Major in Music. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in music combines a program of performance, history and theory with courses in the liberal arts. There are two options: one in music and the other in music history and literature. A minimum of 120 credits is required for the music option, 126 credits for the music history and literature option. Within the guide lines of the Department of Music and the College of Arts and Sciences, students select courses from the following three areas:

Basic Liberal Studies. About one-third of the program of study consists of courses in fine arts and literature, letters (history, philosophy and religion, speech), social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, English communication (writing and general communication), and foreign language and culture.

Music. About one-third of the program consists of courses in music theory, music literature and history, applied lessons on an instrument or in voice, ensemble participation, and other music experiences. The music history and literature option requires additional music history courses.

Electives. The remaining courses are electives in music and other subjects.

The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree is the first-level professional degree in music. Its focus is on the development of skills and concepts considered essential to the professional life of the musician. In any number of possible roles and careers, the professional musician must demonstrate not only technical competence, but also a wide knowledge of music and music literature, the adeptness to integrate musical knowledge and skills, a sensitivity to musical styles, and an understanding of the place of music in society.

Within the guidelines of the Department of Music and the College of Arts and Sciences, students, with the help of their advisors, select courses leading to the three majors in the Bachelor of Music degree. In addition to the specialized courses for each major in the B.M. program, all three majors contain basic courses to help develop sound musicianship and provide a good background in liberal arts.

Majors. A B.M. student with a specialized interest in music may major in one of the following areas: performance, music education, or composition.

Performance. This major is for those who wish to concentrate on the mastery of the instrument or voice. Performance emphasis can be in guitar, voice, piano, organ, percussion, and string and wind instruments. Students are expected to perform extensively and are required to give recitals.

Music Education. This is a major for those who plan to teach music in schools at the elementary or secondary level. The program is designed to cover vocal/choral, instrumental, and classroom music education. It offers a broad educational background combined with the development of musical and performance skills. The program has a teaching internship that leads to state certification.

Composition. This is a major designed for students who wish to concentrate their study on the materials and structure of music, with advanced study in musicianship, aural perception, analysis, and composition. Composition students can specialize in classical and/or studio/jazz styles. The program gives young composers a strong basis in the tradition of Western music while allowing the flexibility to explore other special compositional areas.

A number of careers require interdisciplinary preparation. Some of these fields include music publishing, merchandising, manufacturing, and distribution; arts management; talent representation; songwriting; music copywriting and licensing; computer software design, and concert promotion. Other careers include work with professional organizations, arts commissions, recording and retail stores, and entertainment law office.

Double major. A double major - one major in music and one in another field - is ideal for those students who choose the Bachelor of Arts degree. Within the B.A. degree program, students can combine music with another major in the College of Arts and Sciences such as art, English, a foreign language, journalism, mathematics or sociology. Special double major programs include combining music with communication studies, elementary education, or psychology. The B.A. degree with a double major requires a minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Students often declare a double major in the Bachelor of Music degree program. A common combination is a B.M. degree with majors in performance and music education. Because of the greater number of music requirements in the B.M. degree program, a double major will often take longer than the usual eight semesters to complete.

Multiple degrees. Multiple degree options are also available (for example, a Bachelor of Arts in music combined with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, or a Bachelor Music in composition with a Bachelor of Science in computer science). Multiple degree programs involve working with degree requirements and faculties in two departments and/or Colleges within the University. The multiple degree option requires a minimum of 150 credits for graduation.

Minors. The selection of one or two minors - music or non-music - is very common, and especially easy to incorporate in a B.A. degree program.

To apply to the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degree programs, students must submit an application for admission to the University of Rhode Island. Application forms and other materials are available from the Office of Admissions.

Auditions in the principal performing area are required of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degree candidate. All students, regardless of their degree program, must audition if they seek a music scholarship. Audition and composition portfolio requirements, auditions forms, and dates are available from the Department of Music. We invite all interested students to visit the department of Music and meet the faculty and students.