Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Transfer Program, Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Music


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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 pre-college 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

Curriculum – A.F.A. Degree


First Semester


Third Semester


  • Global & Cultural Awareness 3 Credits 1
  • Mathematics 3 Credits 1,3

Fourth Semester


  •  Science (lab) 4 Credits 1

Total Credits 62


(plus 8 credits of keyboard skills, if required)

1 Select a course from the appropriate category of the General Education  list.

2 All students must complete a keyboard proficiency placement test. Students without prior proficiency must complete four semesters of Keyboard Skills (MUSC 121 Keyboard Skills I , MUSC 122 Keyboard Skills II , MUSC 221 Keyboard Skills III , and MUSC 222 Keyboard Skills IV  ).

3 Mathematics by official placement test. Students may not take courses below placement level.

4 A total of 3 credits from Visual or Performing Arts (Studio or Appreciation)

5 Ensembles sponsored by the department include: MUSC 151 RVCC Chorale I , MUSC 152 RVCC Chorale II , MUSC 251 RVCC Chorale III , & MUSC 252 RVCC Chorale IV  and MUSC 157 RVCC Jazz Ensemble I , MUSC 158 RVCC Jazz Ensemble II , MUSC 257 RVCC Jazz Ensemble III , & MUSC 258 RVCC Jazz Ensemble IV . Arrangements may be made to perform off campus in MUSC 153 Concert Band I , MUSC 154 Concert Band II , MUSC 253 Concert Band III , & MUSC 254 Concert Band IV  (Raritan Valley Symphonic Band) or MUSC 155 Orchestra I ,MUSC 156 Orchestra II , MUSC 255 Orchestra III , & MUSC 256 Orchestra IV  (Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra). Students not meeting audition requirements in above instrumental ensembles should enroll in MUSC 151 RVCC Chorale I ,  MUSC 152 RVCC Chorale II , MUSC 251 RVCC Chorale III , & MUSC 252 RVCC Chorale IV . 

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