Music, Bachelor of Arts
Specific Admission Requirements
Per National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) standards, students must complete an audition to be admitted as a Music Major.
Student Learning Outcomes
- 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.
- Create arrangements and original compositions utilizing the recognized ranges and idioms of orchestral and band instruments and of vocal ensembles.
Outcomes Assessment Activities
- Attainment of performing skills as students progress through the curriculum.
- Effectiveness of recruiting and retention in each instrumental area and vocal range.
- Degree of knowledgeable application of the concepts of music theory and history to the sensitive performance of a wide range of repertoire.
Specific Program Requirements
Program Overview
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 35 |
| Core Requirements | 33 |
| Major Requirements | 52-57 |
| Total Credits | 120-125 |
Specific General Education Requirements
- Students must complete the World Language Requirement due to 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.
- Students must take MUS 118 Music Appreciation (GT-AH1) (3 c.h.).
Specific Core Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 127 | Functional Piano I: Beginning | 1 |
| 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 227 | Func. Piano II: Int/Proficiency | 1 |
| MUS 229 | Piano Proficiency Completion | 1 |
| 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 357 | Orchestration and Arranging | 2 |
| MUS 358 | Basic Conducting | 2 |
| MUS X01: Music Performance Symposium (6 semesters) | 0 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Specific Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 102 | College & Career Success in Music | 2 |
| MUS xxx | Primary Ensemble (8 semesters, 4 upper division) 1 | 4-8 |
| MUS xxx | Secondary Ensemble (2 semesters, 1 upper division) 2 | 1-2 |
| MUS xxx | Major Applied Lesson (8 semesters, 4 upper division) | 16 |
| MAE 230 | Sound, Radio, & Podcasting Essentials | 3 |
| PSYC 300 | Music & Wellness | 3 |
| Electives The below is a list of recommended electives. Students may choose any or all of the following, or select courses leading to a minor. | 20 | |
| Introduction to Personal Finance | 3 | |
| Multimedia Design Foundations | 3 | |
| Media Design Essentials | 3 | |
| Sound Recording & Technology | 3 | |
| Live Sound Reinforcement | 3 | |
| Electronic Music, MIDI, & Synthesis | 3 | |
| Advanced Radio & Podcasting | 3 | |
| Vocal Techniques and Diction | 1 | |
| Fretted Instrument Techniques | 1 | |
| Musical Theatre Workshop | 2 | |
or MUS 413 | Musical Theatre Workshop | |
| MUS 499 | Capstone in Music | 3 |
| Total Credits | 52-57 | |
- 1
Primary Ensembles: See chart below.
- 2
Secondary Ensembles: See chart below.
- 3
Piano student must complete MUS 346 Piano Literature (2 c.h.) or MUS 347 Piano Pedagogy (2 c.h.) in lieu of Function Piano courses.
Additional Program Requirements
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 with approval of the faculty upon completion of a mid-degree screening at the end of their sophomore year, including proof of passing MUS 229 Piano Proficiency Completion (1 c.h.). See Departmental Student Handbook for further information.
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 & 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 expected 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. The Music Faculty will assign each student to a minimum of two appropriate ensembles each semester.
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 8 semesters of primary ensemble and 2 semesters of secondary ensemble credit required. A minimum of 4 semesters of Primary ensemble and 1 semester of Secondary ensemble must be earned at the upper division level (during the Junior or Senior year).
Ensemble Registration Specific to a Student’s Principal Instrument & Scholarship Status
- Wind and Percussion instrumental principals are required to participate in Wind Ensemble every semester.
- Voice principals are required to participate in 2 vocal ensembles every semester.
- String principals are required to participate in Orchestra and Chamber Music every semester.
- Percussion principals are required to participate in Percussion Ensemble every semester.
- Guitar principals are required to participate in at least one Guitar Ensemble every semester.
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 must be approved by the applied instructor and department chair.
Music scholarship recipients, regardless of major, are required to participate in a minimum of two ensembles each semester.
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
Ensembles are determined by the student’s declared performance area. See advisor if further information is required.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fr/Soph | ||
| MUS 202 | Concert Choir | .5-1 |
| MUS 209 | Chamber Choir | .5-1 |
| MUS 212 | Wind Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 232 | Guitar Ensemble, Classical | .5-1 |
| MUS 236 | Guitar Ensemble, Jazz | .5-1 |
| MUS 242 | Piano Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 244 | Orchestra | .5-1 |
| Jr/Sr | ||
| MUS 402 | Concert Choir | .5-1 |
| MUS 409 | Chamber Choir | .5-1 |
| MUS 412 | Wind Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 432 | Guitar Ensemble, Classical | .5-1 |
| MUS 436 | Guitar Ensemble, Jazz | .5-1 |
| MUS 442 | Piano Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 444 | Orchestra | .5-1 |
Secondary Ensembles
Ensembles are determined by the student’s declared performance area. See advisor if further information is required.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fr/Soph | ||
| MUS 204 | Collaborative Music Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 208 | Vocal Jazz Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 214 | Brass Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 221 | Chamber Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 224 | Percussion Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 231 | Pep Band | .5-1 |
| MUS 234 | Woodwind Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 230 | Marching Band | .5-1 |
| MUS 254 | Jazz Ensemble | .5-1 |
| Jr/Sr | ||
| MUS 404 | Collaborative Music Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 408 | Vocal Jazz Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 414 | Brass Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 421 | Chamber Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 424 | Percussion Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 431 | Pep Band | .5-1 |
| MUS 434 | Woodwind Ensemble | .5-1 |
| MUS 430 | Marching Band | .5-1 |
| MUS 454 | Jazz Ensemble | .5-1 |
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.
NOTES: Students may enroll in Music Performance Symposium (6 semesters required) for either 0 or 1 credit hour. The zero-credit option is attendance-based; the 1-credit option (as Elective credit) requires a weekly submitted performance critique. Students may enroll in required ensembles for either .5 (one-half) credit or 1 credit.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 102 | College & Career Success in Music | 2 |
| 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 |
| MUS 151 | Aural Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 118 | Music Appreciation (GT-AH1) | 3 |
| Each semester must include 2 assigned ensembles and the applied lesson in the primary performance area Each ensemble may be taken for .5 or 1 credit - 1 is recommended | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 17-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENG 102 | Rhetoric & Writing II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| MUS 101 | Music Performance Symposium I | 0-1 |
| MUS 210 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| MUS 227 | Func. Piano II: Int/Proficiency | 1 |
| MUS 211 | Aural Skills II | 2 |
| Each semester must include 2 assigned ensembles and the applied lesson in the primary performance area Each ensemble may be taken for .5 or 1 credit - 1 is recommended | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15-17 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 201 | Music Performance Symposium II | 0-1 |
| MAE Music Technology course (see Student Handbook for approved choices) | 3 | |
| MUS 250 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| General Education | 6 | |
| Each semester must include 2 assigned ensembles and the applied lesson in the primary performance area Each ensemble may be taken for .5 or 1 credit - 1 is recommended | 3-4 | |
| MUS 251 | Aural Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 229 | Piano Proficiency Completion | 1 |
| Credits | 18-20 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 201 | Music Performance Symposium II | 0-1 |
| MUS 280 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Each semester must include 2 assigned ensembles and the applied lesson in the primary performance area Each ensemble may be taken for .5 or 1 credit - 1 is recommended | 3-4 | |
| MUS 281 | Aural Skills IV | 2 |
| Elective(s) | 2 | |
| Credits | 13-15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 301 | Music Performance Symposium III | 0-1 |
| MUS 305 | Music History I | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Each semester must include 2 assigned ensembles and the applied lesson in the primary performance area Each ensemble may be taken for .5 or 1 credit - 1 is recommended | 3-4 | |
| MUS 357 | Orchestration and Arranging | 2 |
| Elective(s) | 2 | |
| Credits | 13-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 301 | Music Performance Symposium III | 0-1 |
| MUS 355 | Music History II | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | |
| Each semester must include 2 assigned ensembles and the applied lesson in the primary performance area Each ensemble may be taken for .5 or 1 credit - 1 is recommended | 3-4 | |
| MUS 358 | Basic Conducting | 2 |
| MUS 300 | Music & Wellness | 3 |
| Credits | 14-16 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| General Education | 4 | |
| Each semester must include 2 assigned ensembles and the applied lesson in the primary performance area Each ensemble may be taken for .5 or 1 credit - 1 is recommended | 3-4 | |
| Elective(s) | 10 | |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 490 Capstone Project in Music (see Student Handbook for more information) Electing a Senior Recital as the Capstone Project requires permission of the applied instructor; Senior Recital is in Lieu of applied lesson. | ||
| Each semester must include 2 assigned ensembles and the applied lesson in the primary performance area Each ensemble may be taken for .5 or 1 credit - 1 is recommended | 3-4 | |
| Elective(s) | 10 | |
| Credits | 13-14 | |
| Total Credits | 120-134 | |