Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Music Composition Major, BM


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Bachelor of music in composition is intended for students whose primary interest is in composition and for those who intend to pursue graduate work in music theory or composition. Audition requirement: Submit 2 or 3 short contrasting compositions and demonstrate proficiency on a primary instrument. (Formal declaration of a major in composition cannot occur until the end of the first-year theory sequence 146 and 146A with the grade of at least a B- in all theory courses, completion of MUS 120, and permission of instructor.) Transfer students may bypass MUS 120 with permission based upon composition knowledge, submissions, and sufficient audition on primary instrument. It will normally take transfer students three years to compete the degree requirements. UNIV 101 for music major - Gen Ed. requirement (not in degree program).

Program Requirement
All music majors must earn a grade of C or higher in each music course required for their respective degree.

Music Program Learner Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • MUS1 (Music Theory) apply music theory knowledge and aural skills to the analysis and interpretation of music literature.
  • MUS2 (Music History, Culture, and Literature) acquire and apply historical and contemporary knowledge of genres, styles, artists, and works within Western and non-Western music, and utilize research skills to enhance that knowledge.
  • MUS3 (Individual Applied Music) develop foundational technique in order to interpret, prepare, and perform a variety of musical works on a primary instrument or voice sufficient to the requirements of their major.
  • MUS4 (Collaborative Applied Music) interpret, prepare, and perform a variety of musical works through collaboration in musical ensembles sufficient to the requirements of their major.
  • MUS5 (Specialized Music Study) exhibit competencies specific to their major, including advanced performance skills, pedagogical skills, composition and improvisation skills, and/or the competencies for teacher certification.
  • MUS6 (Musical Disposition) engage as active participants in the musical community of the university and region through event attendance, performance, teaching, creative and/or service activity.

BM Composition Core Requirements


Music Theory - Credits: 21


Students must pass an online fundamental exam with 75% ($10 fee) or take and pass (75%) an online fundamental course ($99 fee) to enroll in MUS 144. Students must take a placement exam to waive any of the following courses. Concurrent enrollment of the following is required: (MUS 144, 144A, 152A), (MUS 145, 145A, 153A) and (MUS 146, 146A, 154A). A grade of C or better is required in both the written and aural components to continue in the theory sequence.

Class Piano - Credits: 3


A waiver of this requirement can be obtained by demonstrating sufficient keyboard skills to designated piano faculty members.

Ensembles - Credits: 20


Primary Ensembles - Credits: (14-16)


Primary Ensembles (14-16) must correspond to the student’s primary applied area.

Chamber Ensembles Credits: (4-6)


Applied Music - Credits: 13


Individual Instruction - Credits: (12)


Conducting - Credits: 6


Total Core Credits: 95


Required Courses


Music Composition - Credits: 24


Secondary Applied Area (Keyboard) - Credits: 4


Additional Courses - Credits: 5


  • Music Electives Credits: (2)

Total Required Course Credits: 33


Total Credits: 128


College and Department Information


Music Department  
College of Arts and Humanities  

Online Availability
The program does not have a designated online only option.

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