Bachelor of Music: Technology in Music and Related Arts

Aims

The major in Technology in Music and Related Arts is intended for those students who desire a career where traditional musical skills and understanding are combined with the exploration of the very latest techniques for musical expression. It is expected that students who qualify for this major will demonstrate musical proficiency comparable to that shown by applicants in other areas of the conservatory.

The major prepares a student for specialized graduate study in electroacoustic music, digital media, and interdisciplinary performance. For those who go directly into professional life, this major offers a structured course of study that stresses the application of technology as a special resource in composition, new media, and performance.

Committee Exams

At the end of the first and second years of enrollment, the TIMARA faculty will review the progress of each student toward completion of the major.

The faculty will consider progress in the following areas:
    1. TIMARA department classes (quantity and quality of work, and general participation in performing and critiquing).
    2. Conservatory classes (music theory, aural skills, and musicology).
    3. College classes (liberal arts electives).
    4. Creative projects outside of class (performances, collaborations with dance or theatre, and so on).
    5. Overall progress.

The faculty determines whether the student is performing at a better than satisfactory level, a satisfactory level, or a less than satisfactory level. If the department determines that a student is not making appropriate progress within the major, the student may be refused continuance in the program. It may also be recommended that the student redifine his/her relationship to the program and seek a TIMARA minor, an Individual Major, or a College Music Major.

Performance Requirements

First year TIMARA majors are required to assist departmental concerts and recitals. These activities may include: moving and connecting equipment for rehearsals and performances, attending software and hardware during rehearsals and performances, striking equipment after rehearsals and performances, and so on. Assignments will be administered by the department.

Two performances on departmental concerts are required by the end of the second year. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out and follow concert submission guidelines.

TIMARA Requirements

The Junior Recital or Project consists of a public presentation of work. This may take the form of a 30-minute recital of original works, a lecture/demonstration on a topic from the field, or some other form approved by the department.

The Senior Recital or Project represents the culmination of the student’s work for the major. This may take the form of a 60-minute recital of original works, a senior thesis on a topic from the field, or some other form approved by the department.

Work included in the junior or senior recital/project must be approved by the TIMARA department 30 days in advance of the presentation date. Junior and senior recitals/projects may not be given in the same academic year, other than in exceptional cases with departmental approval.

Major Status

Freshman Major Status is attained upon being accepted in the Conservatory as a TIMARA major.

Sophomore Major Status is attained upon completion of TECH 201 and 202, the First Major Committee Examination, and the Performance Requirements.

Junior Major Status is attained upon completion of TECH 203 and 204, the Second Major Committee Examination, and the Performance Requirements.

Senior Major Status is attained following completion of the Junior Recital or Project and six TIMARA or Composition electives.

Music Theory and Aural Skills Requirement

Students are expected to register for Music Theory and Aural Skills courses each semester until they have completed the requirements. Part or all of these requirements may be waived by placement examination when the student enters Oberlin.

Music Theory I-IV and Aural Skills I-IV must be taken concurrently, e.g., a student will register for Music Theory I (MUTH 130 or 131) and Aural Skills I in the same semester. Under certain circumstances, with the permission of the appropriate division director and the Music Theory division director, students will be allowed to take Aural Skills IV and Music Theory IV separately. A student’s aural skills requirement must be completed before the senior recital can be scheduled. Double-degree students will resolve any conflicts with these expectations in consultation with their advisors.

Electives

Expository Writing Proficiency

Students with an SAT verbal score below 580 or an ACT score below 24, or a TOEFL score below 600 must complete one course chosen from RHET 101 or 102.