Music (BA)

Evidence of Music can be traced back to the earliest records of human existence and it is more than a career, it is a passion. Whether seeking a career on the stage, in the box office, or in entertainment law, the Bachelor of Arts allows students to customize an experience that fits their current and future goals.  While students will learn all of the fundamentals and be fluent in the musical world, they will also have enough flexibility to add a minor in any field, study languages, or pursue electives in complimentary areas. 

Current Catalog Year
2024-2025
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Major / Total Credits
55 / 120
Locations
Mankato
Accreditation
NASM
National Association of Schools of Music

Program Requirements

Major Common Core

Part 1 of a three-course sequence focusing on music theory, sight-singing, ear training, and piano skills.

Prerequisites: none

Part 2 of a three-course sequence focusing on music theory, sight-singing, ear training, and piano skills.

Prerequisites: none

Part 3 of a three-course sequence focusing on music theory, sight-singing, ear training, and piano skills.

Prerequisites: none

Demonstrate mastery of musicianship skills through performance, conducting, arranging, collaboration and/or other creative activities, considering multiple musical genres. Demonstration of an awareness of social/historical context of music through a written/an or oral presentation. Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills.

Prerequisites: none

Major Restricted Electives

Music History 1 - Choose 3 Credit(s).

This writing-intensive course focuses on the repertory of Western Music from prehistory through 1800. It examines the ways that culture and patronage impacted music developments, and focuses on techniques appropriate to research, including finding, evaluating, and using sources.

Prerequisites: ENG 101, MUSC 131

Musical styles of western culture prior to 1800. There is a particular focus on developing the skills for teaching the content in K-12 teaching.

Prerequisites: MUS 231, MUS 232, ENG 101

Music History 2 - Choose 3 Credit(s).

This writing-intensive course focuses on the repertory of Western Music from 1800 to the present. It examines the ways that culture and patronage impacted music developments, and focuses on techniques appropriate to research, including finding, evaluating, and using sources.

Prerequisites: ENG 101, MUS 131

Musical styles of western culture after 1800. There is a particular focus on developing the skills for teaching the content in K-12 teaching.

Prerequisites: MUS 231, MUS 232, ENG 101

Applied Lessons - Choose 4 - 14 Credit(s).

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Introducing fundamental healthy vocal technique, practice techniques, performance practices, collaborative musicianship, stage deportment, basic solfege, and elements of critical listening. Learning skills that are applied to private study for all music majors and minors. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Private instruction in jazz. This instruction would be individualized to the areas of focus of individual students (i.e. jazz improvisation, jazz theory, jazz arranging).

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Learn to play acoustic guitar. Instruments may be available.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Private lessons on a secondary instrument. This course is designed for music teachers who wish to gain basic proficiency on instruments other than their primary instrument of study.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor required.

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor required.

Initial preparations for capstone experience through performances and possible junior recital; Advanced techniques in pedagogy; Collaborative and independent musicianship developed; Introduction to entrepreneurial skills; Service or in-service activities. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor required.

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Upper Level Jury, and consent, permission of instructor.

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor.

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor.

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor.

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor.

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor.

Audition required.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor required.

Ensembles - Choose 4 - 12 Credit(s). Additional ensembles count toward unrestricted electives

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

No audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

A select group of approximately 20 singers who perform works for small ensemble. The group tours regularly in the state and in the region. Prereq: audition required

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

A select group of wind and percussion players. Open to all students who play a band instrument. Concerts on and off campus. Prereq: audition required

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

No audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Audition required.

Prerequisites: MUS 299

No audition required.

Prerequisites: MUS 299. Permission

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Experience in accompanying. Advanced pianists may participate in chamber ensembles. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Directing and accompanying large vocal ensembles from the keyboard.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Working collaboratively with smaller vocal ensembles and vocal soloists at the keyboard in different styles and genres.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

No audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required.

Prerequisites: none

Audition required

Prerequisites: none

Lower Level Courses - Choose 6 - 18 Credit(s).

A survey of career opportunities in Music Industry.

Prerequisites: none

Examines promotions from three perspectives: 1) The promotion of music and artists. 2) The promotion of other products, services and causes through using music. 3) The presentation and promotion of oneself as a music expert.

Prerequisites: none

A general course in music appreciation. This course includes a study of styles at different periods, musical forms, and information about composers with emphasis on the elements of music and how these elements have evolved through history.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Popular music is a multi-billion dollar industry today. What is it, and where did it come from? Learn about the origins of jazz in the music of African-Americans, its growth from Dixieland through the Big Band era (with the contributions of performers like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington) to its influences on musical styles in the present day.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Rock music has fans in every country and in every culture. It really is a universal language, but it didn't start that way. It began as black Rhythm and Blues in the 40's, and through to the present, minority groups have had a major influence on the music.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

This course is a survey of music education in the United States, and it will introduce the field of music education to prospective music teachers. Students will explore the development of music in schools, skills needed for successful careers in education, as well as trends and issues in the field.

Prerequisites: none

A survey of commercially successful popular music from roughly 1900 to the present--what was the music? Who were the artists? When was it first heard, and what were the factors that contributed to its success?

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

This course is designed to provide an introduction of the organizational structures and current practices of the modern music industry with historical perspective for the music business and recording technology student.

Prerequisites: none

This course will explore the importance of creative expression within one¿s own personal journey. Through interviews, personal assessments, and class-led exploration of today¿s job market, we¿ll discuss how important an ¿artistic attitude¿ can be for modern business and each student's personal success.

Prerequisites: none

The Seminar in Music Careers is a broad overview of the exciting opportunities available to graduates interested in pursuing various careers within the music space. Sectors discussed will include the record industry, publishing and licensing, live entertainment, hospitality, education, non-profit organizations, and more. Class discussions will focus on balancing the types of jobs available while working with students to understand how to match their interests and abilities to appropriate opportunities. Additionally, students will also develop their own professional digital profiles to prepare for various career paths. Personal websites, social-media, and profiles on major job-sharing platforms like LinkedIn will be utilized.

Prerequisites: none

Prepare for, and participate in, a musical tour. Destinations will vary with each offering, and may include international experiences. Prior to travel, class sessions will deal with the music and culture of the destination. There will be additional travel expenses associated with the class. This class may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Instrumental music education majors only. Emphasis on pedagogical methods and techniques of individual instruments.

Prerequisites: none

A study of techniques, styles and trends with an emphasis on show design (music arranging, drill writing, and administration) as it relates to the contemporary marching ensemble. A combination of lecture and laboratory instruction will be utilized. Prereq: Consent of instructor.

Prerequisites: none

Upper Level Courses - Choose 15 - 27 Credit(s).

Students learn about managing a concert production, working with promoters, finding artists, and creating and negotiating contracts. The course includes participation in a concert production event.

Prerequisites: none

An introduction to musical creativity using technology, audio recording, and computer-based music. Explore audio processing, routing, and live sound design drawing from experimental cinema, electoacoustics, EDM, and contemporary music. Ability to read music is not required.

Prerequisites: none

An overview of the Music Industry including music publishing, copyright, public relations, audience development, financial management, fundraising, donor development, and grant writing.

Prerequisites: none

Examines a broad grouping of musicians, companies, and arts organizations to better understand their growth and development. By understanding the relative value propositions of these current and legacy organizations, students gain an understanding of how to place themselves within a larger cultural context.

Prerequisites: none

Covers the legal framework of the music industry in the U.S. and abroad. Emphasis is placed on the publishing business, recording contracts, vertically integrated media deals, and the entertainment business.

Prerequisites: none

Designed to explore the analytical structure of songs from their conception to production. Students examine a variety of songs and participate in songwriting, production, and analysis.

Prerequisites: none

Examines advanced aspects of songwriting composition and production. Topics include production-oriented songwriting analysis and composition and lead sheet design.

Prerequisites: none

This course is part of the instrumental music education degree program. It focuses on the pedagogy of teaching individual or groups of instruments.

Prerequisites: none

Explore the musics of the world and the cultures that they came from. Participation in off-campus musical events (concert/celebration/festival) required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Gold

This course explores the role of women composers, performers, educators and administrators in Western art music.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Prepare for, and participate in, a musical tour. Destinations will vary with each offering, and may include international experiences. Prior to travel, class sessions will deal with the music and culture of the destination. There will be additional travel expenses associated with the class.

Prerequisites: ENG 101

Part 1 of a three-course sequence in instrumental music education methods.

Prerequisites: none

Part 1 of a three-course sequence in choral music education methods.

Prerequisites: none

This pedagogical ensemble is part of the music education sequence, and this course allows students to focus on the skills needed for successful conducting in school music settings.

Prerequisites: none

This pedagogical ensemble is part of the music education sequence, and this course allows students to focus on the skills needed for successful conducting in school music settings.

Prerequisites: none

In this course music majors will learn how to market themselves, create their own brand and lay the groundwork for their post-college careers. The course will cover the basics of self-assessment, bio writing, resume building, networking, self-promotion, professional communications and presentations, e-portfolios, social media and other strategies used by professional musicians.

Prerequisites: none

The Seminar in Music Careers is a broad overview of the exciting opportunities available to graduates interested in pursuing various careers within the music space. Sectors discussed will include the record industry, publishing and licensing, live entertainment, hospitality, education, non-profit organizations, and more. Class discussions will focus on balancing the types of jobs available while working with students to understand how to match their interests and abilities to appropriate opportunities. Additionally, students will also develop their own professional digital profiles to prepare for various career paths. Personal websites, social-media, and profiles on major job-sharing platforms like LinkedIn will be utilized.

Prerequisites: none

Electronic Orchestration is a course that explores electronic sound design, synthesis, and production techniques.

Prerequisites: none

Kindergarten and elementary grades. For elementary education majors only.

Prerequisites: none

Required of all music education majors. Techniques and methods leading to licensure to teach General Music K-12. Music majors only.

Prerequisites: none

Required of all music education majors. Techniques and methods leading to licensure to teach General Music in grades 6-12. Music majors only.

Prerequisites: none

This pedagogical ensemble is part of the music education sequence, and this course allows students to focus on the skills needed for successful teaching in school music settings.

Prerequisites: none

Applying the International Phonetic Alphabet to song texts in English, French, Italian, Spanish and German.

Prerequisites: none

Significant musical forms, past and present.

Prerequisites: none

An independent study in compositional techniques.

Prerequisites: Consent

Writing techniques for instrumental groups of various types.

Prerequisites: none

Writing and analyzing 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part counterpoint.

Prerequisites: none

Class and/or individual projects for music industry majors only.

Prerequisites: none

Music Industry Composition Seminar is a composition class for advanced music industry and composition students. Topics include artistic critiques, song form analysis, and production topics.

Prerequisites: none

Film Scoring and Multimedia is a course that examines historical trends in film scoring, from orchestral scores to electronic scoring. Students will be able to work with both audio and visual components, developing their own visual material, and create short electronic film scores using common electronic synthesis techniques.

Prerequisites: MUSC 111, MUSC 112

A survey of solo and small ensemble vocal literature through classical art song, musical theater and contemporary styles.

Prerequisites: none

Principles of applied voice instruction and application of healthy vocal techniques.

Prerequisites: none

Technical problems in relationship to different styles.

Prerequisites: none

A survey of literature for the keyboard from the early baroque to the present.

Prerequisites: none

Part 2 of a three-course sequence in instrumental music education methods.

Prerequisites: none

Part 3 of a three-course sequence in choral music methods.

Prerequisites: none

Topics to be discussed are methods, literature, and teaching techniques for specific wind, percussion, and stringed instruments.

Prerequisites: none

The second of a three-semester sequence focusing on conducting and administrating school instrumental programs.

Prerequisites: none

Part 3 of a three-course sequence in instrumental music education methods.

Prerequisites: none

Selected Topics.

Prerequisites: none

Demonstrate mastery of musicianship skills through performance, conducting, arranging, collaboration and/or other creative activities, considering multiple musical genres. Demonstration of an awareness of social/historical context of music through a written/an or oral presentation. Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills.

Prerequisites: none

Other Graduation Requirements

Choose 8 credit(s): take one series Language

Degree Plan

First Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Part 1 of a three-course sequence focusing on music theory, sight-singing, ear training, and piano skills.

Prerequisites: none

Musical styles of western culture prior to 1800. There is a particular focus on developing the skills for teaching the content in K-12 teaching.

Prerequisites: MUS 231, MUS 232, ENG 101

Spring - 15 Credits

Part 2 of a three-course sequence focusing on music theory, sight-singing, ear training, and piano skills.

Prerequisites: none

This writing-intensive course focuses on the repertory of Western Music from 1800 to the present. It examines the ways that culture and patronage impacted music developments, and focuses on techniques appropriate to research, including finding, evaluating, and using sources.

Prerequisites: ENG 101, MUS 131

Second Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Part 3 of a three-course sequence focusing on music theory, sight-singing, ear training, and piano skills.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 14 Credits

Third Year

Fall - 17 Credits

Spring - 14 Credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Spring - 14 Credits

Demonstrate mastery of musicianship skills through performance, conducting, arranging, collaboration and/or other creative activities, considering multiple musical genres. Demonstration of an awareness of social/historical context of music through a written/an or oral presentation. Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills.

Prerequisites: none