Music, Bachelor of Music with a Concentration in Composition (B.M.)
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music program, Students must demonstrate achievement of professional, entry-level competence in the major area, including significant technical mastery, capability to produce work and solve professional problems independently, and a coherent set of artistic/intellectual goals that are evident in their work.
Performance Skills. Students will acquire:
- Technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression in at least one major performance area at a level appropriate for the particular music concentration.
- An overview understanding of the repertory in their major performance area and the ability to perform from a cross-section of that repertory.
- The ability to read at sight with fluency demonstrating both general musicianship and, in the major performance area, a level of skill relevant to professional standards appropriate for the particular music concentration.
- Knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation. Rehearsal and conducting skills are required as appropriate to the particular music concentration.
- Keyboard competency.
- Growth in artistry, technical skills, collaborative competence and knowledge of repertory through regular ensemble experiences. Ensembles should be varied both in size and nature.
- Performance study and ensemble experience continue throughout the baccalaureate program.
Musicianship Skills and Analysis. Students will acquire:
- An understanding of the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interaction, the ability to employ this understanding in aural, verbal, and visual analyses, and the ability to take aural dictation.
- Sufficient understanding of and capability with musical forms, processes, and structures to use this knowledge and skill in compositional, performance, analytical, scholarly, and pedagogical applications according to the requisites of their specializations.
- The ability to place music in historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts.
Composition/Improvisation. Students will acquire a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music via written, electronic, or improvisatory forms and methods. These may include but are not limited to the creation of original compositions or improvisations, variations or improvisations on existing materials, experimentation with various sound sources, the imitation of musical styles, and manipulating the common elements in non-traditional ways.
History and Repertory. Students will acquire basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time, including study and experience of musical language and achievement beyond the primary culture of specialization area.
Synthesis. Students will work on musical problems by combining, as appropriate to the issue, their capabilities in performance; aural, verbal, and visual analysis; composition/improvisation; and history and repertory.
Sophomore Comprehensive Exam
Majors will complete a comprehensive exam at the end of 200-level applied lessons. This exam measures appropriate progress and performance skills for musicians moving into upper-division study specific to their concentration. Students will submit evidence of satisfactory academic progress and demonstrate performance skills as measured by a committee of 3 or more professors using the School of Music Performance Rubric. Students who do not pass the exam will have one other chance to sit for the exam no sooner than the beginning of the next semester. Students who do not achieve adequate progress and scores shall not be permitted to continue in the BM program or specific concentration.
Bachelor of Music Core Requirements
Applied Music
All music majors must complete a minimum of seven semesters of applied lessons with at least three of the semesters at the upper division levels (numbered 300 or 400). Applied students must complete a jury examination at the end of each semester. Each major is required to enroll in applied music every semester of full-time enrollment.
Solo Recital Performance
Each major is required to perform the equivalent of a half recital (MUS 399 Joint Recital) during the course of study.
Ensemble Requirements
Each major is expected to enroll in a major ensemble reflecting the major applied area of study every semester of full-time enrollment.
Wind and percussion majors will enroll in:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Choose from one of the following: | ||
| MUS 255A/455A | Wind Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 255B/455B | Concert Band | 1 |
| MUS 235/435 | Symphony Orchestra | 1 |
With permission of the Director of the School of Music, MUS 254 Jazz Ensemble/MUS 454 Jazz Ensemble may be submitted for the major ensemble requirement for wind and percussion majors.
Orchestral string majors will enroll in:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Choose from one of the following: | ||
| MUS 235/435 | Symphony Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS 236/436 | String Orchestra | 1 |
Some string bass majors may be assigned to MUS 255A Wind Ensemble/MUS 455A Wind Ensemble based on audition results.
Guitar majors will enroll in:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 257/457 | Guitar Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 250 | Small Ensembles:____ (Electric Guitar Ensemble) | .5 |
Vocal majors will enroll in:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Choose from one of the following: | ||
| MUS 228A/428A | ENChor (SSAA Choir) | 1 |
| MUS 228B/428B | Koros (TTBB Choir) | 1 |
| MUS 226/426 | University Singers (SATB) | 1 |
Even if the student plans to study in two or more applied areas, one of them must be declared the major. Students enrolling in more than three ensembles must receive permission for such participation from their applied teacher, ensemble director, and advisor.
All majors will complete a minimum of seven semesters of a major ensemble reflecting the students primary applied area with at least three of the semesters at upper division levels. With the exception of the student teaching or internship semester, each major is required to enroll in a major ensemble every semester of full-time enrollment.
Recital Attendance
All majors are required to attend concerts and recitals including the departmental recitals and other School of Music concerts and recitals held throughout the semester (MUS 101 Performance Class) for at least six semesters. Performances off campus must receive approval by the Director of the School of Music.
Upper Division Applied Composition
All Music Composition majors will submit a portfolio of their compositions as a part of the Sophomore Comprehensive exam. Composition faculty will measure appropriate progress and skills for admittance into advanced composition (MUS 483: Composition). Students who do not pass the exam will have one other chance to sit for the exam no sooner than the beginning of the next semester. Students who do not achieve adequate progress and scores shall not be permitted to continue in the BM program or specific concentration.
Applied Piano
All Music Composition majors will complete two semesters (credits) of applied study on the piano (MUS 112: Piano I).
Solo Recital
Music Composition majors will present the equivalent of a full recital (60 minutes of music) representing their body of work. The recital (MUS 499 Senior Project/Recital) is typically completed in the spring (or second) semester of 400-level applied composition lessons.
Admission to the Music Major Program
Admission to the Bachelor of Music programs requires a successful audition for the applicable applied teacher. The student is expected to demonstrate acceptable levels of achievement in performance in terms of intonation, tone quality and rhythmic accuracy. Incoming students will be expected to perform two selections of contrasting styles. Students may be accepted on probationary status at the discretion of the applied teacher and the School of Music Director. Students seeking to opt out of one of more semesters of class piano may complete a placement exam prior to the start of the semester of study.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 110 | Beginning Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 111 | Beginning Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 210 | Intermediate Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 211 | Intermediate Class Piano II | 1 |
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 50.0901
Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Graduation Requirements | ||
| General Education | 36 | |
| Student Success Seminar | ||
| ASO 100 | Student Success Seminar (waived for transfers with 30+ hrs.) | 1 |
| Upper division courses (42 hrs. distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Gen Ed/Free Electives categories) | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| MUS 110 | Beginning Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 111 | Beginning Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 117 | Applied Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 118 | Applied Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 149 | Music Entrepreneurship | 1 |
| MUS 210 | Intermediate Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 211 | Intermediate Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 217 | Applied Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS 218 | Applied Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS 317 | Applied Music Theory V | 3 |
| MUS 366 | Basic Conducting Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUS 399 | Joint Recital | 0 |
| MUS 549 | Career Development | 2 |
| MUH 275 | Western Musical Traditions I | 2 |
| MUH 276 | Western Musical Traditions II | 2 |
| MUH 373 | The Diverse Worlds of Music | 2 |
| Choose from a minimum of seven hours of applied primary instrument or voice over seven semesters (two credits at 100 level, two credits at 200 level, two credits at 300 level and one credit at 400 level) | 7 | |
| Choose from seven semesters of major ensembles | 7 | |
| Choose from two credits of chamber ensembles | 2 | |
| MUS 101 | Performance Class (six semesters) | 0 |
| Concentrations | ||
| Students must select one of the following Concentrations: | ||
Music Performance | ||
Emphasis in Music Industry | ||
Emphasis in Recording Arts | ||
| Music Composition | 36 | |
Music Education | ||
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| Performance/Vocal: | ||
Vocal Performance majors must elect three hrs of foreign language (Element 6) as part of their General Education studies. G | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| Choose from 1 hour of free electives | 1 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- G
Course also satisfies a General Education element. Hours are included within the 36 hr. General Education requirement above.
Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| MUS 112 | Piano I | 2 |
| MUS 190 | Music Industry I | 2 |
| MUS 283 | Beginning Composition | 2 |
| MUS 373 | Stylistic Composition | 2 |
| MUS 384 | Survey of Music Technology | 2 |
| MUS 482 | Music Since 1900 | 2 |
| MUS 483 | Composition | 8 |
| MUS 484 | Digital Music | 2 |
| MUS 499 | Senior Project/Recital | 2 |
| MUS 511 | Jazz Theory | 2 |
| MUS 517 | Arranging | 2 |
| MUS 557 | Symphonic and Wind Band Literature | 2 |
| or MUS 556 | Choral Music Literature | |
| Choose from additional one hour of applied primary instrument (at 400 level) | 1 | |
| Choose from additional one credit of ensembles | 1 | |
| Choose from additional two credits of chamber ensembles | 2 | |
| Choose from two hours of music history electives | 2 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |