Music Degrees Online

All music majors receive training in applied music, music theory, music history, and, where appropriate, professional training specific to a particular field. Each student receives private instruction in his or her principal applied area (such as piano, trumpet, or voice), participates in musical ensembles (such as wind ensemble, orchestra, choir, or jazz band), and is afforded a multitude of opportunities to grow and develop as a musician. Students develop keyboard skills in a state-of-the-art piano lab and have their musical training enhanced in a Computer Assisted Instruction lab.

The music department offers a two-year program for students planning to major in music at a four-year institution and courses for students who are simply interested in improving their individual skills and understanding of music. Departmental offerings include music theory, conducting, electronic music and recording technology, music composition, songwriting, music history and music appreciation

The Department also offers opportunities to develop individual music skills in guitar, piano, voice and other instruments as well as performing experience in auditioned and nonauditioned ensembles. SLCC’s award-winning performing ensembles provide an important contribution to the college and the community at large, performing in numerous venues for a variety of functions. They have also served as an ambassador for the college, representing SLCC and the surrounding community. See Performance Schedule for a schedule of upcoming performances by college ensembles.

The Music Department offers an innovative music curriculum combined with cutting edge music technology. Studies in music theory, history, acoustics, aesthetics, and performance are complemented by MIDI composition and audio recording/editing, using the highest quality, most current studio equipment and computers. Structured according to established national guidelines, we provide a well-balanced and integrated program.

The courses offered to the general student by the Department of Music are designed to:
Provide an opportunity for every student to explore the resources for personal enrichment to be found in music.
Provide alternative areas of study to students in their quest to become liberally educated persons.
Contribute to the cultural life of the University and community.

Required Courses - Elementary Education Major

Course Credits
Applied Music 4
Music Theory I - II 6
Aural Skills I - II 2
Keyboard Skills I - II 2
Writing and Speaking about Music 3
Music History I or II 3
Methods of Teaching Primary Music 2
Total Hours Required 22

Required Courses - Liberal Arts Major

Course Credits
Applied Music 4
Music Theory I - II 6
Aural Skills I - II 2
Keyboard Skills I - II 2
Writing and Speaking about Music 3
Music History I or II 3
Total Hours Required 20

Professional Degree Music Core Requirements

Course Credits
Music Theory I - IV 12
Aural Skills I - IV 4
Keyboard Skills I - IV 4
Form and Analysis 2
Conducting 3
Writing and Speaking about Music 3
Music History I - II 6
Perspective in Non-Western Music 3
Total Hours Required for Music Core 37

Music Education K-12 Requirements

Music Education majors must complete the requirements for one of the following emphases:

Choral Emphasis

Course Credits
Applied Voice
(Vocal Emphasis only)
(6 semester minimum)
or 6
Applied Piano
(Keyboard Emphasis only)
(7 semester minimum) 7
Vocal Technique 3
Diction for Singers
(Vocal Emphasis Only) 4
Brass Methods 1
Percussion Methods 1
String Methods 1
Woodwind Methods 1
Music in the Primary School 3
Music in the Middle
and Secondary Schools 3

Large Ensemble
(every semester except
Student Teaching Semester) 7
Senior Recital/Project 0
Total Hours Required for Emphasis 26-29
Total Hours Required for Major 63-66

Instrumental Emphasis

Course Credits
Applied Music, Major Area
(7 semester minimum) 7
Vocal Methods 1
Brass Methods 1
Percussion Methods 1
String Methods 1
Woodwind Methods 1
Music in the Middle
and Secondary Schools 3
Music in the Primary School 2
Orchestration 2
Large Ensemble
(every semester until graduation) 7
Senior Recital/Project 0
Total Hours Required for Emphasis 26
Total Hours Required for Major 63

Music Core Required Courses

Course Credits
Applied Music, Major Area 8
Music Theory I - IV 12
Aural Skills I - IV 4
Keyboard Skills I - IV 4
Writing and Speaking about Music 3
Music History I - II 6
Perspectives in Non- Western Music 3
Music Electives 4
Senior Project/Recital 1
Large Ensemble (every semester until graduation) 8
Total Hours Required for Major 53

Music Minor (20 credits):
A. Basic musicianship courses; all of the following:
MU130 Music Fundamentals I*
MU131 Music Fundamentals II*
MU160 Music Theory I
MU170 Ear Training I

B. The following course:
MU150 Experiencing Music

C. Music history; one of the following:
MU255 Jazz History
MU341 Music History I
MU342 Music History II

D. 4 semesters of private instruction in major performing instrument.

E. 6 semesters of ensembles; at least 3 semesters must be for credit.

*MU130 and MU131 II, or equivalent proficiency, are prerequisites for MU160. All students must take an initial placement exam to determine theory proficiency.

A. Music Core:
MU125 Keyboard Musicianship I
MU126 Keyboard Musicianship II
MU130 Music Fundamentals I*
MU131 Music Fundamentals II*
MU150 Experiencing Music
MU160 Music Theory I
MU165 Music Theory II
MU170 Ear Training I
MU175 Ear Training II
MU260 Music Theory III
MU270 Ear Training III
MU299 Sophomore Review
MU300 Electronic Music & MIDI
MU341 Music History I
MU342 Music History II
MU382 Conducting
MU383 Arranging

B. Performance Studies:
Applied Lessons: minimum of seven semesters of private lessons on a major instrument or voice.
Ensembles: minimum of seven semesters of participation in one or more vocal or instrumental. ensembles.

*MU130 Music Fundamentals and MU131 Music Fundamentals II, or equivalent proficiency, are prerequisites for MU160 Music Theory I. All students take an initial placement exam to determine theory proficiency.

C. Six to twelve music electives credits (that may reflect individual interest and career goals).

A. Music Core:
MU125 Keyboard Musicianship I
MU126 Keyboard Musicianship II
MU130 Music Fundamentals I*
MU131 Music Fundamentals II*
MU150 Experiencing Music
MU160 Music Theory I
MU165 Music Theory II
MU170 Ear Training I
MU175 Ear Training II
MU260 Music Theory III
MU270 Ear Training III
MU299 Sophomore Review
MU300 Electronic Music & MIDI
MU341 Music History I
MU342 Music History II
MU382 Conducting
MU383 Arranging

B. Performance Studies:
Applied Lessons: minimum of seven semesters of private lessons on a major instrument or voice.
Ensembles: minimum of seven semesters of participation in one or more vocal or instrumental. ensembles.

*MU130 Music Fundamentals and MU131 Music Fundamentals II, or equivalent proficiency, are prerequisites for MU160 Music Theory I. All students take an initial placement exam to determine theory proficiency.

C. Recital requirements:
MU390 Junior Recital (half recital)
MU490 Senior Recital (full recital)

D. Either D or E or F:
Keyboard Emphasis; the following courses:
MU366 Piano Pedagogy
MU367 Piano Literature

E. Either D or E or F
Voice Emphasis; the following courses:
MU374 Vocal Pedagogy
MU375 Vocal Literature

F. Either D or E or F
Instrument Emphasis; the following courses:
MU450 Survey of Literature
MU451 Special Topics: Pedagogy

G. The following courses:
MU360 20th Century Analysis
MU365 Counterpoint

(07-09 Catalog)

Develop your understanding of music theory, performance, and history with a minor in Music. Through a program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, you will study thorough applications of music theory, history of music from classical times to the present, and apply your knowledge hands-on with several hours of performance instruction. You will develop musical expertise and appreciation through a dynamic curriculum that combines first-hand techniques with advanced theory and history of music.

Minor in Music (18 hours)
MUS 181 Theory I: Fundamentals of Music
MUS 182 Theory II: Diatonic Materials
MUS 182L Theory II Lab
6 hours of music history/appreciation (selected in consultation with music advisor)
4 hours of performance (ensemble, studio or class instruction)