Program Overview

Bachelor of Music (BMus) Degree with a Major in Organ Performance

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree with a major in Organ Performance is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in music, focusing on the development of technical and musical competence in solo performance, orchestral conducting, composition, or music-historical research.

Program Learning Outcomes for the BMus Degree

Upon completing the BMus degree, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate technical and musical competence in solo performance, orchestral conducting, composition, or music-historical research appropriate to the standards of a four-year undergraduate program.
• Possess intermediate analytical skills in music theory and an understanding of how those skills inform music performance.
• Acquire a fundamental understanding of the relationship between music history and music performance.
• Develop superior technical collaborative skills in the student's major area through a combination of practice, coaching, and rehearsal in large and small ensembles.

Requirements for the BMus Degree with a Major in Organ Performance

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing the BMus degree with a major in Organ Performance must complete:

• A minimum of 23 courses (83 credit hours) to satisfy major requirements.
• A minimum of 120 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 17 courses (68 credit hours) taken at the 300-level or above.

Course Requirements

The following courses satisfy the requirements for this major:

Music Theory

• MUSI 211: Theory I (3 credit hours)
• MUSI 212: Theory II (3 credit hours)
• MUSI 311: Theoretical Studies III (3 credit hours)
• MUSI 312: Theoretical Studies IV (3 credit hours)
• MUSI 613: Tonal Counterpoint (3 credit hours)

Aural Skills and Performance Techniques

• MUSI 231: Aural Skills and Performance Technique I (2 credit hours)
• MUSI 232: Aural Skills and Performance Technique II (2 credit hours)
• MUSI 331: Aural Skills and Performance Techniques III (2 credit hours)
• MUSI 332: Aural Skills and Performance Techniques IV (2 credit hours)

Music History

• MUSI 222 / MDEM 222: Medieval and Renaissance Eras (3 credit hours)
• MUSI 321: Baroque and Early Classical Eras (3 credit hours)
• MUSI 322: Classical and Romantic Eras (3 credit hours)
• MUSI 421: The Modern Era (3 credit hours)

Individual and Ensemble Study

• MUSI 285: Secondary Harpsichord (2 credit hours)
• MUSI 335: Undergraduate Chorus (minimum of 6 semesters) (1 credit hour)
• MUSI 381: Concentration Piano (minimum of 4 semesters) (2 credit hours)
• MUSI 483: Organ for Majors (minimum of 8 semesters) (3 credit hours)

Additional Courses for Organ Majors

• MUSI 445: Keyboard Harmony and Figured Bass I (2 credit hours)
• MUSI 446: Keyboard Harmony and Figured Bass II (2 credit hours)
• MUSI 545: Liturgical Organ Playing (2 credit hours)
• MUSI 546: Accompanying at the Organ (2 credit hours)

Recitals

• MUSI 341: Junior Recital (0 credit hours)
• MUSI 441: Senior Recital (0 credit hours)

Policies for the BMus Degree

Admission

An audition, in person, is required for Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, and Orchestral Conducting undergraduate applicants. A recorded audition may be considered in lieu of a live audition in extreme circumstances.

Academic Standards

A minimum grade of B- (2.67 grade points) per course is expected of all music students in their major applied area. A grade of C+ (2.33 grade points) or lower in a course in the student's major applied area is considered unsatisfactory and will be evaluated accordingly.

Examinations

At the end of each semester, a jury examination in applied music may be given over the material studied during the semester. All BMus degree candidates must demonstrate keyboard proficiency by examination.

Performance

Students are expected to perform frequently during their residence at Rice. Performance majors must present at least two full recitals; composition majors must present at least one full recital.

Opportunities for the BMus Degree

Academic Honors

The university recognizes academic excellence achieved over an undergraduate's academic history at Rice. For information on university honors, please see Latin Honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude) and Distinction in Research and Creative Work.

BMus/MMus Honors Program

Shepherd School students who demonstrate truly exceptional musical and academic accomplishment may apply for the BMus/MMus five-year coordinated program. This program allows for the completion and awarding of both the BMus and MMus degrees concurrently.

Other Musical Opportunities

A visiting lecturer series, a professional concert series, and numerous distinguished visiting musicians contribute to the Shepherd School environment. The Houston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Chorus, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Houston Masterworks Chorus, Da Camera, Context, and Chamber Music Houston, as well as the activities of other institutions of higher learning in the area, also provide exceptional opportunities for students to enjoy a wide spectrum of music.