Music
Description
The concentration in Music integrates theory, history, ethnomusicology, technology, composition, and performance. Students may select from among three tracks within the concentration: the first track emphasizes theory, history, and composition; a second track emphasizes ethnomusicology; and a third track focuses on computer music and multimedia. The Music curriculum is supported by the Orwig Music Library, a state-of-the-art facility with holdings of over 40,000 books and scores and an equal number of sound and video recordings. Concentrators are encouraged to participate in one or more of the departmentally sponsored performing organizations: 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.
Student Goals
Students in this concentration will:
- Develop an understanding of basic music theory
- Acquire the capacity to analyze harmonic and rhythmic phenomena by ear
- Learn the art of reading scores closely
- Study historical, social, and technological approaches to music and music-making
- Enhance their performing abilities
- Complete a significant creative or scholarly project
Requirements
Click here for a list of the Music concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.
Honors and Capstones
View Honors websiteMany concentrators in music complete significant creative projects as part of their normal concentration program. Students may earn Honors by applying in their senior year to do an independent project with a faculty sponsor in one of the following areas: a scholarly research project on a musicological or ethnomusicological topic; an acoustic or electronic composition project; a multimedia installation; or a performance project accompanied by pertinent research. Please visit the department's website for more information on the eligibility requirements for Honors.
Tracks
- Computer Music and Multimedia
- Ethnomusicology
- History/ Theory/ Composition
Liberal Learning
This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:
- Understand differences among cultures
- Develop a facility with symbolic languages
Affiliated Departments
Advisors
Graduating Class
| Year | Total | Capstone | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 12 | 1 | 4 |
| 2011 | 19 | 4 | 2 |
| 2012 | 21 | 4 |
Alumni Pathways
Music alumni have entered a variety of industries, including sound design, graphic design, education, computer and video game design, clinical psychology. Many have become composers and have entered other area in the music industry. Concentrators in Music have also pursued careers in education, law, medicine, and business.
Dept. Undergraduate Group
Visit this DUG's website to learn more.
Student Leaders:
- Kathryn Cohen
If you are an advisor and would like to make changes to the information on this page, contact focal_point@brown.edu, or email Dean Besenia Rodriguez.
