Music, Composition Emphasis, B.A.

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B.A. in Music

As a music major, a student concentrates in one of six emphases: performance, performance/musicology, composition, jazz, music technology or music education. These emphases range from 56 to 86 credits. A grade of “C” or better in any course counts toward the major, except where otherwise specified. All music majors, regardless of emphasis, take the following courses:

Core Requirements:

MUSC 125 - Theory I: Basics of Music (3.00)
MUSC 126 - Theory II: Form and Analysis (3.00)
MUSC 225 - Theory III: Counterpoint (3.00)
MUSC 226 - Theory IV: Music Writing (3.00)
MUSC 227 - Theory V: 20th Century Musical Analysis (3.00) (Music Education majors exempted)
MUSC 110 - Musicianship Laboratory I (1.00)
MUSC 111 - Musicianship Laboratory II (1.00)
MUSC 210 - Musicianship Laboratory III (1.00)
MUSC 211 - Musicianship Laboratory IV (1.00) with a grade of “B” or better in MUSC 211
MUSC 230 - Musics of the World (3.00)
MUSC 321 - Music History I (3.00)
MUSC 322 - Music History II (3.00)
MUSC 380 - Introduction to Conducting (3.00)
Eight semesters of MUSC 191 - Recital Preparation (8.00)
One upper-level elective in music or VPA (3.00)

Select one course: 3 Credits

MUSC 480 - Topics in Music, Art and Society (3.00) (Music Education majors exempted)
MUSC 485 - Selected Topics in Music History (3.00) (Music Education majors exempted)

Note:

Students planning graduate work are strongly recommended to complete the study of a language pertinent to their area of research through the 202 level.

Proficiency in Keyboard Skills

All students must pass a proficiency test, at each level, in keyboard skills or take four semesters of keyboard skills classes consisting of:

Note:

A grade of “B” or better is required in MUSC 179 . Students will be placed at the appropriate level. [4]

Total: 54 Credits

Note:

In addition to the core requirements, students must complete the requirements for one of the following emphases:

Composition Emphasis

Applied Music:

Four semesters of applied individual performance at three credits per semester study [12]
Six semesters of ensemble participation [12] with at least two semesters of participation in MUSC 309 - UMBC New Music Ensemble .
Instrumentalists are required to register for Orchestra or Wind Ensemble for the first four semesters.

Composition:

Note:

(Students must submit a portfolio of compositions to the faculty at the conclusion of MUSC 312 to be approved for continuation in the composition emphasis.)

Three semesters of:

MUSC 401 - Special Projects in Composition (3.00)

Note:

(Portfolio of compositions for the senior recital must be presented to the faculty at the completion of this course.)