Concentration Program & Courses

The B.A. offered by the Music Department is a general degree, integrating theory, history, ethnomusicology, technology, composition and performance in a single, liberal concentration.

There are currently three tracks within the concentration: one that emphasizes theory, history, and composition; another that emphasizes ethnomusicology; and a third that focuses on computer music and multimedia. Consult "Concentration Programs" (in the sidebar) to find descriptions of the three music concentration tracks.

MUSC 0550 and 0560 are required for all three tracks. These courses should be taken in the first year if possible; they must be completed by the end of the sophomore year. (N.B. The sequence starts in the fall.) The basic keyboard skills expected of concentrators are tested at the end of MUSC 0560.

Participation in one or more of the departmentally sponsored performing courses is highly recommended: Chorus, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Wind Symphony, Chamber Music Performance, Electroacoustic Ensemble, Sacred Harp/Shape-Note Singing, Old-time String Band, Javanese Gamelan, or Ghanaian Drumming.

All music courses - including performance courses - are open to all Brown students, provided that they have satisfied the prerequisites.