Music B.M. – Instrumental Performance Emphasis
College of Performing and Visual Arts
Contact: Michael Alexander, D.M.A., Director, School of Music
Location: Frasier Hall 108
Telephone: 970.351.2993
Fax: 970.351.1923
Website: www.arts.unco.edu/music
Advising Information:
Students must consult with their assigned major advisor each semester prior to registering.
Assigned advisor is available through the Ursa login; ursa.unco.edu; under Student tab Academic Profile channel and is term specific. If no advisor is listed, contact the major program for advisor information.
The program consists of two parts:
- Liberal Arts Core (LAC) Credits
- Required Major Credits
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Music degree is the initial professional degree in music. Its primary emphasis is on development of the skills, concepts and sensitivity essential to the professional life of a musician. It also prepares students for advanced study in graduate school.
Program Admission Requirements:
- Students planning to major in music are required to submit an application to the School of Music. The music application and appropriate instructions are provided by the Admissions Office upon request, or upon receipt of an Application for Admission that specifically indicates a music major. Auditions are required of all applicants to the School of Music. Information concerning auditions may be requested from the School of Music, University of Northern Colorado, Frasier Hall, Greeley, Colorado 80639, phone 970.351.2993 or at our website http://arts.unco.edu/music/admissions.html
- Students meeting the general admission requirements of the University may be accepted as undeclared majors. Students will be designated as music majors and accepted by the School of Music after a successful audition.
- Minimum Proficiencies. Minimum proficiency in music fundamentals and ear training as assessed by the Music Theory Placement Exam to enter MUS 113/114.
Program Requirements:
- MUS 100 Recitals, Concerts and Productions must be taken each semester in residence.
- Students must take Individual Performance and Major Musical Organizations during each semester in residence. See “Major Musical Organizations”.
- A half Junior Recital and full Senior Recital are required for all emphasis.
Degree Requirements — 120 Credits
Degree Requirements
1. Required Specified LAC — 6 credits
LAC area 3.a. — Arts
LAC — Electives
Remaining LAC — 34 credits
See “Liberal Arts Core”.
2. Required Major — 68 credits
Take all of the following courses:
MUS 100 | Recitals, Concerts and Productions | 0 |
MUS 113 | Music Theory I | 2 |
MUS 114 | Aural Skills and Sight Singing I | 2 |
MUS 115 | Music Theory II | 2 |
MUS 116 | Aural Skills and Sight Singing II | 2 |
MUS 143 | Musical Styles and Context | 3 |
MUS 213 | Music Theory III | 2 |
MUS 214 | Aural Skills and Sight Singing III | 1 |
MUS 215 | Music Theory IV | 2 |
MUS 216 | Aural Skills and Sight Singing IV | 1 |
MUS 302 | Form and Analysis | 3 |
MUS 303 | Instrumentation | 2 |
MUS 307 | History of Instruments and Instrumental Practice | 3 |
MUS 319 | Instrumental Techniques and Conducting | 1 |
MUS 403 | Acoustics of Music | 2 |
MUS 426 | Orchestral Excerpts | 1 |
| Major Musical Organization (Minimum) | 8 |
| Individual Performance (Minimum) | 28 |
MUS 403: In lieu of MUS 403, a String student may substitute a music elective in consultation with their advisor.
MUS 426: Take 2 credits
NOTES: Four semesters, with a minimum of 16 credits, of 400-level instruction (Individual Performance) are required.
The student must pass an upper-level qualifying examination, determined by the performance area, before he/she may enroll in the 400-level instruction. This examination is to be taken by the end of the fourth semester of 200-level instruction. If the student does not pass this examination on the first try, he/she may retake it once in the subsequent semester.
Choose one of the following music technology or music business courses:
Remaining Major
Take 12 credits
- A minimum of two credits must be in the major area.
- String students must take a minimum of 4 credits of Small Ensembles and Chamber Music (MUS 230 or MUS 430).
- Woodwind students will take 4 credits of Small Ensemble and 4 credits of electives in consultation with an advisor.
Choose four of the following courses (in consultation with advisor):
MUS 160 | Beginning Class Piano I | 1 |
MUS 161 | Beginning Class Piano II | 1 |
MUS 260 | Intermediate Class Piano I | 1 |
MUS 261 | Intermediate Class Piano II | 1 |
MUS 271 | Individual Performance in Piano | 2-4 |
MUS 471 | Individual Performance in Piano | 2-4 |
Each student must demonstrate proficiency in functional piano. Each entering student must schedule a conference/audition with the piano faculty to determine proficiency level and recommendations for further study, if any. All students in the Instrumental Performance Emphasis must pass a formal piano proficiency exam.