These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
Students who earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music will be able to:
1. Identify fundamental roles of music and performance practice in selected global cultures and historical periods.
2. Develop and demonstrate skills on their primary instrument/voice both individually and within an ensemble; piano; and conducting.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in tonal music theory and musicianship.
4. Develop an understanding of employment and enrichment opportunities within music related fields.
All students majoring in music must complete the courses listed below, each with a grade of "C" or better.
They must also demonstrate proof of keyboard skills by passing a piano proficiency test administered by the Music Department.
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
MUS 1041 |
Class Piano Icomplete these courses The student is introduced to the basic elements of playing the piano. Note reading and improvisation are studied through traditional melodies and simple chord accompaniments Music majors may test out of this course. This course counts fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement. Fee Fee $ 10 Every semester |
2 |
MUS 1042 |
Class Piano IIPlaying simple melodies in all keys, with more elaborate improvised accompaniments; playing simple piano pieces. Course is also designed to develop the student's ability to sight-read a four part hymn. This course counts fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement. Prerequisite: MUS 1041 or consent of instructor. Music majors may test out of this course. Fee Fee $10 Fall |
2 |
MUS 1091 |
Aural Skills IFocused study in the area of sight singing and aural skills. Topics include exercises in solfège, interval recognition, and melodic dictation. By the end of the course students will have learned the system of solfège and will have established the foundational materials necessary for further study in aural skills. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fee Fee $10 Spring |
2 |
MUS 2192 |
Aural Skills IIIntensive study in the area of sight-singing and aural skills. Aural skills topics include continued exercises in solfège, chord recognition, harmonic progressions and more advanced sight singing and dictation. By the end of this course students will be able to audiate and sing music at first sight with more accuracy. They also will be able to write down melodies and simple chord progressions on repeated hearings with an acceptable degree of fluency. Fall |
2 |
MUS 1120 |
Performance Lab(must be taken every semester) This is a performance lab extension for all levels and sections of applied music lessons. The performance lab is designed to help students develop solo and small ensemble performance skills leading up to the end of the semester jury and final senior recital. The performance lab also gives students the opportunity to share their music with one another and to offer a community supporting the technical growth of the individual performing musician. Restrictions BA.MUS and BM.EDU majors, minors, or permission of instructor. Grded only Every semester |
0 |
MUS 1231 |
Music Theory IThe student is introduced to rhythm exercises, harmony (analysis, written, keyboard), elementary composition, and sight singing. Writing and performance (vocal and keyboard) skills are developed throughout the semester. Designed for students who wish to increase their understanding of the materials of music. This course fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement. Prerequisite: MUS 1030 or consent of instructor. Music Majors may test out of this course. Fee Fee $10. Spring |
3 |
MUS 2232 |
Music Theory IIMore advanced exercises in the study of rhythm, harmony (secondary dominants and modulation), sight singing and ear training (harmonic as well as melodic dictation). Prerequisite: MUS 1231 or consent of instructor. Fee Fee $10 Fall |
3 |
MUS 2031 |
History of Western Music: Ancient to Baroquechoose 1 of these courses (Music Education students must take both) A study of the forms and styles of music from medieval chant to the music of Bach. An emphasis is placed on experiencing the music through listening and, where possible, participation. This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement. Prerequisite: MUS 1231, MUS 2232 or consent of instructor. This prerequisite is under review. Fall, odd years |
3 |
MUS 2032 |
History of Western Music: Classical to ModernA study of Western music from Mozart and Haydn to the present. This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement. Prerequisite: MUS 2232 or concurrent enrollment. This prerequisite is under review. Spring, even years |
3 |
MUS 2051 |
Conducting Icomplete these courses Basic elements of conducting skills explored through practical application. Two class periods. Spring |
3 |
MUS 3052 |
Conducting IIA further development of the student's conducting and ensemble teaching skills, including score analysis, gesture, rehearsal preparation and technique, ensemble assessment, and leadership/directorship skills. Prerequisite: MUS 2051 or consent of instructor. Fall |
3 |
MUS 3015 |
Music Theory and Aural Skills IIIThe concepts of theory and aural skills developed in the first two semesters of the sequence are expanded and elaborated. Music theory topics covered include: advanced harmonic analysis, third and fourth species counterpoint, voice leading, secondary chord functions, modulation, larger form analysis, mode mixture, the Neapolitan chord, and augmented sixth chords. Aural skills topics include: continued exercises in solfège, chord recognition, and melodic and harmonic dictation. The student is exposed to increasingly advanced and complicated exercises and expected to develop skills to meet these challenges in aural skills. Prerequisite: MUS 2232 Fee Fee $20 Spring |
4 |
MUS 4015 |
Advanced Theory and ArrangingAdvanced Theory and Arranging builds upon the musicianship skills and knowledge acquired in the previous three semesters of the sequence. It also departs from common practice theoretical concepts to include a survey of compositional techniques developed in the 20th Century. The semester concludes with a study of the techniques of musical arrangement. Drawing on their theoretical background, students enlist their own creative knowledge to arrange pieces of music for various types of ensembles. Music sequencing software is employed so students may hear their own arrangements. Prerequisite: MUS 3015 Fee Fee $20 |
4 |