The music department offers a major within the framework of a Bachelor of Arts
degree. The overarching goal of the program is to provide a solid
foundation in music history, theory and performance within a liberal arts
context, and by so doing to prepare students who wish to pursue a variety of
interests, including further study in music and Massachusetts Teacher Licensure.
In addition, the Music Department offers a minor for those students pursuing a
BA or BS degree in other majors, as well as courses that satisfy the
university-wide Core Curriculum Requirements. Private instruction is given in
piano, guitar, voice and orchestral and band instruments; a performance study
fee is charged for these lessons. Performing organizations are also
available for both singers and instrumentalists.
A student wishing to major or minor in music should consult with the department
chairperson as early as possible. Certain courses may be waived pending
consultation with the music department chairperson and/or completion of
proficiency tests.
A formal audition is required for acceptance into the music major. There is no audition requirement for acceptance into the music minor. Auditions are held in February, March and November. For further details please consult the auditions page.
A student majoring in music must earn 49 credits by combining required
courses and electives. In addition, a piano proficiency examination, which
addresses basic competencies, must be passed. Specific musical examples
and guidelines are available from the music department chair.
Alternatively, the proficiency requirements may be met by successful completion
of MUSC 440.
The Department of Music will permit its majors to use only one passing grade
below C- to satisfy requirements in the music major (including both the required
core courses and electives). An additional grade below C- will require the
student to take another music course, chosen in consultation with his or her
adviser. The required core courses are designed to develop competence in
theory, history, musicianship and performance:
| Required Courses: | CREDITS | |
| MUSC 162 | Music in African Culture | 3 |
| or | ||
| MUSC 163 | Music of the Non-Western World | 3 |
| MUSC 270 | Sight-Singing and Ear-Training I | 3 |
| MUSC 271 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUSC 272 | Sight-Singing and Ear-Training II | 3 |
| MUSC 273 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUSC 281 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUSC 282 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUSC 351 | Conducting | 3 |
| MUSC 372 | Form and Analysis I: 1700-1900 | 3 |
| MUSC 472 | Form and Analysis II: The Twentieth Century | 3 |
| Ensembles: | 7 | |
| MUSC 109 |
Beginning
African Drumming Ensemble
|
|
| MUSC 111 | Marching Band | |
| MUSC 112 | Wind Ensemble | |
| MUSC 113 | Jazz Band | |
| MUSC 115 | Instrumental Ensemble | |
| MUSC 118 | Chorale | |
| MUSC 119 | Vocal Ensemble | |
| MUSC 183 | String Ensemble | |
Note: Students may apply only one ensemble credit per semester toward the
major. No more than 3 credits may be taken in MUSC 111 and no more than 2
credits can be taken in MUSC 109 or MUSC 115.
Students are expected to meet music technology requirements by either
demonstrating proficiency in music technology or by taking MUSC 191 Introduction
to Music Technology prior to taking MUSC 271 Music Theory I.
| CREDITS | ||
| Performance Studies (6 credits, including at least one semester at the 300 level): | 6 | |
|
MUSC 121, 221, 321, 421 |
Brass | |
|
MUSC 122, 222, 322, 422 |
Percussion | |
|
MUSC 123, 223, 323, 423 |
Strings (Violin,Viola) | |
|
MUSC 124, 224, 324, 424 |
Woodwinds | |
|
MUSC 125 225, 325, 425 |
Guitar | |
|
MUSC 126, 226, 326, 426 |
Strings (Cello, Bass) | |
|
MUSC 131, 231, 331, 431 |
Voice (Singing) | |
|
MUSC 141, 241, 341, 441 |
Piano | |
| Music History Elective from: | 3 | |
| MUSC 363 | Music of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi (Writing Intensive in the Major Core Curriculum Requirement-CWRM) | |
| MUSC 364 | Music of the Classical and Romantic Periods (Writing Intensive in the Major Core Curriculum Requirement-CWRM) | |
| MUSC 367 | Music by Women Composers (Writing Intensive in the Major Core Curriculum Requirement-CWRM) | |
| MUSC 369 | Music of the Twentieth Century | |
| Elective: The remaining history electives above, or | 3 | |
| MUSC 371 | Counterpoint | |
| MUSC 373 | Composition I | |
| MUSC 374 | Composition II | |
| MUSC 399 | Special Topics in Music | |
| MUSC 456 | Methods in Music Education | |
| MUSC 499 | Directed Study in Music | |
Piano Proficiency Requirement: Completion of MUSC 440 Advanced Keyboard Skills with a grade of “C” or above.
Recital Requirement:
All music majors must attend a specific, assigned number of on-campus recitals every semester they are registered as music majors (Recitals in which the student is performing will not be counted toward this requirement). Specifics concerning these recitals (which will generally include First Friday recitals, Faculty Artist Series recitals, and student recitals), along with the minimum number required, will be posted in the Music Department at the start of each semester. A student who fails to meet the minimum requirement for every semester he or she is enrolled as a music major will not be permitted to graduate as a music major.
Total minimum credits: 49
Core Curriculum Requirements
A minimum of 120 earned hours is required for graduation. These earned
hours include Core Curriculum Requirements as specified in the “Undergraduate
Academic Programs” section of the catalog. For additional graduation
requirements, see the “Undergraduate Academic Policies” section of the catalog.
Music Education Concentration
The music department offers a music education concentration, which allows prospective music educators to earn a bachelor of arts degree in music with a concentration in music education. This program is designed for students who wish to earn Massachusetts state licensure for teaching Music (all levels) within their undergraduate experience. Students should review the requirements for the music major, listed above, especially as regards ensemble credits and music technology proficiency.
For a complete description of the Music Education program at Bridgewater State University, please visit the Music Education Program page.
The following courses are required to complete the music education concentration:
| Required Courses: | CREDITS | |
| MUSC 270 | Sight-Singing and Ear-Training I | 3 |
| MUSC 271 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUSC 273 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUSC 281 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUSC 282 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUSC 372 | Form and Analysis I: 1700-1900 | 3 |
| Cognate Requirements | ||
| MUSC 166 | Survey of American Jazz | 3 |
| PSYC 227 | Development through the Life Cycle | 3 |
| SPED 203 | Cultural Diversity Issues in School and Society | 3 |
| Ensembles*: | 5 | |
| MUSC 112 |
Wind Ensemble
|
|
| MUSC 113 | Jazz Band | |
| MUSC 115 | Instrumental Ensemble | |
| MUSC 118 | Chorale | |
| MUSC 119 | Vocal Ensemble | |
| MUSC 183 | String Ensemble | |
Note: Some of the required courses listed above also fulfill certain Core Curriculum Requirements.
* Students seeking Initial Licensure in music will be required to participate in a large ensemble (Wind Ensemble or Chorale) for a minimum of 6 semesters of which only 5 semesters must be for credit.
| CREDITS | ||
| Performance Studies: (4 credits. At least one semester at the 300 level and at least one semester in a secondary performance medium (voice for an instrumentalist; instrument for vocalist) must be completed: | 4 | |
|
MUSC 121, 221, 321, 421 |
Brass | |
|
MUSC 122, 222, 322, 422 |
Percussion | |
|
MUSC 123, 223, 323, 423 |
Strings (Violin,Viola) | |
|
MUSC 124, 224, 324, 424 |
Woodwinds | |
|
MUSC 125 225, 325, 425 |
Guitar | |
|
MUSC 126, 226, 326, 426 |
Strings (Cello, Bass) | |
|
MUSC 131, 231, 331, 431 |
Voice (Singing) | |
|
MUSC 141, 241, 341, 441 |
Piano | |
| Additional Required Courses: | ||
| MUSC 351 | Conducting | 3 |
| MUSC 375 | Orchestration and Arranging (instrumental emphasis) | 3 |
| or | ||
| MUSC 455 | Creative Activities in Elementary School Music (vocal emphasis) | 3 |
| MUSC 388 | Instrumental Techniques | 3 |
| MUSC 456 | Methods in Music Education | 3 |
| MUSC 483 | Choral Techniques | 3 |
| MUSC --- | Music History Elective | 3 |
Students seeking Initial Licensure must also declare a minor in secondary education and complete the following courses (See the “Secondary Education and Preprofessional Programs” section of the catalog):
| CREDITS | ||
| EDHM 210 | Introduction to Teaching | 3 |
| EDHM 235 | Learning and Motivation | 3 |
| EDHM 335 | Assessment and Planning | 3 |
| EDHM 413 | Strategies for Teaching Music | 3 |
| EDHM 445 | Content Area Reading, Writing and Study Skills | 3 |
| EDHM 490 | Student Teaching** | 3 |
** As a minimum prerequisite to student teaching, students will be required
to pass a Music Education Piano Proficiency Exam, which may necessitate private
lessons.
Total minimum credits: 87
Core Curriculum Requirements
A minimum of 120 earned hours is required for graduation. These earned
hours include Core Curriculum Requirements as specified in the “Undergraduate
Academic Programs” section of the catalog. For additional graduation
requirements, see the “Undergraduate Academic Policies” section of the catalog.
Students may choose a double major in Music and Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education or Special Education for certification purposes. Appropriate advising materials with suggested course sequences are available.
Minor in Education (All Levels)
Students minoring in education must refer to the “Department of Secondary
Education and Professional Programs” for specific requirements, and consult with
the Music Department for additional information.
Students should review the requirements for the music major, listed above, especially as regards ensemble credits, music technology proficiency and keyboard proficiency.
| Required Courses: | CREDITS | |
| MUSC 140 | Class Piano I | 3 |
| MUSC 270 | Sight-Singing and Ear-Training I | 3 |
| or | ||
| MUSC 272 | Sight-Singing and Ear-Training II | 3 |
| MUSC 271 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUSC 281 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUSC 281 | Music History I | 3 |
| or | ||
| MUSC 282 | Music History II | 3 |
| Ensembles: | 3 | |
| MUSC 112 | Wind Ensemble | |
| MUSC 113 | Jazz Band | |
| MUSC 115 | Instrumental Ensemble | |
| MUSC 118 | Chorale | |
| MUSC 119 | Vocal Ensemble | |
| MUSC 183 | String Ensemble | |
| Elective Courses: | 6 | |
| Performance Studies (maximum of 4 credits): | ||
|
MUSC 121, 221, 321, 421 |
Brass | |
|
MUSC 122, 222, 322, 422 |
Percussion | |
|
MUSC 123, 223, 323, 423 |
Strings (Violin,Viola) | |
|
MUSC 124, 224, 324, 424 |
Woodwinds | |
|
MUSC 125 225, 325, 425 |
Guitar | |
|
MUSC 126, 226, 326, 426 |
Strings (Cello, Bass) | |
|
MUSC 131, 231, 331, 431 |
Voice (Singing) | |
|
MUSC 141, 241, 341, 441 |
Piano | |
| Additional Electives: | ||
| MUSC 130 | Voice Class I | |
| or | ||
| MUSC 230 | Voice Class II | |
| MUSC 162 | Music in African Culture | |
| MUSC 166 | Survey of American Jazz | |
| MUSC 167 | The Music of Black Americans | |
| MUSC 272 | Sight-Singing and Ear-Training II | |
| MUSC 273 | Music Theory II | |
| MUSC 274 | Creating Music | |
| MUSC 281 | Music History I | |
| or | ||
| MUSC 282 | Music History II | |
| MUSC 364 | Music of the Classical and Romantic Periods | |
| MUSC 366 | American Music of the Twentieth Century | |
| MUSC 367 | Music by Women Composers | |
| MUSC 371 | Counterpoint | |
| MUSC 372 | Form and Analysis I: 1700-1900 | |
| MUSC 399 | Special Topics in Music | |
| MUSC 499 | Directed Study in Music | |
Total minimum credits: 18
Last Modified: December 14, 2011