Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music

The B.A. in music requires core coursework in music history, ethnomusicology, music theory and aural training, music technology, composition, improvisation, applied lessons, and ensembles. In addition, you must complete foreign language study, which is required of all B.A. degrees at the university.

Beyond these core classes, the B.A. in music is flexible, as you design the remainder of your degree with your interests in mind.

Common pathways through the degree include a focus on music composition, musicology, music technology, or the sonic arts, but other pathways are also possible. The B.A. degree culminates in a capstone project that you design, which might be a portfolio of compositions, an album of recorded tracks, an in-depth historical research project, or a lecture recital. 

Core Requirements: 15 semester hours
MUS 1000 - Recital Attendance (0) (5 semesters)
MUS 1111 - Theory I (3) 
MUS 1112 - Theory II (3)
MUS 1121 - Aural Training I (1)
MUS 1122 - Aural Training II (1)
MUS 1225 - Music of the World’s Cultures GE (3)
MUS 1410 - Fundamentals of Music Technology I: Hardware (0.5)
MUS 1420 - Fundamentals of Music Technology I: Software (0.5)
MUS 3212 - Music of the Common Practice Era GE (3)
MUS 3213 - Music Since 1900 (3)
Major instrument or voice, 1000 level (4)
Chamber or Large ensemble (4)

Performance Elective: 7 semester hours
Select an additional seven credits from the following:

• Major instrument or voice, 3000 level
• Chamber or Large Ensemble

Note: B.A. students are required to pass the Sophomore Exam on their primary instrument.

Composition Elective: 3 semester hours
Select ONE of the following:

• MUS 2141 Composition I (3)
• MUS 4190 Electronic Music Composition (3)

Improvisation Elective: 2-3 semester hours
Select ONE of the following:

• MUS 2180 Jazz Improvisation I (2)
• MUS 3211 Early Music (3)

Capstone Course: 2 semester hours
Select ONE of the following:

• MUS 4000 - Special Projects in Music (2) 
• MUS 4060 - Senior Recital (2)
• MUS 4430 - Seminar in Music Technology (2)

Music Electives: 13-14 semester hours
Note: MUS 1100 - Fundamentals of Music can be counted as an elective in this degree program.

If you are interested in pursuing a B.A. in music you will need to complete the following three items.

1) After you have completed your application to UCM, then apply to UCM Music.

• This is a different application with no additional charge, and it can be completed in a few minutes. Click here to complete the UCM Music application!

2) Fundamentals of Music Examination

• This online multiple-choice test will help us at UCM Music to find the best place for you to start your music theory studies, from beginner to advanced.

3) Your Audition

• If you are interested in music scholarship opportunities, it is recommended that you audition on or before the UCM Music Scholarship Audition days held each year in February.
• You are encouraged to audition in advance, but arrangements can be made to have the audition take place after you start your studies here and have worked with your applied lesson instructor. If you choose this option, the audition must happen before the end of your second year, or before you have completed 50 percent of the degree requirements.
• For the audition, we ask that you prepare a piece that best demonstrates your own musical ability and interests.
• We are open to a wide variety of musical styles. (We really mean this!)
• Possibilities include (but are not limited to) music played from memory, from written notation, improvisations, or your own composition in a style or genre of your choosing.
• You can audition with a traditional instrument, your voice, or music that you produce and perform using technology such as laptop computer, keyboard, DJ style grid controller, modular synthesizer, electric guitar with effects, and more.
• The audition will also include a conversation about your musical background, experience, and interests.
• If needed, an accompanist can be made available for your audition, provided you request one well in advance and bring clear printed music to the audition.