Music, Associate of Fine Arts

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 State University, The College of New Jersey, Rowan University, and Westminster Choir College of Rider University.

It is mandatory that a music major applicant contact the Arts and Design Department for an interview, placement testing and advisement with a member of the music faculty. Please contact John Sichel (john.sichel@raritanval.edu) or Anna Keiserman ( anna.keiserman@raritanval.edu) to arrange an interview.  It is recommended that this be done before May if a student is requesting September enrollment as an approved major. Students without adequate precollege background in music and who are not adequately prepared for the theory/musicianship sequence may be required to take Keyboard Skills I before they are allowed to enroll in Music Theory and Musicianship I.

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 with the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band,  the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra or with another Department-approved community performing ensemble. Auditions are likely required for all ensembles.

All students who do not have piano as their primary instrument must take two semesters of Keyboard Skills or pass a proficiency examination. Students considering transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree should consult with a counselor early in their program to determine academic transfer and music audition requirements.


Graduates are able to:

•   understand the role of a musician as a creative, disciplined and performing artist
•   display general musicianship skills
•   analyze and apply certain theoretical concepts in 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 practical and educational music
    applications