The Associate of Fine Arts in Music degree program prepares students for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in music—whether B.M., B.A., B.F.A. or B.M.E.—at four-year colleges and universities such as Rutgers University, William Paterson University, Kean University, Montclair University, The College of New Jersey, Rowan University, and Westminster Choir College of Rider University.

Students develop their performance skills by four semesters of private lessons (Applied Music) and by participating each semester in at least one major performing ensemble. On campus ensemble experiences include the RVCC Chorale and the RVCC Jazz Ensemble. Arrangements may be made for participation off-campus in ensembles such as the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band or the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Students who do not qualify for any of these four ensembles may enroll in Ensemble Collaborations. Auditions are required for all ensembles.

All students who do not have piano as their primary instrument must take four semesters of Keyboard Skills or pass a proficiency examination. Students without adequate precollege background in music and who are not adequately prepared to begin the four-semester music theory and musicianship sequence must enroll in Fundamentals of Music. Before enrollment, it is mandatory that a freshman Music major contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department for an interview and placement testing with a member of the Music faculty.

Students considering transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree should consult with a counselor early in their program to determine requirements.

Graduates are able to:

• understand the role of a musician as a performing artist
• display general musicianship skills
• demonstrate the theoretical basis of music
• illustrate a historical perspective and knowledge of music literature
• identify composers and analyze compositions from the historical style periods
• display solo and ensemble performance skills appropriate to a vocal or instrumental concentration
• apply basic computer skills and selected music technologies and software to music applications