Program overview

From jazz and country to rock and roll and hip-hop, our atypical music program explores music from The Beatles and Radiohead to pop and hip-hop geniuses, like Ariana Grande and Cardi B, and blends hands-on learning to provide students with a well-versed knowledge of theory, history and culture in popular music. 

Faculty member points something out on computer to student

Program requirements

Our interdisciplinary program focuses on the study of 20th and 21st-century popular music in a unique context to offer you an unrivaled advantage in any professional aspect of popular music. Find your groove, and tailor your studies, by selecting from one of three specialization tracks: general, performance and songwriting. 

Endless possibilities

Graduates emerge with developed talents and skills in all musical areas, ready to enter a variety of popular music-related careers.

Common careers:

  • Producer
  • Performer
  • Sound engineering
  • Television and media production
  • Arts administrator
  • Music educator
  • Local arts organizer
John Gratton
I was in the composer forum and completed multiple independent study projects where I formed a group of musicians that performed my original music. Those experiences gave me a great start in the music industry."
John Gratton
Class of 2011
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Career preparation

Westminster College of the Arts is brimming with on-campus opportunities for students to exercise their learned skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to strengthen your creative muscles and build your résumé in professional internships. 

Recent student internships include:

  • Sony Red
  • Atlantic Records
  • VH1 Save the Music
  • New Jersey 101.5
  • Water Music Recording Studios
Students in media classroom

Student created tracks

Financial aid resources

Learn more about financial aid, tuition and the various options we offer to make your college education affordable.

Contact

Music Production, B.A.

Justin Burton

Associate Professor

Department of Media Arts

Fine Arts Building

jburton [at] rider.edu

(609) 895-5692

Academic Focus: Music Production

Shot of Fine Arts building through a blooming cherry blossom tree