COURSE CURRICULUM

The Music Liberal Studies major emphasizes a balanced combination of music theory, history, performance, and cultural study, supported by the University Discovery Program requirements and a senior capstone project. Students must complete a final-year project such as a half recital or an equivalent public performance as the capstone requirement. In addition, they must meet all Discovery Program standards, and Bachelor of Arts students are required to demonstrate foreign language proficiency. A key academic rule is that music courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C- or higher, and major department courses generally cannot be used to fulfill Discovery requirements, except in the case of a second major; however, MUSI 502 (Musics in Context), a core course, may count toward the Inquiry Discovery requirement. The core curriculum includes foundational training in music theory, ear training, and functional piano across two levels, covering MUSI 471–474, 475–476, 571–574, and 575–576, alongside major music history and cultural courses such as The Western Musical Canon (MUSI 501–502), Music in World Cultures (MUSI 515), Recital Attendance (MUSI 540), and advanced studies in music history and theory including Topics in Music History (MUSI 701) and either Analysis: Form and Structure (MUSI 781W) or Reading and Writing Musical Scores (MUSI 779). Students also engage in applied performance lessons and ensemble participation, with ensemble credits limited toward graduation. Overall core requirements total approximately 36 credits. The Music Liberal Studies option further requires 14 additional credits, including 6 credits from advanced composition, analysis, or music history courses and 8 credits from performance study or ensemble participation. These courses allow flexibility while ensuring depth in creative and analytical skills. The program is designed to meet accreditation standards from the National Association of Schools of Music and prepares students for advanced musical study, teaching, composition, or professional performance careers by integrating theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and cultural understanding within a structured liberal arts framework.