BA in Music
About
The BA in Music degree program is for students who are interested in pursuing a broad range of study in music. BA majors regularly go on to pursue careers as educators, composers, performers and scholars.
In contrast to the MusB (BM) performance major, BA students will have increased flexibility in how they satisfy their elective requirements and can choose to pursue a mix of courses or to focus on a particular area such as performance, composition or additional studies in music history and theory. The structure of the program is outlined below, 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.
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 311, 333, 408 or 440)
- 3 semesters of music elective courses drawn from the creative & scholarly or performance area (see below)
Note: Two additional semesters of 2cr. applied lessons, ensemble or chamber music counts towards one semester of music elective course credit.
Creative & Scholarly
- Mus 440 Seminar in American Music
- Mus 437 Analysis & Performance
- Mus 305 Renaissance Counterpoint
- Mus 301/302 Electronic Music
- Mus 407STU Composition Seminar
- Mus 408 Special Topics in Music
- 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
Students enrolled in the Music Internship tutorial will gain practical, real-world experience working for a music professional, or a cultural or educational organization in Western New York. They will have 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.
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 Brian Moseley, Undergraduate Studies Director
Director of Undergraduate Studies; Associate Professor (Music Theory); Area Coordinator; Music Theory
Department of Music