Getting Started (Majors Guide)

College: HFA

(Revised Spring 2018)

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How to Explore / Get Started in the Major 

Suggested General Education Courses

Under the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus.  For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track.  Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

PSYCH 100 (SB) is required for Music Education majors.
MUSIC 101 (AT) Introduction to Music Literature is required for Music majors and minors.

Suggested Major and Pre-Requisite Courses

Acceptance into the Music Major is by successful audition only.

MUSIC 101, 112, 114, 130

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How to Declare the Major 

Auditions are usually held in the Winter. Call the Music Admissions Director at 413-545-6048 with questions or submit an audition application at www.umass.edu/music.

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Summary of Requirements for the Major

There are many subplans within the Music major to choose from depending on the focus of students’ interest. Total number of credits for the major varies with each subplan. (Students in the Music Education subplan must earn a grade of “C” or higher in required courses.)

The basic core for the majority of the subplans involves the following:

• Five semesters of theory: MUSIC 112, 113, 212, 213, 312
• Four semesters each of the following:
  • aural skills: MUSIC 114, 115, 214, 215
  • music history/literature: MUSIC 101, 300, 301, 394MI
  • (piano class: MUSIC 130, 131, 132, 133 strongly recommended)
• Six to eight semesters each of applied lessons and ensembles.

Is there a minor? If so what are the requirements?
Yes. Four semesters each of applied lessons and conducted ensembles, one semester each of theory and aural skills, one semester of music history/literature and a 3- or 4-credit approved elective course. Acceptance into the Music Minor is by successful audition only.

For further information, contact:
Main Music Office, 413-545-2227
Fine Arts Center 273