The Major
The Music major can lead to the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Arts. The B.Mus. is an intensive, professionally-oriented degree. The B.A. has a less intensive curriculum, designed as part of a liberal arts education experience rather than as preparation for a professional career in music. Students wishing to pursue either degree must audition. Information regarding audition dates and requirements is available from the Admissions Director and at www.umass.edu/music.
Common Core Requirements
Both the B.Mus. and the B.A. programs require the following core courses:
Theory I through V (112, 113, 212, 213, 312)
Aural Skills I through IV (114, 115, 214, 215)
Music Literature (101 [and is a 4 cr AT Gen Ed])
Music History (300, 301, 394MI [and satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement])
Junior Year Writing (350)
Applied Lessons (MUSIC APP 117, 217, 317, with associated arts fee)
Ensembles
Bachelor of Music
In addition to the common core, the B.Mus. requires the following:
Piano: MUSIC 130-133 Class Piano I-IV
Conducting: MUSIC 325 Basic Conducting
Applied Music (private study, with associated arts fee) throughout the curriculum
Completion of a concentration: There are five concentration areas in the B.Mus. program; each requires special courses. A list of requirements for each is available in the Music Office and at www.umass.edu/music.
Foreign Language: B.Mus. students are not subject to the requirements of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. However, some B.Mus. concentrations include a two- or four-semester foreign language requirement.
Concentrations:
Performance (Classical)—Twenty-eight hours of applied lessons, and the performance of junior and senior recitals are required. This concentration prepares students for careers as professional musicians. Graduates may also teach privately or go on to further study to prepare for performing careers and/or teaching at the college level. Music performance is the most restricted of all music fields. Full-time career opportunities are highly competitive.
Music History—The study of music history as a profession requires advanced music history courses and a senior thesis. The program prepares students for graduate work in musicology. Advanced degrees in these areas are required for college-level teaching.
Theory/Composition—This concentration is primarily concerned with theoretical and composition techniques of Western classical music. The program prepares students for graduate work in theory and/or composition. Those holding advanced degrees in theory or composition often teach at the college level or compose in the private sector.
Music Education—Students complete courses in psychology, music education methods, instrumental and vocal techniques, and student teaching. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in approved professional courses. The curriculum prepares students for Initial Licensure to teach music in the public schools’ grades PreK-12. Admission to and completion of the concentration require passing scores on the Massachusetts Tests of Educator Licensure (MTEL).
Jazz and African-American Music—A jazz performance program requires junior and senior recitals, plus courses that include jazz history, African-American music, jazz arranging and composition, jazz theory and improvisation, instrument- and voice-related classes, and applied lessons. Students also participate in a broad range of performance styles and ensembles, which is of great use when entering professional careers. As in all performance areas, full-time opportunities are highly competitive.
Bachelor of Arts
In addition to completing the common core, students pursuing a B.A. with a major in Music must complete the requirements of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, including a foreign language through the Intermediate II level.
