Music

The undergraduate music program offers a major and minor in music; a master's of art degree in jazz history and research is offered through the Graduate School-Newark. In addition, courses and performance opportunities are available to Rutgers students in all types of music.

The music program offers exciting possibilities for students to learn the foundations of musical performance as well as histories of global music cultures and traditions, philosophies of music, experimental and contemporary art and media practices, and the role of music and art in democracy, community engagement, and social justice. Because of the unique backgrounds and collaborative approach of our academic and world-renowned performance faculty, the music program at RU-N is positioned at the cutting edge of contemporary music studies. We train our students to think in interdisciplinary ways and to learn how music and art can inform and enhance work in diverse marketplaces and industries.

Performance and research opportunities open to music students include Express Newark, a campus-community incubator for artist engagement and public scholarship; the Rutgers Chorus, which performs globally and has produced multiple recorded albums; and the Institute of Jazz Studies, the world’s foremost jazz archives and research library.

Major Requirements

Our music major curriculum is designed to give students a broad understanding of music. It consists of three components: the music theory sequence, courses in music history, and applied music. The theory sequence gives students a foundation in music analysis and composition. The history courses provide students with an historical and stylistic background in music from different periods and cultures. Applied music, which includes private lessons and ensembles, helps students express themselves musically through vocal and/or instrumental performance. Classroom studies in applied musicianship are designed to further their skills of musicianship. Our curriculum includes all types of music, including classical, jazz and world music. An academic background of this kind prepares students for careers in teaching, performing and music technology, as well as related post-baccalaureate studies.

Music History and Theory Courses (27 credits)

21:087:101 Introduction to Music (3)
21:087:121 Music Theory I (3)
21:087:122 Music Theory II (3)
21:087:224 Applied Musicianship (3)
21:087:235 Advanced Studies in Music Theory 435 (3)
21:087:236 Advanced Studies in Music Theory 436 (3)
21:087:237 Survey of Western Music to 1750 (3)
21:087:238 Survey of Western Music Since 1750 (3)

Three credits from the following:

21:087:280 World Music (3)
21:087:201 Music, Culture and Technology (3)
21:087:135 Music and Film (3)
21:087:202 Opera and Music Drama (3)
21:087:265 Jazz (3)

Applied Music Courses (6 credits)

All students majoring in music should aim for at least six semesters of private study in voice, piano, or guitar. Ensembles (Chorus and Mosaic) also count toward applied music.