Bachelor of Music: Technology in Music and Related Arts

Course Requirements and Recommended Course Distribution

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 such as performance and composition.

The major prepares a student for specialized graduate study in computer music, digital media and new 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.

Admission to the Major

Admission to the major is based on a personal interview and on materials submitted to the TIMARA faculty. These materials may consist of audio and/or video tapes, interactive media, or scores of original works and performances using technological media. Research papers and other evidence of preparation may also be submitted. Students with performance skills on traditional instruments or voice will be expected to demonstrate these skills during the interview.

Major Status

Sophomore Major Status is attained upon completion of six credits in the studio core (TECH 200, 201), two appearances on a TIMARA student recital, and completion of the First Major Committee.

Junior Major Status is attained upon completion of the studio core (TECH 210, 211), two additional appearances on a TIMARA student recital, and completion of the Second Major Committee.

Senior Major Status is attained following completion of 12 additional hours in TIMARA courses, the TIMARA Junior Seminar, and the Junior Recital or Project.

Technology in Music and Related Arts as a Second Major

Students admitted to other degree programs in the Conservatory may elect Technology in Music and Related Arts as a second major. Requirements are the same as those outlined above for the primary major in Technology in Music and Related Arts. Although there is a significant overlap in Music Theory and Music History requirements and in non-course requirements with other departments, it may not be possible to complete a double-major program in four years. Students contemplating such a plan should consult an advisor at the earliest possible time.

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

A student should select electives based on the following: a minimum of 76 hours of Conservatory coursework is required; a minimum of 24 hours of liberal arts is required.

The Junior Recital or Project

In the junior year the major will make 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 two members of the TIMARA faculty.

The Senior Recital or Project

The culmination of the student’s work for the major will be the presentation of a senior recital of original works, a performance using technological media, or a senior thesis. The student will present a proposal for this project to the TIMARA faculty at the beginning of the Senior year.

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 the RHET 111- 119 series.