The Music Program at Ramapo College, with its distinctly contemporary orientation, emphasizes creativity and experiential learning in a liberal arts framework. The program focuses on many forms of contemporary music and digital-music technologies, while cultivating an appreciation for Western art music, Western popular music, American music, and musical traditions from around the world.  The major begins with foundational studies in three areas: musicianship, music history and culture, and musical technologies and media. Students select one of four concentrations – Music Industry, Music Performance, Music Production or Music Studies – all of which offer opportunities for internships, independent projects, and performance. These flexible and interconnected concentrations allow students to develop their interests, talents, and skills in individual ways.

• Music Industry focuses on the rapidly changing dynamics of the music business and the relationship of music, business, and technology in the digital media landscape.
• Music Performance is particularly experiential in developing musical skills and communication, and also provides a foundation for students seeking to pursue K-12 teaching.
• Music Production emphasizes original composition, recording, sound synthesis and multi-media, including training in major music software programs such as Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton Live in our state-of-the-art Les Paul Sound Studio and Electronic Music Studio.
• Music Studies includes the more analytical and interpretive disciplines of music, research and writing about music in historical and cultural contexts, and preparation for graduate studies.

Students completing this program will receive a B.A. degree. A minor in Music is available.

Outcome 1: Explore and explain how technology has impacted the field of music. 

Outcome 2: Examine and interpret ways that music expresses culture and identity in diverse settings. 

Outcome 3: Understand and describe the development of Western art music and a selection of popular genres, African American music, and non-Western musical traditions. 

Outcome 4: Develop and apply competence in music notation, aural skills, and technical analysis. 

Outcome 5: Demonstrate abilities to research, synthesize, and articulate music-related topics in written and verbal communication. 

Outcome 6: Produce creative work or a performance that demonstrates skills relevant to the student’s concentration. 

Outcome 7: Employ current technologies relevant to the student’s concentration.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers only apply to General Education Requirements NOT School Core or Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (six courses):  three writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: First Year Seminar, Critical Reading and Writing, and Readings in the Humanities; the other three courses are taken in the major.
4. All music majors must take the online Musicianship Placement Test upon entering the program and no later than one week after the beginning of their first term.
5. Students should begin the Musicianship course sequence in their first semester as music students. Based on the results of the Music Placement Test, the sequence will either begin with Musicianship I or require the preceding course, Music Fundamentals. Exceptional test scores may provide the option to enroll in Musicianship II, subject to evaluation by musicianship faculty.
6. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.

MUSIC MAJOR

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

1. At least 1/2 of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

MUSIC MINOR

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
The Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts
School of Contemporary Arts Website
Faculty Profiles