BA in Music
Students who enter the BA in Music track come from diverse musical backgrounds, but along the way they developed an interest in, and passion for, composition, theory or the history of music. The first year of study primarily focuses on elevating a student's existing knowledge of music fundamentals (history and theory), which provides a strong foundation for all 300- and 400-level courses, independent study projects and one-on-one mentoring with faculty advisors. Our undergraduate majors regularly go on to graduate school at other prestigious universities, later building careers as leading researchers, scholars and educators in their disciplines.
Below outlines the broad structure of the program with foundational courses in years one and two, followed by a mix of required and elective courses in the creative, scholarly, and performance areas. Finally, as a capstone requirement, students must complete a one-semester music internship during their final year in the program.
BA students who wish to continue applied music study on their instrument may audition for non-major or fee-based lessons.
Course Requirements
The following is the approved normal course of study for students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree. In all cases a student's particular program should be determined in consultation with his or her academic advisor. There are 52-58 total required credit hours in music for this degree.
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Foundational (Required) Courses
- Mus 105 Music Theory, Analysis and Aural Skills I (lec+lab)
- Mus 106 Music Theory, Analysis and Aural Skills II (lec+lab)
- Mus 211 Music Theory, Analysis and Aural Skills III (lec+lab)
- Mus 212 Music Theory, Analysis and Aural Skills IV (lec+lab)
- Mus 213 Music History Survey I
- Mus 214 Music History Survey II
- Mus 155 Basic Keyboard Skills
- 4 Semesters of applied lessons, ensemble or chamber music (various)
Music Electives
- 1 semester of a theory elective (Mus 305 or 437)
- 2 semesters of a history elective (Mus 408 or 440)
- 3 semesters of music elective courses drawn from the creative & scholarly or performance area (see below)
Note: Two semesters of 2cr. applied lessons, ensemble or chamber music counts towards one semester of music elective course credit.
Creative & Scholarly
- Mus 400 Contemporary Topics in Music History
- Mus 440 Seminar in American Music
- Mus 437 Analysis & Performance
- Mus 305 Renaissance Counterpoint
- Mus 301/302 Electronic Music
- Mus 400/407STU Composition Seminar
- Mus 499TUT Independent Study
Performance
- Mus (var) Applied Lessons
- Mus (var) Ensemble or Chamber Music
- Mus 343/344 Conducting
- Mus 220Lab Performance Seminar
Capstone
- Mus 496 Music Internship
The internship requirement is unique to the BA and offers students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom, explore career interests and build professional networks. The internship may include on or off campus work, teaching, administering, organizing or performing and will be overseen by a full-time faculty member in the Department of Music. In contrast to the MusB (BM) performance major, BA students will have increased flexibility in their third and fourth years to pursue a mix of courses or to concentrate on performance or additional creative and scholarly studies in music history, composition and music theory.
Application Requirements
Applicants for the BA in Music must first submit an application, solicit two Letters of Recommendation and audition (if instrument or voice lessons will be a part of the degree program).
Questions About the BA in Music?
Get in touch with Professor Eric Huebner, Undergraduate Studies Director
Director of Undergraduate Studies; Associate Professor (Piano Performance); Director, Concert Committee
Department of Music