Music Performance, Composition Concentration, B.M.

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This degree concentration is designed for those who wish to prepare for a career in music composition and those who plan to do graduate work in composition. The program aims to instill students with a thorough understanding of both traditional and contemporary compositional tools and prompts students to engage in the discourse surrounding the making of new music in our society. Private lessons, participation in the USM Composers Ensemble, regular composition and performance of new works, and classes in counterpoint and analysis are emphasized.

Program Requirements

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

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Music Performance, Composition Concentration major: 87-89.5.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C-.
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 2.0.

All music performance composition students will complete Jury Level 1 at the end of their 2nd semester, Jury Level 2 at the end of their 4th semester, and Jury Level 3 at the end of their 6th semester. Students must perform a check jury in the semester in which jury levels are not being completed. Jury Level 3 must be successfully completed prior to the presentation of their Senior Recital.

All music performance composition students must pass a juried proficiency examination in their applied area; this exam will be graded pass/fail.

The senior recital for music performance majors specializing in composition will meet the following requirements: The recital should consist of 45 minutes of original music for a variety of ensembles (at least 3) ranging from solo to large chamber group. The music on the recital must have been composed during the student’s time at USM. Programming for the senior recital should be selected under the guidance of the applied instructor. Programs exceeding 45 minutes of music require the special approval of the faculty.

Music Theory and Aural Skills (22 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
MUT 330 - Form and Analysis Credits: 3
MUT 332 - Counterpoint Credits: 3

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 Credits: 3

Functional Piano (4 credits)

Conducting (4 credits)

MUS 244 - Basic Conducting Credits: 2
MUE 252 - Choral Conducting Credits: 2
or
MUE 313 - Instrumental Conducting Credits: 2

Applied Music (27 credits)

MUP 203 - Applied Music Credits: 3 (6 semesters)
Applied Lessons in Composition
MUP 202 - Applied Music Credits: 2 (3 semesters)
Applied Lessons on choice of instrument
MUS 440 - Studio Class Credits: 0.5 (3 semesters) Vocal Majors only
All voice students who are taking applied voice lessons as their primary instrument must also enroll in MUS 440 Studio Class (voice) up to 6 semesters
MUS 442 - Recital Class Credits: 0 (8 semesters)
(must have compositions performed in 4 semesters)
MUP 490 - Senior Recital / Seminar Credits: 3

Ensemble Requirements (5 credits)

Major Ensemble (2 semesters for total of 1 credits)
MUS 401 - University Chorale Credits: 0.5 or MUS 405 - Chamber Singers , or MUS 402 - University Concert Band , or MUS 400 - Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra
MUS 403 - Composers Ensemble Credits: 0.5 (7 semesters)
MUS 406 - Chamber Music Credits: 0.5

Additional Courses

MUS 271 - Principles of Digital Audio and Music Production Credits: 3
Music Electives Credits: 7
General Electives Credits: 3

Admission Information

Admission is based on the following criteria:

Performance audition on the applicant’s major instrument and a portfolio review of compositions.
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.