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2020-21 Undergraduate Academic Catalog Version B | School of Arts and Humanities

Music and Performing Arts

Daniel Barta, D.M.A., Chair

The Department of Music and Performing Arts presents music, theatre, and dance courses for those with specific interest in these disciplines and a desire to deepen an appreciation of the arts.

The Department offers majors in the following:

  • Music Education, K-12, B.S.
  • Music Therapy, B.S.
  • Music Performance, B.S. (Voice, Orchestral Instruments, Piano, Organ, Guitar)
  • Music, B.A.

          Note: Double majors are not allowed within the Department of Music and Performing Arts. 

The Department offers minors in the following:

  • Music
  • Jazz
  • Theatre

The music faculty is committed to integrating a challenging study of music with a Christian perspective. A favorable student-faculty ratio provides highly individualized instruction. Facilities include a one-thousand seat concert hall (Hale Auditorium), a recital hall (Shewan Recital Hall), and a small recital hall (Cox Auditorium). Facilities also include large teaching studios, numerous practice rooms, and an accessible library of databases, music books, scores, and listening equipment. Our proximity to the outstanding cultural life of Rochester creates a favorable setting for a liberal arts college offering degrees in Music. All degree programs are approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In addition, the Music Therapy program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Roberts Wesleyan College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Elective courses and private lessons are available to students in other departments of the college (all fees apply), and ensembles are open to all students (some require audition).  

The Music Department includes the Roberts Community Music School (RCMS) which offers private and class instruction to students of all ages from the community. For information, email rcms@roberts.edu or call 585.594.6101.

Admission
Music major applicants should address inquiries to the Director of Admissions. In addition to meeting requirements for admission to the College, applicants must audition demonstrating musical capability and potential. Music scholarships are awarded based on the audition, including two full tuition scholarships awarded each year. To schedule an audition and get more specific information about the music programs, contact the Coordinator of Auditions at 585.594.6101.

Ensemble Scholarships are available to students not majoring in music. For information about scheduleing an audition, contact the Coordinator of Auditions at 585.594.6101.

Admission to the Major
Students apply for admission to the Music major during the sophomore year. Music Education students also apply to the Teacher Education Program during the sophomore year.

Music Ensembles

MAJOR ENSEMBLES:

Membership in a major ensemble is required of all Music majors each semester but is also open to all students. Major Ensembles include Chorale, Wind Ensemble, College-Community Orchestra and Women's Choir. Participation for the complete academic year is required. Each ensemble earns 2 semester hours of credit per year.

  • The Chorale performs a wide range of choral literature for mixed voices. Concerts are presented throughout the year in the surrounding area and on tour. Auditions are held each fall.
  • The Wind Ensemble performs an extensive range of concert repertoire. Concerts are presented throughout the year in the surrounding area and on tour. 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. Auditions are held each fall.
  • The Women’s Choir performs a wide range of repertoire and performs both on and off campus. The choir is open to all female students. No audition is required.

ADDITIONAL ENSEMBLES:

Membership in any of the additional ensembles is open to all students. Some require auditions. Participation for the complete academic year is required (exceptions may be made with approval of the ensemble director). Each ensemble earns 2 semester hours of credit per year.

  • The Men's Chorus performs primarily sacred and gospel music both on and off campus. The chorus is open to all male students. No audition is required.
  • The Gospel Choir performs both traditional and contemporary gospel music from the African-American tradition. No audition is required.
  • The Jazz Ensemble performs music from the standard and contemporary jazz repertoire and tunes from the American Songbook. An audition is required.
  • Jazz Combo is open to all students wishing to develop their 'jazz chops' in a weekly jam session, occasionally performing on and off campus. Combos are formed depending on instrumentation. An audition is required.
  • Each chamber ensemble meets weekly and performs a variety of literature both on and off campus. An audition is required.  Ensembles include:
    • Flute Choir
    • Clarinet Ensemble
    • Woodwind Quintet
    • Saxophone Ensemble
    • Brass Quintet
    • Brass Ensemble
    • Horn Ensemble
    • String Chamber Ensemble
    • Guitar Ensemble
    • Percussion Ensemble

Music Department Handbook 
For details regarding department policies, see the Music Department Handbook, available online and in the Music Department office.