Music and Performing Arts
Daniel Barta, D.M.A., Chair
The Department 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 gain a greater appreciation of the arts.
The Department offers majors in the following:
A. Music, B.A.
B. Music Education K-12, B.S.
C. Music Performance, B.S. (piano, organ, guitar, voice, orchestral instruments).
Note: Double majors are not allowed within the Music and Performing Arts Department.
The Department offers minors in the following:
A. Music
B. Jazz
C. Theater
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 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 and nine-foot Steinway grand, and an accessible 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, and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. 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 departments of the college (all fees apply), and ensembles are open to all students by audition.
The Music Department includes a Community Music School (RCMS) 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-department students. For more information about the RCMS, please call 585.594.6101 or email rcms@roberts.edu.
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 auditions demonstrating musical capability and potential. Music scholarships are awarded based on the audition. There are two full tuition scholarships available. 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 during the sophomore year. Music Education students must also apply to the Teacher Education Program during the sophomore year.
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 throughout the year in the surrounding area and on annual tours. 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 annual tours. 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 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. The chorus is open to all male students. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester.
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:
- Flute Choir
- Clarinet Ensemble
- Woodwind Quintet
- Saxophone Ensemble
- Brass Ensemble
- Horn Ensemble
- String Chamber Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
Music Department Handbook
See the Music Department Handbook, available in the Music Department office, for details concerning departmental policies.