Course Planning

Music Major - Planning

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical major plan. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.

The music major consists of nine music courses (MUSI) and six semesters music activity experiences (MUSA) which are critical for development of musicianship. Note: all MUSA courses carry 0.25 academic credits except for MUSA 101 which carries 0.5 academic credits.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

Music Fundamentals (MUSI 101)

Diatomic Harmony (MUSI 202)

Music Activity Courses (both semesters; 6 semesters required)

  • Attend performances toward the (MUSA 101) Recital Attendance requirement
  • Major Ensemble Participation (MUSA 200)
  • Individual Instrumental or Vocal Lessons (MUSA 300 or MUSA 400)
Sophomore

World Musics (MUSI 270)

One of either:

  • Chromatic Harmony (MUSI 301)
  • Medieval Renaissance Baroque Music (MUSI 311)

One of either:

  • Form & Analysis (MUSI 425)
  • Classical, Romantic, Contemporary Music (MUSI 312)

Possibly a MUSI Elective (2 required)

Music Activity Courses (both semesters; 6 semesters required)

  • Attend performances toward the (MUSA 101) Recital Attendance requirement 
  • Major Ensemble Participation  (MUSA 200)
  • Individual Instrumental or Vocal Lessons (MUSA 300 or MUSA 400)
Junior

One of either:

  • Chromatic Harmony (MUSI 301)
  • Medieval Renaissance Baroque Music (MUSI 311)

One of either:

  • Form & Analysis (MUSI 425)
  • Classical, Romantic, Contemporary Music (MUSI 312)

Possibly a MUSI Elective (2 required)

Music Activity Courses (both semesters; 6 semesters required)

  • Attend performances toward the (MUSA 101) Recital Attendance requirement
  • Major Ensemble Participation  (MUSA 200)
  • Individual Instrumental or Vocal Lessons  (MUSA 300 or MUSA 400)
Senior

Senior Project (Capstone)

1-2 MUSI Elective if not already completed

Music Activity Courses if not already completed

  • Attend performances toward the (MUSA 101) Recital Attendance requirement 
  • Major Ensemble Participation  (MUSA 200)
  • Individual Instrumental or Vocal Lessons (MUSA 300 or MUSA 400)

Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year. The following is a typical plan to complete this major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

-

-

Sophomore

World Musics (MUSI 270)

One of either:

  • Chromatic Harmony (MUSI 301)
  • Medieval Renaissance Baroque Music (MUSI 311)

One of either:

  • Form & Analysis (MUSI 425)
  • Classical, Romantic, Contemporary Music (MUSI 312)
 Music Fundamentals (MUSI 101) Diatomic Harmony (MUSI 202)

Music Activity Courses (both semesters; 6 semesters required)

  • Attend performances toward the (MUSA 101) Recital Attendance requirement
  • Major Ensemble Participation (MUSA 200)
  • Individual Instrumental or Vocal Lessons (MUSA 300 or MUSA 400)
    Junior

    World Musics (MUSI 270)

    One of either:

    • Chromatic Harmony (MUSI 301)
    • Medieval Renaissance Baroque Music (MUSI 311)

      One of either:

      • Form & Analysis (MUSI 425)
      • Classical, Romantic, Contemporary Music (MUSI 312)

      Possibly a MUSI Elective (2 required)

      Music Activity Courses (both semesters; 6 semesters required)

      • Attend performances toward the (MUSA 101) Recital Attendance requirement 
      • Major Ensemble Participation  (MUSA 200)
      • Individual Instrumental or Vocal Lessons (MUSA 300 or MUSA 400)
        Senior

        One of either:

        • Chromatic Harmony (MUSI 301)
        • Medieval Renaissance Baroque Music (MUSI 311)

        One of either:

        • Form & Analysis (MUSI 425)
        • Classical, Romantic, Contemporary Music (MUSI 312)

        1-2 MUSI Elective if not already completed

        Music Activity Courses (both semesters; 6 semesters required)

        • Attend performances toward the (MUSA 101) Recital Attendance requirement
        • Major Ensemble Participation (MUSA 200)
        • Individual Instrumental or Vocal Lessons (MUSA 300 or MUSA 400)