Office in University Center for the Arts, Room 120
(970) 491-5529
music.colostate.edu

A Minor in Music presents students with opportunities to engage in music theory, music history, and the culture of music, along with a variety of performance opportunities through ensemble playing and applied lessons. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a sense of informed musicianship.
  2. Interpret music based on their knowledge of music theory and music history.
  3. Develop a foundation for a lifelong appreciation of music.

Admission to Minor

Students pursuing a minor in music are encouraged to work with the SMTD undergraduate coordinator for advising in the music minor to create a “track” in the music minor. Students can make choices in their lower and upper division coursework to make the minor more academic or performance focused. For the performance track, in addition to applying to CSU through the Office of Admissions, a successful audition with CSU Music faculty is required for entrance into the Music Minor in the performance track. The academic track will not require an audition. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.

Music Program Fee

A music program fee is assessed with undergraduate and graduate music majors and minors, per semester. The fee does not apply to the following students: online degree students, summers-only master's degree students, music therapy students in an internship off-campus, and music education students who are student teaching off-campus. Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.

Effective Fall 2023

Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.

Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.

Lower Division
Music Theory - Select at least 3 credits from the following: 13
MU 111
Music Theory Fundamentals (GT-AH1)
MU 117
Music Theory I
History and Culture of Music - Select at least 3 credits from the following:3
MU 131
Introduction to Music History and Literature (GT-AH1)
MU 132
Exploring World Music
MU 133
Survey of Jazz History (GT-AH1)
MU 1** or 2** Lower Division electives 23
Upper Division - Select at least 12 credits from the following:
MU 3** or 4**Upper Division Music Electives 212
Program Total Credits:21
1

Incoming students must take a Music Theory diagnostic exam to recommend either MU 111 or MU 117 as the appropriate placement in the Music Theory category

2

May include ensembles or applied lessons. Lessons and some ensembles require auditions.