Program for Majors & Minors

A primary goal is to offer students—regardless of their major field of study and whatever their career goals might be—the opportunity and means to experience music emotionally and intellectually. We address this goal with an interdisciplinary studies approach by offering a wide variety of courses in the four principal areas of music—music history and literature, music theory and analysis, performance, and composition. These courses and performance activities provide our students with a solid foundation in these traditional areas of music study. We encourage students to pursue their individual musical interests and to explore and enjoy music in its infinite variety to whatever extent they are capable.

Many students develop their own course of study, and truly exceptional students are encouraged to participate in the development and implementation of the music program by assisting in classes, the electronic music lab, and ensembles. The world of professional music is extremely competitive today, but interesting and rewarding opportunities do exist for those with the motivation, talent, and preparation to succeed.

Students with a strong interest in music may choose the bachelor of arts degree in music or elect a minor in music. Both curricula can lead to a career in music, and, when combined with other interests or majors, open up a wealth of music-related career opportunities, such as music journalism, arts management, recording engineering, arts medicine, or music therapy. Many former students have continued to realize their potential in graduate school, the performing world, and a host of rewarding careers involving music.

We are dedicated to providing a wide variety of musical experiences for all interested students. We strongly encourage everyone to continue to build upon previous musical experiences and to develop new ones. We offer numerous opportunities to perform (choir, jazz ensemble, wind and string ensembles, percussion, or world music), to compose, to study music in a historical context, and to explore music technology. Interested singers and instrumentalists also have the opportunity to study privately with some of the finest artist-teachers anywhere, from beginning through advanced levels. The curriculum includes offerings in theory, performance, composition, history, literature, and criticism. In addition to the more traditional offerings, students can explore jazz styles, world music traditions (Africa, China, Japan, India, Indonesia), and electronic composition.

MUS 103: Introduction to World Music Traditions
MUS 121: Music Theory I (or Theory Elective for those who are exempted)
MUS 170: Theoretical Applications for Piano**
MUS 222: Music Theory II
MUS 323: Music Theory III
MUS 201: Music History and Literature, 1600-1900

MUS 202: Music History and Literature, 1900-
—OR—
MUS 324: 20^th Century Harmonic Practice

1 Musicology Elective (above the 300 level)
MUS 491 or MUS 492 (capstone, one semester)
—OR—
MUS 495 and MUS 496 (Honors Thesis, two semesters)

4 Semesters of Ensemble
4 Semesters of Lessons on the Primary (Ensemble) Instrument or Voice (MUS 141)

**Piano Proficiency may also demonstrated through private lessons or examination–see department head