Music, B.A. (Day)

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Music is one of the most beloved performing arts-and as a major, it’s rich with possibilities. All students within the program receive a foundation in musicianship and performance. Beyond that, you choose the path you follow. This could lead you toward music education, business administration, religious studies, film, theater or other areas of interest.

You will gain insights into music history and theory along with exposure to music from other cultures and countries while enhancing your aural skills (including sight singing, ear training, rhythmic reading, dictation and part singing). As a result, you will gain confidence and competence in performing on your own or as part of an ensemble.

Students will be prepared to perform at a professional level, successfully compete in their chosen field, pursue an advanced graduate degree, or begin a career as a producer, conductor, director, arranger, or critic. Students who intend to teach music in schools can earn a minor in education, which will lead to a K-12 Missouri teaching certification.

General Education Requirements (39-42 sem. hrs)

For a complete list of general education courses click here . For additional information on general education requirements click here .

Ethics Course Requirement (3 sem. hrs)

PHIL 330 - Ethics 3 hours or
EDUC 200 - Law, Ethics, and Education 3 hours (for students pursuing the K-12 certification minor)

Foreign Language Requirement (6 sem. hrs)

For information on how to fulfill the foreign language requirement click here .

Basic Musicianship Requirements (31 sem. hrs)

All must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Courses in the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail.

Ensemble Requirements (8-16 sem. hrs)

Vocal/Choral Studies Emphasis

Students must enroll in Jane Froman Singers every semester as well Chamber Choir or Musical Theater/Opera Productions Workshops, for a total of two ensembles each semester.

MUSI 160 - Jane Froman Singers 1 hour or
MUSI 360 - Jane Froman Singers 1 hour
Students must complete 4 semesters of MUSI 160 or have achieved junior standing to take MUSI 360.
MUSI 180 - Chamber Choir 1 hour or
MUSI 380 - Chamber Choir 1 hour
Students must have achieved junior standing to take MUSI 380.
MUSI 183 - Musical Theater/Opera Workshop 1-3 hours or
MUSI 383 - Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop 1-3 hours
Students must have achieved junior standing to take MUSI 383.

Piano/Accompanying Studies Emphasis

Students in the Piano/Accompanying emphasis area must enroll in Jane Froman Singers every semester and accompany one student or ensemble every semester.

MUSI 160 - Jane Froman Singers 1 hour or
MUSI 360 - Jane Froman Singers 1 hour
Students must complete 4 semesters of MUSI 160 or have achieved junior standing to take MUSI 360.

Applied Music Requirements (18 sem. hrs)

Students must choose either the vocal/choral or piano/accompanying emphasis area. Two semesters of applied lessons at each level must be completed to advance through the course sequence. Students must enroll in applied lessons for both voice and piano all semesters. MUSI 400 must be taken concurrently with MUSI 379 or MUSI 384 . MUSI 490 must be taken concurrently with MUSI 479 or MUSI 484 .

Vocal/Choral Studies Emphasis

Students must enroll in Music Seminar every semester.

Piano/Accompanying Studies Emphasis

Students must enroll in Music Seminar every semester.

Open Electives (7 - 15 sem. hrs)

The following four areas of study will prepare the student for work or continued study in the areas of music education, stage performance, music management or church music leadership. Choosing a cluster of electives is recommended but not mandatory.

Directed Music Education Emphasis

A declared minor in Education is required. Courses required for state certification to teach are indicated below with a “1”.

Directed Speech Communication Emphasis

Directed Business Administration Emphasis

Directed Religious Studies Emphasis

Total: 120 (sem. hrs)

The total reflects the minimum number of hours to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some courses listed above may fulfill more than one requirement block. Please speak to your academic advisor to plan your specific degree path.

Note (s):

A candidate for the baccalaureate degree with a major in Music must pass MUSI 490 - Recital (1 credit hour) with a grade of C or higher as a culminating evaluative experience.