Music History and Literature, BM

Program Description:

The School 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 School of Music 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 School of Music 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 School of Music 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 School of Music website.

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 School 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 Quartet, Saxophone Quartet, Brass Choir, Trombone Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Choral groups include the University Chorus, Men’s Chorale, Women’s Chorale, and Collegiate Chorale. Students majoring in other academic areas and members of the community may also take music courses especially designed for the nonmusic major.

The major in music history and literature is not a terminal degree, and students should expect to continue at the graduate level. Therefore, students should consult with the appropriate faculty advisor before entering.

Students planning to pursue this major will be placed in the “Music: Unspecified” category until the following requirements have been met: a minimum grade of C in MUS 1210 and completion of MUS 1030 and 1530.

Students majoring in music history and literature must complete level III in the applied music concentration. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in required major courses and 2.0 in other required music courses. Senior students are required to complete a senior project. The project may consist of an extensive written research paper or a scholarly lecture or lecture/recital.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationships among historical perspectives, theoretical analysis and performance practice in music.
• Incorporate an understanding of music in its historical and cultural context such as it enables them to support the growth of their musicianship and enables them to have better understanding of the music they hear, perform, and/or create.
• Develop a firm grasp of the basic principles of the structure, design, and language of music in the Western Music tradition.
• Acquire the knowledge and vocabulary sufficient to approach music of any period, style or genre.
• Pursue a proficiency of technology appropriate to and connection with their field of specialization.
• Acquire the knowledge of a diverse catalogue of representative works in all major genres and representing all historical and interpretive styles.
• Acquire a proficiency in current research methods and trends including all forms and technologies available for the study of music.

Music Honors Program

The School 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 School of Music chair.