B.A. Music Major

All music majors are required to take at least twelve music courses and participate in one of the Department’s performance ensembles for at least three quarters. Students should begin their concentration program by taking the three-quarter sequence in harmony and voice leading (Music 151-152-15300). Students follow this introductory course with the following:

  • (1) A year-long sequence that takes up topics in the history of Western art music (MUSI 27100-27200-27300). This sequence is offered every other year (academic years beginning with an even number, i.e. 2010-11, 2012-13, etc.).
  • (2) Introduction to the Social and Cultural Study of Music (MUSI 23300).
  • (3) Four advanced music courses numbered 20000 and above. Undergraduates may take graduate courses with the instructors consent and can use them to substitute for one or more of these 20000-level elective requirements.
  • The required course in musicianship skills (Music 285) is offered every year and should be taken after the MUSI 15100-15200-15300 sequence.

NOTE: MUSI 28500 is a yearlong course. One quarter's credit (100 units) is granted in Spring Quarter after successful completion of the year's work. To meet requirements for full-time student status, students must carry at least three additional courses during Autumn and Winter Quarters.

Students must arrange a formal consultation with the director of undergraduate studies, Prof. Kaley Mason, before declaring music as their major.

Summary of Requirements

Number of Credits Description
3 Music 15100-15200-15300
4 Four courses numbered as Music 20000 or above.
1 Music 28500
3 Music 27100-27200-27300
1 MUSI 23300
- participation for at least three quarters in a performance organization approved by the Department of Music
12 TOTAL

Composition. Students whose main interest lies in composition are advised to take a sequence of two courses: Introduction to Composition (MUSI 26100) followed by Advanced Composition (MUSI 26200). These two courses are designed for students wishing to learn composition or improve their compositional technique. Students pursuing composition, particularly those intending to apply to graduate school in music composition, are also advised to take such courses as Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint (MUSI 26800), Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint (MUSI 26900), Contemporary Opera (MUSI 22900), Introduction to Computer Music (MUSI 26300-26400), Multiple-Media Composition: Innovation and Technology (MUSI 28200), or Twentieth-Century Analysis (MUSI 25300). Upon special arrangement with a composition instructor, students may also register for composition lessons by using an Independent Study elective (MUSI 29700).

Ethnomusicology. Students wishing to specialize in ethnomusicology in the context of a music major are advised to take both Introduction to World Music (10300) and Introduction to the Social and Cultural Study of Music (MUSI 23300); these will provide grounding in musical styles and repertoires, as well as the techniques and methods of study central to ethnomusicology. Other classes can be selected at the 23000 level, allowing students to build up specific areas of expertise in fields such as jazz, popular music, Middle Eastern music, and South Asian music. Students considering graduate studies in ethnomusicology are strongly advised to take the Honors Seminar (MUSI 29500) and write an Honors thesis with a focus on an ethnomusicological topic.

Grading. Courses taken to meet the general education requirement cannot be taken on a P/N basis. Music students must take courses in the major for quality grades.

Honors. Students who have a GPA of at least 3.0 overall and at least 3.5 in the major, and who present a senior thesis or composition written under the approved supervision of a faculty member in the Music Department may be recommended for honors. This research paper or project may not be used to meet the B.A. paper or project requirement in another major. The optional Undergraduate Honors Seminar (MUSI 29500), offered each autumn, is designed to prepare students to write an honors essay. Students may also choose to register for MUSI 29900 in Winter or Spring quarter to receive credit for preparation of the senior thesis or composition. Note, however, that neither MUSI 29500 nor MUSI 29900 may be used to count toward the credit requirements of the major. Students seeking honors should speak with the director of undergraduate studies no later than Winter Quarter of their third year.