Major & Minor

Degree Requirements Summary
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music
  • Prerequisite Course (1 credit)
  • Courses in Music Theory & Music History (6 credits)
  • Applied Music Study (0.5 credit minimum)
  • Ensemble (1 credit)
  • Three Music Electives
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music, Concentration in Performance
  • Prerequisite Course (1 credit)
  • Courses in Music Theory & Music History (6 credits)
  • Applied Music Study (4 credits minimum)
  • Ensemble (1 credit)
  • One Music Elective
Music Minor
  • Theory Course
  • One Music History Course
  • Two semesters in Performance
  • Three Music Electives

Students may take a music theory and aural skills placement exam to pass out of Music 261. The theory portion of the exam tests students’ knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, form, and popular idioms; the aural skills section tests their keyboard, sight reading, and dictation abilities. The theory faculty administers the music theory and aural skills placement exam once before (or near the beginning of) the start of each semester.

Please contact the Coordinator of Music Theory, Nicholas Stoia (nicholas.stoia@duke.edu) to find out when the test is given. Please keep in mind that AP Theory does not automatically—or even typically—exempt a student from Music 261.

 

Students majoring or minoring in Music MUST complete the required theory and history courses (MUS261, MUS361, MUS461, MUS255S, MUS256S, MUS257, MUS258) for a letter grade. These courses will NOT count toward the completion of the Music major or minor if they are taken S/U.