Courses

Our program is designed to accommodate any student wishing to pursue music — whether you want intensive professional training or simply to share your love of music with our community of musicians. Non-music majors are encouraged to participate in ensembles, applied lessons and music classes.

Introductory Courses

Introductory courses are designed for students looking to fulfill their Arts I credit requirement. Each class covers a broad range of musical genres and topics, depending on your interest. To maintain flexibility in your schedule, each introductory course is offered in the fall and the spring.

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Special Topics

Several electives allow you to design your educational experience and expand your learning.

Applied Studies

It is our philosophy that a well-rounded musician be able to comprehend and perform repertoire while completing studies in history or theory. Loading....

Theory and Composition

These courses require advanced study, music theory analysis and compositional technique. They focus on particular analytic techniques, musical parameter, critical approach and repertory.

Studies in History, Literature and World Music

We offer classes that focus on early music and the Renaissance, the development of both the symphony and the opera, and music across cultures. Topics in each course discuss composer, critical approach or repertory.

Upper-Level Courses

These courses for juniors and seniors are required for graduation for performance tracks.

Music Research

Every graduating music student is required to complete a capstone music course that allows students to investigate specialized topics in music (e.g, history, analysis, pedagogy). The student designs and carries out an independent project culminating in a paper and public presentation.

Methods Courses

These courses are designed to teach foundational pedagogical principles in educational settings. All music education majors are required to take methods courses of the opposite track (instrumental or vocal).

Literature and Pedagogy

These courses are designed to provide advanced knowledge, history, repertoire of an instrument, the art of teaching the instrument and the appropriate literature.  

Recital Requirements by Degree Program

Bachelor of Music in Performance

You are required to give both a junior and senior recital. Your applied teacher must give permission for you to give a recital. Some applied areas (e.g., voice, keyboard, strings) may require their own audition, granting approval to give the recital.

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

You are expected to give a senior recital. You are encouraged to consider joint recitals — a recital given by two or more music education students. Studio teachers must give permission for students to give a recital. Some applied areas (e.g., voice, keyboard, strings) may require their own audition, granting approval to give the recital.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

You are not required to give a recital. With permission from your applied instructor, you may give a senior recital without an audition. If you wish to give a junior recital, you must first audition before a recital committee, formed and chaired by your applied instructor. Some applied areas (e.g., voice, keyboard, strings) may require their own audition, granting approval to give a senior recital. 

Musical Theatre Composite Major

You are not required to give a recital, but the department expects those students focusing in performance to give recitals. Studio teachers must give permission for students to give a recital. Some applied areas (e.g., voice, keyboard, strings) may require their own audition, granting approval to give the recital.

Recommended Courses for First-year Music Majors

If you are considering music as a major, we suggest you begin immediately. In addition, contact our faculty with any questions about applied study. Take a look at this matrix of course suggestions for beginning your studies in music. Note that these courses should take place in addition to your First Year Seminar (FYS).

First-year Courses

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Theory I	Theory II
Aural Skills I	Aural Skills II
Keyboard Skills	Keyboard Skills
Applied Lessons	Applied Lessons
Concert Attendance	Concert Attendance
Ensemble	Ensemble

Here are a few pointers when planning your course schedules:

• The earlier you begin music classes, the more flexibility you will have later on when registering for classes
• Many students choose to mix classes with general education requirements in order to ease semester course loads
• To stay on top of graduation requirements, each student should design a four-year plan in order to plan for upcoming semesters (Note: Please contact your advisor to begin this process)

Student Recital Information

A solo recital is considered the culmination of a music student’s work in the department. This is a requirement for all performance-oriented degree tracks.

If you wish to present a recital, you must:

• Be studying applied music in the department at the time you give the recital
• Have appeared in at least two departmental student recitals prior to the recital dress rehearsal

Instructions for Scheduling a Solo Recital

Recitals for any given academic year may be scheduled in the preceding spring after the calendar has been set for ensemble concerts and major departmental events. When a student recital date is placed on the calendar, it will be considered final and may be altered only under extenuating circumstances and with the permission of your applied instructor.

Senior Recitals

• Times: Monday–Thursday 8:00 p.m.; Friday at 4:00, 6:00, or 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00, 4:00 or 6:00 p.m. on designated weekends
• Duration: A maximum of 60 minutes of music plus an intermission
• Location: Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts Concert Hall, John and Dede Howard Recital Hall or Dimnent Chapel (organists may use the Organ Studio)

Other Recitals

• Times: Friday at 4:00 or 6:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00, 4:00 or 6:00 p.m. on designated weekends
• Duration: A maximum of 50 minutes of music; no intermission
  
• Location: Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts Concert Hall or John and Dede Howard Recital Hall; Dimnent Chapel is available only for organ and piano recitals

Student Recital Application 

Accompanist Information

Most students will have to request an accompanist for lessons and performances. Please contact your applied lesson instructor for further information.

Accompanist Request Form (PDF)  Online Accompanist Request Form  

Departmental Recital Application

Each month, the Music department hosts a recital featuring current students. Please complete the form and provide a copies to the faculty coordinator and your applied lesson instructor. 

Departmental Recital Application