Bachelor of Arts in Music
Lawrence Township, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
USD 37,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Rider practices rolling admissions
** additional fees may apply
Introduction
The Bachelor of Arts in Music (BAM) degree offers musically talented students the opportunity to pursue a versatile liberal arts degree while receiving exceptional training and fully participating in Westminster’s renowned musical experiences. As a member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir, students perform with major orchestras and conductors, an unparalleled opportunity to experience performing at the highest professional level. The program encourages the innovative spirit and flexibility vital for artists in a quickly evolving global economy.
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.
All students in the B.A.M. degree select a minor or a concentration. Concentrations are offered in specialized areas of music and require 9-10 credits. These include Composition Studies, Music Theory, Music History, and Sacred Music, among others.
Minors are offered in most disciplines of the university and require 18-21 credits. Students may choose from any concentration or minor approved by Rider University.
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.
Courses taken to fulfill Arts and Sciences core requirements may be used to complete minor requirements. Interested students have the option to take elective composition lessons for an additional fee.
Cultivate your creativity
Westminster Choir College is brimming with on-campus opportunities for students to exercise their learned skills. Gain valuable experience by working on the creative and managerial teams for both on-campus and local stage productions, and through internships in campus administrative departments and with local arts organizations.
Students are also eligible to receive the Undergraduate Research Scholarship Award and participate in the annual Celebration of Westminster Student Research and the Independent Scholarship and Creative Activities Presentation (ISCAP) Day.
Curriculum
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
- CR 109 Chapel Choir
- PI 103 Piano Secondary I
or VC 103 Voice Secondary - OR 168A Applied Organ
or PI 168A Applied Piano
or VC 168A Applied Voice - TH 141 Musicianship I
- CMP 125 Seminar in Writing and Research
- Foreign Language level I
- Arts &Sciences elective
Spring Semester
- CR 109 Chapel Choir
- PI 104 Piano Secondary II
or VC 103 Voice Secondary - VC 115 English & Italian Diction 1
- OR 168A Applied Organ
or PI 168A Applied Piano
or VC 168A Applied Voice - TH 142 Musicianship II
- Foreign Language Level II
- Literature elective
Year 2
Fall Semester
- CR 209 Schola Cantorum
- PI 203 Piano Secondary III
or VC 203 Voice Secondary - OR 168A Applied Organ
or PI 168A Applied Piano
or VC 168A Applied Voice - TH 241 Musicianship III
- MH 247 Music Historiography I
- VC 116 French & German Diction 1
- Philosophy/Religion Elective
Spring Semester
- CR 209 Schola Cantorum
- PI 208 Piano Secondary BAM
or VC 203 Voice Secondary - OR 168A Applied Organ
or PI 168A Applied Piano
or VC 168A Applied Voice - MH 248 Music Historiography II
- Writing Intensive Elective
- Natural Science/Math Elective
Year 3
Fall Semester
- CR 509 Symphonic Choir
- OR 301A
or PI 301A
or VC 301A - MH 433 Seminar in Music History
- Concentration course
- Social Science elective
- Arts & Sciences elective
Spring Semester
- CR 509 Symphonic Choir
- TH 342 Contemporary Trends
or MH 345 Music Since 1900 - OR 168A Applied Organ
or PI 168A Applied Piano
or VC 168A Applied Voice - Concentration course
- Arts & Sciences electives
- History elective
Year 4
Fall Semester
- CR 509 Symphonic Choir
- OR 168A Applied Organ
or PI 168A Applied Piano
or VC 168A Applied Voice - Concentration course
- Arts & Sciences electives
- Free Electives
Spring Semester
- CR 509 Symphonic Choir
- OR 168A Applied Organ
- or PI 168A Applied Piano
- or VC 168A Applied Voice
- Arts & Sciences electives
- Free Electives
1VC 115 and VC 116 are required for Voice primary students only. Organ and piano primary students may substitute cour additional credits of free electives.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
At Rider, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all, and our aid packages are no exception. In fact, 99% of students receive Rider-funded scholarships and financial aid. Let us work closely with you and your family to find scholarships and aid that are right for you.
| 99% of students receive Rider-funded scholarships and financial aid | $21.8 Average student assistance package | $71.2 million Total institutional funds awarded by Rider for the 21–22 school year |
Career Opportunities
With a broad foundation in liberal studies complemented by extensive studies in music, BAM graduates have the flexibility to explore a spectrum of careers that directly involve music or extend beyond it.
Common careers:
- Arts Administrator
- Studio Coordinator
- Researcher
- Graduate Assistant
- Communications Specialist
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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