Music Major (CA)
The Ramapo College music program has a distinctly contemporary orientation, encouraging students to create, explore, and study music with a 21st century perspective. Music majors begin with a progressive foundation in musicianship, integrating theory with aural skills, composition and analysis of musical styles from Bach to Rock. Discovering music as both a highly individual and culturally formed expression, students develop an interdisciplinary view of music that crosses boundaries in our increasingly global digital world.
Ramapo music majors select from four concentrations:
- Music Industry
The Music Industry concentration focuses on the many facets of the creative and professional worlds in the rapidly changing international music business.
- Music Performance
Music Performance is particularly experiential, developing musical skills and fostering individual expression in diverse styles and also provides a foundation for students who might pursue K-12 music teaching.
- Music Production
Music Production emphasizes original composition, recording, sound synthesis and multi-media, including training in major music software programs such as Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton Live in our state-of-the-art Music Lab.
- Music Studies
Music Studies centers on the more analytical and interpretive disciplines, writing about music, and the preparation for graduate school.
Ramapo College has a dynamic vocal music program that includes five choral ensembles: The Ramapo Chorale, select ensembles CantaNOVA, Skylark, Take12, and Gospel Chorus. The choirs tour internationally, with recent trips to the Pacific Summer Music Festival, the Philippines, Vienna, and the Czech Republic. The ensembles won seven medals at the 2008 International Festival of Academic Choirs. The Gospel Chorus performs actively throughout the region, including an annual concert with the New Jersey Conference Choir. Musical Theater Workshop provides staged showcase opportunities and students take acting and other classes in the theater program. Individual lessons with outstanding instructors are available on campus for voice, piano, guitar, bass, and strings. Taking advantage of our proximity to New York, off-campus lessons are also supported.
Instrumental music at Ramapo centers on smaller ensembles, ranging from a string quartet to a lively community of student bands and performers. The groups perform actively in wide range of venues in Manhattan, New Jersey, and at events such as Ramapo's student-produced Funky Fresh Jam Fest. The Ramapo ensembles explore a variety of musical styles and forms including contemporary, jazz, improvisation, and live electronic music.
Ramapo is a member of the Music and Entertainment Industry Association (MEIEA) and the companion student organization MEISA, which offers students opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, apply for grants, and network with other Music Industry programs and professionals around the world. Several compilation CDs of student talent have been produced through a student run label, Po Records. With Ramapo's proximity to New York City, our students frequently find internships in major recording studios, management firms, record labels, and internet promotion companies.
Students completing this program receive a B.A. degree. A minor is available.
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