Dec 13, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, Music Performance, Piano Track, B.M.


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.

Degree Requirements


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.

Major Requirements


Required Courses


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

Total: 30 Credit Hours

Footnote

1 MUS 206  will count for the Music Core and also for the General Education , Cluster Two , Part 2 if desired. There will be a specific music major section of MUS 206  offered once each academic year.

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.

First Year


First Semester

Choose one of the following (According to placement decision): 1 Credit Hour

Total: 15-16 Credit Hours

Second Semester

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.

Piano Track


Coordinator: Dr. Lori Piitz



Phone: (540) 568-6646

Track Degree Requirements


Required Courses


  • General Education  courses 38-41 Credit Hours 1
  • Core music program courses 30 Credit Hours
  • Major concentration courses and electives 56 Credit Hours

Total: 124-127 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.

Track Major Requirements


Courses


Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by successful completion of performance audition, no sooner than end of first year as approved music major.

Music theory elective. Choose one of the following: 3 credit hours


The chosen course should be one not taken to fulfill the music theory core requirements.4

Total: 56 Credit Hours


Footnotes


2 Must include two different iterations of MUS 480. Advanced Seminar in Musicological Topics .



3 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.

4Course may not have already been taken as part of the music theory core curriculum. In other words, piano performance majors should be selecting a fifth course from the music theory menu of options.