Main content
Home - Catalog

2008-2009 Catalog | Program Descriptions

Division of Music and Performing Arts

Kristyn L. Kuhlman, Chair

The Division of Music and Performing Arts presents music, theater, and dance courses for those with specific interest in these disciplines and creates an atmosphere for the general College community in which individuals can grow to a greater appreciation of the arts.

The Division offers majors in the following:
A. Music, B.A.
B. Music Education K-12, B.S.
C. Music Performance, B.S.
D. Fine Arts with music emphasis, B.A.

The Division offers minors/concentrations in the following:
A. Music
B. Jazz
C. Theater

The Division offers a Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Education.

The music faculty is committed to developing programs that integrate the Christian tradition with the study of music. A very favorable student-faculty ratio provides excellent opportunities for individualized instruction. The Roberts Wesleyan College Music Department is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Department’s facilities include large teaching studios, sound-controlled practice rooms, a one-thousand-seat concert hall with a nine-foot Steinway grand piano, a small recital hall with a beautiful fourteen-rank tracker pipe organ, the Robert Shewan Recital Hall with a seven-foot Steinway grand, and an excellent library of music books, scores, disc recordings, compact discs, and listening equipment. The Department offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Performance, the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, and a major in Fine Arts with a music emphasis. These degree programs are registered with and approved by the New York State Education Department.

Elective courses and private lessons are available to students in other divisions of the College (all fees apply), and ensembles are open to all students by audition. 

The Music Department includes a Community Music School which offers private and class instruction to students of all ages from the community. Private and class lessons are taught by both professors and upper-division students.

The proximity of the Music Department to the outstanding musical and other cultural advantages of Rochester creates a favorable setting for a liberal arts college offering degrees in Music.

Admission
Student applicants should address inquiries to the Director of Admissions. In addition to meeting regular requirements for admission to the College, the applicant who intends to major in Music must present, as part of the application, an audition which demonstrates acceptable musical capability. Students must schedule an audition through the Music Department when the regular application for admission is initiated. To speak with a representative in the Department of Music, call 585.594.6320.

Admission to the Major
Students apply for admission to the Music major at the end of the sophomore year. Music Education students must also apply to the Teacher Education Program by the end of the sophomore year.

Scholarship Auditions
Scholarship auditions are held annually during the fall and spring semesters for new students. Scholarship auditions are also open to talented non-music majors.

Music Ensembles
Membership in major ensembles is required of all Music majors and is open to all qualified students. Participation in one major ensemble earns 2 semester hours of credit per year.

The Chorale performs a wide range of choral literature for men’s and women’s voices. Concerts are presented on annual tours and in the surrounding area. Auditions are held each fall.

The Wind Ensemble performs an extensive range of concert repertoire. Concerts are presented on an annual tour and in the surrounding area. Auditions are held each fall.

The College-Community Orchestra is open to qualified instrumentalists from the College and community. The orchestra normally performs five concerts each year.

The Women’s Choir offers opportunities for performance both on and off campus. The choir is open to all women students without auditions.

The Men's Chorus offers opportunities for performance both on and off campus and is open to all men.

The Roberts Jazz Ensemble performs music spanning the standard jazz repertoire, tunes from the American Songbook, and contemporary jazz arrangers.  Auditions are held each fall.

Jazz Combo is open to all students wishing to develop their 'jazz chops' in a weekly jam session, occasionally performing on and off campus.

Chamber Ensembles meet weekly, performing a variety of literature and offering opportunities for performance both on and off campus. Membership is by audition.  They include:

  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Flute Choir
  • Clarinet Ensemble
  • Woodwind Quintet
  • Saxophone Ensemble
  • Brass Ensemble
  • String Ensemble
  • Guitar Ensemble

Music Department Handbook
See the Music Department Handbook, available in the Music Department office, for details concerning departmental policies.