Music

MUSIC MAJOR

A major in music requires a minimum of 10 course credit units including work in theory, history/literature, and applied music. The following courses are required of all music majors: Music 120, 121, 220, 221, 222, 240, 241, at least three classroom courses at the 300 level and above, at least one-half credit in applied music at the 300 level or above, and Senior Recital (Music 495).

Students choose one of three “tracks” for their major:

General Track: In addition to the courses in music theory and history listed above, upper-level courses are chosen in consultation with the music faculty and according to the student’s interest, plans for graduate study, and vocational direction. Students in this track often will emphasize areas such as performance, musicology, music business, arts management, or conducting.

Music Education Track: Students intending to pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching degree through the Austin Teacher Program with an undergraduate major in music must complete the required courses in music theory and history/literature listed above. The three classroom courses at the 300 level or above must include Music 361 (Music in the Elementary Schools) and at least two credits selected from the following courses, depending on the intended teaching emphasis and level:

Music 257   Instrumental Methods
(to one credit)
Music 357   Orchestration and Arranging
Music 358   Choral Literature and Techniques
Music 365   Conducting
Music 455   Vocal Pedagogy
Music 458   Instrumental Conducting

Theory/Composition Track: Students intending an emphasis in theory/composition are required to pass the Junior-Level Examination on a major instrument. Upon successful completion of the Junior-Level Examination and Music 271 (Composition Seminar) along with the recommendation of the theory/composition faculty, students begin private composition study and present a Senior Recital in composition. Students must complete the required courses in music theory and history/literature listed above. They also choose at least two of their required upper-level courses from the following topics in music theory.

Music 357 Topics in Music Theory
Counterpoint
Form and Analysis
Music Technology
Orchestration and Arranging

Students should consult early with the music faculty for specific recommendations and requirements regarding coursework and course scheduling.

Acceptance into the Music Major — Formal application for entry into the music major is contingent upon 1) the successful completion of Music 220 and 221, 2) full passing of the Junior-Level Examination (Music 091), normally attempted at the end of the second year, and 3) the recommendation of the music faculty after the student has had at least one jury examination in applied music. Students wishing to pursue the theory/composition track also must take Composition Seminar (Music 271) before being admitted to the major.

Additional Requirements for the Music Major — The Piano Proficiency Exam
(Music 090) must be attempted by the end of the third year and completed for graduation. Theory/Composition students must attempt the Piano Proficiency by the end of the second year and pass it by the end of the third year. In lieu of the examination, successful completion of the third semester of Class Piano (Music 256C) constitutes fulfillment of the Piano Proficiency requirement.

Senior Recital — A capstone experience in the fourth year designed to synthesize aspects of theoretical, historical, and applied music into a final performance project. The minimum requirement is a “half” recital, normally 30 minutes of music, but students may opt to perform a “full” recital in consultation with the applied teacher. Theory/Composition students prepare a Senior Recital consisting largely of their own compositions and must perform on the recital as well.

Transfer students are admitted to the major only after taking placement examinations in theory and history and auditioning for the faculty member who teaches the major instrument involved.