Featuring available courses in electronic music, orchestration, form and analysis, and conducting, as well as private composition lessons and participation in ensembles, our degrees prepare composers for a diverse career in the wider musical world. Students can choose to pursue the B.A. in Music while taking composition as part of their curriculum, or they can earn the B.A. in Music with Performance Certificate, using Composition as their performance area.

  • B.A. in Music (with composition study)

    Prerequisite: MUS 101 (Fundamentals of Music Theory) or equivalent

  • B.A. in Music with Performance Certificate (Composition)

    Prerequisite: MUS 101 (Fundamentals of Music Theory) or equivalent

    1. MUS 123 (Music Theory I), 3 cr.
    2. MUS 124 (Music Theory II), 3 cr.
    3. MUS 223 (Music Theory III), 3 cr.
    4. MUS 224 (Music Theory IV), 3 cr.
    5. MUS 325 (Music History I), 3 cr.
    6. MUS 326 (Music History II), 3 cr.
    7. MUS 5__ (Music History required elective), 3 cr.
    8. MUS 404 (Composition Seminar: 8 semesters), totaling 8 cr.
    9. MUPI 440 (Private composition instruction: 8 semesters), totaling 24 cr.
    10. MUPI 3__ (Private instruction on principal instrument or voice: 2 semesters), totaling 6 cr.
    11. MUPI (Secondary piano, non-piano principals) or MUS __ (Music electives, piano principals), totaling 6 cr.
    12. MUS __ (Performing Organization: 8 semesters), totaling 8 cr.
    13. MUS 321, Form and Analysis, 3 cr.*
    14. MUS 323, Orchestration, 3 cr.
    15. MUS 337, Basic Conducting, 2 cr.
    16. MUS 434, Counterpoint, 3 cr.*
    17. MUS 457, Intermediate Conducting, 2 cr.
    18. MUS 473, Introduction to Electronic Composition, 3 cr.
    19. MUS 487, Writing for Voice, 3 cr.
    20. MUS499CM, Senior Composition Recital, 0 cr.
    * Theory electives may be substituted by advisement for these courses.
B.A.: Typical Four-Year Plan of Study B.A. with Performance Certificate: Typical Four-Year Plan of Study

Choosing Whether to Pursue the B.A. with Performance Certificate

The B.A. in Music at the Rome School includes general studies in music and the liberal arts.  The B.A. in Music with Performance Certificate contains fewer general courses in order to include an enhanced concentration in performance (instrumental, vocal, or composition). The B.A. is ideal for students who want to study music (including taking lessons) and also wish to pursue a double major, multiple minors, or significant work in the Honors Program.  The B.A. with Performance Certificate provides the strongest possible foundation for additional music study after graduation.