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BSU Catalog Home | Music Program | Music Course Descriptions

Music Areas of Study

General Information and Requirements For All Music Majors and Minors

  1. A Student Handbook outlining Department of Music procedures and policies is available in the Department of Music Office, Bangsberg 201.
  2. All new majors and minors (including transfer students) are required to arrange for a personal interview with the department chair during the first week of classes. An advisor from the department will be assigned at that time.
  3. All new music majors and minors must take the Music Theory and Ear training placement examination.
  4. All music majors are required to register for a major performing organization each semester they are on campus.
  5. A student may be required to validate course work that was completed more than seven (7) years prior to graduation and is to be included in the music major or minor. Only courses with grades of C or better may be validated. The student may be required to repeat such courses or take additional course work.
  6. All B.A. music majors and minors are encouraged to pursue the study of a foreign language.
  7. All music majors are required to give a Degree Recital during an academic term when they are enrolled at an appropriate level of applied instruction.

Music Major, B.A.

This is a four-year program for students who do not expect to teach in elementary or secondary schools. Elective courses must be planned in consultation with an advisor and approved by the department faculty. Other specific information regarding acceptance into the major is available from the Department Chair. Students considering graduate study upon completion of this degree should take at least one year of study in a foreign language.

I. Required Core Courses

Note: Piano majors replace MUS 2310 with MUS 2118 Piano, Level II, to meet the piano proficiency requirement.

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory (0 credits) - 7 semesters
MUS 2201 Music Theory and Musicianship I (5 credits)
MUS 2202 Music Theory and Musicianship II (5 credits)
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency (0 credits)
MUS 3201 Music Theory and Musicianship III (5 credits)
MUS 3202 Music Theory and Musicianship IV (4 credits)
MUS 3501 Music Technology I (2 credits)
MUS 3618 Conducting Fundamentals (2 credits)
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I (3 credits)
MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II (3 credits)
MUS 3898 Degree Recital (0 credits)

Subtotal 29 Credits

II. General Program/Emphasis Options

A. General B.A. Program

1. Required Applied Area

Select 4 semester credits from MUS 2000 level and at least 2 semester credits from level 3000 or higher (6 credits)

Subtotal 6 Credits

2. Required Electives in Music

Select 12 credits of electives, including 3 credits at the 3000 level or above, in consultation with the advisor and included in a Plan of Study filed in the Music Office. Majors in this program are required to register for Band, Choir, Orchestra, Vocal, or Jazz Ensemble every term in residence.

Subtotal 12 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for General B.A. Major 47 Credits

A Total of 120 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor of Arts Degree

B. Piano Performance and Pedagogy Emphasis

1. Required Courses

  1. Required Applied Area (8 credits) -- In order to present a senior recital, a student must pass barrier juries from the 2000 level to the 3000 level, and from the 3000 level to the 4000 level. Students must be at the 4000 level to present the Degree Recital.
    MUS 2118 Piano, Level II, sec. 01 (4 credits)
    MUS 3118 Piano, Level III, sec. 01 (2 credits)
    MUS 4118 Piano, Level IV, sec. 01 (2 credits)


  2. Other Required Piano Courses
    MUS 3300 Piano Accompanying (2 credits)
    MUS 4104 Piano Literature I (2 credits)
    MUS 4105 Piano Literature II (2 credits)
    MUS 4106 Piano Pedagogy I, with lab (2 credits)
    MUS 4110 Piano Pedagogy II, with lab (2 credits)
    8 credits of foreign language

Subtotal 26 Credits

2. Required Electives in Music

  1. Four semesters of Major Performing Ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Bemidji Choir, Varsity Singers, or Jazz Band) (4 credits total)

  2. MUS 4700 Instrumental Ensembles: 1 credit per semester for a minimum of four semesters (4 credits total)

Subtotal 8 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Major with Emphasis B 63 Credits

A Total of 120 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor of Arts Degree

C. Instrumental Performance Emphasis

1. Required Courses

  1. Required Applied Area (8 credits) -- Students must pass barrier juries from the 2000 level to the 3000 level, and from the 3000 level to the 4000 level. Students must be at the 4000 level to present the Degree Recital.

  2. Required Major Ensemble (8 credits)
    Note: All music majors are required to participate in a major ensemble every semester they are enrolled.
    Select 8 credits from the following courses:
    MUS 4500 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra (1-2 credits)
    MUS 4710 Wind Ensemble (1-2 credits)

  3. Required Courses (18 credits)
    MUS 4700, 4703, 4706, 4707 Instrumental Ensembles (1 credit each; any combination, minimum 4 credits)

    Select 3 of the following courses:
    MUS 3430 Topics in Solo Song Literature (2 credits)
    MUS 4708 Topics in Chamber Music (2 credits)
    MUS 4807 Topics in Symphonic Literature (2 credits)
    MUS 4808 Topics in Opera and Chamber Opera (2 credits)

    8 credits of a foreign language

Subtotal 34 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Major with Emphasis C 63 Credits

A Total of 120 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor of Arts Degree


D. Vocal Performance Emphasis

1. Required Courses

  1. Required Applied Area (8 credits) -- Students must pass barrier juries from MUS 2138 to MUS 3138, and from MUS 3138 to MUS 4138. Students must be at the 4000 level to present the Degree Recital.

  2. Required Major Ensemble (8 credits)
    Note: All music majors are required to participate in a major ensemble every semester they are enrolled.
    Select 8 credits from the following courses:
    MUS 3800 Varsity Singers (1-2 credits)
    MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir (1-2 credits)
    MUS 4820 Vocal Ensemble: Opera Workshop (1-2 credits), following successful completion of 4 semesters of MUS 2138
    MUS 4820 Vocal Ensemble: Theater Production (1-2 credits)

  3. Required Courses (21 credits)
    MUS 2417 Diction for Singers I (2 credits)
    MUS 2418 Diction for Singers II (2 credits)
    MUS 3300 Piano Accompanying (2 credits)
    MUS 3400 Vocal Techniques (1 credit)

    Select three of the following courses (6 credits total)
    MUS 3430 Topics in Solo Song Literature (2 credits)
    MUS 4708 Topics in Chamber Music (2 credits)
    MUS 4807 Topics in Symphonic Literature (2 credits)
    MUS 4808 Topics in Opera and Chamber Opera (2 credits)

    8 credits of a foreign language

Subtotal 37 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Major with Emphasis D 66 Credits

A Total of 120 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor of Arts Degree

SUGGESTED SCHEDULE FOR MUSIC MAJOR, B.A., GENERAL PROGRAM

The following is a list of courses arranged approximately by year. This schedule is only a suggestion; it is not recommended that students rely solely on this plan for advising purposes, as the frequency of course offerings cannot be guaranteed. See the Department Chair for specific guidelines. See course descriptions for prerequisites.

Freshman

MUS 1100 Introduction to Music
MUS 1800 Performance Lab
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals
MUS 2201 Music Theory and Musicianship I
MUS 2202 Music Theory and Musicianship II
Major Performing Ensemble (e.g., Bemidji Choir, Varsity Singers, Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble)
Applied Music Study (on major performing instrument, such as voice, piano, trumpet, violin, etc.)
Liberal Education Courses

Sophomore

MUS 1800 Performance Lab
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency
Major Performing Ensemble
Applied Music Study
MUS 3201 Music Theory and Musicianship III
MUS 3202 Music Theory and Musicianship IV
MUS 3801 Music History and Literature I
MUS 3802 Music History and Literature II
Liberal Education Courses

Junior

MUS 1800 Performance Lab
MUS 3501 Music Technology I
MUS  3618 Conducting Fundamentals
Applied Music Study
Major Performing Ensemble
Liberal Education Courses

Senior

MUS 1800 Performance Lab
MUS 3898 Degree Recital
Applied Music Study
Major Performing Ensemble
Liberal Education Courses

Music Education Major, B.S. (Teaching Licensure)

I. Required Core Courses

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory (0 credits) - 7 semesters
MUS 2201 Music Theory and Musicianship I (5 credits)
MUS 2202 Music Theory and Musicianship II (5 credits)
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency (0 credits)
MUS 3110 World Music (2 credits)
MUS 3201 Music Theory and Musicianship III (5 credits)
MUS 3202 Music Theory and Musicianship IV (4 credits)
MUS 3501 Music Technology I (2 credits)
MUS 3618 Conducting Fundamentals (2 credits)
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I (3 credits)
MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II (3 credits)
MUS 3898 Degree Recital (0 credits)

Subtotal 31 Credits

II. Required Professional Education Courses

Professional Education Core (includes student teaching)

Subtotal 33 Credits

III. Required Specialization

A. Vocal and Classroom Music (K-12)

1. Required Core Courses (21 credits)

Note: Piano majors replace MUS 2417 with MUS 4106 Piano Pedagogy I (2 credits), which requires consent of instructor.
 
Select two of the following Methods courses (2 credits): MUS 1348, MUS 1368, MUS 1369, MUS 1378, MUS 1388, MUS 1389
MUS 2417 Diction for Singers I (2 credits)
MUS 2418 Diction for Singers II (2 credits)
MUS 2607 Music Education I: Introduction (2 credits)
MUS 3300 Piano Accompanying (2 credits)
MUS 3400 Vocal Techniques (1 credit)
MUS 3607 Music Education II: Elementary Methods (3 credits)
MUS 3638 Choral Conducting (2 credits)
MUS 4607 Music Education III: Secondary Methods (2 credits)
MUS 4811 Choral Notation and Arranging (1 credit)
MUS 4812 Choral Studies (2 credits)

2. Required Major Applied Area (2 credits)

Note: All music majors are required to register for applied area lessons until the Degree Recital is passed.

MUS 2138 Voice, Level II (1 credit)
MUS 3138 Voice, Level III (1 credit)

3. Required Vocal Performing Organizations (6 credits)

Note: All music majors are required to participate in a major ensemble every semester they are enrolled. MUS 4800 and 4810 are by audition only.

Select 6 credits from the following courses:
MUS 3800 Varsity Singers (1-2 credits)
MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir (1-2 credits)
MUS 4810 Chamber Singers (1-2 credits)

Subtotal for Specialization A 29 Credits

B. Instrumental and Classroom Music (K-12)

1. Required Core Courses (21 credits)

MUS 1138 Introduction to Voice (1 credit)
MUS 1348 String Methods (1 credit)
MUS 1368 Brass Methods (1 credit)
MUS 1369 Low Brass Methods (1 credit)
MUS 1378 Percussion Methods (1 credit)
MUS 1388 Single Reeds Methods (1 credit)
MUS 1389 Double Reeds/Flute Methods (1 credit)
MUS 2607 Music Education I: Introduction (2 credits)
MUS 3100 Jazz Improvisation (1 credit)
MUS 3607 Music Education II: Elementary Methods (3 credits)
MUS 3628 Instrumental Conducting (2 credits)
MUS 4100 Instrumental Arranging (1 credit)
MUS 4607 Music Education III: Secondary Methods (2 credits)
MUS 4737 Instrumental Studies (3 credits)

2. Required Major Applied Area (2 credits)

Note: All music majors are required to register for applied area lessons until the Degree Recital is passed.

  1. Select 1 credit at the 2000 level (numbered 2x48, 2x58, 2x68, 2x78) in one of the following, depending on major instrument: strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion.
  2. Select 1 credit at the 3000 level (numbered 3x48, 3x58, 3x68, 3x78) in one of the following, depending on major instrument: strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion.
3. Required Instrumental Performing Organizations (6 credits)
Note: All music majors are required to participate in a major ensemble every semester they are enrolled. MUS 4500 and MUS 4710 are by audition only.

Note: Students must be enrolled in MUS 4700, MUS 4703, MUS 4706, or MUS 4707 for at least one semester.

Select 6 credits from the following courses:
MUS 4500 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra (1-2 credits)
MUS 4700 Instrumental Ensembles (1 credit)
MUS 4710 Wind Ensemble (1-2 credits)

Subtotal for Specialization B 29 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Major 93 Credits

A Total of 136 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor of Science Degree

SUGGESTED SCHEDULE FOR MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR, B.S. (TEACHER LICENSURE)

The following is a list of courses arranged approximately by year. This schedule is only a suggestion; it is not recommended that students rely solely on this plan for advising purposes, as the frequency of course offerings cannot be guaranteed. See the department chair for specific guidelines. See course descriptions for prerequisites.

VOCAL AND CLASSROOM MUSIC (K-12) SPECIALIZATION

Freshman
MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2138 Voice, Level II
MUS 2201 Music Theory and Musicianship I
MUS 2202 Music Theory and Musicianship II
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals
MUS 3800 Varsity Singers
or MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir
Liberal Education Course

Sophomore

MUS 1368 High Brass Methods
or MUS 1369 Low Brass Methods
MUS 1388 Single Reeds Methods
or MUS 1389 Double Reeds/Flute Methods
MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2138 Voice, Level II
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency
MUS 2417 Diction for Singers I
MUS 2418 Diction for Singers II
MUS 2607 Music Education I: Introduction
MUS 3201 Music Theory and Musicianship III
MUS 3202 Music Theory and Musicianship IV
MUS 3501 Music Technology I
MUS 3800 Varsity Singers
or MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I
MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II
Liberal Education Courses

Junior

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2607 Music Education I: Introduction
MUS 3138 Voice, Level III
MUS 3300 Piano Accompanying
MUS 3400 Vocal Techniques
MUS 3607 Music Education II: Elementary Methods
MUS 3618 Conducting Fundamentals
MUS 3638 Choral Conducting
MUS 3800 Varsity Singers
or MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir
MUS 4811 Choral Notation and Arranging
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses

Senior

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 3138 Voice, Level III
MUS 3898 Degree Recital
MUS 4607 Music Education III: Secondary Methods
MUS 4812 Choral Studies
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses
Student Teaching Semester

INSTRUMENTAL AND CLASSROOM MUSIC (K-12) SPECIALIZATION

Freshman
MUS 1138 Introduction to Voice
MUS 1348 String Methods
or MUS 1368 High Brass Methods
or MUS 1369 Low Brass Methods
MUS 1378 Percussion Methods
or MUS 1388 Single Reeds Methods
or MUS 1389 Double Reeds/Flute Methods
MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2xxx Applied Instrument
MUS 2201 Music Theory and Musicianship I
MUS 2202 Music Theory and Musicianship II
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals
MUS 4500 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
or MUS 4710 Wind Ensemble
Liberal Education Courses

Sophomore

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 1348 String Methods
or MUS 1368 High Brass Methods
MUS 1349 Low String Methods
or MUS 1369 Low Brass Methods
MUS 1378 Percussion Methods
or MUS 1388 Single Reeds Methods
or MUS 1389 Double Reeds/Flute Methods
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency
MUS 2607 Music Education I: Introduction
MUS 2xxx Applied Instrument
MUS 3100 Jazz Improvisation
MUS 3201 Music Theory and Musicianship III
MUS 3202 Music Theory and Musicianship IV
MUS 3501 Music Technology I
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I
MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II
MUS 3xxx Applied Instrument
MUS 4500 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
or MUS 4710 Wind Ensemble
Liberal Education Courses

Junior

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2607 Music Education I: Introduction
MUS 3607 Music Education II: Elementary Methods
MUS 3618 Conducting Fundamentals
MUS 3628 Instrumental Conducting
MUS 3xxx Applied Instrument
MUS 4500 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
or MUS 4710 Wind Ensemble
MUS 4700 Instrumental Ensembles
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses

Senior

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 3xxx Applied Instrument
MUS 3898 Degree Recital
MUS 4100 Instrumental Arranging
MUS 4607 Music Education III: Secondary Methods
MUS 4737 Instrumental Studies
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses
Student Teaching Semester

Music Minor, B.A., B.S.

In addition to noting the General Information and Requirements for All Music Majors and Minors (above), prospective B.S. minors should contact the Department Chair for specific information on acceptance into this minor.

I. Required Core Courses

MUS 1800 Performance Lab (0) (minimum 4 semesters with “Satisfactory” grade)
MUS 2201 Music Theory and Musicianship I (5 credits)
MUS 2202 Music Theory and Musicianship II (5 credits)
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals (1 credit)
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency (0 credits)
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I (3 credits)
or MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II (3 credits)

Subtotal 17 Credits

II. Required Electives in Music

Music minors must complete a minimum of 4 semesters of study in a major applied area and reach level III. See Department Chair for further information.

Subtotal 4 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Minor 21 Credits

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