Music
Music studies go beyond just practicing your craft, they also involve service to the community, a union of faith and music, and creative inspiration.
About Our Music Degree
The bachelor of arts in music, the traditional liberal arts music track, allows time for a second major or a minor, if carefully planned. An international or urban semester is also possible.
The required courses for the major include the standard music core and the coursework for one of the three concentrations.
| MUSIC CORE | 31 credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 109 | Musicianship I | 2 credits |
| MUS 110 | Musicianship II | 2 credits |
| MUS 163 | Music Theory I | 3 credits |
| MUS 164 | Music Theory II | 3 credits |
| MUS 201 | Development of Western Music | 2 credits |
| MUS 263 | Music Theory III | 3 credits |
| MUS 318 | Music of the Baroque, Classical and Early Romantic Eras | 3 credits |
| MUS 319 | Music of the Late Romantic and Modern Eras | 3 credits |
| MUS 499 | Music Colloquium (six semesters) | 0 credit |
| Six credits of studio instruction in the principal performing medium (through at least MUAP 203) | 6 credits |
| Four credits of ensemble participation | 4 credits |
| Completion of MUS 300, 400, and MUAP 275 | 0 credits |
| One concentration (see below) | 9 credits |
| TOTAL | 40 credits |
The minors in music allow students to take advantage of systematic instruction and participation opportunities throughout their college careers. The requirements can easily be coordinated with most academic majors.
In addition to the courses listed below, students must pass a keyboard proficiency test and attend at least 20 authorized concerts. More information is available in the Handbook for Music Students for music students.
Requirements for the minor in music (at least 18 credits):
| MUS 109 | Musicianship I | 2 credits |
| MUS 163 | Music Theory I | 3 credits |
| MUS 164 | Music Theory II | 3 credits |
| MUS 201 | Development of Western Music | 2 credits |
| Four credits of studio instruction (through at least MUAP 103, with completion of MUAP 175) | 4 credits | |
| Completion of Concert Attendance requirement, MUS 400 | 0 credits | |
| Four credits of ensemble participation from the following options: MUEN 350 Choirs MUEN 352 Bands MUEN 354 Orchestra | 4 credits | |
| TOTAL | 18 credits |
Requirements for the minor in music history and culture (at least 15 credits):
| MUS 101 | Introduction to Music | 3 credits |
| MUS 204 | Popular Music in America | 3 credits |
| MUS 304 | World Music | 3 credits |
| MUS 350 | Music and Meaning | 3 credits |
Three credits from the following: | ||
| MUS 107 | Introduction to Electronic Music | 1 credit |
| MUS 190 | Topics in Music | 1-3 credits |
| MUS 285 | Introduction to the Music Industry | 3 credits |
| MUS 337 | Studies in Liturgical Theology and Practice | 3 credits |
| MUS 390 | Topics in Music | 1-3 credits |
| MUEN 350 | Choirs | 1-3 credits |
| MUEN 352 | Bands | 1-3 credits |
| MUEN 354 | Orchestra | 1-3 credits |
| MUTH 120 | Introduction to Music Therapy | 3 credits |
| TOTAL | 15 credits |
Concentrations
The B.A. in music requires a concentration of at least nine credits. Students can choose from one of three options.
For music majors interested in emphasizing music performance, theory, and history.
| Additional courses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 209 Musicianship IIIMUS 264 Music Theory IV | 2 credits 3 credits | ||
| One credit from the following options: MUS 404 Recital (1-2 credits)MUS 495 Independent Study in Music (1-3 credits) | 1 credit | ||
| At least 3 additional credits from the following options:MUS 210 Musicianship IV (2 credits)MUS 213 Basic Conducting (2 credits)MUS 285 Introduction to the Music Industry (3 credits)Any 300 or 400-level music course, excluding studio lessons | 3 credits | ||
For music majors with a particular interest in church music.
| Additional courses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 213MUS 313 | Basic ConductingIntermediate Conducting | 2 credits2 credits | |
| MUS 473 | Church Music | 3 credits | |
| MUS 495 | Independent Study in Music (church music practical experience) | 1-3 credits | |
| Level 203 in the primary performance medium | |||
| Level 103 in piano or organ (if the primary performance medium is not piano or organ), including completion of MUAP 175 | |||
For students who are interested in the music industry, including careers in retailing or arts management.
| MUS 285 | Introduction to the Music Industry | 3 credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 405 | Arts and Entertainment Administration | 3 credits | |
| MUS 486 | Internship | 3 credits | |
| One minor from the following options (recommended): | |||
- Business administration
- Fundamentals of business
- Studio art
- General communication
- Communication law
- Digital media
college of arts and sciences
Program Rankings and Highlights
music
Alumni Highlights
Alumni of Valpo Music have engaged in a variety of careers, a few of which include: music education (100% placement into teaching or graduate school for the past 30 years), performance (for example in the U.S. Army “Pershing’s Own” Band), and management/administration in the arts (such as Carnegie Hall Administration). Our music degree programs are designed for musicians of all levels and career interests.
College of Arts and Sciences
Meet Our Faculty
Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of business experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.
College of Arts and Sciences
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