Program Overview

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Music — Musicology, BMus

Introduction

The Musicology track is designed for students with a particular interest in musicological research, offering opportunities for in-depth study in various topics related to the history and culture of music. This includes multiple upper-division courses in both historical and ethnomusicological studies. In addition to writing a senior thesis, core courses in music theory, aural skills, and keyboarding are also required.

Student Resources

• Department website: Music
• Program Coordinator: Catherine Brown, Performing Arts 263
• Musicology Coordinator: Performing Arts 139
• Department advising: Undergraduate Academic Advisor Catherine Brown, Performing Arts Center 263
• Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
• Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
• Sample Careers: Musicologist, College Musicology Faculty, Music Reporter, Music Librarian, Music Critic, Public Relations Specialist, Music Publishing Specialist, Music Promoter

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process)

To begin a music major or minor and to enroll in core music classes, students must complete an Entrance Audition on their primary instrument or voice. New music majors are advised to audition the same year they apply to WWU. Although we primarily admit students for the fall term, mid-year applicants are also accepted depending on space availability.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for all Music Major and Minor courses. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in music courses is required for graduation with a degree in music.

Requirements (110-114 credits)

Music Non-Course Requirements

• Upper-division Jury: Musicology students must complete lessons at the 300-level. An upper-division jury is required to reach this level, and it is recommended that students attempt this upper-division jury by the end of their second year. Jury schedules, including frequency and repertoire, are determined by each area of study. Students will schedule their upper-division jury according to area policies, and under the advisement of their applied instructor.
• Keyboarding Proficiency: To fulfill the music degree program, all music majors must demonstrate keyboard proficiency. Proficiencies are assessed throughout the final quarter of the keyboarding sequence (either MUS 225B or 225C). Assessments can be individually arranged for eligible students.
• Foreign Language: Students must complete research in a language of specialty. Please see the musicology coordinator for more details.

Music Core Sequences

The music core sequence starts with 100-level courses in theoretical and analytical skills (music theory), aural skills, keyboarding skills (at either the 100 or 200 level, depending on the student’s piano level). After that, students take 200-level courses in those subjects, followed by a year of 300-level musicology courses. This sequence starts each Fall quarter and repeats the next academic year.

• MUS 121A - Aural Skills I (Credits: 1)
• MUS 121B - Keyboard Skills I (Credits: 1)
• or MUS 221C - Advanced Keyboard Skills I (Credits: 2)
• MUS 122 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills I (Credits: 2)
• MUS 123A - Aural Skills II (Credits: 1)
• MUS 123B - Keyboard Skills II (Credits: 1)
• or MUS 223C - Advanced Keyboard Skills II (Credits: 2)
• MUS 124 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills II (Credits: 2)
• MUS 125A - Aural Skills III (Credits: 1)
• MUS 125B - Keyboard Skills III (Credits: 1)
• or MUS 225C - Advanced Keyboard Skills III (Credits: 2)
• MUS 126 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills III (Credits: 2)
• MUS 221A - Aural Skills IV (Credits: 1)
• MUS 221B - Keyboard Skills IV (Credits: 1) (MUS 221B is waived if MUS 221C is taken)
• MUS 222 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills IV (Credits: 2)
• MUS 223A - Aural Skills V (Credits: 1)
• MUS 223B - Keyboard Skills V (Credits: 1) (MUS 223B is waived if MUS 223C is taken)
• MUS 224 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills V (Credits: 2)
• MUS 225A - Aural Skills VI (Credits: 1)
• MUS 225B - Keyboard Skills VI (Credits: 1) (MUS 225B is waived if MUS 225C is taken)
• MUS 226 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills VI (Credits: 2)
• The musicology sequence is typically completed during the third year in the program.
• MUS 345 - Foundations in Musicology (Credits: 3)
• MUS 346 - Case Studies in Musicology I (Credits: 3)
• MUS 347 - Case Studies in Musicology II (Credits: 3)

Musicology Core Requirements

Conducting

• MUS 351 - Basic Conducting (Credits: 2)

Upper-Division Music Theory

• Two courses from:
  • MUS 322 - Form and Analysis: Music to 1900 (Credits: 3)
  • MUS 324A - Modal Counterpoint (Credits: 3)
  • MUS 324B - Tonal Counterpoint (Credits: 3)
  • MUS 326 - Orchestration (Credits: 3)
  • MUS 334 - Jazz Theory and Improvisation I (Credits: 3)
  • MUS 335 - Jazz Theory and Improvisation II (Credits: 3)
  • MUS 422 - Analytical Techniques: 20th-Century Music (Credits: 3)
  • MUS 424 - Free Counterpoint (Credits: 3)
  • MUS 434 - Jazz Arranging and Composition I (Credits: 3)

Upper-Division Musicology

Students must complete 12 credits total of upper-division musicology. We offer a musicology seminar on various topics each quarter (MUS 442). MUS 443A-F or one course from MUS 301 or MUS 302 are accepted substitutions.

• MUS 442 - Seminar in Musicology (Credits: 4)

Senior Thesis

In addition to completing the thesis in their senior year, students are encouraged to enroll in one quarter of independent study with their advisor in preparation for the thesis.

• MUS 490 - Senior Thesis (Credits: 3)

Electives

18 credits selected under advisement. Any additional music courses may apply towards electives, including additional chamber ensembles, major ensemble, lessons, musicology, theory, conducting, and survey courses.

Chamber Music

Musicology students must complete two courses of chamber music as partial fulfillment of the degree program. Students may choose to register for multiple groups, or the same chamber course to fulfill this requirement. Students may participate in a chamber music ensemble not associated with their primary instrument. Some ensembles may require an audition and may not be available every quarter. Students should use Browse Classes to plan their courses accordingly.

• Two courses from:
  • MUS 275 - Chamber Jazz Ensembles (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 278 - Opera Workshop (Credits: 1-2)
  • MUS 280 - Collegium Musicum (Credits: 1-2)
  • MUS 281 - Applied Chamber Music (Credits: 1-2)
  • MUS 282 - Guitar Ensemble (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 283 - Chamber Vocal Ensembles (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 284 - Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 303 - Deep Listening & Music Improv Ensemble (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 475 - Chamber Jazz Ensemble (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 478 - Advanced Opera Production (Credits: 1-2)
  • MUS 480 - Advanced Collegium Musicum (Credits: 1-2)
  • MUS 481 - Advanced Applied Chamber Music (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 483 - Western Voices (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 484 - Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Credits: 2)
  • MUS 485 - New Music Ensemble (Credits: 1-2)

Primary Instrument Requirements

Brass

Applied Lessons (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Brass students must enroll in applied lessons each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. A minimum of three credits for applied lessons must be completed in MUS 314F-J. Brass students will register for applied lessons on their primary instrument. Instrument sections are indicated F-J. Students will register for the 200 level of applied lessons until passing an upper-division jury.

• MUS 214F - Applied Instruction: French Horn (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 214G - Applied Instruction: Trumpet (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 214H - Applied Instruction: Trombone (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 214I - Applied Instruction: Euphonium (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 214J - Applied Instruction: Tuba (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314F - Applied Instruction: French Horn (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314G - Applied Instruction: Trumpet (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314H - Applied Instruction: Trombone (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314I - Applied Instruction: Euphonium (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314J - Applied Instruction: Tuba (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414F - Applied Instruction: French Horn (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414G - Applied Instruction: Trumpet (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414H - Applied Instruction: Trombone (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414I - Applied Instruction: Euphonium (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414J - Applied Instruction: Tuba (Credits: 1-4)

Major Ensemble (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Brass students must enroll in a major ensemble each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled. Students must attend ensemble auditions each year to be placed into the appropriate major ensemble. Advanced students may be asked to perform in more than one ensemble during any given quarter. However, only one ensemble per quarter may apply towards major ensemble degree requirements and the other ensemble will apply towards major or general electives.

• MUS 271 - University Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 272 - Symphonic Band (Credits: 2)
• MUS 273 - String Sinfonia (Credits: 2)
• MUS 371 - Advanced Treble Chorale (Credits: 2)
• MUS 372 - Symphonic Winds (Credits: 2)
• MUS 471 - Concert Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 472 - Wind Symphony (Credits: 2)
• MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra (Credits: 2)

Guitar

Applied Lessons (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Guitar students must enroll in applied lessons every quarter until major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. At least three credits must be completed in MUS 316. Students will register for the 200 level of applied lessons until passing an upper-division jury.

• MUS 216 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 316 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 416 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar (Credits: 1-4)

Major Ensemble (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Students must enroll in major ensemble and/or Guitar Ensemble according to the following schedule each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. Guitar students enroll in an instrumental (Guitar Ensemble) or choral major ensemble each fall quarter, followed by enrollment in Guitar Ensemble in winter and spring quarter. Advanced students may be asked to perform in more than one ensemble during any given quarter. However, only one ensemble per quarter may apply towards major ensemble degree requirements and the other ensemble will apply towards major or general electives.

Major Ensemble Courses (minimum of 6 credits)

Students must attend ensemble auditions each year to be placed into the appropriate major ensemble. Students who do not audition into an ensemble must enroll in MUS 271, University Choir. Guitar students may continue to enroll in a major ensemble alongside Guitar Ensemble winter and spring quarter.

• MUS 271 - University Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 272 - Symphonic Band (Credits: 2)
• MUS 273 - String Sinfonia (Credits: 2)
• MUS 371 - Advanced Treble Chorale (Credits: 2)
• MUS 372 - Symphonic Winds (Credits: 2)
• MUS 471 - Concert Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 472 - Wind Symphony (Credits: 2)
• MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra (Credits: 2)

Guitar Ensemble (minimum of 12 credits)

• MUS 282 - Guitar Ensemble (Credits: 2)

Percussion

Applied Lessons (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Percussion students must enroll in applied lessons each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. A minimum of three credits for applied lessons must be completed in MUS 314K. Students will register for the 200 level of applied lessons until passing an upper-division jury.

• MUS 214K - Applied Instruction: Percussion (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314K - Applied Instruction: Percussion (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414K - Applied Instruction: Percussion (Credits: 1-4)

Major Ensemble (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Percussion students must enroll in a major ensemble each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. Students must attend ensemble auditions each year to be placed into the appropriate major ensemble.

• MUS 271 - University Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 272 - Symphonic Band (Credits: 2)
• MUS 273 - String Sinfonia (Credits: 2)
• MUS 371 - Advanced Treble Chorale (Credits: 2)
• MUS 471 - Concert Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 472 - Wind Symphony (Credits: 2)
• MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra (Credits: 2)

Piano

Applied Lessons (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Piano students must enroll in applied lessons each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. A minimum of three credits for applied lessons must be completed in MUS 312. Students will register for the 200 level of applied lessons until passing an upper-division jury.

• MUS 212 - Applied Instruction: Piano (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 312 - Applied Instruction: Piano (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 412 - Applied Instruction: Piano (Credits: 1-4)

Major Ensemble (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Piano students must enroll in a major ensemble or piano accompanying according to the following schedule each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. Advanced students may be asked to perform in more than one ensemble during any given quarter. However, only one ensemble per quarter may apply towards major ensemble degree requirements and the other ensemble will apply towards major or general electives.

Major Ensemble Courses (minimum of 6 credits)

Piano students will enroll in three consecutive quarters of a major ensemble, with the remainder of their major ensemble requirements fulfilled with Piano Accompanying (MUS 276/476). Students who do not audition into another ensemble must enroll in MUS 271.

• MUS 271 - University Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 272 - Symphonic Band (Credits: 2)
• MUS 273 - String Sinfonia (Credits: 2)
• MUS 371 - Advanced Treble Chorale (Credits: 2)
• MUS 372 - Symphonic Winds (Credits: 2)
• MUS 471 - Concert Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 472 - Wind Symphony (Credits: 2)
• MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra (Credits: 2)

Piano Accompanying (minimum of 12 credits)

Students will register for MUS 276 until receiving permission to enroll in MUS 476.

• MUS 276 - Piano Accompanying (Credits: 2)
• MUS 476 - Advanced Piano Accompanying (Credits: 2)

Strings

Applied Lessons (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

String students must enroll in applied lessons each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. Strings students will register for applied lessons on their primary instrument. Instrument sections are indicated A-E. A minimum of three credits for applied lessons must be completed in MUS 313A-E. Students will register for the 200 level of applied lessons until passing an upper-division jury.

• MUS 213A - Applied Instruction: Violin (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 213B - Applied Instruction: Viola (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 213C - Applied Instruction: Cello (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 213D - Applied Instruction: Double Bass (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 213E - Applied Instruction: Harp (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 313A - Applied Instruction: Violin (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 313B - Applied Instruction: Viola (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 313C - Applied Instruction: Cello (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 313D - Applied Instruction: Double Bass (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 313E - Applied Instruction: Harp (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 413A - Applied Instruction: Violin (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 413B - Applied Instruction: Viola (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 413C - Applied Instruction: Cello (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 413D - Applied Instruction: Double Bass (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 413E - Applied Instruction: Harp (Credits: 1-4)

Major Ensemble (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

String students must enroll in a major ensemble each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. Students must attend ensemble auditions each year to be placed into the appropriate major ensemble. Advanced students may be asked to perform in more than one ensemble during any given quarter. However, only one ensemble per quarter may apply towards major ensemble degree requirements and the other ensemble will apply towards major or general electives.

• MUS 271 - University Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 272 - Symphonic Band (Credits: 2)
• MUS 273 - String Sinfonia (Credits: 2)
• MUS 371 - Advanced Treble Chorale (Credits: 2)
• MUS 372 - Symphonic Winds (Credits: 2)
• MUS 471 - Concert Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 472 - Wind Symphony (Credits: 2)
• MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra (Credits: 2)

Voice

Applied Lessons (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Voice students must enroll in applied lessons each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. A minimum of three credits for applied lessons must be completed in MUS 315. Students will register for the 200 level of applied lessons until passing an upper-division jury.

• MUS 215 - Applied Instruction: Voice (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 315 - Applied Instruction: Voice (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 415 - Applied Instruction: Voice (Credits: 1-4)

Major Ensemble (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Voice students must enroll in a major ensemble each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. Students must attend ensemble auditions each year to be placed into the appropriate major ensemble. Advanced students may be asked to perform in more than one ensemble during any given quarter. However, only one ensemble per quarter may apply towards major ensemble degree requirements and the other ensemble will apply towards major or general electives.

• MUS 271 - University Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 272 - Symphonic Band (Credits: 2)
• MUS 273 - String Sinfonia (Credits: 2)
• MUS 371 - Advanced Treble Chorale (Credits: 2)
• MUS 372 - Symphonic Winds (Credits: 2)
• MUS 471 - Concert Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 472 - Wind Symphony (Credits: 2)
• MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra (Credits: 2)

Woodwinds

Applied Lessons (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Woodwind must register for applied lessons each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirements. Students will register for applied lessons on their primary instrument. Instrument sections are indicated A-E. A minimum of three credits for applied lessons must be completed in MUS 314A-E. Students will register for the 200 level of applied lessons until passing an upper-division jury.

• MUS 214A - Applied Instruction: Flute (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 214B - Applied Instruction: Oboe (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 214C - Applied Instruction: Clarinet (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 214D - Applied Instruction: Bassoon (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 214E - Applied Instruction: Saxophone (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314A - Applied Instruction: Flute (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314B - Applied Instruction: Oboe (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314C - Applied Instruction: Clarinet (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314D - Applied Instruction: Bassoon (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 314E - Applied Instruction: Saxophone (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414A - Applied Instruction: Flute (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414B - Applied Instruction: Oboe (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414C - Applied Instruction: Clarinet (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414D - Applied Instruction: Bassoon (Credits: 1-4)
• MUS 414E - Applied Instruction: Saxophone (Credits: 1-4)

Major Ensemble (minimum of 18 credits, maximum of 42 credits)

Woodwind students must enroll in a major ensemble each quarter until all major requirements are fulfilled, regardless of completing the minimum credit requirement. Students must attend ensemble auditions each year to be placed into the appropriate major ensemble. Advanced students may be asked to perform in more than one ensemble during any given quarter. However, only one ensemble per quarter may apply towards major ensemble degree requirements and the other ensemble will apply towards major or general electives.

• MUS 271 - University Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 272 - Symphonic Band (Credits: 2)
• MUS 273 - String Sinfonia (Credits: 2)
• MUS 371 - Advanced Treble Chorale (Credits: 2)
• MUS 372 - Symphonic Winds (Credits: 2)
• MUS 471 - Concert Choir (Credits: 2)
• MUS 472 - Wind Symphony (Credits: 2)
• MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra (Credits: 2)

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement