Can non-music concentrators take music classes?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

<p>Hi, I’m applying to Brown and planning on concentrating in Political Science, but throughout high school I have had a strong academic interest in music. When I go to college I would like to be able to take some classes in music history and composition. Is it possible for non-music concentrators at Brown to take such classes? And how receptive are the music faculty to working with non-music concentrators and helping them pursue compositional interests?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Yes. It’s quite common.</p>

3

<p>As MM says, it’s quite common and easy to do. All you need to do is get through the intro sequence (MUSC 550 and 560, usually taken in consecutive semesters) before you’re eligible for most of the composition classes. 550/560 assumes you have some music background - clefs, scales, basic chords/roman numerals, etc.</p>

4

<p>you can pretty much take any class in any department you want at Brown (and sometimes even without taking the pre-reqs).</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the info! :slight_smile: I already have a strong background in music theory, so is it possible to test out of the introductory theory classes and go straight to more advanced stuff?</p>

6

<p>You go to talk to the professor and have a discussion where he will decide if you can take the class. At least that’s how it works in other departments I know of.</p>

7

<p>I can’t speak for music but in more obviously linear departments (e.g. math, languages, chemistry) there are tests you can take to place out of courses. Either way contact the music department and just ask them.</p>

8

<p>For the music department, 550 requires a test to get into the course. You cannot test out of 550/560.</p>

9

<p>Also, FYI the orchestra, etc is made up of more students who are not in music or a similar concentrations than students who are, and is very high quality (and has visiting master classes from world renowned musicians). Also I know recent world quality pianists, violinists, etc who just graduated who were IR, engineering, and physics concentrators and had superb ongoing music instruction at Brown.</p>

10

<p>Thanks for all your help, everyone!</p>