How to Declare a Music Minor
Prospective Music majors and minors are urged to approach a potential program advisor and the undergraduate student services officer as early as possible to create a program plan that allows for sufficient time to complete all academic goals.
1. Review the program requirements
The Stanford Bulletin is the document of record for all program requirements and university policies. Read through the desired program description and any related concentration coursework to understand the requirements and expectations of our programs.
2. Contact the Undergraduate Student Services Officer
Email the undergrad student services officer (UGSSO) to talk about your plans and go over any questions you may have. You'll receive a link to a program planning sheet and an advising agreement. The UGSSO will continue to be a resource through your time in the department, and can address any questions or concerns you and your advisor may have.
rleigh [at] stanford.edu (subject: Music%20Declaration%20Meeting) (Email the UGSSO)
3. Map out a four-year program plan
Once you have reviewed the degree requirements, map out a four-year plan to complete the Music minor. You can get a link for a planning sheet from the undergraduate student services officer. You may find it helpful to include any university requirements, additional majors, minors, studies abroad, or large scale extracurricular projects you might be considering. This will help you gauge whether or not it’s possible to complete all your goals during your time at Stanford.
rleigh [at] stanford.edu (subject: Declaration%20Questions) (Email UG Student Services Officer)
4. Find an Advisor
The student-advisor relationship is an extremely important one that gives students an opportunity to express intellectual concerns and discuss academic and professional interests and aspirations with someone who knows a great deal about music. Students must meet with their advisors at least once per quarter to have their study lists approved.
Prospective Music majors and minors are encouraged to find their own academic advisor as part of the declaration process. Email the undergraduate student services officer for a link to the advising agreement to share with your advisor. The undergraduate student services officer can offer guidance on how to select a major or minor program advisor. To learn more about potential advisors, review bios of our faculty.
For a Music Minor Advising Agreement, rleigh [at] stanford.edu (email the undergraduate student services officer).
5. Declare the program in Axess
When you are certain that you would like to declare a Music major or minor, submit a request for your desired program in Axess. On your Student Services Center homepage, find the drop-down menu option next to your quarterly course list that says “I want to...” and select “Declare a major or minor.” Follow the prompts to submit your request. Skip the course plan section, as you should turn in a PDF or printed form to the undergraduate student services officer. Upon approval of your course plan and receipt of your advisor agreement form, the undergrad student services officer will approve your request to add the major or minor.