The Music Honors Track is designed to enhance the existing degree programs in music. It is not a stand-alone degree. The Track is Ideal For: Music majors of all level with an interest in music as a liberal art beyond its vocational aspects. Curriculum: Four Semesters of Music Honors Seminars One semester of research methods Capstone project in the senior year - a culmination of the student's honors experience, in the form of a lecture, paper, musical score, report of research, recital, or performance What projects have students completed in the past? Students have pursued a variety of interests in their theses. Some thesis projects include: The Music of Ralph Towner (a lecture and presentation), The Application of the Alexander Technique to Instrumental Practice (lecture and presentation), Aspects of the Music of Sonny Rollins (lecture and presentation with transcriptions), The Modern Jazz Ballad (lecture and presentation), Analysis of Hindemth’s Tuba Sonata (a paper), The Process of Improvisation (paper), Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin (a performance with analytic commentary), An Analysis of Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 (paper), and An Introduction to the World of Early Jazz Guitar (paper). Students have also explored the popular music of Brazil, transcribed piano pieces for an instrumental ensemble, and performed original compositions. Who should apply?Music majors of all levels with an interest in music as a liberal art beyond its vocational aspects. Required Track Courses1. MUSI 4960 Music Honors Research Methods (taken in sophomore or junior year) (2 credits) 2. MUSI 4970 Music Honors Seminar (must be taken in four consecutive semesters) (1 credit)3. MUSI 4980 Music Honors Project (must be taken at least once in senior year) (2 credits) How do I enroll?To enroll in the Music Honors Track, contact the TrackDirector, Dr. Christopher Herbert, herbertc5@wpunj.edu to complete an initial interview. You must also complete the track application online following the interview process. About the Track Director: Dr. Christopher Dylan Herbert is an Associate Professor at William Paterson University. He teaches one-on-one voice lessons, teaches Music History, advises students, manages and coordinates the Vocal Program, directs Opera Workshop, and is the Music Honors Track Director. As a professional vocalist, Dr. Herbert performs frequently throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and is a two-time GRAMMY® nominee. He has soloed with The San Francisco Symphony and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, performed Ginastera centennial celebrations with International Contemporary Ensemble and the Choir of Trinity Wall Street, and consistently presents Winterize – an outdoor adaptation of Winterreise with transistor radios. He holds a B.A. in Music from Yale University, an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University, and D.M.A. in Voice from The Juilliard School. His current research focus is on the music of the eighteenth-century Ephrata Cloister of Pennsylvania. He was the baritone in the critically acclaimed ensemble New York Polyphony from 2010 to 2020. www.christopherdylanherbert.com
