Music Major, Concentration in Performance

The major in music with a concentration in performance provides the opportunity to pursue an intensive course of study and practice in instrumental or vocal performance.

Requirements for Concentration in Performance

In addition to the general requirements of the University as outlined in the Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction, a student wishing to graduate as a music major with an B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) degree must complete the following courses in the Department of Music:

Prerequisite (1 credit)

  • Theory: MUSIC 261: Theory and Practice of Tonal Music I

NOTE: MUSIC 161 may be taken first as a remedial course for students with insufficient background, but it does not count toward the major.

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • Theory: MUSIC 361: Theory and Practice of Tonal Music II
  • Theory: MUSIC 461: Theory and Practice of Tonal Music III
  • History: MUSIC 255S: Music History I (Antiquity through Renaissance)
  • History: MUSIC 256S: Music History II (1600 through Mozart)
  • History: MUSIC 257: Music History III (Beethoven through WWI)
  • History: MUSIC 258: Music History IV (Post-WWI through the Present)

Students majoring or minoring in Music MUST complete the core requirements (MUS261, MUS361, MUS461, MUS255S, MUS256S, MUS257, MUS258) for a letter grade. S/U grading will NOT count toward the completion of the Music major or minor.

Applied Music (minimum 4 credits)

  • At least 5 semesters of individual applied instruction (MUS 103-108, 203-208, 401), earning a minimum of 4 full credits (including 2 semesters of MUS 401, culminating in a full recital)

Ensemble (1 credit)

  • 2 semesters in a departmental ensemble (excluding MUS 210-3)

One additional music elective, approved by the DUS (1 credit)

Faculty advisory panel consultation during sophomore year or before declaring a major. For more information, please contact Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS).

Typical Course of Study

A typical course of study for a music major with an emphasis on performance might look something like this. Your specific course of study might be quite different, including less applied music and more courses in music literature, theory, composition, or ethnomusicology. You and your advisor will work out a coherent plan that suits your needs. For more information, please contact Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS).

Year of Study Consider these Courses
First Year
Fall: MUSIC 261 – Theory and Practice of Tonal Music I, ensemble, applied lessons
Spring: MUSIC 361 – Theory and Practice of Tonal Music II, ensemble, applied lessons
Sophomore Year
Fall: MUSIC 461 – Theory and Practice of Tonal Music III, ensemble, applied lessons
Spring: MUSIC 256S – Music History II: From 1625 through 1800, ensemble, applied lessons
Junior Year
Fall: MUSIC 257 – Music History III: 1800 through Present, applied lessons
Spring: MUSIC 390-1 – Special Topics in Interpretation and Performance
Senior Year
Fall: MUSIC 255S – Music History I: Antiquity through 1625, MUSIC 401
Spring: MUSIC 401 – Advanced Study in Musical Performance, MUSIC 490S Advanced Topics in Music