Music Major: Instrumental Option
Why study instrumental 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 Education Major:Instrumental Option
( Total: 40 semester hours )
(29 hours)
Core Courses I
Music Theory, History, and Literature
- 7 semesters 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 304 Instrumentation and Scoring
Prerequisite: admission to Music candidacy; MUS 201, permission of instructor.
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)
Core Courses II
Music Education
2
MUS 230 Introduction to Music Education
An overview of music teaching methodologies and observations of these methods as they are used by public school music teachers.
2
MUS 333 Music Education in the Elementary Grades
Topics include objectives and instructional strategies for development of basic music concepts and skills in elementary classroom music. Prerequisite: MUS 230
(7 hours)
Required Courses
Applied Study
- 4 semesters of MUS 151-179 (4 hours)
- 3 semesters of MUS 351-379 (3 hours)
- Solo performance (0 hours)
( Note: All applied study used to fulfill these requirements must be on the same instrument. )
1-12
MUS 153 Violin and Viola
NULL
1-12
MUS 155 Violoncello
NULL
1-20
MUS 379 Percussion
NULL
1-12
MUS 157 String Bass
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in string bass performance focusing on the foundations of technique, musicianship, literature, and performance practice. The course is repeatable and intended as a four-semester foundation and pre-requisite for advanced study at the 300-level. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Music.
1-4
MUS 158 Composition
Applied study of music composition. Prerequisites: Minimum GPA of 3.0 in MUS 101, MUS 102, MUS 103, MUS 104, and permission of instructor.
1-8
MUS 159 Jazz Guitar
Individual instruction in jazz guitar performance. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and admission to the music program.
1-12
MUS 165 Clarinet
NULL
1-12
MUS 167 Bassoon
NULL
1-12
MUS 169 Saxophone
NULL
1-12
MUS 171 Cornet or Trumpet
NULL
1-12
MUS 173 French Horn
NULL
1-12
MUS 175 Trombone
NULL
1-12
MUS 177 Euphonium
NULL
1-12
MUS 179 Percussion
NULL
1-20
MUS 353 Violin and Viola
NULL
1-20
MUS 355 Violoncello
NULL
1-20
MUS 357 String Bass
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in string bass performance focusing on advanced technique, musicianship, literature, and performance practice. The course is repeatable and intended as a four-semester foundation and pre-requisite for advanced study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music and successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
2-8
MUS 358 Composition
Advanced applied study of music composition. Prerequisites: MUS 158, admission to music candidacy, and composition jury.
1-8
MUS 359 Jazz Guitar
Individual instruction in jazz guitar performance. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and admission to the music program.
1-8
MUS 360 Harpsichord
Study of solo harpsichord repertoire, continuo and ensemble playing, and figured bass. Prerequisite: 4 semesters of private organ or piano study.
1-20
MUS 365 Clarinet
NULL
1-20
MUS 367 Bassoon
NULL
1-20
MUS 369 Saxophone
NULL
1-20
MUS 371 Cornet or Trumpet
NULL
1-20
MUS 373 French Horn
NULL
1-20
MUS 375 Trombone
NULL
1-20
MUS 377 Euphonium
NULL