Music, Bachelor of Music with a Concentration in Music Theory and Composition (B.M.)

Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Music program, graduates will be able to perform a recital in their major applied area, communicate effectively about the theoretical concepts in music, and identify and analyze musical works from diverse cultures and historical periods.
In addition, all music education majors will demonstrate the ability to sing, play a variety of instruments, develop lesson plans, and engage in effective teaching during a student teaching semester. All theory and composition students will demonstrate composition skills and present original compositions in public recitals as well as identifying an area of advanced analysis of musical works through a senior project. All music industry students will demonstrate music technology skills, identify trends in the many facets of this business field, and demonstrate an ability to work with professionals through cooperative learning experiences. All performance majors will prepare two performance recitals and analyze repertoire presented on those recitals, in addition to identifying different pedagogical approaches in their area.
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 256 | Marching Band | 1 |
MUS 255A/455A | Symphonic Band | 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 Symphonic Band/MUS 455A Symphonic Band 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.
Recital Attendance
All majors are required to attend 16 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.
Music Theory and Composition
Music Theory and Composition majors must complete 2 credits of MUS 283 Beginning Composition and 8 credits of MUS 483 Composition. MUS 283 Beginning Composition is open to all music students with permission of the instructor. Students wishing to move on to advanced composition (MUS 483 Composition) must receive the approval of the theory/composition faculty based on their performance in MUS 283 Beginning Composition. Students seeking to apply for entry into advanced composition study will submit a portfolio of their compositions. All theory and composition majors, whose major applied area is not piano, must elect two semesters of additional piano studies (MUS 112 Piano I). Music Theory and Composition students will complete a senior project (MUS 499 Senior Project/Recital) consisting of a theory project and a half recital of original compositions as part of this degree program.
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
Summary Checklist for General Education
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Element 1 | ||
A: Written Communication | 3 | |
B: Written Communication | 3 | |
C: Oral Communication | 3 | |
Element 2 | ||
Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
Element 3 | ||
A: Arts | 3 | |
B: Humanities | 3 | |
Element 4 | ||
Natural Sciences | 6 | |
Element 5 | ||
A: Historical Science | 3 | |
B: Social Behavioral Science | 3 | |
Element 6 | ||
Diversity of Perspectives Experiences | 6 | |
Total Hours | 36 |
Students are expected to complete Elements 1 and 2 within their first 60 hours of college credit.
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 Theory and 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 |