Courses at the 200-level
Intermediate ballet technique and the classical tradition are studied through studio experience, related readings, and ballet performances. Emphasis is on the refinement of technique and elements of performance. (Formerly DANC 227: Ballet.)
2 credit hours
- DANC 110
Intermediate jazz technique and the history of jazz dance are examined through studio experience, related readings, and films. Emphasis is on the refinement of technique and elements of performance. (Formerly DANC 237: Jazz Dance.)
2 credit hours
- DANC 112
Intermediate tap technique and the history of tap dance are explored through studio experience, related readings, and films. Emphasis is on the refinement of technique and ele-ments of performance.
2 credit hours
- DANC 114
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of contemporary technique, improvisation, choreography, and performance. Studio and lecture. (Formerly DANC 116: Introductory Modern Dance.)
4 credit hours
Intermediate modern dance technique is provided in a studio experience. Emphasis is on the refinement of technique and elements of performance. (Formerly DANC 207.)
2 credit hours
- DANC 215
Credit is available to all qualified students who participate for the full academic year.
1 credit hours
- Membership in Rhode Island College Dance Company and consent of instructor
Musical eras, styles, forms, and basic vocabulary are introduced to the nonmusic major through music literature. An ability to read music is not presumed.
3 credit hours
Fundamentals of scale construction, intervals, syllables, clefs, rhythms, and form are studied, with emphasis on musical acuteness through ear training, sight singing, and dictation.
3 credit hours
Students develop basic sight-singing and rhythm-reading techniques, using the movable "do" system. Included is melodic material based on pentatonic scales, major and minor scales, and triadic patterns.
1 credit hours
Students become familiar with the first three of six eras of Western art music history (medieval, Renaissance, and baroque) and explore the scores, styles, genres, composers, and historical and cultural events.
3 credit hours
- MUS 230 and 232, or consent of instructor
Students become familiar with the last three of six eras of Western art music history (classical, romantic, and modern) and explore the scores, styles, genres, composers, and historical and cultural events.
3 credit hours
- MUS 230 and 232, or consent of instructor.
The current repertory of Western art music and its antecedents are surveyed, with emphasis on representative works. Major stylistic and formal developments are also studied.
3 credit hours
- MUS 230
The hand-drumming techniques of traditional and modern music cultures are studied. Topics include polyrhythm, linear cross rhythm, and rhythmic modulation in contemporary, jazz, and popular and world music.
1 credit hours
- MUS 230
- MUS 231
Italian and English dictions are applied to standard vocal repertoire. Study is based in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
2 credit hours
- Concurrent enrollment in Concurrent enrollment in MUS 274 or 374
French and German dictions are applied to standard vocal repertoire. Study is based in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
2 credit hours
- MUS 210
- Concurrent enrollment in Concurrent enrollment in MUS 274 or 374.
Representative works from the standard repertory of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are studied, covering major composers from Haydn to Mahler. The symphony's beginnings before Haydn and its development after Mahler are also considered.
3 credit hours
Representative operas from the seventeenth century to the present are examined. Topics include changing styles, the particular contributions of composers, the libretti, and the most significant operas of the past and present.
3 credit hours
The growth of popular music in the United States is surveyed from its historical background.
3 credit hours
Jazz is examined from its beginnings to the present day. Students learn to listen and identify the different styles of jazz. Emphasis is on instrumental and vocal soloists.
3 credit hours
Students are introduced to the principles of music organization through the study of scales, intervals, triads, cadences, and the harmonization of soprano and bass lines using primary triads.
3 credit hours
- music major or consent of department chair
Study includes basic rhythm, scale, and chord patterns.
1 credit hours
- music major or consent of department chair
A continuation of MUS 230, emphasis is on modulations, seventh chords, chorale writing, binary and ternary forms, and score-reading techniques.
3 credit hours
- MUS 230
A continuation of MUS 231, emphasis is on seventh chords and more complex rhythmic patterns.
1 credit hours
- MUS 231
A continuation of MUS 232, emphasis is on the polyphonic techniques of the eighteenth century, altered chords, borrowed chords, and forms of the baroque and classical periods, such as the sonata, inventions, fugues, and canons.
3 credit hours
- MUS 232
A continuation of MUS 233, emphasis is on melodies and harmonic progressions using altered chords and modulations.
1 credit hours
- MUS 233
A continuation of MUS 234, emphasis is on chromatic harmony and extended chords, forms of the romantic period, and twentieth-century compositional practices.
3 credit hours
- MUS 234
Advanced study includes atonal melodies and contemporary rhythm patterns.
1 credit hours
- MUS 235
This is an introduction to the application of the diatonic major-minor modes, chord changes, and use of the supertonic seventh, dominant seventh, and tonic chords for improvisation, composition, and arranging.
3 credit hours
- MUS 203 or consent of department chair
Students are introduced to chromatic chord substitutes, including all nondiatonic diminished, whole tone scales, and tritone applications that are normally not found in the major/ minor scales.
3 credit hours
- MUS 238
Students learn to sing in ways that are technically sound, functionally healthy, and stylistically accurate for musical theatre.
1 credit hours
- consent of instructor and assistant chair of music
- or consent of the department chair
Students come to understand how performance anxiety affects the body and mind. Students also develop skills to manage anxiety in order to achieve their full potential.
3 credit hours
This course will investigate the history and aesthetics of music and multimedia through five constituent aspects: integration, interactivity, hypermedia, immersion, and narrativity through readings as well as selected media works.
4 credit hours
- FYW, FYS and at least 45 credits.
Singers and pianists are prepared to better meet the demands of the musical stage. Emphasis is on the skills necessary for a career in opera and musical theatre as singers and/or coaches.
1 credit hours
- Consent of instructor and assistant chair of music
Students enrolled in applied music augment their knowledge of literature and performance techniques. Topics include pedagogy, memorization, practice techniques, and other topics relevant to appropriate applied sections.
1 credit hours
- Consent of instructor and assistant chair of music
Advanced private study is given in voice or any one of the instruments listed below. A fee is charged in addition to the regular college fees.
| 270 Violin 271 Viola 272 Cello 273 String Bass 274 Voice 275 Clarinet-Saxophone 276 Flute 277 Oboe-English Horn |
278 Bassoon 279 Trumpet 280 French Horn 281 Trombone-Baritone 282 Tuba 283 Organ 284 Piano |
285 Classic Guitar 286 Percussion 287 Applied Jazz 288 Harp 289 Harpsichord |
2 credit hours Prerequisites:
- Except for students enrolled in MUS 287, students must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 091
Advanced private study is available in voice or any one of the instruments listed below. A fee is charged in addition to the regular College fees.
270 Violin
271 Viola
272 Cello
273 String Bass
274 Voice
275 Clarinet–Saxophone
276 Flute
277 Oboe–English Horn
278 Bassoon
279 Trumpet
280 French Horn
281 Trombone–Baritone
282 Tuba
283 Organ
284 Piano
285 Classic Guitar
286 Percussion
287 Applied Jazz
288 Harp
289 Harpsichord
2 credit hours
This is an introduction to the organizations, scope, responsibilities, and opportunities for those in professional music education. Study includes observation and interaction with teachers in public schools.
2 credit hours
- MUS 232
- MUS 233
- successful audition for admission into music education program
The theory and pedagogy of teaching music in grades one through six are studied. Not for music education majors. (Formerly MUSE 341.)
2 credit hours
The basic principles of stage management are covered.
3 credit hours
- THTR 105
- THTR 110
- or consent of department chair
The fundamentals of voice production and articulation are studied from the physiological and phonetic bases of speech.
3 credit hours
The performer is trained in controlling, shaping, and moving the body. Attention is given to the development of physical characterization.
3 credit hours
- THTR 105
- or consent of department chair
The actor is introduced to self-discovery in performance. Improvisational techniques free the beginning actor physically, vocally, and emotionally.
3 credit hours
- THTR 105
- or consent of department chair
Students are introduced to the language of design. The elements and principles of design and basic drawing techniques are also examined.
3 credit hours
- THTR 105
- THTR 110
- or consent of department chair
The basics of drafting, theatrical building practices, electrical, and sound pathways are introduced. Research and shop projects are required.
3 credit hours
- THTR 105
- THTR 110
- or consent of department chair
Theatrical rendering techniques and the fundamentals of the theatrical scenic model are studied.
3 credit hours
- THTR 105
- THTR 110
- or consent of department chair
Advanced technical concepts and systems are examined. Focus is on how different systems are interrelated on stage.
3 credit hours
- THTR 230
The history of visual style is explored. Clothing, art, and architecture are examined through various key periods of history.
3 credit hours
- THTR 105
- THTR 110
- or consent of department chair
The theatrical process-from playwriting to performance to criticism-is studied. Attendance at theatre productions is required.
4 credit hours
The development of musical comedy and its variations within the United States from the eighteenth century to the present are traced.
3 credit hours
This course is for non-theatre majors. Students are introduced to acting, with focus on acquainting students with the basic concepts and principles of acting, including script analysis, character development, and ensemble playing.
4 credit hours


