Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, B.M.


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The Bachelor of Music degree offers six specialized concentrations: 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 concentrations’ curricula. The remaining hours are specified under each of the various concentrations.

All undergraduate music majors, regardless of concentration, 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 assigned 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


Total: 123-133 Credit Hours


Footnotes


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.

2 In addition to the School of Music requirements outlined below, students seeking a concentration in music education must meet all the criteria for admission to the teacher education program and complete the professional education sequence for teaching licensure.

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 primary applied area.

First Year


First Semester


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

Total: 14-15 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 concentration, see the School of Music’s Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.

Jazz Studies Concentration


Coordinator: Dr. Charles Dotas
Phone: (540) 568-6180

Jazz Studies Requirements: 39 Credit Hours


Admission to the Jazz Studies concentration by successful completion of a jazz performance audition no sooner than the end of the first year as an approved music major.

Applied Music Lesson in Primary Instrument: 8 Credit Hours


Applied music study (primary instrument), Level 1-4. Jazz Studies students enroll in 2 credits in the primary instrument for 4 semesters in the first two years for a total of 8.00 credit hours. Students accepted into Jazz Studies program may continue applied music study (in addition to applied jazz study) with consent of primary applied instructor.

Applied Music Lesson in Jazz: 12 Credit Hours


Applied music study (Jazz). Two credits of Applied Jazz Study, Level 5-8, for 6 semesters for a total of 12.00 credit hours; may be taken concurrently with applied music study in the primary instrument. The student must be enrolled in Applied Jazz Study during the semesters of the Half Recital MUS 395 and the Graduation Recital MUS 495 .

Total: 59 Credit Hours


Footnotes


1 Prior to acceptance into Jazz Studies program, ensemble placement determined by primary instrument applied faculty and Ensemble Committee. Students accepted into the Jazz Studies program must enroll in MUAP 347  (or MUAP 348  with jazz studies coordinator permission) each semester until graduation. Students in the Jazz Studies program are encouraged to continue participation in additional School of Music ensembles.

2 Approved electives include: MUS 446 MUS 480  and MUS 485 .

Music Composition Concentration


Coordinator: Dr. Jason Haney
Phone: (540) 568-6664

Music Composition Requirements


Additional requirements: Admission to this concentration by approval of theory/composition faculty. Grades no lower than “B” in all theory and composition courses. Students should take both MUS 252  and MUS 253  from the theory menu.

Total: 55 Credit Hours


Footnotes


MUS 256  must be taken in addition to the 4 courses required as part of the music theory core.

2 Various ensembles approved by adviser.
3 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.

Music Education Concentration


Coordinator: Dr. Lisa Maynard
Phone: (540) 568-6465

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.

Endorsement in Both Vocal and Instrumental Music

Students desiring licensure in both instrumental and vocal music should consult the coordinator of music education to plan their programs.

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 .

Music Education General Education Requirements

Music Education students must take 38-41 credit hours of General Education  courses. PSYC 160  may double count as a Cluster Five  course in General Education .

Professional Education Sequence Requirements


Total: 20 Credit Hours


Footnote


Grade of “C” or better required in EDUC 200 PSYC 160  and WRTC 103 .

Music Education, Instrumental Track


(Applied study in winds, strings, percussion, piano)

Students whose primary instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in instrumental ensembles each semester except for two during which they must elect MUAP 357 . Performance in these ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.

Music Education, Instrumental Track Requirements: 32 Credit Hours


Instrumental Techniques Classes: 5 Credit Hours

Total: 39 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 Wind and percussion students are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of two years, but participation every year is recommended.
2 Students whose primary instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in instrumental ensembles each semester except for two during which they must elect MUAP 357 

Additional Information

Performance in these ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.

Music Education, Instrumental Track, Subtrack in Jazz


(Applied study in winds, strings, percussion, piano, guitar) 

Students whose primary instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in three semesters of MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 , and four semesters of a non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 357. Performance in Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Band will be on piano; performance in non-jazz ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.  Students whose primary instrument is guitar must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in three semesters of MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 , and four semesters of a non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 353 . Performance in Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Band will be on guitar; performance in non-jazz ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester permitted on guitar as ensemble needs dictate.

Degree Requirements for the Music Education, Instrumental Track, Subtrack in Jazz


Conditional admission to the Subtrack in Jazz by successful completion of jazz performance audition no sooner than the end of the first year; full admission to the Subtrack in Jazz upon completion of Sophomore Music Education Interview.

Four semesters of traditional applied music studio study, to include a Capstone Performance Project (Area Recital, Double Jury, or other public performance approved by the applied instructor), followed by three semesters of applied jazz study, to include a senior half recital comprising jazz repertoire.

Music Education, Instrumental Track, Subtrack in Jazz Requirements: 35 Credit Hours

Instrumental Techniques Classes: 5 Credit Hours

Take all five classes:​​​​

Total: 42 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 MUS 346  may be substituted if student teaching occurs during the fall semester.

Half recital to comprise jazz repertoire.

3 Students in the Jazz Subtrack are required to participate in four semesters of an assigned traditional wind or string ensemble, and three semesters of one assigned jazz ensemble (MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 ).  Students must participate in at least one assigned ensemble each semester for seven semesters.

Students are required to participate in marching band for a minimum of one year.  Piano and guitar students will perform on the secondary instrument.

One semester of MUAP 355  is required in lieu of the second year of marching band.
6 Students whose primary instrument is piano must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in three semesters of MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 , and four semesters of a non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 357 . Performance in Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Band will be on piano; performance in non-jazz ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.  Students whose primary instrument is guitar must pass an interview with music education faculty, an audition on a band or orchestra instrument, and participate in three semesters of MUAP 347  or MUAP 348 , and four semesters of a non-jazz instrumental ensemble except for two during which they must elect MUAP 353 . Performance in Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Band will be on guitar; performance in non-jazz ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester permitted on guitar as ensemble needs dictate.

Additional Information

Performance in these ensembles will be on the secondary instrument with one semester on piano permitted as ensemble needs dictate.

Music Education, Vocal Track


(Applied study in voice or piano)

Music Education, Vocal Track Requirements


Total: 40-41 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 Vocal track students must pass the Advanced Keyboard Skills exam.
2 Piano track students may elect MUAP 357  for two semesters.

Music Industry Emphasis


Coordinator: David Cottrell
Phone: (540) 568-6303

Music Industry Emphasis Requirements


Total: 57 Credit Hours


Footnote


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

Music Performance


Music Performance, Instrumental Track


Co-coordinators: Beth Chandler Cahill, Carl Donakowski and Chris Carrillo
Phone: (540) 568-6197

Music Performance, Instrumental Track Requirements: 52 Credit Hours


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: 3 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following courses that has not previously been taken.

Total: 55 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 MUS 450 MUS 480 , or MUS 485  also fulfill the requirement for an advanced music literature elective or the approved music electives.
2 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits. A maximum of two credits may be counted in secondary applied music study.

Music Performance, Piano Track


Coordinator: Dr. Lori Piitz
Phone: (540) 568-6646

Music Performance, Piano Track Requirements: 50 Credit Hours


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

Choose one 3-credit Seminar: 3 Credit Hours

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.3

Total: 56 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 If choosing a second iteration of MUS 450  in this category, the semester and seminar topic must be different than the first required MUS 450 
2 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
Course may not have already been taken as part of the music theory core curriculum. In other words, piano performance students should be selecting a fifth course from the music theory menu of options.

Music Performance, Piano Track - Subtrack in Accompanying/Coaching


Coordinator: Dr. Gabriel Dobner
Phone: (540) 568-6002

Music Performance, Piano Track - Subtrack in Accompanying/Coaching Requirements: 49 Credit Hours


Choose one of the following: 4 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following: 2 Credit Hours

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.

Total: 58 Credit Hours

Footnote

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

Music Performance, Vocal Track


Coordinator: Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Phone: (540) 568-5803

The Music Performance, Vocal Track requires 41 General Education  courses. 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. Students in this track are required to complete MUS 467 , which will count in Cluster Two , Part 3, of General Education .

Music Performance, Vocal Track Requirements: 39 Credit Hours


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: 3 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following courses that has not previously been taken.

Choose two of the following: 16 Credit Hours

Total: 58 Credit Hours

Footnote

1 Students in the Bachelor of Music in Performance with a specialization in Performance - Vocal Track must participate in MUAP 343  in an on-stage capacity for at least two semesters. They may elect to fill the ensemble requirement in their remaining semesters by taking any of the credited vocal ensembles of the school: Men’s or Women’s Chorus, Treble Chamber Choir, Chorale, Madison Singers, or Opera Theatre. A minimum of one credit of ensemble must be selected each semester.

Music Theatre Concentration


Director of Opera and Music Theatre: Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Phone: (540) 568-5803

Music Theatre Requirements: 42 Credit Hours


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

Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours


Choose one of the following courses: 2-3 Credit Hours


Choose two dance classes of appropriate level from modern, ballet, ballroom, jazz or tap: 4 Credit Hours


Total: 54 Credit Hours


Footnotes


1 Approved music electives may not be fulfilled by additional ensemble credits.
2 Students in the Bachelor of Music, Music Theatre Emphasis must participate in MUAP 343 , in an on-stage capacity for at least two semesters. They may elect to fill the ensemble requirement in their remaining semesters by taking any of the credited vocal ensembles of the school – Men’s or Women’s Chorus; Treble Chamber Choir; Chorale; Madison Singers; Opera Theatre. A minimum of one credit of ensemble must be selected each semester.

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