Music, BA

Program Description:

The Department of Music offers a four-year curriculum designed for students who wish to pursue a career in music. As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the department has designed the requirements for entrance and graduation according to the published standards of that association. The Bachelor of Music degree is offered with majors in performance, music education, and music history and literature; the Bachelor of Arts degree is offered with a major in music. The department also collaborates with the Department of Computer Science, Music Option. A Master of Music degree with majors in music education and performance and a Master of Humanities degree are also offered. Because of the highly individualized nature of the various programs, students are required to consult with an advisor to plan their major program.

In addition to fulfilling university admissions procedures, prospective music majors must also complete a departmental application for an audition, perform a satisfactory audition in a major performance area, and meet with an assigned advisor from the music faculty for counseling and registration. Transfer students must submit a transcript of all previous work in addition to completing the above steps. A minimum of one year of full-time study is required of all transfer students working toward a degree.

The department has developed a course of study based on four levels of technical proficiency, musicianship, and repertoire in all areas of applied music. Students should consult regularly with their applied music instructors and advisors to ensure progress through the various levels. Students enrolled in applied music courses are required to attend a specified number of recitals, concerts, and other approved performances. Solo recital performances are also required of music majors. For information regarding applied music requirements and keyboard proficiency requirements, students should refer to the Undergraduate Studies in Music student handbook.

Because of the cost of individual instruction, special fees are charged for applied music and, in certain cases, for accompanists. Applied music is also available to nonmajors on a limited basis and subject to instructor availability. A rental fee is charged for use of university-owned instruments in class instruction. There is no charge for use of these instruments in university ensembles.

All music degree programs require a minimum number of hours for graduation. A detailed, four-year curriculum outline for each major program is available on the Department of Music website.

Any student who fails a required music course a second time must petition in order to continue the program. The petition will go to the Academic Studies Committee, which, along with the applied teacher, the advisor, and the instructor of the class, will make a determination to accept or reject the petition, or to determine/recommend any additional conditions necessary to remain in the program.

All students in the university, as well as members of the community, are eligible to participate in performing groups. Some groups require individual auditions; prospective members should consult the various conductors to arrange auditions. The following instrumental groups are available:

Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Chamber Players, Pep Band, Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Brass Choir, Trombone Ensemble, Collegium Musicum, Symphonic Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Choral groups include the University Chorus, Men’s Chorale, Women’s Chorale, Chamber Singers, Collegiate Chorale, and Paul Laurence Dunbar Chorale. Students majoring in other academic areas and members of the community may also take music courses especially designed for the nonmusic major.

Faculty:

Professors: Booth, Dahlman, Jagow, Leung

Associate Professors: Cha, Chaffee, Collins, Ellis, Paul (chair), Tipps, Warrick, Zehringer

Assistant Professors: Cox

Lecturers: Jobert, Loranger, McNamara

Degree Requirements–Music

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree in music is designed for students who want to study music but do not necessarily plan a professional career in music. Students will get a much broader, more general education than students seeking a Bachelor of Music degree. Required courses are kept to a minimum. Consequently, students must work closely with an advisor in selecting course electives. For graduation, students must complete level III in the applied music concentration.

Music Honors Program

The Department of Music encourages students who have demonstrated superior academic ability to participate in the music honors program. In order to enter the program, students must be juniors or seniors with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and a 3.5 GPA in music. For additional information, students should contact the department chair.