Program Overview

Music Department

The Music Department at Boston College offers a comprehensive music program that provides students with a well-rounded education in music theory, history, and performance. The department is committed to fostering a community of musicians who are dedicated to the study, performance, and appreciation of music.

Major Requirements

The music major requires a minimum of 12 courses (38 credits) and includes a combination of coursework, ensemble performance, and individual instruction in voice or an instrument. Students must complete the following requirements:

• Introductory Course or Equivalent Elective: MUSA 1100 Fundamentals of Music Theory
• Theory, Analysis, and Composition (4 courses):
  • MUSA 2100 Harmony
  • MUSA 3100 Chromatic Harmony
  • MUSA 3106 Counterpoint/Composition
  • One of the following: MUSA 3114 Jazz Harmony, MUSA 3120 Composition Seminar, or MUSA 3130 Orchestration
• Music History (3 courses):
  • MUSA 2209 Music of the Modern Era
  • Two period courses chosen from: MUSA 2201 Medieval-Renaissance Music, MUSA 2203 Music of the Baroque, MUSA 2205 Music of the Classic Period, or MUSA 2207 Music of the Romantic Era
• Cross-Cultural Studies (2 courses):
  • One course from Group I Non-Western Tradition: MUSA 1320 Introduction to Musics of the World, MUSA 2304 Musics of India, MUSA 2306 Musics of Africa, MUSA 2307 Musics of Asia, MUSA 2308 Music in the Medieval Islamic World, MUSA 2309 Music and Culture in the Middle East, or MUSA 3342 Music & Ecstasy
  • One course from Group II Western Tradition: MUSA 2320 Music and America, MUSA 2330 History of Jazz, MUSA 2340 Introduction to Irish Folk Music, MUSA 2342 Contemporary Celtic Music, MUSA 3224 Dance to the Music: Choreomusicality from the Baroque Court to YouTube, MUSA 3350 Beatles, or MUSA 2334 Hip Hop in American Culture
• Electives (2 courses): Students choose two semester courses in an area of interest, such as music theory and composition, performance, history, or cross-cultural studies.
• Senior Seminar: MUSA 4941 Senior Seminar, which entails a series of weekly projects and serves as preparation for a senior project.

Other Requirements

In addition to the coursework, music majors must also complete the following requirements:

• Performance/Ensemble Experience (2 semesters): Students must participate in an organized performance group at Boston College, such as the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music Ensemble, or University Chorale.
• Repertory Listening Lists: Majors will be asked to identify important works from the Western tradition in a series of Listening Repertory exams.
• Ear Training: All majors are expected to pass the minimum competency requirements in Ear Training and Sight-Singing before graduation.

Courses

The Music Department offers a wide range of courses, including:

• MUSA 1100 Fundamentals of Music Theory: An introductory music theory course that covers the fundamentals of music notation and ear-training.
• MUSA 1200 Introduction to Music: A course that attempts to develop essential and critical listening faculties by employing a chronological survey of the elements, forms, and various types of music.
• MUSA 1300 History of Popular Music: A course that provides an overall history of popular music in America, with emphasis upon mainstream popular music since 1954.
• MUSA 1320 Introduction to Musics of the World: A course that provides an introduction to selected music cultures from around the world.
• MUSA 2100 Harmony: A course that covers the principles of diatonic harmonic progression, four-part writing from a figured bass, and harmonization of chorale melodies.
• MUSA 3100 Chromatic Harmony: A course that covers the basic principles of chromatic progression, including the proper use of secondary dominants, diminished seventh chords, and augmented triads.
• MUSA 3106 Counterpoint/Tonal Composition: A course that studies the fundamentals of two- and three-part polyphonic styles, using the principles of species counterpoint.

Senior Recital Preparation

Music majors who are preparing for a senior recital must take MUSA 4600 Senior Recital Preparation, a course that prepares students for a 40-minute concert with a research paper required.

Readings and Research

The Music Department offers several courses that allow students to engage in readings and research, including MUSA 4900 Readings and Research and MUSA 4961 Honors Thesis Preparation. These courses provide students with the opportunity to explore topics in music in depth and to develop their research and writing skills.

Faculty

The Music Department faculty are dedicated teachers and scholars who are committed to providing students with a well-rounded education in music. The faculty include:

• Ralf Gawlick, Professor of Music
• Thomas O. Lee, Professor of Music
• Jeremiah W. McGrann, Associate Professor of Music
• Anna Wittstruck, Assistant Professor of Music
• Daniel Callahan, Lecturer in Music

Facilities

The Music Department is located in Lyons Hall, which provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, and a concert hall. The department also has a collection of instruments, including pianos, keyboards, and orchestral instruments, which are available for student use.