Bachelor of Music Degree
The Bachelor of Music degree offers six specialized majors: performance, composition, music industry, music education, jazz studies and music theatre. All music majors must complete the General Education program and a 30 credit hour core program of music courses common to all the majors’ curricula. The remaining hours are specified under each of the various majors and concentrations.
All undergraduate music majors must perform on the primary instrument in one assigned ensemble each semester when one or more of the following indicators applies:
- They are enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours on campus.
- They are enrolled for applied lessons on the primary instrument.
- They have not completed all of the requirements in the music major.
- They are not enrolled in an off-campus internship or in student teaching.
While students are required to participate in only one ensemble each semester, they are encouraged to take advantage of the many performance opportunities offered by the School of Music by participating in more than one ensemble. For information regarding the ensemble audition process, see the Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.
If piano is the primary instrument, see the specific requirements in the Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.
All music students should enroll in class piano each semester until they meet the keyboard skills requirements appropriate to their specific degree or concentration.
Assessment: First-year music majors must complete the Incoming Music Major Assessment Milestone no later than the first week of classes in the semester in which they matriculate. In February of the calendar year in which they plan to graduate, seniors must participate in assessment activities including assessment day and completion of the School of Music Senior Assessment Milestone.
Another vital aspect of the programs is attendance at recitals and concerts. Attending these events contributes to the breadth of students’ knowledge of music literature. Hearing performances also allows students to observe performing techniques from the student to the professional levels. Consequently, undergraduate music majors must attend a minimum of 10 recitals per semester for six semesters, totaling 60 attendances during their degree studies. Students must continue to register for MUS 195 until they fulfill this requirement.
Required Courses
- General Education courses 35-41 Credit Hours 1
- Core music program courses 30 Credit Hours
- Major concentration courses and electives 54-62 Credit Hours
Total: 126-131 Credit Hours
Footnote
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Choose one of the following: 1 Credit Hour
Written Music Theory Path One: 6 Credit Hours
Choose this path if you have passed the music theory diagnostic exam. None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.
Choose two of the following courses: 6 Credit Hours
None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.
Path One Total: 12 Credit Hours
Written Music Theory Path Two: 9 Credit Hours
Choose this path if you have not successfully passed the music theory diagnostic exam. None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.
Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours
None of the courses in this section may be repeated for credit.
Path Two Total: 12 Credit Hours
Recommended Schedule for First Year Majors
The first year of study shares a common curriculum for all concentrations. The year is devoted to courses from the basic music core requirements, General Education courses, ensemble participation and applied study in the major applied area.
Choose one of the following (According to placement decision): 1 Credit Hour
Total: 15-16 Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: 1 Credit Hour
Total: 14-15 Credit Hours
Additional Information
For a recommended eight-semester outline of curricular requirements for each major concentration, see the School of Music’s Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.
Music: Music Education
Phone: (540) 568-6753
The Music Education program is designed primarily for those preparing to teach vocal or instrumental music in public schools. In addition to the School of Music requirements outlined below, students seeking a degree in music education must meet all the criteria for admission to the teacher education program and complete the professional education sequence for teaching licensure.
Teaching Licensure Requirements
Students who want to pursue the music education program must earn acceptance into the teaching licensure program offered by the College of Education .
Instrumental Track
(Applied study in winds, strings, percussion, piano) 1
