Music, Bachelor of Arts
Expected Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, students will:
- Read, analyze, and perform music with fluency in at least one performance medium and in a variety of performance styles;
- Use the piano proficiently as an instrument for independent study of music theory, analysis of scores, and preparation of compositions or arrangements, as appropriate to the common tasks of a professional musician;
- Demonstrate proficiency in aural recognition and analysis of music, and in singing musical lines at sight, as appropriate to the common tasks of a professional musician;
- Recognize and describe representative selections of music from all the significant style periods and genres of western art music; and
- Create arrangements and original compositions utilizing the recognized ranges and idioms of orchestral and band instruments and of vocal ensembles.
Outcomes Assessment Activities
Department faculty hear all music majors perform prepared solos at least three times per semester, with both formative and summative assessments recorded at significant points, such as final juries and the Junior Qualifying Exam at the end of the sophomore year. In addition, every primary and secondary ensemble performs at least one concert per semester. From the accumulated success of these performances, the faculty can determine and assess:
- Attainment of performing skills as students progress through the curriculum;
- Effectiveness of recruiting and retention in each instrumental area and vocal range; and
- Degree of knowledgeable application of the concepts of music theory and history to the sensitive performance of a wide range of repertoire.
Every music major must pass an exam over the first two years’ work before being allowed to continue in the 300-level courses of the music degree. This Junior Qualifying Exam holds students accountable for long-term learning in the discipline, but it also reveals patterns of effective or ineffective instruction across the department for program assessment purposes. Every music major must also complete a satisfactory demonstration of piano proficiency before graduation.
Students graduating in the concentration areas of Performance or Music Education are required to present recitals appropriate to their degree program and (for Music Education) to pass the national standardized PRAXIS examination.
Specific Program Requirements
General Education: 35
NOTE: must also complete the World Language Requirement. Because of the unique use of world languages in musical contexts (vocal repertoire in particular), students earning the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music may, in consultation with their advisor, complete the BA degree World Language Requirement with two 101-level World Language courses, chosen from Italian, German, French and Spanish.
NOTE: must include MUS 118 Music Appreciation (GT-AH1) (3 c.h.). In addition, all students must participate in appropriate Primary and Secondary ensembles as assigned each semester, except when Student Teaching.
Specific Core Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS Courses | ||
| MUS 150 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 151 | Aural Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 210 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 211 | Aural Skills II | 2 |
| MUS 250 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS 251 | Aural Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 280 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS 281 | Aural Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 305 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 355 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUS x01 | Music Performance Symposium (6 semesters) | 0 |
| MUS xxx | Primary Ensemble (6 semesters, 2 upper division) 1 | 6 |
| MUS xxx | Secondary Ensemble (2 semesters, 1 upper division) (Note: Music Ed concentration exempt from this credit requirement) 2 | 2 |
| MUS xxx | Major Applied Lesson (6 semesters, 2 upper division) (Music Ed concentration completes 5 Semesters and Junior Lecture Recital) | 12 |
| MUS 127 | Functional Piano I: Beginning (May be repeated; may be waived for Music Education majors) | 1 |
| MUS 229 | Piano Proficiency Completion | 1 |
| MUS 103 | Music and Computer Technology I | 1 |
| MUS 303 | Music and Computer Technology II 3 | 1 |
| or MUS 306 | Technology for Music Educators | |
| MUS 357 | Orchestration and Arranging | 2 |
| MUS 358 | Basic Conducting | 2 |
| Free Electives | 22 | |
| Electives | ||
| Total Credits | 76 | |
- 1
Primary Ensembles: (All courses MUS) - See chart below.
- 2
Secondary Ensembles: (All courses MUS) - See chart below.
- 3
Note: Music Education majors must take MUS 306 Technology for Music Educators (2 c.h.).
Note: MUS 306 Technology for Music Educators (2 c.h.) may be waived with completion of an appropriate 500-level Education Technology course toward the Master of Education degree and 2 additional hours of music electives.
Note: Piano students complete either of the following in lieu of Functional Piano courses:
MUS 346 Piano Literature (2 c.h.) OR MUS 347 Piano Pedagogy (2 c.h.)
GPA
Students are required to complete all major and minor courses with a grade of C or better and to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
Performance Skills
The attainment of an appropriate level of performance skills is required in order to function successfully as a musician. The minimum Performance Standards, which appear on the music department’s web site and in the music department student handbook, provide representative examples of music literature and repertoire and must be successfully completed for each of the musical areas of performance concentration.
Admission to Upper Division
All music majors must qualify for admission to Upper Division (junior-level) study leading to the specific degree by successfully completing the Junior Qualifying Exam at the end of their sophomore year. In addition, all music majors will be required to pass MUS 229 Piano Proficiency Completion (1 c.h.) before performing an upper level recital, student teaching, or graduating. See the Department of Music Student Handbook for specific information regarding these evaluations.
Standards
Knowledge of specific subject areas, as recommended by the National Association of Schools of Music in music education, music theory, music history, music technology, and music performance will be measured through outcomes-testing.
Ensemble Registration and Requirements
The real-life performance experience provided by CSU Pueblo ensembles is paramount to the professional training of our Music majors. University ensembles are also the ‘public face’ of the Department of Music and student participation is essential to our collective success.
At minimum, Music majors and scholarship recipients are required to participate in two ensembles every semester in residence. Applied Music registration and registration in upper division Music courses will not be permitted without the requisite ensemble registration.
Ensemble Registration Specific to the Major
General BA Music majors are to select an ensemble experience tailored toward their long-term professional goals, with a minimum of 6 hours of primary ensemble and 2 semesters of secondary ensemble credit required. A minimum of 2 semesters of Primary ensemble and 1 semester of Secondary ensemble must be earned at the upper division level (during the Junior or Senior year).
Music Education majors are to pursue a breadth of ensemble experiences, including Marching Band as this is an area all Music Education graduates are certified to teach. Music Education majors complete a minimum of 6 semesters of Primary Ensemble, with at least 2 semesters earned at the upper division level. Wind and Percussion Music Education majors are required to participate in Marching Band for two semesters, during the fall semester of their freshman and sophomore years (or first two years enrolled in the major). Music Education majors in other instrumental areas or voice are required to participate in Marching Band for one semester on a secondary instrument following an audition or successful completion of a related techniques class. All Music Education majors are required to participate in at least one instrumental ensemble and one vocal ensemble during their CSU Pueblo tenure.
Performance majors are to pursue an ensemble experience focused on their specific instrument, with a minimum of 8 Primary and 2 Secondary ensembles required (with a minimum of 4 Primary ensembles and 1 Secondary ensemble earned at the upper division level).
Ensemble Registration Specific to a Student’s Principal Instrument and Scholarship Status
Wind and Percussion instrumental principals are required to participate in Marching Band for two semesters, during the fall semester of their freshman and sophomore years (or first two years enrolled in the major) as well as Wind Ensemble every semester they are registered for applied music. Voice principals are required to participate in Concert and Chamber choirs every semester in residence. String principals are required to participate in Orchestra and Chamber Music every semester they are registered for applied music. Percussion principals are required to participate in Percussion Ensemble every semester they are registered for applied music. Guitar principals are required to participate in at least one Guitar Ensemble every semester they are registered for applied music.
Applied instructors have a vested interest in the ensemble selection of their students and additional instrumental areas may have additional ensemble requirements. Students should consult their applied instructors for specific ensemble requirements of their applied studio. Participation in excess of three ensembles in any given semester is at the discretion of the applied instructor.
Music scholarship recipients, regardless of major, are required to participate in a minimum of two ensembles each semester. Wind and Percussion Scholarship recipients are required to participate in Marching Band during the fall semester of their freshman and sophomore years (or first two years of receiving a Music scholarship).
Exceptions to ensemble policies must be approved by the Chair of Music in consultation with ensemble directors. Ensemble assignments for all students are at the direction and discretion of the Music faculty and may require an audition.
Primary Ensembles: (All courses MUS)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fr/Soph | ||
| MUS 209 | Chamber Choir | 0.5 |
| MUS 212 | Wind Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 232 | Guitar Ensemble, Classical | 0.5 |
| MUS 236 | Guitar Ensemble, Jazz | 0.5 |
| MUS 242 | Piano Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 244 | Orchestra | 0.5 |
| Jr/Sr | ||
| MUS 409 | Chamber Choir | 0.5 |
| MUS 412 | Wind Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 432 | Guitar Ensemble, Classical | 0.5 |
| MUS 436 | Guitar Ensemble, Jazz | 0.5 |
| MUS 442 | Piano Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 444 | Orchestra | 0.5 |
Secondary Ensembles: (All courses MUS)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fr/Soph | ||
| MUS 202 | Concert Choir | 0.5 |
| MUS 204 | Collaborative Music Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 208 | Vocal Jazz Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 214 | Brass Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 221 | Chamber Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 224 | Percussion Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 231 | Pep Band | 0.5 |
| MUS 234 | Woodwind Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 230 | Marching Band | 0.5 |
| MUS 254 | Jazz Ensemble | 0.5 |
| Jr/Sr | ||
| MUS 402 | Concert Choir | 0.5 |
| MUS 404 | Collaborative Music Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 408 | Vocal Jazz Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 414 | Brass Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 421 | Chamber Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 424 | Percussion Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 431 | Pep Band | 0.5 |
| MUS 434 | Woodwind Ensemble | 0.5 |
| MUS 430 | Marching Band | 0.5 |
| MUS 454 | Jazz Ensemble | 0.5 |
NOTE: Ensembles are determined by the student’s declared performance area. See advisor if further information is required.
Art, Research and Creativity (ARC)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 110 | Integrated Studies | 3 |
| ARC 174 | Fundamentals of Digital Media | 3 |
| ARC 310 | Critical Fundamental Skills Review | 1 |
| ARC 410 | Senior Capstone Presentation | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Planning Sheet
Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.
Note: In addition to requirements for the major and general education, students must complete either:
- Any minor degree program listed in the catalog other than their major; or
- 18 credit hours outside of the major.
Students may not use the same credits to satisfy requirements for both major and minor degrees, or use credits taken to satisfy general education requirements.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART 110 | Art Career Orientation | 3 |
| ART 274 | Art & Design Essentials | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Rhetoric & Writing I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| MUS 101 | Music Performance Symposium I | 0-1 |
| MUS 127 | Functional Piano I: Beginning | 1 |
| MUS 150 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| Elective 1 credit must be Music Primary Ensemble. 2 credits must be Music Applied Lesson. | 3 | |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENG 102 | Rhetoric & Writing II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| MUS 101 | Music Performance Symposium I | 0-1 |
| MUS 118 | Music Appreciation (GT-AH1) | 3 |
| MUS 151 | Aural Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 210 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Elective 1 credit must be Music Primary Ensemble. 1 credit must be Music Secondary Ensemble 2 credits must be Music Applied Lesson. | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 17-19 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 103 | Music and Computer Technology I | 1 |
| MUS 201 | Music Performance Symposium II | 0-1 |
| MUS 211 | Aural Skills II | 2 |
| MUS 250 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| General Education | 6 | |
| Elective 1 credit must be Music Primary Ensemble. 2 credits must be Music Applied Lesson. | 4 | |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARC 310: Critical Fundamental Skills Review | 1 | |
| MUS 201 | Music Performance Symposium II | 0-1 |
| MUS 229 | Piano Proficiency Completion | 1 |
| MUS 251 | Aural Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 280 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS 303 | Music and Computer Technology II | 1 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Elective Must be Music Applied Lesson and Primary Ensemble. | 3 | |
| Credits | 14-15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 281 | Aural Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 301 | Music Performance Symposium III | 0-1 |
| MUS 305 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 358 | Basic Conducting | 2 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Elective 3 credits must be upper division; 1 credit must be Music Primary Ensemble and 2 credits must be Music Applied Lesson. | 5 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 301 | Music Performance Symposium III | 0-1 |
| MUS 355 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 357 | Orchestration and Arranging | 2 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Elective 4 credits must be upper division; 1 credit must be Music Primary Ensemble, 1 credit must be Music Secondary Ensemble, and 2 credits must be Music Applied Lesson. | 7 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| General Education | 4 | |
| Elective 1 credit must be upper division and Music Primary Ensemble. | 9 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARC 410: Capstone | 1 | |
| General Education | 4 | |
| Elective | 9 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 120-127 | |