Dec 26, 2024  
2022-23 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-23 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, B.A.


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Music 
(615) 898-5984
Joshua Bedford, program coordinator
Joshua.Bedford@mtsu.edu

The Bachelor of Arts music major provides students with a broad foundation for studying, performing, and communicating about music. Bachelor of Arts music majors have a great degree of flexibility in their coursework compared to other music majors and may be able to complete a second major in many disciplines.  Students should consult with their advisors about options.

The major includes core classes in music theory and history, applied instruction and ensemble involvement within a Liberal Arts context. Students have a great deal of flexibility in determining their possible minors, or may choose to double major in a number of other disciplines. A semester of study abroad may be included in the degree.

A senior capstone project is presented with direction from a faculty mentor. This may be research driven, performance related, or a combination of both. Students are encouraged to develop independent work that may combine various disciplines. The B.A. in music is an excellent choice for many transfer students as well as students who wish to consider future graduate study.

Auditions


Most prospective music majors expect to audition for admission to a music program. While a formal audition is technically not required to enter the B.A. major, students do need to be admitted to a private studio in order to complete the applied music component. Therefore, prospective B.A. majors must consult with the private instructors of their instrument or voice to be admitted to their studios. Alternatively, B.A. students may take a formal audition along with other music majors and minors.

Jury Examinations


Jury examinations are performance exams held at the conclusion of each semester to measure the student’s progress. All students enrolled in private instruction perform juries at the discretion of the private instructor.

B.A. students planning a senior capstone project in performance (a recital or lecture-recital) are expected to continue taking private instruction and have the private instructor act as the capstone advisor.

Undergraduate Music majors must pass the Upper Division jury to qualify for applied music study at the MUAP 3000 or 4000 level. B.A. students do not need to pass the Upper Division jury unless required by the capstone advisor. This would apply if the student’s capstone project is performance related.

Class Piano/Theory and Aural Skills


All undergraduate music majors (except keyboard principals) must take class piano every semester as indicated on the advising check sheets until the required piano proficiency exam is successfully completed. Concurrent enrollment in Class Piano I and Theory and Aural Skills I is required, with the following exceptions: (1) The student successfully passed either Class Piano I or Theory and Aural Skills I, but not both, or (2) the student successfully passed one or more levels of Class Piano by examination. Students should see their advisors for details.

Students wishing to continue piano after successfully completing the required class piano sequence may audition for piano applied lessons.

Keyboard principals must take MUS 2550, Keyboard Skills for Pianists I, and MUS 2560, Keyboard Skills for Pianists II, in lieu of class piano.

Academic Map


Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Music, B.A., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements


General Education 41 hours
Major Requirements 51 hours
     Major Core    27 hours
     Music Performance/Area of Emphasis    24 hours
Approved Bachelor of Arts Minor 15 hours
Foreign Language 6-12 hours
Electives 1-7 hours
TOTAL 120 hours

 

General Education (41 hours)


General Education  requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.

Major Requirements (51 hours)


Music Core (27 hours)


All music majors must take class piano or private piano instruction until they pass the piano proficiency examination prescribed by their degree programs. Students should see their advisors for details.

Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in MUTH 1110 , MUTH 1120 , MUTH 2110 , MUTH 2120  (music theory sequence) and MUHL 1610 , MUHL 3010 , MUHL 3020  (music history sequence).

Music Performance and Area of Emphasis (24 hours)


Minor (15 hours)


  • Approved Bachelor of Arts minor (taken outside School of Music)

Foreign Language (6-12 hours)


Electives (1-7 hours)


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