Degree Requirements
Admission to all Music degree programs is by audition to demonstrate musical aptitude and potential, moderate technical proficiency, and seriousness in selecting music as a four-year course of study. In addition to the applied music audition, placement examinations in music theory and music history may be required to confirm students’ prior experience in these areas. Auditions are scheduled from January to May for the fall semester; a limited number are held in December for the spring/winter semester. Students in applied music must pass a junior-standing examination to confirm their level of performance skills for enrollment in AP MUS 3440 – AP MUS 3459 or AP MUS 4440 – AP MUS 4459. This examination is usually taken at the same time as the applied music jury for the fourth semester of enrollment in AP MUS 1440 - AP MUS 1459.
Evidence of sound musicianship, a close acquaintance with an appropriate portion of musical literature, and the ability to bring it to actual performance are required for graduation in all Music degree programs. Students in the B.M.: Performance Emphasis fulfill this requirement with junior and senior recitals. Students in all other degree programs fulfill this requirement with a senior recital. In some cases, upon the recommendation of the student's applied teacher, the senior recital (for non-performance majors only) may be replaced by participating in three regularly scheduled student recitals during the last two semesters of applied music study, or by performing for a special panel of faculty members.
General Education Requirements
General education requirements apply to all majors, except the students in the B.M. with Elective Studies in Business and B.M. in Music Education degree programs are not required to take a foreign language. Courses required for degree programs may not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students must receive at least a C in each music course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (music education 2.7) in all music courses to meet degree requirements.
Non-Music majors may complete no more than 8 hours in music-performing organizations (EN PER 1400, University Chorus; EN PER 1410, University Concert Band; EN PER 1500, University Orchestra; EN PER 1520, University Symphonic Band, et. seq.) toward graduation, including credit transferred. Courses in applied music (private lessons and performing organizations) do not fulfill the humanities general education requirement. M H L T 1150, Drumming Cultures of the World; M H L T 1160, Musical Journey through Latin America; M H L T 1170, Musical Journey through the Far East; or M H L T 1180, Musical Journey through Africa will meet the non-Euro-American study requirement.
Other Requirements
Music majors are required to enroll in an approved ensemble [University Chorus, University Symphonic Band, University Wind Ensemble, University Singers, University Orchestra, or Jazz Orchestra (for Jazz Studies majors)] each semester, to study one applied area progressively each semester, and to enroll in the appropriate Pedagogy and Literature Seminar each semester of the degree program. Music Education majors are exempt from these requirements during the student teaching semester. The following specific ensemble enrollments, depending upon the applied music area, are required:
- Wind and Percussion students—University Symphonic Band or University Wind Ensemble;
- String students--University Orchestra;
- Voice students--University Singers or University Chorus;
- Keyboard and Guitar students--any approved ensemble, but those in the bachelor of music in music education program must successfully audition for and enroll in an ensemble compatible with the teaching certification they are pursuing;
- Instrumental students may be required to participate in additional ensembles to enhance their musical development;
- Jazz Studies majors (any instrument)--Jazz Orchestra.
Majors are required to appear in performance at the department's discretion and to attend a prescribed number of departmental recitals. Non-keyboard players are required to pass an exam in piano proficiency: PRACTM 2180, Piano Proficiency IV, or the equivalent.
The music department may require students to pass a placement test to enroll in the next level course, provided this or an equivalent test is administered to all students seeking to enroll in that course.
Core Curriculum
The following core courses are required for all Music majors:
Emphasis Area Requirements
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will:
- Have technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression (Performance)
- Understand the common elements and organizational patters of music and their interaction (Musicianship Skills and Analysis)
- Have a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music (Composition/Improvisation)
- Have basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time (History and Repertory)
- Be Able to work on musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance, aural, verbal and visual analysis; composition/improvisation; history and repertory (Synthesis)
PLEASE NOTE: This plan is an example of what a four year plan could look like for a typical student. Placement exam scores in math as well as the completion of coursework may change the plan. It should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. All requirements are subject to change.
