In the first two years of study for the major in music, all
students take the same lower-division course work, which
typically includes two years of music theory and musicianship,
one year each of music history and applied music study, and
ensemble performance. In their third and fourth years,
students choose upper-division courses along one of the three
specialty tracks, concluding their studies with a required senior
project. Our three undergraduate tracks are: (1)
Composition, (2) History, Theory, and
Ethnomusicology, (3) Performance, and (4) t
demonstrate mastery of the rudiments and grammar of music and
music notation, including completed compositions in tonal and
non-tonal idioms (MUS 6 and 7, with MUS 13, 16, and 17),
show knowledge of the chronology and repertoire of Western
classical music from the beginnings of staff notation to the
present (MUS 24, 124),
demonstrate reading, writing, and research skills associated
with the study of music (MUS 121, 122, 123),
exercise critical thinking and apply it to original research,
composition, or performance (MUS 195),
be able to perform music individually and in ensembles (MUS
131, 140-155),
understand and appreciate the diversity and interrelation of
varied forms of music making (MUS 123 and electives including
105, 106, 107, 115, 116, 117, 126, 129).
Assessment: The Undergraduate Committee of the Department of
Music reviews student work each year, which may include
composition portfolios, performance juries, and paper
presentations. The most notable review is the capstone Senior
Project (MUS 195) to assure that the major is meeting its goals.
There is important
information—particularly for first-year music students—to
read through regarding Music 6 (Theory) and Music 16
(Musicianship), including placement.
