Music
Why study music at CMU?
The music program offers a high quality education and background for a variety of music careers. Consider these key features of this program at CMU:
- Undergraduate areas of study including: Music Education; Music Performance in Keyboard, Voice, or Orchestral Instruments; Theory/Composition; and Music in Liberal Studies
- Performance opportunities in any of our student music ensembles
- Top-quality Master Series bringing internationally known guest artists in all music genres to campus
- Music Building including a 500-seat concert hall, a 110-seat chamber music performance hall, and three large rehearsal halls
- The School of Music Residential College offering an environment conducive to learning and support
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Overall employment of musicians, singers, and related workers is expected to grow 9 to 17 percent.
- Competition for jobs is keen; those who can play several instruments and perform a wide range of musical styles should enjoy the best job prospects.
- Growth in demand for musicians will generate a number of job opportunities, and many openings also will arise from the need to replace those who leave the field each year.
Career options
Graduates of the music program at CMU will find careers in many areas. Some of these may require additional education.
- Arts Administrator
- Composer
- Conductor
- Music Dealer
- Music Librarian
- Music Therapist
- Newspaper Critic
- Performer
- Publisher
- Teacher
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Music
( Total: 40 semester hours )
(26 hours)
Required Courses I
Music Theory, History, and Literature
Note: 4 hours of MUS 097.
0
MUS 097 Recital Attendance
Attendance at various recitals and concerts in the School of Music. B.M. and B.M.E. music majors are required to register for and complete seven (7) semesters of MUS 097. B.A. and B.S. music majors are required to register for and complete four (4) semesters of MUS 097. Transfer students must see an advisor for exceptions. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: approved music major.
3
MUS 101 Theory I
Basic training in the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements of music. Not recommended for non-majors or non-minors.
3
MUS 102 Theory II
Continuation of MUS 101. Prerequisites: MUS 101.
1
MUS 103 Sight Singing and Ear Training I
Corequisite: MUS 101.
1
MUS 104 Sight Singing and Ear Training II
Prerequisites: MUS 101, MUS 103.
1
MUS 109 Introduction to Music Technology
A hands-on introduction to the use of computers, software, synthesizers, and related equipment as it relates to music and music education.
3
MUS 201 Theory III
Continuation of MUS 102. Study of chromatic harmony and large formal structures. Prerequisites: MUS 102.
3
MUS 202 Theory IV
Continuation of MUS 201. Study of chromatic harmony (late 19th and early 20th centuries), and large formal structures. Prerequisites: MUS 201.
1
MUS 203 Sight Singing and Ear Training III
Prerequisites: MUS 102, MUS 104.
1
MUS 204 Sight Singing and Ear Training IV
Prerequisites: MUS 102, MUS 203.
3
MUS 211 Historical Survey of Music I
Western music history from ancient times to c.1700. Includes an introduction to the music of selected non-western cultures. Prerequisite: MUS 101.
3
MUS 212 Historical Survey of Music II
Continuation of the work begun in MUS 211. Western music history from the Baroque through early Romanticism (c. 1700-1850). Prerequisite: MUS 211.
3
MUS 311 Historical Survey of Music III
Continuation of the work begun in MUS 211 and MUS 212. Western music history from c.1850 to the present. Prerequisite: MUS 212.
(4 hours)
Required Courses II
Performance - Applied Study
- 4 semesters of study on same instrument at 100, 200, 300 and/ or 400 level (4);
- 300 level proficiency (0);
- Solo Performance (0)
(6 hours)
Required Courses III
Performance - Ensemble
- 4-5 semesters of MUS 182, MUS 183, MUS 185, or MUS 186 (4-5);
- 1-2 semesters of MUS 281, MUS 282, MUS 284, MUS 285, or MUS 286 (1-2)
1-8
MUS 182 Women's Chorus
Open by audition to any student in the University.
1-8
MUS 183 Concert Choir
Open by audition to any student in the University.
1-8
MUS 185 Orchestra
Open to anyone who can demonstrate the necessary proficiency on an orchestral instrument.
1-8
MUS 186 Band
Open to anyone who can demonstrate the necessary proficiency on a band instrument.
1-8
MUS 281 Advanced Instrumental Ensemble
Enrollment by permission of instructor only.
1-8
MUS 282 Advanced Vocal Ensemble
Enrollment by audition only. May include Madrigals, Musical Theatre, or Opera Theatre.
1-6
MUS 284 Techniques for the Singing Actor
Preparation and performance of solo roles in scenes from standard operas, chamber operas, and/or musical theatre. Prerequisites: private voice study; permission of instructor.
1-8
MUS 285 Percussion Ensemble
Prerequisite: enrollment requires permission of percussion instructor.
1-8
MUS 286 Jazz Laboratory Band
Prerequisite: Enrollment requires permission of instructor.
(1-3 hours)
Other Requirements
Supportive Courses outside of Music
Select a course from one of the following course designators: ART, DAN, TAI.
(1-3 hours)
Music Electives
Courses selected must be at 300 level or above.