Music Degrees Online

The study of music encourages students to explore the value of music in their lives. Students who study music at Saint Martin’s University have the advantage of a strong program in music within a liberal arts setting. Courses in music integrate the study of music literature, history and theory with musical performance as a means of developing intellect, familiarity with a variety of cultures, interpersonal relationships and poise.

The University’s music department offers a bachelor of arts degree, a minor and three State of Washington teacher certificate endorsements in music: choral, instrumental and general. Saint Martin’s is noted for small class sizes, rigorous education and a close working relationship with faculty members.

As part of the major, minor and endorsement courses of study, students are required to pass a functional keyboard proficiency examination. Students with prior piano training can meet this requirement by passing the piano proficiency examination. All other students will take applied piano instruction. After they have declared a major, minor or endorsement, music students also are required to participate in a major ensemble as well as applied lessons in their major instrument/voice each semester. Those students awarded music scholarships are required to be actively involved in the appropriate large and small performance ensembles within the music department and to maintain high academic standards.

The Department of Music is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Department of Music prepares students for careers in music and offers diverse musical experiences to all, enriching the musical fabric of our university and community, regionally and globally. We accomplish this through a nationally accredited curriculum that emphasizes creativity, individual student learning and vibrant performance opportunities fostered by highly experienced and accessible faculty.

Advising. Course work for the music major follows an established sequential pattern. To ensure proper sequencing and timely completion of course work, students must seek the advice of a faculty member in the music department. It is the student’s responsibility to seek this advice at the beginning of the freshman year.

Applying for the major. Application to the B.S. and B.A. degrees should be made upon completion of 15 semester credit hours. Application to the B.M. degree typically occurs at the end of the second year with successful completion of the “sophomore review”. Contact your music adviser for more information. Major applications must be signed by a music department instructor in the student’s major area (i.e.: music ed., theory/composition, applied performance).

A grade of “C” or above in all music classes is required for all music major or minor degree programs. A “C-” in a music course is not considered a passing grade for the music major.

Transfer students. Students wishing to transfer to St. Cloud State University should contact the department chairperson for evaluation of music credits before entering the degree program. Entrance exams in theory, musicianship, piano, history and applied areas may be required for transfer credit acceptance consideration. Transfer students need to confer with advisers regarding performance ensembles and credits.

Instrumental music majors and minors. A minimum of three years of high school experience in band or orchestra is recommended for prospective instrumental music majors and minors.

Vocal Music majors and minors. A minimum of three years of high school experience in a vocal group is recommended for prospective vocal music majors and minors. Incoming freshman students who have not had one year previous study may be advised to take class voice prior to private voice.

At St. Ambrose, you will receive high-quality experiences in music within the context of a broad-based liberal arts education. Class sizes are small, which means you will receive personal instruction customized to your particular needs and interests.

All students are encouraged to participate in SAU performance ensembles. All bands, choirs and orchestras are comprised of students from a wide variety of majors from across campus in addition to music majors.

A number of ensembles are active at St. Ambrose, and they are open to all students regardless of major. These groups perform at formal and informal events on campus and throughout the community, giving students performance experience before large, diverse audiences.

Music Major (Piano Performance and Pedagogy Emphasis)
MUS 111 Music Theory I
MUS 111L Music Theory I Lab (1 semester hour)
MUS 112 Music Theory II
MUS 112L Music Theory II Lab (1 semester hour)
MUS 211 Music Theory III
MUS 211L Music Theory III Lab (1 semester hour)
MUS 212 Music Theory IV
MUS 212L Music Theory IV Lab (1 semester hour)
MUS 145 Applied Voice (1 semester hour)
MUS 147 Applied Organ (1 semester hour each for a total of 2 semesters)
MUS 218 Accompanying (2 semester hours)
MUS 225/226/235/236 Performance Ensembles – Concert Band or Sheboygan Symphony or Concert Choir or Frauenchor
(.5 semester hour each for 8 semesters for a total of 4 semester hours of credit)
MUS 246 Applied Piano (2 semester hours each for a total of 8 semester hours)
MUS 262 Sophomore Piano Recital (2 semester hours)
MUS 311 Music History & Literature I
MUS 312 Music History & Literature II (Writing Intensive)
MUS 351 Conducting (1.5 semester hours)
MUS 362 Junior Piano Recital (2 semester hours)
MUS 367 Piano Pedagogy and Literature I (2 semester hours)
MUS 368 Piano Pedagogy and Literature II (2 semester hours)
MUS 446 Applied Piano (2 semester hours each for a total of 8 semester hours)
MUS 462 Senior Piano Recital

Music Major (Voice Performance and Pedagogy Emphasis)
MUS 111 Music Theory I and lab (4 semester hours)
MUS 112 Music Theory II and lab (4 semester hours)
MUS 211 Music Theory III and lab (4 semester hours)
MUS 212 Music Theory IV and lab (4 semester hours)
MUS 311 Music History & Literature I
MUS 312 Music History & Literature II (Writing Intensive)
MUS 149/159/249/259 Class Piano I-IV
(2 semester hours each for a total of 8 semester hours)
Successful completion of piano proficiency examination
MUS 351 Conducting (1.5 semester hours)
MUS 235/236 Performance Ensembles – Concert Choir or Frauenchor
(.5 semester hour each for 8 semesters for a total of 4 semester hours of credit)
MUS 245/445 Applied Voice (total 8 semester hours)
MUS 261 Sophomore Voice Recital (2 semester hours)
MUS 361 Junior Voice Recital (2 semester hours)
MUS 461 Senior Voice Recital (3 semester hours)
MUS 465 Vocal Pedagogy & Literature (1.5 semester hours)