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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

MUS 2101 Sight Singing and Ear Training I (1 credit)
MUS 2102 Sight Singing and Ear Training II (1 credit)
MUS 2201 Music Theory I (2 credits)
MUS 2202 Music Theory II (2 credits)
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals (1 credit)
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency (1 credit)
MUS 3101 Sight Singing and Ear Training III (1 credit)
MUS 3102 Sight Singing and Ear Training IV (1 credit)
MUS 3201 Music Theory III (2 credits)
MUS 3202 Music Theory IV (2 credits)
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I (2 credits)
MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II (2 credits)
MUS 3898 Degree Recital (0 credits)
Select 3 credits of electives from Music Theory or Literature with approval of advisor or Department Chair.

Subtotal 21 Credits

II. Required Applied Area

Select 4 semester credits from MUS 2000 level or higher.

Subtotal 4 Credits

III. Required Electives in Music

Select 12 credits of electives, including 3 credits at 3000 or above, in consultation with 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, or Jazz Ensemble every term in residence.

Subtotal 12 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Major 37 Credits

A Total of 128 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor's Degree


SUGGESTED SCHEDULE FOR ALL MUSIC MAJORS

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 3110 World Music
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency
MUS 1138 Introduction to Voice (voice majors during first semester; instrumental majors during second semester)
MUS 1800 Performance Lab
Major Performing Ensemble (i.e., Bemidji Choir, Varsity Singers, Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, University Band)
Appropriate Music Theory And Related Classes (as determined by the Music Theory Placement Examination, administered during the first day of registration each semester):
MUS 1010 Fundamentals Of Music Theory
or MUS 2101, 2102, Music Theory I And II
And MUS 2201, 2202 Ear Training And Sight-Singing I And II
Applied Music Study (on major performing instrument, such as voice, piano, trumpet, violin, etc.)
Liberal Education Courses

Sophomore

MUS 2607 Introduction to Music Education
MUS 1800 Performance Lab
Major Performance Ensemble
Applied Music Study
Appropriate Music Theory And Related Classes, such as:
MUS 3101 Music Theory III and MUS 3201 Ear Training and Sight-Singing IV
Liberal Education Courses

Junior

MUS 1800 Performance Lab
MUS 3801 Music History and Literature I
MUS 3802 Music History and Literature II
MUS 3618 Conducting Fundamentals
MUS 3628 Instrumental Conducting
or MUS 3638 Choral Conducting
Applied Music Study
Major Performing Ensemble
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses

Senior

MUS 1800 Performance Lab
MUS 3677 General Music Methods: Elementary & Secondary
MUS 3898 Degree Recital
Applied Music Study
Major Performing Ensemble
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses
Student Teaching


Music Major, B.S. (Teaching Licensure)

1. Required Core Courses

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory (0 credits) - required 7 times
MUS 2101 Sight Singing and Ear Training I (1 credit)
MUS 2102 Sight Singing and Ear Training II (1 credit)
MUS 2201 Music Theory I (2 credits)
MUS 2202 Music Theory II (2 credits)
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals (1 credit)
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency (1 credit)
MUS 2607 Introduction to Music Education (2 credits)
MUS 3101 Sight Singing and Ear Training III (1 credit)
MUS 3102 Sight Singing and Ear Training IV (1 credit)
MUS 3110 World Music (2 credits)
MUS 3201 Music Theory III (2 credits)
MUS 3202 Music Theory IV (2 credits)
MUS 3618 Conducting Fundamentals (2 credits)
MUS 3628 Instrumental Conducting (2 credits)
or MUS 3638 Choral Conducting (2 credits)
MUS 3677 General Music Methods: Elementary and Secondary (5 credits)
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I (2 credits)
MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II (2 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 (10 credits)
Note: Piano majors replace MUS 3417 and 3430 with MUS 4107 Piano Literature and Pedagogy (2 credits)
MUS 2200 Families of Instruments (2 credits)
MUS 3300 Piano Accompanying (2 credits)
MUS 3400 Vocal Techniques (1 credit)
MUS 3417 Diction for Singers (1 credit)
MUS 3430 Survey of Solo Song Literature (1 credit)
MUS 4811 Choral Notation and Arranging (1 credit)
MUS 4812 Choral Studies (2 credits)

2. Required Major Applied Area (6 credits)

MUS 2138 Voice, Level II (4 credits)
MUS 3138 Voice, Level III (2 credits)
MUS 3898 Degree Recital (0 credits)

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.
MUS 3800 Varsity Singers (1-2 credits)
or MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir (1-2 credits)
or MUS 4810 Chamber Singers (1-2 credits)

Subtotal for Specialization A 22 Credits

B. Instrumental and Classroom Music (K-12)

1. Required Core Courses (9 credits)
MUS 1138 Introduction to Voice (1 credit)
MUS 1348 String Methods (1 credit)
MUS 1368 Brass Methods (1 credit)
MUS 1378 Percussion Methods (1 credit)
MUS 1388 Woodwind Methods (1 credit)
MUS 3100 Jazz Improvisation (1 credit)
MUS 4737 Instrumental Studies (3 credits)

2. Required Major Applied Area (7 credits)

  1. Select 4 credits 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 2 credits at the 3000 level (numbered 3x48, 3x58, 3x68, 3x78) in one of the following, depending on major instrument: strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion.
  3. MUS 3898 Degree Recital (0 credits)
  4. Select 1 credit at the 2000 level (numbered 2x48, 2x58, 2x68, 2x78) in one of the following, depending on secondary 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 4610 are by audition only; MUS 4710 is with the consent of instructor.
MUS 4500 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra (1-2 credits)
or MUS 4610 Jazz Band (1-2 credits)
or MUS 4710 University Band (1-2 credits)

Subtotal for Specialization B 22 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Major 86 Credits

A Total of 128 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor's Degree

 

SUGGESTED SCHEDULE FOR MUSIC 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 1010 Fundamentals of Music Theory
MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2101 Sight Singing and Ear Training I
MUS 2102 Sight Singing and Ear Training II
MUS 2138 Voice, Level II
MUS 2200 Families of Instruments
MUS 2201 Music Theory I
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency
MUS 3110 World Music
MUS 3800 Varsity Singers
or MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir
or MUS 4810 Chamber Singers
Liberal Education Courses

Sophomore

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2138 Voice, Level II
MUS 2202 Music Theory II
MUS 2607 Introduction to Music Education
MUS 3101 Sight Singing and Ear Training III
MUS 3102 Sight Singing and Ear Training IV
MUS 3201 Music Theory III
MUS 3417 Diction for Singers
MUS 3800 Varsity Singers
or MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir
or MUS 4810 Chamber Singers
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 3138 Voice, Level III
MUS 3202 Music Theory IV
MUS 3300 Piano Accompanying
MUS 3400 Vocal Techniques
MUS 3430 Survey of Solo Song Literature
MUS 3618 Conducting Fundamentals
MUS 3638 Choral Conducting
MUS 3800 Varsity Singers
or MUS 4800 Bemidji Choir
or MUS 4810 Chamber Singers
MUS 3898 Degree Recital
MUS 4811 Choral Notation and Arranging
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses

Senior

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 3677 General Music Methods: Elementary and Secondary
MUS 4812 Choral Studies
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses
Student Teaching Semester
Instrumental and Classroom Music (K-12) Specialization
Freshman
MUS 1010 Fundamentals of Music Theory
MUS 1138 Introduction to Voice
MUS 1348 String Methods
or MUS 1368 Brass Methods
MUS 1378 Percussion Methods
or MUS 1388 Woodwind Methods
MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2101 Sight Singing and Ear Training I
MUS 2102 Sight Singing and Ear Training II
MUS 2201 Music Theory I
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency
MUS 2xxx Applied Instrument
MUS 3110 World Music
MUS 4500 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
or MUS 4610 Jazz Band
or MUS 4710 University Band
Liberal Education Courses

Sophomore

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 1348 String Methods
or MUS 1368 Brass Methods
MUS 1378 Percussion Methods
or MUS 1388 Woodwind Methods
MUS 2202 Music Theory II
MUS 2607 Introduction to Music Education
MUS 2xxx Applied Instrument
MUS 3100 Jazz Improvisation
MUS 3101 Sight Singing and Ear Training III
MUS 3102 Sight Singing and Ear Training IV
MUS 3201 Music Theory III
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 4610 Jazz Band
or MUS 4710 University Band
Liberal Education Courses

Junior

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 2xxx Secondary Instrument
MUS 3202 Music Theory IV
MUS 3618 Conducting Fundamentals
MUS 3628 Instrumental Conducting
MUS 3898 Degree Recital
MUS 3xxx Applied Instrument
MUS 4500 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
or MUS 4610 Jazz Band
or MUS 4710 University Band
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses

Senior

MUS 1800 Performance Laboratory
MUS 3677 General Music Methods: Elementary and Secondary
MUS 4737 Instrumental Studies
Professional Education Courses
Liberal Education Courses
Student Teaching Semester


Music Minor, B.S.

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

I. Required Core Courses

MUS 2101 Sight Singing and Ear Training I (1 credit)
MUS 2102 Sight Singing and Ear Training II (1 credit)
MUS 2201 Music Theory I (2 credits)
MUS 2202 Music Theory II (2 credits)
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals (1 credit)
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency (1 credit)
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I (2 credits)
or MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II (2 credits)

Subtotal 10 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 10 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Minor 20 Credits


Music Minor, B.A.

I. Required Core Courses

MUS 2101 Sight Singing and Ear Training I (1 credit)
MUS 2102 Sight Singing and Ear Training II (1 credit)
MUS 2201 Music Theory I (2 credits)
MUS 2202 Music Theory II (2 credits)
MUS 2300 Piano Fundamentals (1 credit)
MUS 2310 Piano Proficiency (1 credits)
MUS 3801 History and Literature of Music I (2 credits)
or MUS 3802 History and Literature of Music II (2 credits)

Subtotal 10 Credits

II. Required Electives

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 10 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for Minor 20 Credits


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