Ramapo College is one of the only colleges in the U.S. that provides a distinctly forward-thinking approach to music education, embracing inclusive interdisciplinary teaching philosophies, widely diverse creative and performance opportunities, and advanced technologies in a liberal arts environment. A uniquely progressive foundation in musicianship and music history enables you to delve into popular, non-Western and European art musics, and develop entrepreneurial strategies that empower you to turn your passions into a successful career. Faculty mentors encourage music majors to explore combining music concentrations, flexible course options, independent projects, or teacher certification. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to earn a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Music Technology through our 4+1 program.  

Ramapo music majors study with faculty who have internationally prestigious careers as producers, composers, performers, directors, managers, technologists and researchers. Explore and develop skills in our leading-edge studio facilities, and establish the foundation for your post-college music career through our highly regarded internship program that enables you to gain professional experience with top level music companies in New York City. Join our diverse, creative musical community and make your contribution to shaping the future of music.

Music Education prepares students for careers teaching music. The progressive curriculum balances traditional and contemporary music studies with a global perspective, diverse hands-on experiences, creative teaching projects, and individualized instruction. With this forward leaning and flexible foundation, students are prepared for success in today’s diverse music classrooms. Students may complete Teacher Certification through the Teacher Education program in coordination with the Music Education concentration.

Music Industry prepares students for careers in the contemporary music business. The curriculum features studies in music copyright, music publishing and recording industries, music marketing, promotion, and touring and live concerts. The relationship of music, business, and technology in the rapidly changing digital media landscape is strongly emphasized. Music Industry students are also responsible for the management and oversight of Ramix Music, a college-sponsored record label. 

Music Performance provides students with wide-ranging opportunities to develop strong technique, build performing skills, and find their unique sound and style. Solo and group performance experiences span from award-winning international touring Choral Ensembles, Ramapo Chorale, Gospel Chorus, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble to Brazilian Latin Percussion Ensemble, digital performance, singer-songwriting and student-led bands.. Students interested in teaching may combine the Performance and Music Education concentrations.

Music Production emphasizes a creative approach to a wide range of topics relevant to music technology including sound synthesis, electronic composition and performance, audio mixing and mastering, acoustics, interactive media and live concert sound.  Students have access to state of the art resources in the Ramapo Les Paul Recording Studio and Electronic Music Lab.

Music Studies focuses on the analytical and interpretive disciplines of music, honing skills to research and write about music in historical, cultural, and international contexts. The concentration includes music performance and interdisciplinary studies. Music Studies prepares students for graduate studies in musicology/ethnomusicology and careers in music journalism and art administration.

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

PROGRAMMATIC GOALS

1.   The Music Program will foster creativity, preparing students for careers in the fields of creating, performing, and producing music and interdisciplinary works (Learning Outcomes 4, 6, 7).

2.   The Music Program will foster analytical and interpretative skills, preparing students for careers in diverse paths in the music industry of today (Learning Outcomes 1,2, 3).

3.   The Music Program will foster professional communication skills (Learning Outcome 5).

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students completing the Music Program will meet established expectations in the following areas:

1.  Technological Literacy in Music

Explore and explain how technology has influenced the field of music.

2.  Music and Culture/Identity

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

3.  Music in Historical/Global Perspectives

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

4.  Musicianship

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

5.  Communication/Critical Thinking

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

6.  Performance/Creative

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

7.  Technological Competency in Music

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 do not apply to Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, Major, and Concentrations may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (five):  two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing II and Studies in the Arts and Humanities the other three courses are taken in the major and school core.
4. All music majors and minors 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.
7. All new students in the Performance concentration are required to take an Entrance Performance Evaluation, after which they can declare their concentration with the convener.
8. Students in the Education, Performance, Production, and Studies concentrations are required to participate in a group performance course or ensemble with wide-ranging options available.  See below for details.
9. The Career Pathways Program requirements must be completed prior to graduation. Visit the Cahill Career Center.

MUSIC MAJOR

MUSIC MINOR

4+1 B.A. to M.F.A. in Creative Music

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