2019-20 Catalogs
BM in Music 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.
Program Requirements
The minimum number of credits required for the degree is 120.
Music CORE 30-34 credits | 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 4 | 4 |
Music History (12) | |
MUH 105 Multi-Cultural Perspectives of American Popular Music and Jazz | 3 |
MUH 222 Music History Survey 1 | 3 |
MUH 223 Music History Survey 2 | 3 |
One of the following courses: | 3 |
MUH 206 History of Jazz | |
MUH 220 Twentieth/Twenty-First Century Music | |
MUH 300 Topics in Music History | |
MUH 321 Classical/Romantic Music | |
MUH 325 The History of Musical Theatre in America | |
Functional Piano (4) (not required for piano and organ majors) | |
MUS 150 Piano Class 1 | 1 |
MUS 151 Piano Class 2 | 1 |
MUS 250 Piano Class 3 | 1 |
MUS 251 Piano Class 4 | 1 |
Conducting (2) | |
MUS 244 Basic Conducting | 2 |
Applied Music 27 credits | Credits |
Instrumental Students: MUP 203 Applied Music (8 semesters) | 24 |
Voice Students: MUP 202 Applied Music (8 semesters) AND | 24 |
MUP 201 Vocal Coaching (8 semesters) | |
MUP 390 Junior Recital | 0 |
MUP 490 Capstone: Senior Recital / Seminar | 3 |
MUS 442 Recital Class (8 semesters) | 0 |
Performance majors must complete satisfactorily a 30 minute recital in the junior year and a 50 minute recital in the senior year. The junior recital, 30 minutes of music, must include at least 25 minutes of solo performance. The senior recital, 50 minutes of music, must include at least 40 minutes of solo performance. All recitals must show a range of performance pieces demonstrating a variety of historical styles. |
Ensemble Requirements | Credits |
Vocal Performance | |
Major Ensemble (8 semesters) | |
University Chorale or Chamber Singers | 4 |
MUS 404 Opera Workshop | 3 |
Band / Orchestra Instrument Performance | |
Major Ensemble (8 semesters) | |
University Concert Band or Orchestra | 4 |
MUS 406 Chamber Music | 2 |
Piano Performance | |
MUS 406 Chamber Music | 2 |
MUS 406, MUS 452 or keyboard in a conducted ensemble | 4 |
Organ Performance | |
MUS 401 University Chorale ( 4 semesters) | 2 |
MUS 406 Chamber Music | |
(2 semesters; one completed playing continuo) | 1 |
MUS 452 Accompanying or keyboard in a conducted ensemble | 1 |
Guitar Performance | |
MUS 406 Chamber Music or playing guitar in a conducted ensemble | 6 |
Area specific Music Course Requirements 13 - 27 Credits
Vocal Performance | Credits |
MUS 256 / 257 Diction 1 and 2 | 4 |
MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument | 2 |
MUT 330 Form and Analysis | 3 |
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument | 2 |
Voice Majors only: Non-music course requirements | 16 |
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. | |
Italian 1 & 2 8 cr | |
French or German 1 & 2 8 cr | |
Band or Orchestra Instrument Performance | |
MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument | 2 |
MUT 330 Form and Analysis | 3 |
MUT 332 Counterpoint | 3 |
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument | 2 |
Piano Performance | |
MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument Piano 1 | 2 |
MUS 322 Literature of the Major Instrument Piano 2 | 2 |
MUT 330 Form and Analysis | 3 |
MUT 332 Counterpoint | 3 |
MUS 360/361 Advanced Keyboard Skills 1 & 2 | 4 |
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument Piano 1 | 2 |
MUS 373 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument Piano 2 | 2 |
Organ Performance | |
MUS 310/311 Organ Improvisation 1 & 2 | 2 |
MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument Organ 1 | 2 |
MUS 323 Literature of the Major Instrument Organ 2 | 2 |
MUT 330 Form and Analysis | 3 |
MUT 332 Counterpoint | 3 |
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument | 2 |
Guitar Performance | |
MUS 321 Literature of the Major Instrument | 2 |
MUT 330 Form and Analysis | 3 |
MUT 332 Counterpoint | 3 |
MUS 372 Pedagogy of the Major Instrument | 2 |
Elective Credits 0 - 16 credits |
Vocal Performance | |
Music | 0 |
Non-Music | 0 |
Band or Orchestra Instrument Performance | |
Music | 5 |
Non-Music | 9 |
Piano Performance | |
Music | 4 |
Non-Music | 6 |
Organ Performance | |
Music | 7 |
Non-Music | 9 |
Guitar Performance | |
Music | 7 |
Non-Music | 9 |
Jury Information
Performance majors will take a progress check jury at the end of each fall semester and a level jury at the end of each spring semester. Jury level expectations are:
Level I - earned at the conclusion of Semester 2; Level II - earned at the conclusion of Semester 4; Level III - earned at the conclusion of Semester 6. A level II must be earned prior to the presentation of a junior recital. A Level III must be earned prior to the presentation of a senior recital.
Admission Information
Admission to all degree programs in music is based on the following criteria:
- Performance audition on the applicant's major instrument.
- Tests of aural comprehension, rhythmic recitation, and sight singing administered individually by a member of the staff.
- A diagnostic written test of music fundamentals, including intervals, scales, chords, and key signatures.