Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is a liberal arts degree with a major in music. A broad foundation in liberal studies complements extensive studies in music. The curriculum is designed for students whose academic/and or career interests extend beyond music.
All students in the B.A.M. degree must select a minor or concentration. Typically this selection is made no later than the end of the sophomore year. Students are encouraged to make this decision earlier, if possible, as the date of the decision may affect progress towards a timely graduation. The declaration is made through the Registrar’s office.
Students may choose from any minor approved by Rider University. Minors are offered in most disciplines of the university and require 18-21 credits. Courses taken to fulfill Arts and Sciences core requirements may be used to complete minor requirements. Information about minors may be found on the university website (www.rider.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs).
Degree Offered
- Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.M.)
Contact
Sharon Mirchandani, PhD.
Professor
Department of Music Composition, History and Theory
Westminster Choir College
Omega House
609-896-5000 x8313
smirchandani@rider.edu
Program Website: www.rider.edu/wcc/academics/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-arts-music
Associated Department: Department of Music Composition, History and Theory
Faculty
Elly Sparks Brown • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Arts & Sciences, 2013. B.A., Seton Hill University; M.A., The Catholic University of America; M.Div., Virginia Theological Seminary; D.Min., Wesley Theological Seminary.
Elena Livingstone-Ross • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Arts & Sciences, 1995. Graduate, Polytechnic Institute of Leningrad; B.A., Grinnell College; M.A., Princeton University.
Ute Mehnert • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Arts & Sciences, 2011. M.A., Ph.D., University of Cologne.
Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.M.) Program Requirements
Learn more about General Undergraduate Requirements
Learn more about Westminster Arts and Sciences requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choirs | ||
| CR 109 | Chapel Choir (2 terms) | 2 |
| CR 209 | Schola Cantorum (2 terms) | 2 |
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir (4 terms) | 4 |
| Applied Music and Diction | ||
| Choose one primary from Organ, Piano or Voice | ||
| OR 101A | Organ Primary (2 terms) | 4 |
| or PI 101A | Piano Primary | |
| or VC 101A | Voice Primary | |
| OR 201A | Organ Primary (2 terms) | 4 |
| or PI 201A | Piano Primary | |
| or VC 201A | Voice Primary | |
| OR 301A | Organ Primary (2 terms) | 4 |
| or PI 301A | Piano Primary | |
| or VC 301A | Voice Primary | |
| OR 401A | Organ Primary (2 terms) 2 | 4 |
| or PI 401A | Piano Primary | |
| or VC 401A | Voice Primary | |
| Piano or Voice secondary (4 terms) | 4 | |
| VC 115 | English & Italian Diction 3 | 2 |
| VC 116 | French & German Diction 3 | 2 |
| Theory and Music History | ||
| TH 141 | Musicianship I | 4 |
| TH 142 | Musicianship II | 4 |
| TH 241 | Musicianship III | 4 |
| MH 247 | Music Historiography I | 3 |
| MH 248 | Music Historiography II | 3 |
| MH 433 | Seminar in Music History | 3 |
| TH 342 | Contemporary Trends | 3 |
| or MH 345 | Music Since 1900 | |
| Arts and Sciences/Electives | ||
| Arts and Sciences core classes (27 credits) | ||
| CMP 125 | Seminar in Writing and Research | 3 |
| Foreign language I/II (2 courses) 5 | 6 | |
| History elective 6 | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Philosophy or Religion elective | 3 | |
| Natural science or Math elective 7 | 3 | |
| Social science elective 7 | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive elective 8 | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences electives (8 courses) 9 | 24 | |
| Concentration | 9 | |
Select one of the following concentrations: | ||
| Music History Concentration | ||
| Music Since 1900 10 | ||
Two additional Music History electives | ||
| Music Theory Concentration | ||
| Contemporary Trends 11 | ||
Two additional Theory electives, one of which must be a Level II elective. | ||
| Piano Accompanying Concentration | ||
| Students in this concentration must be Piano Primary | ||
| Accompanying Class | ||
| Chamber Music | ||
| Song Literature I | ||
or VC 434 | Song Literature II | |
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Italian Diction | ||
| French Diction | ||
| German Diction | ||
| Piano Studies Concentration | ||
| Students in this concentration must be Piano Primary or approved by the department. | ||
| Fund of Piano Pedagogy I | ||
| Survey of Piano Literature I | ||
or PI 436 | Survey of Piano Literature II | |
| Select one of the following courses: | ||
| Fund of Piano Pedagogy II | ||
| Keyboard Skills | ||
| Sacred Music Concentration | ||
| Survey of Sacred Music Lit | ||
or SM 122 | Worship and Theology | |
| Intro to Music Ministry | ||
| Sacred Music Lab ((2 semesters)) | ||
| Hymnody & Psalmody | ||
or SM 250 | Contemporary Worship | |
| Conducting Adult Church Choirs: Pedagogy and Management | ||
or SM 512 | Conducting Children and Youth Church Choirs: Pedagogy and Management | |
| Voice Studies Concentration | ||
Students in this concentration must be Voice Primary | ||
| Song Literature I | ||
| Song Literature II | ||
| Voice Science | ||
| Italian Diction | ||
or VC 119 | French Diction | |
or VC 120 | German Diction | |
| Free Electives | ||
| Free electives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 125 | |
Notes
- 1
With the permission of the Conducting Department, the 8th semester may be waived in the event of an approved internship or off-site semester of study. Internship credits replace Arts and Sciences elective credits.
- 2
The 8th semester may be waived in the event of an approved internship or off-site semester of study. Internship credits replace Arts and Sciences elective credits. A recital or lecture-recital is required.
- 3
VC 115 and VC 116 are required for voice primary students only. Organ and piano primary students may substitute four additional credits of free electives.
- 4
- 5
Completion of French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Latin II is required. If students are exempted from one or more semesters of foreign language study, they must replace the missing credits with other Arts & Sciences electives.
- 6
Music History or Art History courses do not fulfill history elective requirements.
- 7
Social/behavioral/natural science electives exclude history courses.
- 8
Select one of the following: COM 107, ENG 321, ENG 322, ENG 323, LL 285, ENG 206;any 300- or 400-level course with an ENG prefix EXCEPT ENG 336; FTV 238, FTV 339, or a course approved by the BAM advisor.
- 9
If you choose to complete a minor, the hours required to complete the minor are taken from these 24 credits.
- 10
If students select MH 345 as part of their core requirement, they must take TH 342 in place of MH 345 as part of their concentration.
- 11
If students select TH 342 as part of their core requirement, they must take MH 345 in place of TH 342 as part of their concentration.
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or those who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from his or her academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| CR 109 | Chapel Choir | 1 |
| OR 101A |
Organ Primary or Piano Primary or Voice Primary |
2 |
| PI 103 or VC 103 |
Piano Secondary I or Voice Secondary |
1 |
| TH 141 | Musicianship I | 4 |
| CMP 125 | Seminar in Writing and Research | 3 |
| Foreign Language level I | 3 | |
| Arts &Sciences elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CR 109 | Chapel Choir | 1 |
| OR 101A |
Organ Primary or Piano Primary or Voice Primary |
2 |
| PI 104 or VC 103 |
Piano Secondary II or Voice Secondary |
1 |
| VC 115 | English & Italian Diction 1 | 2 |
| TH 142 | Musicianship II | 4 |
| Foreign Language level II | 3 | |
| Literature elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CR 209 | Schola Cantorum | 1 |
| OR 201A |
Organ Primary or Piano Primary or Voice Primary |
2 |
| PI 203 or VC 203 |
Piano Secondary III or Voice Secondary |
1 |
| TH 241 | Musicianship III | 4 |
| MH 247 | Music Historiography I | 3 |
| VC 116 | French & German Diction 1 | 2 |
| Philosophy/Religion elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CR 209 | Schola Cantorum | 1 |
| OR 201A |
Organ Primary or Piano Primary or Voice Primary |
2 |
| PI 208 or VC 203 |
Piano Secondary BAM or Voice Secondary |
1 |
| MH 248 | Music Historiography II | 3 |
| Writing Intensive elective | 3 | |
| Natural Science/Math elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| OR 301A |
Organ Primary or Piano Primary or Voice Primary |
2 |
| MH 433 | Seminar in Music History | 3 |
| Concentration course | 3 | |
| Social Science elective | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| OR 301A |
Organ Primary or Piano Primary or Voice Primary |
2 |
| TH 342 or MH 345 |
Contemporary Trends or Music Since 1900 |
3 |
| Concentration course | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences electives | 6 | |
| History elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| OR 401A |
Organ Primary or Piano Primary or Voice Primary |
2 |
| Concentration course | 3 | |
| Arts & Sciences electives | 6 | |
| Free Electives | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CR 509 | Symphonic Choir | 1 |
| OR 401A |
Organ Primary or Piano Primary or Voice Primary |
2 |
| Arts & Sciences electives | 6 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation | 125 | |
Courses and Descriptions
AR 111 Survey of Art History I 3 Credits
A survey of Western art - architecture, sculpture, painting - from prehistoric times, is presented against the background of chronological and intellectual history.
AR 112 Survey of Art History II 3 Credits
Crucial artistic tendencies in Western art of the 19th and 20th centuries are introduced and discussed against their historical and intellectual setting. A brief background of art history from previous centuries is presented in order to appreciate these developments.
AR 216 Acting I 3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to basic techniques of realistic acting using exercises, improvisation and scene study. The emphasis is on honesty and commitment to action in order to be able to create real life in an imaginary world.
AR 217 Improvisation & Movement 3 Credits
Using theater games, students explore themselves as individuals and members of a group. The course uses scenes, skits, dances and games to help students overcome their fears and insecurities, enabling them to develop their creativity, spontaneity, honesty, concentration, and commitment to action. The class also explores body movement as a means of heightening dramatic expression.
AS 490 Independent Research and Study 1-3 Credits
Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1-4 credit hours. Students may count up to a maximum of 18 independent study hours toward graduation. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to the first day of the semester in which the project is to be completed. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing.
AS 491 Arts & Science Internship 1-12 Credits
This course requires 95 hours for each three credits for which the student enrolls. The student is required to spend 13 weeks of on-site participation in a broad range of daily operations at an internship site. In addition, there are group meetings with all students participating in internships and site-analysis assignments given under the direction of Arts and Sciences faculty. Students may enroll for a maximum of 12 credits of internships.
Prerequisite(s): at least junior level standing.
AS 691 Arts & Science Internship 1-3 Credits
This course requires 15 hours for each credit for which the student enrolls. The internship requires on-site participation at a pre-approved site. Students may enroll for a maximum of 3 credits.
Prerequisite(s): graduate standing.
LL 037 College Reading and Writing 3 Credits
Required for students placed into this course as a result of the basic skills English testing program. This intensive course reviews effective reading, writing, and study processes and leads students to the level of mastery required to begin CMP 125 Seminar in Writing and Research.
LL 141 French I 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of French language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
LL 142 French II 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of French language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 141.
LL 145 Italian I 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of Italian language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
LL 146 Italian II 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of Italian language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 145.
LL 151 German I 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of German language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
LL 152 German II 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of German language and culture. It is designed to develop basic grammar, vocabulary and conversation with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 151.
LL 243 French III 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of French language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in French with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 142.
LL 244 French IV 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of French language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in French with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 243.
LL 247 Italian III 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of Italian language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in Italian with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 146.
LL 248 Italian IV 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of Italian language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in Italian with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 247.
LL 253 German III 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of German language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in German with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 152.
LL 254 German IV 3 Credits
This course is an integrated approach to the study of German language and culture. It is designed to strengthen grammatical mastery, to build vocabulary and to encourage lively and meaningful communication in German with the purpose of developing proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Prerequisite(s): minimum "C" grade in LL 253.
LL 280 Sacred Texts and Literature 3 Credits
Explore the cultural, theological, and artistic contexts of key themes (e.g. creation, journey, forgiveness, love) in the sacred texts of the major historical world religions as they are portrayed in contemporary poetry and drama, and in novels that have been adapted to film
LL 282 Major Poets 3 Credits
This course introduces students to poetry via the reading and analysis of different poetic forms. While reading, listening to, performing and discussing poems from a wide cultural spectrum, students learn to evaluate and appreciate poetry by understanding such elements as metaphor and persona.
LL 285 Writing About Music: A Seminar for Performers, Teachers, and Academics 3 Credits
A writing intensive course focusing on the essential writing tasks encountered by musicians in their roles as performers, teachers, and scholars.
LL 327 Dante's Commedia 3 Credits
An introduction to Dante Alighieri's Commedia ("Inferno", "Purgatorio" and "Paradiso") exploring key ethical and aesthetic elements of the poem through close reading and critical analysis of the primary text.
LL 490 Independent Research and Study 1-3 Credits
Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1-4 credit hours. Students may count up to a maximum of 18 independent study hours toward graduation. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to the first day of the semester in which the project is to be completed. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing.
LL 640 German Reading 3 Credits
Designed for graduate students who have little or no previous experience with the German language. A functional course concentrating solely upon preparing students to translate German language sources pertinent to their fields of study. Completion of the course with a grade of "Y" satisfies the graduate language translation requirement. Recommended for Sacred Music, Organ Performance and Choral Conducting majors; not recommended for Voice Pedagogy and Performance or Piano Accompanying and Coaching majors.
LL 641 French Reading 3 Credits
Designed for graduate students who have little or no previous experience with the French language. A functional course concentrating solely upon preparing students to translate French language sources pertinent to their fields of study. Completion of the course with a grade of "Y" satisfies the graduate language translation requirement. Recommended for Sacred Music, Organ Performance and Choral Conducting majors; not recommended for Voice Pedagogy and Performance or Piano Accompanying and Coaching majors. This course is offered in the fall semester only. Offered in the Fall.
3 Credit hours.
RP 265 Lit of New Testament 3 Credits
An introduction to the thought of the early Christian church as expressed in the New Testament, this course will emphasize a literary and historical reading of the Gospels and Epistles. It will introduce students to the Jewish and Greco-Roman religious, political and cultural worlds in which Jesus and his disciples lived and within which earliest Christianity arose.
RP 268 Hebrew Bible & Old Testament 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the writings of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament within their historical and literary contexts. By critically reading these books, students will become aware of the history, culture and religion of ancient Israel - all of which contributed to the traditions of Judaism and Christianity.
RP PTSEM SpTop:PtonTheologicalSeminary 3 Credits
SP 171 Western Civ I 3 Credits
This survey history course presents a cohesive picture of the development of Western societies from prehistoric times to the early Renaissance. Social, political and economic aspects are covered; intellectual and cultural developments are emphasized. Familiarity with primary sources and critical reading are integral to the course.
SP 172 Western Civ II 3 Credits
Continuation of SP171. This survey history course covers developments in Western societies from the Renaissance to the present. Major intellectual and cultural trends and movements are presented, along with historical progress and socio-economic expansion.
SP 273 Developmental Psychology 3 Credits
The physical and psychological growth of the individual from infancy through adolescence is studied, with emphasis on cognitive, emotional, and social processes.
Prerequisite(s): SP 175.
SP 274 Educational Psychology 3 Credits
The psychological foundations of education, based on the findings of experimental research in learning, transfer, motivation, reinforcement, and behavioral modification.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 100.
SP 286 Life in Middle Ages 3 Credits
A seminar in which the life styles of medieval Europeans are studied. Students will develop an understanding of particular social organizations and problems of the period by examining the conditions and events of everyday medieval life. Offered in rotation with other History courses.
SP 408 Voice Science 3 Credits
Study of the physics and physiology of voice production. Musical and vocal acoustics are explored using the facilities of the Westminster Voice Laboratory. Anatomic and physiologic underpinnings of respiration, phonation, articulation, registration and hearing are explored in depth.
Corequisite(s): CR 509.