Academics:
General Information
About
the Program
Students from all disciplines may participate in the pleasures of musical
study and performance to acquire a deeper understanding of the many ways
music (and related arts) reflects values of various cultures, influences
lives, and enriches human existence. The Music Department of the College
offers courses of study leading to the B.A. degree with a concentration
in music and a minor in music. A wide variety of non-technical courses
address non-concentrators who wish to study music on an introductory, interdisciplinary,
or aesthetic basis. Degree programs, course offerings, and performance
opportunities in music are diverse and invite choice and flexibility. Courses
offered at the Eastman School of Music, normally open to any student presenting
the proper prerequisites, augment the range and depth of musical experiences
and courses available to students in The College.
Any undergraduate student may qualify to take free applied music lessons at the
Eastman School through a successful audition. The student must sign up for an
audition at the Music Department in Todd Union or at the music table
at orientation. The auditions take place at the Eastman School during the
first week of each semester.
There are many opportunities to participate in performing ensembles. Some
400 students play or sing in a dozen musical organizations. Auditions for
all of these groups take place during the first week of school. For a complete
list of performing ensembles and for audition information, contact the
Music Department in 207 Todd Union.
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B.A.
with a concentration in Music
The College's Music Department, in cooperation with the Eastman School
of Music, offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in music.
This degree program in music addresses students who can meet both the intellectual
and musical challenges of a rigorous program that emphasizes the broad
experience of a liberally educated person. The concentration comprises
a balanced program of academic courses, private instruction, and ensemble
experience that fosters understanding of musical languages, historical
developments, and compositional styles while encouraging excellence in
performance. The core curriculum in music theory and history provides the
common foundation for advanced study of specialized subfields in music
(musicology, theory, conducting, management, performance, composition,
music education, etc.) whether this study occurs in the final years of
undergraduate education or at the graduate or professional level.
Although the concentration in music is a demanding one, students often
also explore, beyond the introductory level, one or more non-music disciplines.
Some students pursue a double major. Such flexibility allows students to
combine pre-law or pre-medicine preparation with a concentration or minor
in music.
Freshman students who plan to major in music should take the music theory
placement exam during summer orientation to learn whether they should enroll
in MUR 110 or 111 for the fall semester. Prospective music majors should
also request (during the summer) an application for applied music lessons
and prepare to audition for an ensemble during the first week of classes.
Beginning in 2006, music majors may choose from a variety of tracks within the music concentraction. The tracks comprise between 61 and 71 credits, depending upon background, pre-college preparation, and the particular track selected. Students may opt for specialization in composition, conducting, history/theory, music in world cultures, musical theater, performance, or popular music/jazz, or simply choose the basic track. Each track has a specific faculty advisor. Within each track, the concentration requirements fall into 6 areas. All music majors are required to take the "core courses" in music theory, music history, musicianship, and keyboard skills. Requirements for ensemble, private instruction, and electives vary with the track and are listed in the "Degree Requirements" page.
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Advice
for Freshmen
Every student at the University of Rochester should plan to take at least
one music course at some time during his or her four years here. The Music
Department offers a variety of interesting courses designed for all kinds
of students, from those with no background in music at all to those interested
in making music their livelihood. See "Courses" for a list of
classes which freshmen may take.
Advanced
Placement (A.P.)
Students who have taken the Advanced Placement examination in Music Appreciation
and earned a score of 4 or 5 can receive advanced placement credit for
the course MUR 102.
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