Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Major, B.A.: Music Theory


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Department of Music  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


The BA in Music Theory allows students to pursue the Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in music theory. This allows students to pursue a degree that focuses on the analysis and formal structure of music.

Student Outcomes


  • Be able to hear, identify, and work conceptually with the elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure, and to be able to sight read music with fluency. 
  • Understand compositional processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the ways these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces.
  • Have experienced a wide selection of musical styles, traditions, and compositions from a variety of sources through study, participation, and exposure through live performances.  
  • Have the technical and artistic ability to perform in areas appropriate to the student’s needs and interests, and to work independently and creatively. 

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required. 
  • A minor is not required for this program. 

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Multicultural Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


  • Students should consult the Multicultural Graduation Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the Multicultural Requirement for degree completion.  
  • Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement. 

Ensembles: 8 credits


Students enrolled in private lessons must enroll in the appropriate major ensemble during each semester of private instruction.

Ensembles: Primary instrument in Piano and Organ


Senior Experience: 3 credits


Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
Multicultural Requirements 0-3 credits
Core Requirements 32 credits
Specific Degree Requirements 28 credits
Additional Required Courses 4 credits
Ensembles 8 credits
Senior Experience 3 credits
Unrestricted Electives 9-21 credits
Total for the Music Major, B.A. Music Theory Concentration 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

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