The Music Major at Roger Williams University offers a solid foundation in music theory, and the principle musical style in western culture and an introduction to the music of various world cultures. This study will lead to a Bachelors of Arts in Music.
Students study the elements of music and explore their application in various compositional formats. They have the opportunity to study the evolution of popular music as well as the classical forms that have characterized and helped define western culture. A unique aspect of Roger William’s Music Major, reflecting the mission of the university, is the exploration of world culture through music. These courses will focus not only on the music of various world cultures but also on the ways in which music is a reflection of its culture.
Degree 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 an entrance examination (or pass MUSIC 170 Basic Musicianship with a C or better) demonstrating their knowledge in basics of music theory. In addition, majors must complete the following curriculum for a total of 39 credits.
Western Musical Tradition (6 credits)
MUSIC 211 Evolution of Musical Style
MUSIC 212 Great Personalities in Music
(These 2 courses lay the formal and historical foundation for the Western Classical Musical)
Musical Theory (9 credits)
MUSIC 270 Musical Theory and Composition I
MUSIC 370 Musical Theory and Composition II
MUSIC 470 Musical Theory and Composition III
(These 3 courses lay the music theory and basic skills foundation for Western Music)
World Culture Through Music (9credits)
MUSIC 310 World Culture Through Music/North America
MUSIC 311 World Culture Through Music/Latin America
MUSIC 312 World Culture Through Music/China & Japan
MUSIC 313 World Culture Through Music/India & Middle East
MUSIC 314 World Culture Through Music/Indigenous Peoples
Applied Music (6 credits/4 semesters)
MUSIC 230 Applied Lessons – For Majors (4 semesters of private lessons are required.
At least three of these semesters must be sequential study in on discipline.)
MUSIC 141 Chorus
Or
MUSIC 151 Instrumental Ensemble (2 semesters)
2 Electives (6 credits)
MUSIC 310 through MUSIC 314 – World Culture Through Music courses
NOTE: Sections taken as electives must be in addition to the sections taken to fulfill the “World Culture Through Music” requirement
ANTH 100 Introduction to Anthropology
AMST 100 The American Experience
MUSIC 430 Special Topics in Music
Final Project (3 credits)
Select one of the following courses. The Final Project must be approved by Music faculty
MUSIC 460 Internship
MUSIC 480 Thesis, Composition or Recital
Requirements for the Minor
MUSIC 161 The Art of Rock and Roll
MUSIC 170 Basic Musicianship
MUSIC 211 Evolution of Musical Style
MUSIC 212 Great Personalities in Music
And one of the following:
MUSIC 121
MUSIC 270 Musical Theory and Composition I
Or
MUSIC 310, MUSIC 311, MUSIC 312, MUSIC 313, MUSIC 314
And 3 credits from the following:
MUSIC 130 Applied Lessons – Non Majors
MUSIC 141 Chorus
MUSIC 151 Instrumental Ensemble