CONCENTRATIONS
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
42-Unit Core: A Shared Foundation
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is based on a 42-unit core designed to cultivate basic skills that enable students to engage with music as creators, interpreters, researchers, and listeners. Along with courses in basic literacy and musicianship, the core provides opportunities to explore diverse areas across and within the concentrations described below. The core should be understood in its literal meaning – that is, as a central and foundational basis from which one can venture more deeply and broadly. Early planning is particularly important for students who plan to double major or study abroad. It is recommended that music majors complete the following courses in their freshman year: (i) Music 21 (Elements of Music I), (ii) Music 22 (Elements of Music II), (iii) Music 23 (Elements of Music III), and also take the required Music 24 courses in ear training.* It is also recommended that music majors complete the following courses in their sophomore year: (i) Music 40 (Music History to 1600), (ii) Music 41 (Music History 1600-1830), and (iii) Music 42 (Music history since 1830). Completing these two series of courses in the first two years allows for greater flexibility in planning your remaining courses. While declaring the major in freshman year is optimal, it is not necessary for successful completion.
Students with prior music theory experience may test to place out of certain courses. For an official evaluation, contact Giancarlo Aquilanti, Director of Music Theory, or Erika Arul, Ear Training Advisor.
*Piano Proficiency & Aural Skills Exit Examinations: Music majors must demonstrate basic piano proficiency and aural skills as part of the exit requirements for Music 23. The Piano Proficiency examination consists of scales and arpeggios, performance of a simple tune to be set by the examiner, sight-reading, and the performance of prepared pieces. Download additional information regarding the proficiency examination. The Aural Skills examination assesses the ability to transcribe, represent, and reproduce music vocally and at the keyboard.
20-Unit Concentrations
Completing the Bachelor of Arts in Music requires an additional 20-unit Concentration above the 42-unit core as described above, amounting to a total of 62 units. Students may declare Concentrations in a maximum of two areas. Individual concentration requirements are linked above.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
Honors in Music is granted to students who, in addition to successfully completing the major requirements, have created a capstone project in their Concentration area that is judged by a faculty jury to be of truly exceptional quality and deserving of special merit. Students who wish to be considered for honors must declare their concentration capstone project(s) by May 31 of their junior year (see the Undergraduate Students Services Officer for concentration-specific requirements). To receive honors, students must also have earned an overall GPA of 3.6 or higher and a GPA of 3.7 or higher in courses required for the major.