Major in Music (B.A.)

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 a 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 outside of music. In lieu of a larger number of credits in music as required for the B.M., the B.A. student completes 21 elective credits in areas outside of music. In addition, the completion of a capstone paper, project, or recital (half recital) is required during the senior year.

Program-level Learning Objectives

• Hear, identify, and work conceptually with elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre, and texture through composition, improvisation, and performance in multiple musical styles.
• Develop and defend musical judgments and demonstrate a synthesis of knowledge and/or skills in one or more areas of music.
• Articulate knowledge of a wide selection of musical literature, the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
• As part of a well-rounded liberal arts program, B.A. in Music majors are also expected to think, speak, and write clearly, and effectively address and defend diverse cultural, historical, moral, scientific, and ethical issues (both orally and in written form) in subject matter related to music, other art forms, and outside disciplines.

Music Audition

In addition to applying to CSU through the Office of Admissions, a successful audition with CSU Music faculty is required for entrance into the B.A. in Music. 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, music education students who are student teaching off-campus, and music minors who are not actively enrolled in any lessons or ensembles. 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 2022

Applied Music Instruction - Lower-Division

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MU 272A	Applied Music Instruction: Euphonium	1-2
MU 272B	Applied Music Instruction: French Horn	1-2
MU 272C	Applied Music Instruction: Trombone	1-2
MU 272D	Applied Music Instruction: Trumpet	1-2
MU 272E	Applied Music Instruction: Tuba	1-2
MU 272G	Applied Music Instruction: Harpsichord	1-2
MU 272H	Applied Music Instruction: Organ	1-2
MU 272I	Applied Music Instruction: Piano	1-2
MU 272J	Applied Music Instruction: Percussion	1-2
MU 272K	Applied Music Instruction: Guitar	1-2
MU 272L	Applied Music Instruction: Harp	1-2
MU 272M	Applied Music Instruction: String Bass	1-2
MU 272N	Applied Music Instruction: Viola	1-2
MU 272O	Applied Music Instruction: Violin	1-2
MU 272P	Applied Music Instruction: Violoncello	1-2
MU 272Q	Applied Music Instruction: Voice	1-2
MU 272R	Applied Music Instruction: Bassoon	1-2
MU 272S	Applied Music Instruction: Clarinet	1-2
MU 272T	Applied Music Instruction: Flute	1-2
MU 272U	Applied Music Instruction: Oboe	1-2
MU 272V	Applied Music Instruction: Saxophone (Alto)	1-2

Ensemble Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MU 201	Men's Chorus	1
MU 202	University Chorus	1
MU 204	Marching Band	1
MU 205	Concert Band	1
MU 206	Colorado State University Concert Orchestra	1
MU 300	Women's Chorus	1
MU 302	University Orchestra	1
MU 304	Symphonic Band	1
MU 305	Colorado State University Concert Choir	1
MU 309	Jazz Ensemble	1
MU 310	Jazz Combo	1
MU 400	Colorado State University Chamber Choir	1
MU 401	Opera Theater	1-2
MU 402	Theater/Chamber Orchestra	1
MU 404	Symphonic Wind Ensemble	1
MU 407	Accompanying	1
MU 408	Chamber Music	1

Upper-Division Music Theory

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MU 317	Music Theory V	2
MU 318	Arranging and Orchestration	2
MU 417	Counterpoint	3
MU 418	Advanced Orchestration	2
MU 419	Electronic Music Composition	2

Upper-Division Music History

¹

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

²

First-year voice students must take MU 172A and MU 172B (total of four credits), and then take MU 272Q for one credit each semester of the second year (a total of two credits); instrumentalists take MU 272A-MU 272P or MU 272R-MU 272V on major instrument for one credit each semester of the first 2 years (total of four credits).

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. At least once during the program of study, this must be achieved by taking MU 408 or through another small ensemble experience.

⁴

21 credits of non-music courses in one or more fields of study, including at least 12 upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.

 

 

⁵

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). 21 elective credits must be outside of the field of 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.