piano lessons and at least 2 semesters in their primary instrument, or voice or composition.

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