Raritan Valley Community College

Music, Associate of Fine Arts

The Associate of Fine Arts in Music degree program prepares students for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in music-whether B.M., B.A., B.F.A. or B.M.E.-at four-year colleges and universities such as Rutgers University, William Paterson University, Kean University, Montclair State University, The College of New Jersey, Rowan University, and Westminster Choir College of Rider University.

Graduates are able to:

  • understand the role of a musician as a creative, disciplined and performing artist

  • display general musicianship skills

  • analyze and apply certain theoretical concepts in music

  • illustrate a historical perspective and knowledge of music literature

  • identify composers and analyze compositions from the historical style periods

  • display solo and ensemble performance skills appropriate to a vocal or instrumental concentration

Get to know our program

RVCC Chorale

Why Study the Performing Arts?

Our program not only prepares you for transfer to 4-year Music program, but also teaches you skills which are highly sought after in many fields:

  • Creativity

  • Self-Discipline

  • Time Management

  • Collaboration

  • Self-Assurance

  • Critical and Conceptual Thinking

Raritan Valley Community College Offers You:

  • Small classes with dedicated faculty

  • Tutoring and academic support services

  • Excellent transferability

  • Vibrant and opportunity-filled campus life

  • Professional connections that can last a lifetime

What Career Paths Are Available to AFA Music Majors?


  • Performer

  • Composer/songwriter

  • Film and game music

  • Audio engineer/producer

  • Music educator

  • Music therapist

  • Music ministry

  • Arts management


Student Reviews

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Jamie Mallinson, trumpet:


My time at RVCC was an exceptional experience. The core music classes were thorough and they challenged my knowledge and creativity. The Professional Development course helped me prepare for transferring into a four year institution and for a future career in music. I’ll always be thankful for the help that the RVCC faculty gave me. I was accepted at Rutgers, TCNJ, Rowan, and Montclair. This fall I will be attending Rowan University as a music education major and as a member of the honors college.

 
 

Christopher Harth-Schrimsher, composer:

As a student of the RVCC music program, I was able to really pinpoint what I wanted to with music and benefitted greatly from the personability and one-on-one attention from the excellent professors in this program. I really enjoyed my Composition independent study with Dr. Sichel, who provided me with significant freedom to write what I wanted and was so knowledgeable and experienced in the field, he was able to offer me tangible and realistic advice that helped me in so many ways as a composer. I highly recommend taking lessons with Dr. Keiserman if you can as well. Her skill as an incredibly accomplished pianist and in-depth teaching style have helped me progress my technical and expressive abilities.

I am currently looking at NYU and Belmont to study composition for media.