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School of Music

BM in Performance

This degree program is designed for those who wish to prepare for a career in music performance and/or applied music teaching, and those who plan to do graduate work in applied music. The program aims to instill a thorough understanding of music and its relationship to contemporary society. Private lessons; solo, chamber and large ensemble performance; and the study of literature and pedagogy of the major instrument are emphasized. Basic understanding of the standards and opportunities for professional performance leads the student to realistic expectations for a career as a performer or teacher.

A major in Music Performance may or may not choose to concentrate in one of the following areas.

  • Jazz Concentration
  • - This degree concentration is designed as foundation studies for those who wish to prepare for careers in jazz or commercial music performance, and jazz instruction, and those who plan to pursue graduate work in jazz studies.

  • Piano Pedagogy Concentration
  • - This degree concentration is for students who wish to prepare for a career in private piano teaching and those who wish to do graduate work in piano pedagogy. The program focuses upon the development of teaching techniques and performance skills.

  • Musical Theatre Concentration

 

Courses & Requirements

Music CORE 28-32 credits

Music Theory and Aural Skills (16)

MUT 100 Music Theory and Aural Skills 1 (4)
MUT 101 Music Theory and Aural Skills 2 (4)
MUT 200 Music Theory and Aural Skills 3 (4)
MUT 201 Music Theory and Aural Skills 3 (4)

Music History (12)

MUH 105 Multi-Cultural Perspectives of American Popular Music and Jazz (3)
MUH 222 Music History Survey I (3)
MUH 223 Music History Survey II (3)
MUS 121 Classical and Romantic Music (3)
 or
MUS 220 Twentieth Century Music (3)

Functional Piano (4) not required for pianists

MUS 150 Piano Class I (1)
MUS 151 Piano Class 2 (1)
MUS 250 Piano Class 3 (1)
MUS 251 Piano Class 4 (1)

Applied Music (28)

Private Lessons (8 semesters) (24)
MUP 390 Junior Recital (0)
MUP 490 Capstone: Senior Recital (4)
MUS 442 Recital Class (8 semesters) (0)

Ensembles (4)

Major Ensemble (8 semesters) (4)
University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra

Area specific Music Course Requirements (13-19)

Voice

MUS 404 Opera Workshop: Stage Techniques (6)
MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument (2)
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument (2)
MUS 256/257 Diction 1 and 2 (4)
MUS 349 Piano Class 5 (1)
MUS 330 Form and Analysis (3)
MUS 432 Advanced Sight Singing 1


Non-music Course Requirements 16-18 credits
Voice majors must meet a minimum proficiency in Italian and either French or German either by exam or through completion of the second semester of the basic course in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures.

Italian 1 and 2 (8)
French or German 1 and 2 (8-10)

Elective Credits - Music (2); Non-Music (0)

Band / Orchestra Instrument

MUS 406 Chamber Music (2)
MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument (2)
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument (2)
MUS 330 Form and Analysis (3)
MUS 332 Counterpoint (3)
MUS 333 Advanced Analysis of Tonal Music (3)
or
MUS 335 Advanced Aural Skills (3)

Elective Credits - Music (4); Non-Music (9)

Piano

MUS 406 Chamber Music (6)
MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument (2)
MUS 322 Piano Literature 2 (2)
MUS 360/361 Advanced Keyboard Skills 1 and 2 (4) 
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument (2)
MUS 373 Piano Pedagogy 2 (2)
MUS 330 Form and Analysis (3)
MUS 332 Counterpoint (3)
MUS 333 Advanced Analysis of Tonal Music (3)
or
MUS 335 Advanced Aural Skills (3)

Elective Credits - Music (4); Non-Music (9)

Organ

MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument (2)
MUS 323 Organ Literature 2 (2)
MUS 310/311 Organ Improvisation 1 and 2 (4)
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument (2) 
MUS 330 Form and Analysis (3)
MUS 332 Counterpoint (3)
MUS 333 Advanced Analysis of Tonal Music (3)
or
MUS 335 Advanced Aural Skills (3)

Elective Credits - Music (5); Non-Music (9)

Guitar

MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument (2)
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument (2) 
MUS 330 Form and Analysis (3)
MUS 332 Counterpoint (3)
MUS 333 Advanced Analysis of Tonal Music (3)
or
MUS 335 Advanced Aural Skills (3)

Elective Credits - Music (4); Non-Music (9)