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Home » Academics » Academic Schools and Departments » Department of Music » Programs of Study » B.M. in Theory/Composition

B.M. in Theory/Composition

This program is designed for students who wish to pursue studies in the analytical and creative sides of the music discipline.

It includes the Integrated Curriculum requirements, the music core, and additional courses in music theory, composition, history, literature, and related fields. This degree includes a senior project as a capstone experience: usually either a recital of new works (for composers) or a major analytical paper (for theorists).

Required Courses

Music Core Courses

  • Concert Attendance: MUS 100 each term, with or without credit
  • Music Theory: MUS 135, 136, 235, 236
  • Music History: MUS 343, 344
  • MUS 492 Independent Study and Research (senior capstone project– composition recital for composers)
  • Applied music: six terms for credit on major instrument or voice
  • Band, Orchestra or Choir: one each term, with or without credit on major instrument or voice

Jazz Band I may count as one of the major performing ensembles after four terms of Choir, Concert Band or Orchestra have been fulfilled, except for music education majors. Guitar majors may select classical guitar ensemble to fulfill this requirement. See specific degree programs for ensemble requirements.

Theory/Composition Courses

  • AMC 100/300 Composition Seminar (must be taken concurrently with all AMC and AML lessons)
  • AMC 202/302 Composition (three terms for credit)
  • AMC 222-322 Film Scoring
  • AMC 242-342 Song Writing
  • MUS 290 Digital Music I
  • MUS 335 Orchestration and Arranging

Three terms of applied lessons from:

  • AMA 202-302 Arranging and Scoring
  • AMC 202-302 Composition
  • AML 202-302 Digital Music

Two courses from:

  • MUS 395 Special Studies in Music Theory (may be taken more than once as tonal analysis, post-tonal analysis or counterpoint)
  • MUS 396 Special Studies in Music History

Cognate Courses

  • MUS 369 Conducting I
  • One (1.00) or two .50 credits from:
    • PHL 309 Philosophy of Art
    • MUS 251 Woodwind Techniques
    • MUS 252 Percussion Techniques
    • MUS 253 Vocal Techniques
    • MUS 254 Brass Techniques
    • MUS 255 String Techniques
  • One elective course chosen from:
    • MUS 120 Jazz Fundamentals I
    • MUS 215 Music in the Christian Church
    • MUS 291 Digital Music II
    • MUS 310 Varieties of World Music
    • MUS 318 Jazz: A History and Analysis
    • MUS 350 Jazz Arranging I

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