Major in Music (B.A.)

Program Overview

Colorado State University's Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.) It emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills alongside musical expertise. Students have flexibility to pursue elective credits outside of music, and must complete a capstone project or recital to showcase their skills. The program requires an audition for admission and includes applied music instruction, ensemble participation, and non-music elective credits.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.) It offers a balanced approach, emphasizing music studies while allowing flexibility for exploring other academic interests.

Key Features:

• Liberal Arts Focus: The B.A.
program emphasizes a well-rounded education, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills alongside their musical expertise.
• Flexibility: Compared to the Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
program, the B.A. in Music requires fewer music-specific credits, allowing students to pursue 21 elective credits in areas outside of music.
• Capstone Project: A capstone paper, project, or recital (half recital) is required during the senior year, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge.

Program-Level Learning Objectives:

• Musical Understanding: Students will develop a deep understanding of musical elements like rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre, and texture.
They will demonstrate this understanding through composition, improvisation, and performance in various musical styles.
• Critical Analysis: Students will learn to analyze and evaluate music, forming informed musical judgments and demonstrating a synthesis of knowledge and skills in one or more areas of music.
• Musical Literature: Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of musical literature, including principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
• Liberal Arts Integration: The B.A.
program emphasizes the integration of music with other disciplines, encouraging students to think critically, communicate effectively, and address diverse cultural, historical, moral, scientific, and ethical issues related to music and other fields.

Other:

• Audition Requirement: Applicants must successfully audition with CSU Music faculty for admission into the B.A.
in Music program.
• Music Program Fee: A music program fee is assessed per semester for undergraduate and graduate music majors and minors.
• Minimum Grade Requirement: A minimum grade of C is required in all music courses used to satisfy the requirements of the B.A.
and B.M. music programs.
• Applied Music Instruction: Students must complete applied music instruction courses on their primary instrument, with specific course codes and credit requirements outlined.
• Ensemble Participation: Students are required to participate in an ensemble during each semester they are enrolled in applied music instruction courses.
• Non-Music Electives: Students must complete 21 credits of non-music courses in one or more fields of study, including at least 12 upper-division credits.
• Elective Credits: Students must select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 42 being upper-division credits.
21 elective credits must be outside of the field of music.