Requirements for the Music Major
Students intending to major in music should consult with the Music Major Adviser, Professor Lawrence Archbold, early in their college career since the theory and history courses follow one another in a preferred sequence. 72 credits are required for a major in music. All majors must take the following core courses:
- 18 credits: Music Theory (200, 201, 202)
- 12 credits: Music History (211, 312)
- 6 credits: Ethnomusicology (140, 141, 243, 245, 246, 247, 248 or AMST 396))
- 6 credits: Composition (220; 285/286 cannot substitute for 220)
- 6 credits: Music Since 1900 (303)
- 2 credits: Music Major Colloquium (398)
- 4 credits: Integrative Exercise (400)
- 8 credits: Private Lessons (150J-184J, 250J-284J, 299, 385 and 386) of which at least 4 credits are from 385 or 386. Music 299 may be taken in lieu of 2 credits of 385 or 386.
- 4 credits: Ensemble Participation (from 185-195), of which at least 2 credits are in one of the following conducted ensembles: 185, 186, 187, 189, 190.
- 6 credits: Music Electives (from any Music course, including lessons and ensembles).
Courses offered for a grade must be taken for a grade to apply to the major; i.e., courses cannot be taken S/CR/NC.
Juried Lessons for the Music Major
Music 385/386
- Majors must complete four (4) credits of Juried Lessons for the Major (385/386). Majors register for these courses regardless of which instrument or voice they elect to satisfy this requirement.
- All four (4) credits must be on the same instrument or voice and must be taken for a letter grade only (no S/CR/NC allowed).
- A minimum of one term must be at the 2-credit level.
- All students enrolled in 385/386 are required to present a five- to ten-minute performance (Jury) normally held after ninth week, that is, tenth week and exam days. The choice of repertoire and learning goals for the Jury will be decided by the primary applied music instructor in consultation with the student. The Jury will be assessed by your applied music instructor working in partnership with one other faculty member. Together, they will provide each student with constructive, written feedback about their Jury performance. Of primary importance in assessing the Jury performance will be the level of engagement with and quality of preparation of the music performed, rather than the difficulty of the repertoire. Students will not be judged in comparison with other students. The final course grade for 385/386 will continue to be the decision of the primary instructor.
- Recital (299) may be taken in lieu of 2 credits of Juried Lessons for the Major (385/386), a requirement for the major.
- Composition (285/286) does not satisfy this requirement.
- Students are encouraged to complete these four (4) credits in consecutive terms.
Performance Requirement
Every music major must, at least on one occasion, give a public performance of a piece he or she has worked on with one of the major's applied music instructors. This performance must be a solo, not a group, performance and might take place during a studio recital or common time recital, a junior or senior solo recital, or some other event sponsored by the Music Department.
In addition to the minimal performance requirements in the core curriculum, students are strongly urged to pursue additional applied study and further participation in a performing organization and/or the chamber music program. Since modest ability at the keyboard is helpful in most areas of music study, achieving piano proficiency is strongly recommended.
Double Major
A student planning to double major should plan early and carefully in view of the sequential nature of the music major curriculum. In particular, plans for off-campus study need to be considered well in advance. Such students should consult with the chairs of both departments.