Minor in Music Theory & Musicology
Music theory involves the scholarly study of music from a structural perspective: the how and why of the actual notes on the page and the sounds that result. Musicology involves the scholarly study of music in terms of historical, social, and ethnographic aspects. Music theorists and musicologists do original research of music of many different styles, genres, and periods and write and publish papers and books on these subjects.
The student in enrolled in music theory or musicology as a minor will take two semesters of coursework in music theory and music history, perform in university ensembles, and receive one semester of private one-on-one lessons in an instrumental area or composition with faculty. The program culminates in the research and completion of a scholarly paper. The research area and topic will be chosen in close consultation and guidance by faculty.
Course Requirement (31cr)
Music Theory (8)
- MUS-T 101 Introduction to Music - Remedial prerequisite if needed.
- MUS-T 113 Music Theory I
- MUS-T 114 Music Theory II
- MUS-T 115 Sight-Singing and Aural Perception I
- MUS-T 116 Sight-Singing and Aural Perception II
Music History & Literature (10)
- MUS-I 101 Literature and Structure
- MUS-I 102 Literature and Structure
- MUS-M 403 History of Music I
- MUS-M 404 History of Music II
Music Theory / Musicology (13)
- Applied Instrumental / Vocal or Composition instruction (1 semester)
- Performance Class or Composition Workshop (1 semester)
- Ensemble (1 semester)
- Music Electives in Theory or Musicology, 200 level or higher (9 cr. min)
- Final Capstone Project: Thesis Paper & Research Portfolio
The student must complete a minimum of one semester of private, applied instruction in a primary performance area and/or music composition at the concentration level. In addition, the student will concurrently enroll in performance class or composition workshop as appropriate. The student must also complete a minimum of one semester of ensemble. Applied lesson, ensemble, and performance class credits will not be counted in the minor area credit total but will be counted overall toward degree completion.
As determined by the primary music advisor and director of music studies any remedial or prerequisite music theory and music history courses, noted above, must be taken before enrolling in the primary music theory and music history course sequences. Remedial or prerequisite courses will not count toward the concentration area total but will count toward overall degree completion.
Any music electives will be counted toward program requirements only at the 200 level or higher. Electives will be chosen in consultation with the primary area advisor or the director of music studies.
MUS-K 361 Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music can be applied toward computer literacy requirements in many programs. Contact your program advisor for more information.
During the final semester of the program, the student will enroll in an undergraduate readings course in music theory or musicology. This course is an independent study where the student will research a thesis topic (or topics) chosen in close consultation with the area coordinator or director of music studies. Upon completion of all coursework in music the student will submit a portfolio consisting of the final thesis paper and all completed scholarly work written while in residency of the program.
The Director of Music studies reserves the right to replace any of the courses above on a case by case basis pending course availability.
