Music Performance, Musical Theatre Concentration, B.M.

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This degree program, offered in collaboration with the Theatre Department, is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in musical theatre performance. The program aims to instill a thorough understanding of music and theatre and their relationship to contemporary society. Private lessons, solo and ensemble performance, and the theatrical training necessary for this discipline are emphasized. A basic understanding of the standards and opportunities for professional performance leads the student to realistic expectations for a career as a performer or teacher.

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, Musical Theatre Concentration major: XXX.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C-.
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 2.0.

Music CORE (30-34 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
MUH 325 - The History of Musical Theatre in America Credits: 3

Functional Piano (4 credits)

Conducting (2 credits)

MUS 244 - Basic Conducting Credits: 2

Applied Music (27 credits)

Students in the musical theatre concentration will divide their 24-credit hours of applied music equally between classical applied studies and musical theatre coaching.

MUP 201 - Applied Music Credits: 1 or MUP 202 - Applied Music Credits: 2 (12 credits)
MUP 208 - Applied Musical Theatre Voice Coaching Credits: 1 or MUP 209 - Applied Musical Theatre Voice Coaching Credits: 2 (12 credits)
MUS 440 - Studio Class Credits: 0.5 (6 semesters)
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.
MUP 490 - Senior Recital / Seminar Credits: 3
MUS 442 - Recital Class Credits: 0 (4 semesters)

Jury Information

Students in the musical theatre concentration will take a progress check jury at the end of each fall semester and a level jury at the end of each spring semester. Jury level expectations are: Level 1 - earned at the conclusion of Semester 2; Level 2 - earned at the conclusion of Semester 4; Level 3 - earned at the conclusion of Semester 6.

Students in the musical theatre concentration must successfully perform a combination of 6 featured and/or ensemble roles in approved music theatre productions. In addition, students must successfully complete at least one crew or backstage assignment.

Admission Information

Admission to the Musical Theatre program is based on the following criteria:

Vocal performance audition of two pieces from the Musical Theatre literature, one ballad and one up-tempo piece. The applicant should also be prepared to sing one classical or traditional piece.

Performance of a two- to three-minute memorized monologue.
Execute a simple movement combination.
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.