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The exploration of music, a universal phenomenon spanning all cultures and eras, forms a core component of liberal arts education. Brown University's Music Department offers the perfect setting for this educational journey, featuring a collaborative faculty of researchers, performers, composers, media artists, and theorists. Our comprehensive program blends innovative instruction in composition, technology, and performance with scholarly investigations into history, theory, ethnomusicology, philosophy, and musical aesthetics. Here, practical application intersects with critical analysis, artistic creation meets cultural examination, and multimedia experimentation coexists with profound sonic exploration—all within an inclusive academic community. For those pursuing a Music Concentration, developing versatile musical proficiency is essential, irrespective of specialization. This comprehensive training encompasses several key elements:
Core competencies serve as the foundation for every musician, necessitating at least two theory/musicianship courses for all concentrators. Students can select from various theory offerings based on their interests and skill levels.
Understanding music's historical and cultural contexts represents another vital requirement, with coursework available in both Western and global musical traditions.
Musical creation remains fundamental to the concentration, with multiple pathways including ensemble participation, solo performance, composition, music production, and conducting.
Students should complete secondary school. Brown first-year students will have completed 12 to 13 years of primary and secondary schooling.
A TOEFL score of 100 or above on the internet-based exam, or 600 or above on the paper-based exam, or a score of 8.0 or above on the IELTS, is expected in most cases.