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

The Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.) allows students to study music within the larger context of a liberal arts education. In comparison to the curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), less emphasis is placed on studies specifically in music, with greater flexibility for studies in a field outside of the required music core curriculum. Instead of more music credits as required for the B.M., the B.A. student can choose at least 21 credits in one or more areas outside the music core. In addition, the completion of a capstone experience is required during the senior year. 

The B.A. in Music provides flexibility for students wishing to double-major in music and another discipline. 

B.A. in Music Tracks

  • Studio Track: This track includes primary instrument/voice lessons. Acceptance into an applied studio (e.g. flute, violin, voice, etc.) is necessary if a student will engage in primary instrument/voice lessons for elective credits. This track requires a playing audition before entrance.

  • No Studio Track: This track does NOT include primary instrument/voice lessons, and the degree does not require enrollment in an applied studio. Students do not need to complete a playing audition, but an interview with music faculty is required before entrance. 

Audition requirements for each track are listed below.  

Learning Objectives

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse musical cultures, including historical eras, genres, and literature.​
  2. Identify and work conceptually with elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre, and texture.
  3. Analyze, research, compose, improvise, and/or perform in multiple musical styles.​
  4. ​Develop critical thinking skills and demonstrate a synthesis of knowledge and/or skills in one or more areas of music.

Music Auditions

Prospective CSU Students: In addition to applying to CSU through the Office of Admissions, students applying to the B.A. in Music are required to audition and/or interview with music faculty members. Students may elect to audition for the "Studio Track" (i.e., flute, voice, guitar, etc.) or interview for the “No Studio Track" within the degree. Students auditioning for the applied "Studio Track" must complete the performance audition for their instrument/voice. The music faculty will interview students opting for the "No Studio Track" to discuss musical experiences and long-term goals within the degree program. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.

Current CSU Students: To change your major to music, you may call the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at (970) 491-5891 or email smtd@colostate.edu. Current CSU students must complete the audition and interview process outlined in the above paragraph for prospective students and be accepted to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance before contacting the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.

Join an Ensemble: Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs are open to all CSU students. Ensemble audition excerpts and instructions are available at Ensemble Audition Information (some ensembles do not require an audition).

Music Program Fee

A music program fee is assessed with Undergraduate and graduate music and musical theatre majors and music minors, per semester. Does not apply to the following students: online degree students and summers-only master's degree students. Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.

A minimum grade of C is required in all music courses used to satisfy the requirements of the major programs (B.A. and B.M.) in music.

Effective Fall 2024

Freshman
AUCCCredits
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2)1A3
MU 1171Music Theory I 3
MU 118Music Theory II 3
MU 127Aural Skills I 1
MU 128Aural Skills II 1
MU 131Introduction to Music History and Literature (GT-AH1)3B3
MU 1502Piano Class I 1
MU 151BPiano Class II: Performance, Composition, and General Studies 1
Applied Music Instruction or Ensemble (see list below)3 2
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion1C3
Quantitative Reasoning1B3
Electives4 6
 Total Credits 30
Sophomore
 
MU 217Music Theory III 3
MU 218Music Theory IV 3
MU 227Aural Skills III 1
MU 228Aural Skills IV 1
Applied Music Instruction or Ensemble (see list below)3 2
Advanced Writing23
Biological and Physical Sciences3A7
Historical Perspectives3D3
Electives4 7
 Total Credits 30
Junior
 
Upper-Division Music Theory (see list below)5 3
Upper-Division Music History (see list below)54A,4B3
Upper-Division Electives4 24
 Total Credits 30
Senior
 
MU 479AMusic Capstone: Preparation 1
Select one course from the following:6 3
Music Capstone: Project4C 
Thesis4C 
Arts and Humanities3B3
Social and Behavioral Sciences3C3
Upper-Division Electives4,6 20
 Total Credits 30
 Program Total Credits: 120

Applied Music Instruction - Lower-Division

MU 272AApplied Music Instruction: Euphonium1-2
MU 272BApplied Music Instruction: French Horn1-2
MU 272CApplied Music Instruction: Trombone1-2
MU 272DApplied Music Instruction: Trumpet1-2
MU 272EApplied Music Instruction: Tuba1-2
MU 272GApplied Music Instruction: Harpsichord1-2
MU 272HApplied Music Instruction: Organ1-2
MU 272IApplied Music Instruction: Piano1-2
MU 272JApplied Music Instruction: Percussion1-2
MU 272KApplied Music Instruction: Guitar1-2
MU 272LApplied Music Instruction: Harp1-2
MU 272MApplied Music Instruction: String Bass1-2
MU 272NApplied Music Instruction: Viola1-2
MU 272OApplied Music Instruction: Violin1-2
MU 272PApplied Music Instruction: Violoncello1-2
MU 272QApplied Music Instruction: Voice1-2
MU 272RApplied Music Instruction: Bassoon1-2
MU 272SApplied Music Instruction: Clarinet1-2
MU 272TApplied Music Instruction: Flute1-2
MU 272UApplied Music Instruction: Oboe1-2
MU 272VApplied Music Instruction: Saxophone (Alto)1-2

Ensemble Courses

MU 201Men's Chorus1
MU 202University Chorus1
MU 204Marching Band1
MU 205Concert Band1
MU 206Colorado State University Concert Orchestra1
MU 300Women's Chorus1
MU 302University Orchestra1
MU 304Symphonic Band1
MU 305Colorado State University Concert Choir1
MU 309Jazz Ensemble1
MU 310Jazz Combo1
MU 400Colorado State University Chamber Choir1
MU 401Opera Theater1-2
MU 402Theater/Chamber Orchestra1
MU 404Symphonic Wind Ensemble1
MU 406New Music Ensemble1
MU 407Accompanying1
MU 408Chamber Music1

Upper-Division Music Theory

MU 318Arranging and Orchestration2
MU 325Jazz Composition/Arranging2
MU 417Counterpoint3
MU 418Advanced Orchestration2
MU 419Electronic Music Composition2

Upper-Division Music History

Code Title AUCC Credits
MU 332 History of Jazz 4A,4B 3
MU 334 Perspectives in Early Music History 4A,4B 3
MU 335 Music of the Common Practice Era 4A,4B 3
MU 430 20th and 21st Century Music 4A,4B 3
MU 431 American Music 4A,4B 3
1

Students declaring the BA in Music must take a theory diagnostic to place them either in MU 111 or MU 117.

2

 Students with previous keyboard experience can test out of MU 150 and/or MU 151B and use the extra credit(s) toward electives.

3

Students must participate in an ensemble during each semester in which they are enrolled in MU 172A, MU 172B, MU 272A-MU 272V, MU 472A-MU 472V. Students in ensembles are not required to be in lessons/studio.

4

A maximum of 24 credits of are allowed in music. Non-music electives may be applied towards a second major, a non-music minor, or a certificate. 

5

MU 499 is variable credit. A minimum of 3 credits of either MU 479B or MU 499 are required to fulfill AUCC 4C.

6

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper division (300- to 400-level), with a maximum of 24 credits allowed in music. 

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
To declare this major, must audition with department. A grade of C or better is required in all music courses used to satisfy major requirements.
 

Freshman
Semester 1CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2)X 1A3
MU 117Music Theory IX  3
MU 127Aural Skills IX  1
MU 150Piano Class IX  1
Applied Music Instruction or MU***EnsembleX  1
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion X1C3
Elective X 3
 Total Credits   15
Semester 2CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
MU 118Music Theory IIX  3
MU 128Aural Skills IIX  1
MU 131Introduction to Music History and Literature (GT-AH1)X 3B3
MU 151BPiano Class II: Performance, Composition, and General StudiesX  1
Quantitative ReasoningX 1B3
Applied Music Instruction or MU***EnsembleX  1
Elective X 3
AUCC 1B (MATH) and CO 150 must be completed by the end of Semester 2.X 1B 
 Total Credits   15
Sophomore
Semester 3CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
MU 217Music Theory IIIX  3
MU 227Aural Skills IIIX  1
Applied Music Instruction or MU***EnsembleX  1
Advanced Writing X23
Biological and Physical Sciences X3A4
Electives X 3
 Total Credits   15
Semester 4CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
MU 218Music Theory IVX  3
MU 228Aural Skills IVX  1
Applied Music Instruction or MU***EnsembleX  1
Biological and Physical Sciences X3A3
Historical Perspectives X3D3
Electives X 4
 Total Credits   15
Junior
Semester 5CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Upper-Division Music Theory (See List on Program Requirements Tab)X  3
Upper-Division Music History (See List on Program Requirements Tab)X 4A,4B3
Upper-Division Electives X 9
 Total Credits   15
Semester 6CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Upper-Division Electives X 15
 Total Credits   15
Senior
Semester 7CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
MU 479AMusic Capstone: PreparationX  1
Arts and Humanities X3B3
Social and Behavioral Sciences X3C3
Upper-Division ElectivesX  8
 Total Credits   15
Semester 8CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
Select one course from the following:X  3
Music Capstone: Project  4C 
Thesis  4C 
Upper-Division ElectivesX  12
The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study.X   
 Total Credits   15
 Program Total Credits:   120