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 or minor; or Admission to music candidacy.
3
MUS 101 Theory I
Training in basic terminology and in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements and processes of music. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Music. Co-requisite: MUS 103.
3
MUS 102 Theory II
Continuation of MUS 101. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; MUS 101 with a C or better.
1
MUS 103 Sight Singing and Ear Training I
Basic aural and vocal training in the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements of music. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Music.
1
MUS 104 Sight Singing and Ear Training II
Continuation of MUS 103 (Sight Singing and Ear Training I). Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; MUS 103 with a C or better.
1
MUS 109 Introduction to Music Technology
A hands-on introduction to the use of computers, software, synthesizers, and related equipment as they relate to music and music education. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Music.
3
MUS 201 Theory III
Continuation of MUS 102. Study of chromatic harmony. This is the third course in a four-course sequence. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; MUS 102 with a C or better.
3
MUS 202 Theory IV
Study and analysis of forms in music from the Baroque, Classic, Romantic and 20th-century periods. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; MUS 201 with a C or better.
1
MUS 203 Sight Singing and Ear Training III
Continuation of MUS 104. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; MUS 104 with a C or better.
1
MUS 204 Sight Singing and Ear Training IV
Continuation of MUS 203. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; MUS 203 with a C or better.
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. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; MUS 101 with a C or better.
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 with a C or better.
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. Prerequisites: MUS 212 with a C or better; admission to Music Candidacy.
(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. Prerequisite: Approved music major or minor; or Admission to music candidacy.
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: admission to Music candidacy; 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 151 Organ
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in organ 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.
1-12
MUS 153 Violin and Viola
NULL
1-12
MUS 155 Violoncello
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: Approved music major or minor; or Admission to music candidacy.
1-4
MUS 158 Composition
Applied study of music composition. The course is repeatable and intended as a two-semester foundation and pre-requisite for advanced study at the 300-level. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Music; minimum GPA of 3.0 in MUS 101, 102, 103, 104; permission of instructor.
1-8
MUS 159 Guitar
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in guitar 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 161 Flute
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in flute 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 165 Clarinet
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in clarinet 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 167 Bassoon
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in bassoon 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 169 Saxophone
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in saxophone 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 171 Trumpet
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in trumpet 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 173 French Horn
NULL
1-12
MUS 175 Trombone
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in trombone 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 177 Euphonium
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in euphonium 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 178 Tuba
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in tuba 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-12
MUS 179 Percussion
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in percussion 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(s): Admission to the School of Music.
1-16
MUS 351 Organ
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in organ 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 professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; Successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
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. Prerequisite: admission to Music candidacy.
2-8
MUS 358 Composition
Advanced applied study of music composition. The course is repeatable and intended as a four-semester foundation and pre-requisite for professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; MUS 158; Successful completion of a composition jury.
1-8
MUS 359 Guitar
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in guitar performance focusing on advanced technique, musicianship, literature, and performance practice. The course is repeatable and intended as a four-semester foundation for professional study. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Music, successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
1-8
MUS 360 Harpsichord
Study of solo harpsichord repertoire, continuo and ensemble playing, and figured bass. Prerequisite: Admission to Music candidacy; 4 semesters of private organ or piano study.
1-16
MUS 361 Flute
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in flute 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 professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Music, successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
1-16
MUS 365 Clarinet
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in clarinet 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 professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; Successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
1-16
MUS 367 Bassoon
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in bassoon 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 professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; Successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
1-16
MUS 369 Saxophone
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in saxophone 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 professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; Successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
1-16
MUS 371 Trumpet
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in trumpet 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 professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; Successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
1-20
MUS 373 French Horn
NULL
1-16
MUS 375 Trombone
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in trombone 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 professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; Successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
1-20
MUS 377 Euphonium
NULL
1-16
MUS 378 Tuba
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in tuba 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 professional study at the 700- level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; Successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.
1-16
MUS 379 Percussion
Individualized program of applied studio instruction in percussion performance focusing on the foundation of technique, musicianship, literature, and performance practice. The course is repeatable and intended as a four-semester foundation and pre-requisite for advanced professional study at the 700-level. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Music; Successful completion of a 300-level performance jury.