General Music Minor

Student Choir.

The General Music Minor is designed for students with majors in non-music disciplines who want to take advantage of UB's music offerings to enrich their musical lives.

This degree develops fundamental music theory and music history skills and allows students to choose four free music electives in the composition, music theory or music history concentrations. Tracks are also available for students with an interest in music production, including a sequence of courses in electronic music and an independent study working in the Slee and Baird performance spaces alongside the Director of Music Technology. All general music minors are required to participate in two Department of Music ensembles of their choice.

Course Requirements

The following is the approved normal course of study for students pursuing an General Music Minor. In all cases a student's particular program should be determined in consultation with his or her academic advisor. There are 20 total required credit hours in music for this degree. All music coursework must be completed at the level of "C" or higher.

Theory Mus 105 - Music Theory, Analysis, and Aural Skills I 4 credits
History Mus 213 or 214 - Music History Survey 1 or 2 3 credits
Course Electives Three courses, chosen from the list below 9 credits
Performance Electives Two semesters of a 2-credit ensemble or lessonsĀ  4 credits

General Music Minors are eligible for applied music lessons, but must first audition.

Course electives include: 

  • MUS 301, Introduction to Electronic Music I
  • MUS 302, Introduction to Electronic Music II 
  • MUS 311, Women and Music
  • MUS 333, Orpheus: The Meaning of Music
  • MUS 364, World Music
  • MUS 365, Rock Music
  • MUS 366, Arts One
  • MUS 400, Composition Seminar
  • MUS 408, Music, Comedy, and Modernism
  • MUS 440, Seminar in American Music

Application Requirements

Applicants for the General Music Minor must submit an application. Students that wish to take instrument or voice lessons must also audition.