Music Degrees Online

Music or Music Performance Major Requirements

(42 hours required for the Music major, 65 hours required for Music Performance major)

All music majors are required to pass a piano proficiency examination before graduation. All music majors are required to participate in an ensemble each semester and must perform in a student recital each semester. While it is possible to begin work as a musician after having completed the program, it is recommended that graduates continue their musical training by entering a master of fine arts or doctoral program.

Requirements common to both Music and Music Performance majors (26 hours)

MU 090 Recital Attendance (0 credit required each semester) 0
MU 108 Music History & Literature I: Baroque and Classical Periods 3
MU 109 Music History & Literature II: Romantic and Contemporary Periods 3
MU 180 Vocal Ensemble (1 credit required each semester) 1
MU 208 Comprehensive Musicianship I 3
MU 209 Comprehensive Musicianship II 3
MU 210 Comprehensive Musicianship III 3
MU 215 Instrumental Ensemble 1
MU 250 Form and Analysis 2

Additional requirements for Music major (16 credits)

MU 325 Major Instrument/Voice (2 credits each semester) 2
MUSIC MINOR (18 credits)Nine credits:
MU 108 Music History & Literature I: Baroque and Classical Periods 3
MU 125 Major Instrument/Voice 1
MU 208 Comprehensive Musicianship I 3

Three credits selected from:
MU 109 Music History & Literature II: Romantic and Contemporary Periods 3
MU 209 Comprehensive Musicianship II 3

Six credits selected from:
MU 125 Non-music major piano (one credit each semester; must be taken for at least two semesters) 1
MU 180 Vocal Ensemble 1
MU 215 Instrumental Ensemble 1

Music or Music Performance Major Requirements
(42 hours required for the Music major, 65 hours required for Music Performance major)

All music majors are required to pass a piano proficiency examination before graduation. All music majors are required to participate in an ensemble each semester and must perform in a student recital each semester. While it is possible to begin work as a musician after having completed the program, it is recommended that graduates continue their musical training by entering a master of fine arts or doctoral program.

Requirements common to both Music and Music Performance majors (26 hours)MU 090 Recital Attendance (0 credit required each semester) 0
MU 108 Music History & Literature I: Baroque and Classical Periods 3
MU 109 Music History & Literature II: Romantic and Contemporary Periods 3
MU 180 Vocal Ensemble (1 credit required each semester) 1
MU 208 Comprehensive Musicianship I 3
MU 209 Comprehensive Musicianship II 3
MU 210 Comprehensive Musicianship III 3
MU 215 Instrumental Ensemble 1
MU 250 Form and Analysis 2

Additional requirements for Music Performance major (41 credits)MU 300 Orchestration and Arranging 2
MU 314 Departmental Student Recital 0
MU 315 Junior Recital 0
MU 316 Senior Recital 0
MU 317 Diction (vocal) 4
MU 318 Literature and Pedagogy (instrumental) 1
MU 405 Conducting 2
MU 425 Major Instrument/Voice (4 credits each
semester) 4

In the Music program, a student can explore a full range of academic courses, including music education, music history and literature, music theory and composition, and music methods. Students in many of these classes can explore the exciting new Music Listening Lab that includes individual terminals with midi interface to Casio keyboards and software for composing, arranging, and theory review. Music education majors will acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed to teach music in the K-12 educational systems, or to attend graduate school.

Within the Music Education program, a student may select an emphasis in vocal, instrumental, or keyboard music. All emphasis areas require students to develop a high proficiency of performance and scholarship. Through private lessons, a student will develop and enhance the technical and practical skills of a performing artist. If a student chooses a major other than music education, he/she may still take applied lessons in a group setting or individually, depending on availability of staff. The piano laboratory features multiple keyboards for group instruction.

A student may participate in any of the following performing ensembles without becoming a music major: Jazz Ensemble, University Band, Pep Band, Vocal Ensemble (audition required), and University Choir. These ensembles perform both on campus and elsewhere in Jefferson City. Several of the ensembles tour to locations in other states.