Music Major (BA)
College: College of Arts & Humanities
- Communicate an understanding of the academic and musical skills necessary for success in the profession (knowledge-based, performance skill).\\n\\n
- Perform and evaluate music using aesthetic skills as a soloist and ensemble member. (knowledge-based, performance skill).
- Act as a socially responsible member of the profession through working effectively with others toward a common goal in university ensembles (affective behavior).
Requirements for the Music Major
An audition/interview and faculty approval is required for admission to the music major or minor. Auditions are held in February, March, May, and August. Prospective students who audition before March 31 are eligible for scholarship consideration. For detailed audition information and registration, visit the Music Department website at www.uwp.edu.
Late entry into the music program will prolong the time required to complete the degree. Course sequences in music begin in the first semester of the freshmen year. Courses should be taken in the sequence outlined in the music website. Students who take fewer credits than the recommended course load prolong the time required for graduation. Music Department policies may be viewed or downloaded at www.uwp.edu.
Re-entry Policy
Students are encouraged to complete degree requirements by continuous study. In the event of an enrollment gap of one year or more, a re-audition and transcript evaluation is required. In such cases, students may be required to repeat specific courses.
Transfer Students
Transfer students must audition for admission to the Music Department. Based on the audition, transcript evaluation and music faculty advising, transfer students will be placed at the appropriate level of applied music instruction, music theory and piano class. Students must complete at least 30 credits, including 15 credits of upper-level courses in the major, at UW- Parkside.
The Music Department core courses are a strong foundation for study in concentrations that prepare students for careers in music. Each music major student must complete the core courses and a concentration to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in music.
Piano music majors and minors must pass a keyboard proficiency examination. This examination may exempt them from the piano class requirement (MUSP 150 Class Piano I/MUSP 151 Class Piano II).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| MUSI 120 | Music Theory I | 2 |
| MUSI 121 | Music Theory II | 2 |
| MUSI 221 | Music Theory III | 2 |
| MUSI 321 | Music Theory IV | 2 |
| Select 1 course: | ||
| MUSI 330 | Music History I: 450-1750 | 3 |
| or MUSI 331 | Music History II: 1750-Present | |
| MUSP 1 | Concert Attendance (6 semesters with a grade of “CR”) | 0 |
| MUSP 102 | Large Music Ensemble (8 semesters, 1 credit each) 2 | 8 |
| MUSP 135 | Aural Music Theory I | 1 |
| MUSP 136 | Aural Music Theory II | 1 |
| MUSP 150 | Class Piano I | 2 |
| MUSP 151 | Class Piano II | 2 |
| MUSP 236 | Aural Music Theory III | 1 |
| MUSP 336 | Aural Music Theory IV | 1 |
| MUSA | Applied Instrument/Performance Lab 1 | 12 |
| Required Core Courses Subtotal | 39 | |
| Concentrations in Music | ||
| Choose one concentration | 18-52 | |
| Concentrations in Music Subtotal | 18-52 | |
| Total Credits | 57-91 | |
- 1
Completion of second semester of the 300 level (appropriate to the student’s principal instrument) is required. Each course is 1 or 2 credits depending on level of study and major/minor status. For majors enrolled in 1-, 2- or 3-hundred levels, concurrent enrollment in the corresponding Performance Lab (MUSA 101 Performance Lab I, MUSA 201 Performance Lab II or MUSA 301 Performance Lab III) for 1 credit is required. Students in 400 level applied study are not required to attend Performance Lab. Concurrent registration in Large Ensemble appropriate to the student’s principal instrument is required.
- 2
Enrollment in the section of Large Ensemble appropriate to the student’s principal instrument is required for majors. Each course is 1 credit per semester.
Music students may apply MUSI 104 Music Appreciation and 3 credits of MUSP 102 Large Music Ensemble towards General Education requirements.
Concentrations in Music
All music majors must complete a concentration and should choose one relevant to their career interests and intent.
Music Performance Concentration
Students who aspire to a career in professional performance should plan on pursuing advanced studies in a graduate school of music. The music performance concentration is designed to give students a thorough background appropriate for acceptance into a graduate program in applied music. A full faculty audition is required for acceptance into the music performance concentration on completion of the applied music sophomore level.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses for all Instruments | ||
| MUSA 300 | Junior Recital | 1 |
| MUSA 400 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| MUSA | Applied Music at the 400 level (two semesters, two credits each) | 4 |
| MUSI 331 | Music History II: 1750-Present 1 | 3 |
| MUSP 224 | Jazz Improvisation I | 1 |
| MUSP 240 | Sound Production I | 2 |
| or MUSP 342 | Conducting | |
| MUSP 250 | Class Piano III For Music Educators | 2 |
| Required Courses for all Instruments Subtotal | 15 | |
| Music Elective Courses outside Core | 2 | |
| Select one option based on primary instrument: | 3 | |
For voice: | ||
| Diction | ||
For strings, winds, percussion select 3 semesters of following: | ||
| Chamber Music: Brass Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Music: Classical Guitar Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Music: Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Music: Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Music: String Ensemble | ||
For piano, 3 semesters: | ||
| Advanced Keyboard Accompanying and Chamber Music Performance | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
Students with this concentration must use MUSI 330 in Core since MUSI 331 is required here.
Students are required to submit an application for recital approval in the semester preceding their junior and senior recitals.
Jazz Studies and Performance Concentration
This program supplements the music major with additional study and experience in jazz improvisation, jazz performance styles, and academic study of jazz history and jazz theory. Students who aspire to a career in professional jazz performance should plan on pursuing advanced studies in a graduate school of music. The jazz studies concentration is designed to give students a thorough background appropriate for acceptance into a graduate program in applied music. Additional ensemble requirements are expected for jazz concentration students, please refer to the large ensemble section of the catalog. A full faculty audition is required for acceptance into this jazz focused performance concentration on completion of the applied music sophomore level.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSA 300 | Junior Recital | 1 |
| MUSA 400 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| MUSA | Applied Music at the 400 level (2 semesters, 2 credits each) | 4 |
| MUSI 346 | Jazz History | 3 |
| Large Music Ensemble (Jazz Ensemble section) 4 semesters | 4 | |
| Large Music Ensemble | ||
| MUSP 224 | Jazz Improvisation I | 1 |
| MUSP 323 | Jazz Improvisation II | 1 |
| Jazz Combo 3 semesters | 3 | |
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Required courses total | 19 | |
| Music Electives outside Core | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 23 | |
Contemporary Commercial Music Concentration
For students focusing on contemporary approaches to music, this concentration provides training and experiences in various genres including but not limited to jazz, pop, rock, musical theatre, and more. The concentration includes flexible pathways for students who wish to focus on performance, composition, and/or sound design and production. Students have the opportunity to showcase their talents through recitals, contemporary commercial music-focused ensembles, and capstone projects. Potential careers of this concentration include studio musicians, music producers, media composers, theatre and/or video sound design, voiceover singers, singer/songwriters, and sound production. A full faculty audition is required for acceptance into this contemporary commercial music concentration on completion of the applied music sophomore level.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSP 224 | Jazz Improvisation I | 1 |
| MUSP 240 | Sound Production I | 2 |
| 300-level Music History Course (outside Core) | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Music History I: 450-1750 1 | ||
or MUSI 331 | Music History II: 1750-Present | |
| World Music | ||
| American Popular Music | ||
| Jazz History | ||
| Select ensemble courses (2 semesters): | 2 | |
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble | ||
| Contemporary Commercial Music Ensmble | ||
| Contemporary Capstone Performances | 3 | |
| Select from: | ||
| Junior Recital | ||
| Senior Recital | ||
MUSP 300 | ||
| Required courses total | 11 | |
| Elective Courses | 12 | |
| For students focusing on performance, take 4 semesters of an ensemble listed below and 2 semesters of applied lessons. | ||
| For students focusing on composition and sound design, take at least 12 credits of composition and sound design electives. | ||
| Select from: | ||
| Applied Music (MUSA) at the 400-level (2 semesters, 2 credits each) | ||
| Ensembles | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble | ||
| Contemporary Commercial Music Ensmble | ||
| Composition and Sound Design Electives | ||
| Special Topics in Music 2 | ||
| Sound Production II | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Total Credits | 23 | |
- 1
Can choose whichever course was not used in Core.
- 2
MUSI 490 Special Topics include: Songwriting (2cr), Mixing Techniques (3cr), Digital Orchestration (3cr), Sound Design (3cr)
Music Education Concentration
The UW-Parkside music education curriculum is approved for DPI licensure. An audition/interview is required for admission to the music education concentration. The educator development program (EDU) requires an admission process. Please contact the music education faculty for information regarding music teacher licensure.
In addition to the music core requirements, the following courses are required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Music Courses | ||
| MUSE 300 | Music Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| MUSE 302 | General Music Methods I: Elementary | 3 |
| MUSE 304 | General Music Methods II: Secondary | 3 |
| MUSI 332 | World Music | 3 |
| MUSP 240 | Sound Production I | 2 |
| MUSP 250 | Class Piano III For Music Educators | 2 |
| MUSP 342 | Conducting | 2 |
| MUSP 345 | Instrumental Conducting and Arranging | 3 |
| or MUSP 346 | Choral Conducting and Arranging | |
| Required Music Courses Subtotal | 21 | |
| Methods Courses | ||
| Select one combination: | ||
| Methods of Elementary and Middle School Choral Music and Methods of Teaching Secondary Choral Music | ||
| Methods of Elementary and Middle School Instrumental Music and Methods of Teaching Secondary Instrumental Music | ||
| Methods Courses Subtotal | 6 | |
| Instrumental Techniques Courses | ||
| Choose in consultation with Music Education faculty. | ||
| Select from: | ||
| Class Piano IV For Choral Education | ||
| Instrumental Techniques and Pedagogy-Brass | ||
| Instrumental Techniques and Pedagogy-Percussion | ||
| Instrumental Techniques and Pedagogy-Strings | ||
| Instrumental Techniques and Pedagogy-Woodwinds | ||
| Instrumental Techniques and Pedagogy-Guitar | ||
| Vocal Techniques | ||
| Instrumental Techniques Courses Subtotal | 4 | |
| Required EDU Courses | ||
| EDU 300 | Creating Effective Learning Environments | 1 |
| EDU 310 | Family, School, and Community Partnerships | 1 |
| EDU 322 | Teaching Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| EDU 420 | Residency Seminar | 2 |
| EDU 425 | Residency (Student Teaching) | 10 |
| EDU 430 | Using Action Research to Improve Instruction | 2 |
| EDU 440 | Teacher Preparation Portfolio Design | 2 |
| Required EDU Courses Subtotal | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Liberal Arts Concentration
This concentration provides students with a breadth of knowledge in liberal studies and may lead to graduate level studies in music history or ethnomusicology with the help and advice of a music faculty advisor. This option is based in flexibility of study. Help from an advisor is required to navigate course pre-requisites needed to gain access to upper division credits in the various departments.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 300-level Music History Course (outside Core) | ||
| Select 1 course: | 3 | |
| Music History I: 450-1750 1 | ||
or MUSI 331 | Music History II: 1750-Present | |
| World Music | ||
| American Popular Music | ||
| Jazz History | ||
| Upper Division Elective Courses outside Music Core (any department) | 12 | |
| Required Music Capstone | ||
| MUSI 489 | Music Senior Seminar 2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Can choose whichever course was not used in Core.
- 2
Or senior capstone course in other department.
Applied Music Requirement
Private Instruction in music performance is available to music majors and minors under the prefix MUSA, for applied music. Concurrent registration in an academic course in music and appropriate large ensemble are required. (See Large Ensemble Requirement section for further information).
Instruction is offered in piano, organ, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, classical guitar, harp, harpsichord, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, voice, and percussion. Consult the Music Department Chair for details. Course numbers indicate the level of study. Freshman, sophomore, and junior levels are 1-credit courses that require concurrent enrollment in the correlating Performance Lab (MUSA 101 Performance Lab I, MUSA 201 Performance Lab II or MUSA 301 Performance Lab III), which is also 1 credit. Senior levels are 2-credit courses and do not require concurrent enrollment in Performance Lab. The applied levels are indicated by an initial number of 1, 2, 3, or 4. Music minor students and music majors who study a secondary instrument enroll in the first semester of 100 level for 1 credit only.
Successful completion of a full faculty jury is required for enrollment at the 300-level. Students must demonstrate a breadth of musical styles and genres at the full faculty jury as well as the musicality and technical mastery of their instrument that are, in the judgment of the faculty, appropriate for admission to upper division applied study. To be granted access to a full faculty jury, the student must complete or be in the process of completing MUSI 121 Music Theory II and MUSP 136 Aural Music Theory II with a grade of C or better. No student may take the full faculty jury more than twice. Students who do not pass full faculty jury in their second attempt will be dropped from the music major.
Completion of the second semester 300 applied level is required for graduation in the music major.
Large Ensemble Requirement
While all students are encouraged to play and/or sing in departmental large ensembles, the department requires all applied music students (full-time and part-time) to participate in an ensemble. Large ensemble graduation requirement is 8 credits for all music majors. Only the following ensembles are considered to be large ensembles:
Chorale (MUSP 102 Large Music Ensemble section 001)
Wind Ensemble (MUSP 102 Large Music Ensemble section 002)
Parkside Symphony (MUSP 102 Large Music Ensemble section 003)
Voice as primary instrument - enrollment in Chorale is required in every semester of full-time enrollment.
Orchestral String as primary instrument - enrollment in Parkside Symphony is required in every semester of full-time enrollment.
Band Instrument as primary instrument - enrollment in Wind Ensemble is required in every semester of full-time enrollment.
Classical Guitar as primary instrument - any of the three required large ensembles (Chorale, Wind Ensemble or Parkside Symphony) in consultation with their music advisor. Classical guitar majors may substitute 4 credits of their large ensemble requirement for 4 credits of guitar ensemble.
Keyboard as primary instrument - any of the three required large ensembles (Chorale, Wind Ensemble or Parkside Symphony) in consultation with their music advisor. Keyboard majors may substitute 4 credits of their large ensemble requirement for 4 credits of piano accompanying.
Jazz studies concentration students are expected to be enrolled in jazz ensemble and in 4 semesters of jazz combo (MUSP 366 Jazz Combo) in addition to their large ensemble requirement.
Contemporary Commercial Music – Voice Emphasis concentration students may substitute up to 2 credits of Large Ensemble with enrollment in any of the courses below during their year of 400-level applied study: MUSP 368 Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble –or- MUSP 369 Contemporary Commercial Music Ensmble.
General University Degree Requirements (Bachelor's Degree)
In addition to individual program requirements, students must also fulfill the following requirements:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Skills | 7-8 |
| General Education | 36 |
| Foreign Language** | 6-8 |
| Ethnic Diversity | 3 |
| Total | 52-55 |
** Transfer students in sustainable management, and health information management and technology collaborative, online degree-completion programs, the business management online degree-completion program, and the flexible option degree-completion program will be exempt from the university’s foreign language requirement. See appropriate academic section for further information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | ||
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Reading | 3 |
| Computational Skills | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| College Mathematics with Applications | ||
| College Algebra I | ||
| Total Credits | 7-8 | |
Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Minimum Total Credits | 120 |
| Upper Level Credits (300 level or above) | 36 |
| Residency | 30 |
Cumulative Degree GPA: 2.0 minimum