Students intending a music major choose either a General, Music Education, or Composition track. The upper-level electives are chosen in consultation with the student’s mentor and music professors. A major in music with an emphasis in music education can also be combined with the master of arts in teaching, successful completion of which results in All-Level education certification and a masters degree.
Core Music Major Requirements
Music Theory I, II, III (with Ear Training lab)
Music History I, II
Aspects of 20th Century Music
At least THREE upper-level courses
Applied Music (minimum 1.25 credit @ 300+ level)
Piano Proficiency (MUS 090)
Junior Level Exam (MUS 091)
Senior Recital (MUS 495)
Tracks of Study
GENERAL
Three or more courses above the 300-level. Students should choose courses that anticipate vocational or graduate school plans. Students in this area often emphasize performance, musicology, music business, arts management, church music, or conducting.
THEORY / COMPOSITION
CHOOSE TWO: Post Tonal Theory, Counterpoint, Form & Analysis, Orchestration and Arranging
ONE additional course above 300
MUSIC EDUCATION
REQUIRED: Instrumental Methods (4), Music in the Elem. Schools
CHOOSE AT LEAST ONE: Vocal Pedagogy, Conducting, Choral Lit & Techniques, Post-Tonal Theory, Counterpoint, Form & Analysis, Orchestration & Arranging
Applied Music
All students must consult with Music Department faculty before registering for applied music. Students taking lessons for credit must continue participation in their assigned ensemble for the entire semester of enrollment. A music major requires FOUR semesters of applied music at the 300- or 400- level. See the registration requirements below.
Students interested in pursuing study in composition complete four semesters of an applied instrument and the Junior Level Exam before taking private composition lessons. During those four semesters, the student must also take one semester of Composition Seminar (Mus 271). Please consult with the Department Chair for details.
Students register for applied music at the following levels:
100-level All non-majors
200-level Declared minors or intended majors
300-level Majors after completion of the Junior Level Examination
400-level For the major in the semester of the senior recital
Juries and/or public performances are required of all students.
Students taking private lessons must play or sing in an assigned ensemble each semester of enrollment. Pianists may be asked to accompany or be required to participate in an ensemble.
Other Requirements & Considerations