Majoring and Minoring

Major in Music

In addition to the minimum major requirements, all students majoring in music pursue a senior project in one area: composition, ethnomusicology, music education, musicology, performance. A core curriculum is common for the first two years, with students pursuing appropriate concentrations in the junior and senior years. Declaring a music major by the sophomore year is advisable.

A review takes place at the end of fall semester of the sophomore year as students near the completion of common requirements in the major. All majors and prospective majors are reviewed by the music faculty at this time. Transfer students and those who decide to declare a music major after the sophomore year must consult the department chair.

The review involves a short performance in the student's primary area of studio instruction, optional work samples in his or her primary area of interest (for students concentrating in composition, musicology, or ethnomusicology), and an interview about intended areas of concentration in the junior and senior years. In this formal advising opportunity, the entire music faculty is available to help each student plan to fulfill upper-division degree requirements and complete the senior project.

A satisfactory departmental review results in faculty approval of upper-division status as a music major, and is a prerequisite for Music 490, Senior Project. Enrollment in Music 490 also requires completion of at least one semester of 300-level study in the chosen area of concentration. Further advising for a student's senior project is done individually to match students' aims with departmental and national standards. The project requires work beyond the basic major requirements. Majors are also required to pass a piano proficiency examination.

Minor in Music

Students who wish a basic but thorough introduction to the field of music may choose to minor in music. Minors pursue basic coursework in a variety of aspects of music study, history, theory, and performance.

Minor Requirements

A minimum of 23 semester credits, distributed as follows:

1. Four semester credits of music theory and aural skills chosen from Music 111, 121, 212, and 222.
2. Eight semester credits in music history and literature: Music 162 and 163.
3. Two semester credits in ensembles (Cappella Nova, Javanese Gamelan, or Wind Symphony, Orchestra), one of which must be from a major ensemble.
4. One semester credit of instrumental lessons, including voice.
5. Eight semester credits in upper-level theory, history and literature, or composition, including Music 305 or 306.