Music, B.A.

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This degree program is designed to provide the opportunity for a scholarly study of music to meet the needs of those who wish to obtain a liberal arts education with an emphasis on music and those who plan to do graduate work in music. The program aims to instill a thorough understanding of music and its relationship to contemporary society. The study of music history and theory is central in this curriculum. Sufficient flexibility is built into the program to allow the individual student to establish areas of emphasis both in music and in the arts and sciences.

Program Requirements

The minimum number of credits required for the degree is 120.

Bachelor of Arts students must achieve first-year proficiency in one foreign language. This may be achieved by examination for no academic credit.

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Music major: XXX.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C-.
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 2.0.

Music CORE (29 credits)

Music Theory and Aural Skills (16 credits)

MUT 110 - Music Theory 1 Credits: 3
MUT 111 - Sight Singing and Aural Skills 1 Credits: 1
MUT 112 - Music Theory 2 Credits: 3
MUT 113 - Sight Singing and Aural Skills 2 Credits: 1
MUT 210 - Music Theory 3 Credits: 3
MUT 211 - Sight Singing and Aural Skills 3 Credits: 1
MUT 212 - Music Theory 4 Credits: 3
MUT 213 - Sight Singing and Aural Skills 4 Credits: 1

Music History (12 credits)

MUH 105 - Multi-Cultural Perspectives of American Popular Music and Jazz Credits: 3
MUH 222 - Music History Survey 1 Credits: 3
MUH 223 - Music History Survey 2 Credits: 3
One other MUH course not listed above

Functional Piano (4 credits)

Applied Music (7-10 credits)

Private Lessons Credits: 4
4 credits of private lessons required up to 12 additional credits may be taken as electives
MUS 442 - Recital Class Credits: 0 (8 semesters)
MUP 490 - Senior Recital / Seminar Credits: 3
The University will subsidize up to a total of 16 credit hours of applied music lessons for the B.A. student. Bachelor of Arts students must pass a juried proficiency examination in their applied area; this exam will be graded pass/fail.
MUS 440 - Studio Class Credits: 0.5 (6 semesters) Vocal majors only
All voice students who are taking applied voice lessons as their primary instrument must take 6 semesters of MUS 440 Studio Class while studying applied voice.

Ensembles (4 credits)

8 semesters of ensemble; may include chamber music. Additional credits may be taken as electives.

Additional Music Classes (18 credits)

MUT 330 - Form and Analysis Credits: 3
MUT 332 - Counterpoint Credits: 3
MUS 480 - Bibliography and Research in Music Credits: 3
Music Electives, may include applied music and/or ensemble credits 9

Additional Non-music Electives, including language study (30 Credits)

Bachelor of Arts students must achieve first-year proficiency in one foreign language. This may be achieved by examination for no academic credit.

Admission Information

Admission is based on the following criteria:

Performance audition on the applicant’s major instrument.
Tests of aural comprehension, rhythmic recitation, and sight singing administered individually by a member of the staff.
A diagnostic written test of music fundamentals, including intervals, scales, chords, and key signatures.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: MUS 480
Quantitative Reasoning:
Creative Expression: MUS 101 , MUS 110 , MUT 212
Cultural Interpretation: MUH 105 , MUH 222 , MUS 100 , MUS 103 , MUS 204
Science Exploration:
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: MUH 329
Culture, Power, and Equity: MUH 105 , MUH 325
International: MUH 222
Engaged Learning: MUP 490
Capstone: MUP 490

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.