Undergraduate Degree Programs
The School of Music offers a wide variety of degree programs for the undergraduate music major. Possible majors within the school include:
- music composition
- music education
- music performance
- music theory
- music therapy
The specific major is chosen at the beginning of the second year of study. There is also the opportunity for double majors within and outside of the School, i.e. music performance and music education or music and another academic field such as journalism.
All music majors follow the same course of study during the first year of enrollment, which allows time to be sure that music is really the desired major. Should a student decide to transfer out of the field of music, the limited number of hours earned in music during the first year may be used toward fulfilling requirements for a music minor, to fulfill elective requirements, or, in come cases, to fulfill core curriculum requirements.
Bachelor of Music: Composition
The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in composition is designed to prepare the student to begin professional work or to pursue graduate study. The program includes a strong foundation in theory and music literature and applied study on a secondary instrument. Three years of applied study on a major instrument or in voice and three years of intensive study in composition are required. During the three-year course of study, recitals on a major instrument or voice and in composition are required.
Students must retain a grade of B or better in music theory to be admitted to and remain in the composition program. Acceptance at the beginning of the second year is conditional. Full acceptance requires a jury before the composition faculty in which works written during the second year are presented.
Suggested matriculation summary for the degree Bachelor of Music with a major in composition.
Bachelor of Music: Music Education
The program of study leading to the Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music education prepares the student to teach grades K-12 in all areas - general, choral, and instrumental - or to continue study at the graduate level. Although the program is broad in nature to meet certification requirements, students may choose a major emphasis of study: choral music education with a concentration in voice, or piano; or instrumental music education with a concentration in piano, band instrument or orchestral instrument. With additional study, the degree may be earned with more than one emphasis.
Admission to the music education program requires an interview with the faculty at the end of the second year of study and a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
Suggested matriculation summary for the degree Bachelor of Music with a major in music education.
Bachelor of Music: Music Therapy
The program of study leading to the Bachelor of Music with a major in music therapy prepares the student for a career in the use of music for the restoration, maintenance, or improvement of mental and/or physical health. Post-graduate employment opportunities include, but are not limited to, rehabilitative environments such as hospitals and special education programs within the framework of the public school system. The curriculum includes a strong emphasis in psychology and the social sciences and multiple opportunities to become involved in the profession through observation and participation in clinical experiences.
Music Therapy Board Certification requires, in addition to the degree requirements, a six-month internship and successful completion of the Board Certification Examination.
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree and wish Board Certification may pursue an equivalency degree in music therapy. This option requires:
- completion of the professional courses for the degree Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy;
- a six-month internship;
- successful completion of the Board Certification Examination.
Students whose baccalaureate degree is in an area other than music must show evidence of musical knowledge and skill comparable to that required for the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy.
Suggested matriculation summary for the degree Bachelor of Music with a major in music therapy.
Bachelor of Music: Music Performance
The program of study leading to the Bachelor of Music with a major in performance is comprehensively designed to prepare for a career as a professional musician, a studio teacher, or a college professor. The degree is designed to provide a strong foundation in music history, music theory, and performance, and to insure flexibility for continued study at the graduate level. The student has numerous opportunities for performance during the four years, including required third- and fourth-year solo recitals.
Students are admitted to this degree by petitioning the appropriate applied faculty after the second semester of study. Faculty decisions are based on the quality of the second semester applied jury.
Suggested matriculation summary for the degree Bachelor of Music with a major in performance.
Bachelor of Music: Music Theory
The program of study leading to the Bachelor of Music with a major in music theory is designed to prepare the student for graduate studies in research-oriented degrees. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in music theory with concentrations in music history, performance and composition. The course of study in music theory includes form and analysis, counterpoint, and composition techniques, and culminates in a research project which demonstrates the student's knowledge and abilities in the field.
Students are admitted to the program on the basis of an interview with the music theory faculty at the end of the first year of study.
Suggested matriculation summary for the degree Bachelor of Music with a major in music theory.
Bachelor of Arts: Music
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in music is designed to allow students to study music without the focus of a particular professional major. The program is structured to provide a strong emphasis in applied music, theory, and music literature with a broad block of general education studies. The degree provides a foundation for professional pursuits in music and prepares the student to enter graduate study in music or other disciplines which accept a general liberal arts degree for entry. The degree is also suitable for those who plan to pursue a career that requires a liberal arts education, but no specific vocational training.
Students are admitted to this program on the basis of the entrance audition.
Suggested matriculation summary for the degree Bachelor of Arts with a major in music.
Music Minor
This program is intended for students who have had a substantial background in music previous to college enrollment and wish to continue study while majoring in a non-music discipline. The music minor requires 15-18 credit hours of music courses in the areas of performance, music theory, and music history.
Admission to the Music Minor program requires the student to pass a vocal or instrumental audition. To apply for admission to the Music Minor program and schedule an audition, complete the online application form.
Suggested matriculation summary for a minor in music.