COURSE CURRICULUM

The music major requires a minimum of 46 credits, including at least 20 upper division credits. Students build a strong foundation through courses in music theory, musicianship skills, keyboard harmony, music history and literature, conducting, music analysis, and a senior capstone project that involves a recital or thesis. In addition to these core courses, students must complete eight credits of applied lessons and eight credits in large ensemble participation, with half of these credits at the upper division level. The program offers several specialized emphases to help students focus on their career goals. The performance emphasis requires 12 credits, including junior recitals, chamber music, and music creation courses, with specific substitutions for voice, piano, and percussion majors. The composition emphasis includes courses in music production, multiple composition classes, and a junior recital, along with mandatory piano study. Students interested in music education take courses in instrument techniques, conducting, music production, and foundations of music education, totaling 13 credits. For those pursuing music technology, the emphasis includes music production, studio recording with labs, music creation, and an internship. The church music emphasis focuses on liturgy and worship, choral conducting, music creation, and an internship, with recommendations for religious studies and participation in worship teams. The musical theatre emphasis combines acting, stage speech, dance, acting for musical theatre, and musical theatre history over 12 credits. Applied lessons can be divided between voice and piano or organ, with a minimum of four credits required in piano or organ. The program is designed to nurture students’ creative growth while providing rigorous training and performance opportunities. This comprehensive curriculum prepares students for a variety of careers in music, including performance, composition, education, technology, church music, and musical theatre.