Requirements for the Major and Minor in Music

Music Major

Requirements: Students must fulfill the prerequisites (see 1 below) and take at least nine additional courses (see 2–6 below). MUS 1 and MUS 7 may not count toward these nine additional courses.

1. Prerequisites: MUS 20 and MUS 25. MUS 20 may be exempted by a grade of 5 on the AP Music Theory exam. MUS 20 and MUS 25 may both be exempted by an exam administered by the Music Department.

2. Music Theory: Minimum of two courses from MUS 21–29 except MUS 25.

3. Time, Place, Culture: Minimum of two courses from MUS 40–49.

4. Individual Instruction Program (IIP): Minimum of one course from MUS 53–58 or MUS 60–68. A course within this requirement may be repeated for additional major credit up to four times.

5. Ensemble Performance: MUS 50, MUS 59, or participation for at least three terms in a Hopkins Center music ensemble. A course within this requirement may be repeated for additional major credit up to four times.

6. Culminating Experience: Music majors are required to take the music Proseminar (MUS 99) to fulfill the culminating experience.

7. Keyboard Proficiency: Passing MUS 53 (individual piano lessons) or passing a keyboard proficiency exam administered by the music department. Students taking the keyboard proficiency exam must do so no later than the spring term of their third year.

Modified Major

Music Minor

Requirements: Students shall take a minimum 6 courses in addition to fulfilling the prerequisite. MUS 1 and MUS 7 may not count toward these 6 courses.

1. Prerequisite: MUS 20 or MUS 25. MUS 20 may be exempted by a grade of 5 on the AP Music Theory exam. MUS 20 and MUS 25 may both be exempted by an exam administered by the Music Department.

2. Music Theory: Minimum of two courses from MUS 21–29 except MUS 25.

3. Time, Place, Culture: Minimum of one course from MUS 40–49.

4. Performance: Minimum of one course from MUS 50–59.

Example Major Concentration Pathways

The following pathways act as a guide to students who wish to concentrate on A) Composition and Sonic Arts; B) Time, Place, Culture; or C) Performance. These pathways are informative in that they each show one way to fulfill the requirements for the music major above. Other pathways are possible, and students should work with the chair or a designated faculty advisor to devise their major plan.