Below are suggested guidelines of the order in which to take the required courses for the music major/minor. The goal is that students aim to take all the introductory, 100-level courses in their first year, the intermediate 200-level courses in their second year, and the advanced 300-level courses in their third and fourth years. In other words, it makes the most sense to take introductory courses in all areas of music composition, music theory, music history and performance before taking intermediate courses in any of these areas.Keep in mind, however, that these are only suggested guidelines. Individual students may have good reason to take certain courses out of order, based on factors such as:
(1) prior experience (or lack of experience) in certain areas;
(2) the year/semester in which they initially decide to pursue the music major;
(3) scheduling needs to accommodate double majors, minors, and/or study abroad;
(4) frequency of certain course offerings.
Students should consult with their advisors as to how to implement/adapt these guidelines to meet their individual situations. Contact your advisor, or the chair of the Music Department, with any questions or concerns.
In the first year:
- Music 102 (if not waived)
- Music 103
- Music 252 (if not waived)
- For music majors who wish to place out of MUS 252, please arrange with Professor Iskowitz to perform:
– Two pieces of comparable difficulty to Minuet in G Major by J. S. Bach. Pieces by popular artists are acceptable. Memorization is not required. You may contact Prof. Iskowitz for suggestions regarding repertoire.
– Two Scales, one major and one minor, hands together, one octave (other than C major/a minor).
– Sight-read a piece of up to eight measures in length, with hands playing together outside of a five-finger position.
- Private instruction at the 100 level
- Ensembles
In the second year:
- Music 227/227L
- Music 228/228L
- Music 231-240 “Music and Culture”
- Music 260
- Music 223 (prerequisites: 102, 103)
- Private instruction at the 100 and/or 300 level
- Ensembles
In the third and fourth years:
- Music 246 (prerequisite: 227)
- Music 337
- Music 324 (prerequisite: 228 or 260)
- Music 301, 303, 311, 341 (prerequisite: 103)
- Private instruction at the 300 level
- Ensembles