As a music performance major, you will belong to one or more highly polished performing ensembles where rigorous musical standards are combined with musical understanding of the literature performed. You will learn about the historical and cultural contexts of musical masterworks. You will apply your growing knowledge of music theory to the literature you perform. And you will study with some of the finest performer/teachers in New England.
Our faculty members appear regularly as soloists and chamber musicians throughout the region, and many are members of the elite professional ensembles in the area, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Boston Pops, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic.
Many of our ensembles have achieved national recognition through touring and appearances at conventions of the MENC and ACDA, as well as in the major cities on the east coast, Canada, Italy, and Ireland. Ensembles have appeared in collaborative performances with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra, and in Carnegie Hall, NYC.
The music performance curriculum is highly respected for its hands-on, practical approach to the art of making music. Private applied lessons are taught by members of our performing faculty, who impart technique and wisdom based on their own professional experiences. Low student-to-teacher ratio in all music classes allows for one-on-one learning and the development of close, professional mentoring relationships between students and faculty.
Performance opportunities abound for undergraduate music performance students at RIC in a variety of settings: solo, chamber and large ensembles. And our performance majors fare exceedingly well in the professional job market. Many have gone on to play professionally in leading symphony orchestras, sing in major opera houses and serve as conductors and administrators with leading musical organizations in the country. Others have gone on to serve as faculty members in colleges and universities. Many have gained admission to some of the best graduate schools and succeeded in their pursuit of advanced degrees.
To qualify for acceptance as a B.A. in music major, you must be admitted to Rhode Island College (follow the general admission procedure) and successfully complete an audition. You do not need to be admitted to audition, but we recommend that you have your admissions application at least completed by your audition date.
Get Music Audition Information
If you are looking for a challenging and supportive environment in which to develop your artistic talents, take a closer look at Rhode Island College.
Entrance to the BM in music performance program begins with applying to Rhode Island College through and simultaneously applying for the required entrance audition. Once you have been admitted to the college and pass the music audition, you will be designated a “Music Performance Intended Major.”
Rhode Island College is unrivaled in music, theatre and dance in Southeastern New England.
