Major in Music (B.M.), Performance Concentration, Orchestral Instrument Option

Please refer to the main Major in Music (B.M.), Music Performance Concentration page for the performance concentration overview and learning objectives.

Students should reference the information for their instrument on the music website for additional details. 

Music Auditions

Prospective CSU Students: 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.M. concentrations. 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 need to complete the audition process 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.

Effective Fall 2022

A minimum grade of C (2.000) is required in all music courses used to satisfy the requirements of the BM in Music, Performance Concentration, Orchestral Instrument Option. 

Applied Music Instruction - Lower-Division

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MU 275A	Applied Instruction: Euphonium	3
MU 275B	Applied Instruction: French Horn	3
MU 275C	Applied Instruction: Trombone	3
MU 275D	Applied Instruction: Trumpet	3
MU 275E	Applied Instruction: Tuba	3
MU 275G	Applied Instruction: Harpsichord	3
MU 275H	Applied Instruction: Organ	3
MU 275I	Applied Instruction: Piano	3
MU 275J	Applied Instruction: Percussion	3
MU 275K	Applied Instruction: Guitar	3
MU 275L	Applied Instruction: Harp	3
MU 275M	Applied Instruction: Double Bass	3
MU 275N	Applied Instruction: Viola	3
MU 275O	Applied Instruction: Violin	3
MU 275P	Applied Instruction: Violoncello	3
MU 275Q	Applied Instruction: Voice	3
MU 275R	Applied Instruction: Bassoon	3
MU 275S	Applied Instruction: Clarinet	3
MU 275T	Applied Instruction: Flute	3
MU 275U	Applied Instruction: Oboe	3
MU 275V	Applied Instruction: Saxophone (Alto)	3

Applied Music Instruction - Upper-Division

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MU 475A	Applied Instruction: Euphonium	3
MU 475B	Applied Instruction: French Horn	3
MU 475C	Applied Instruction: Trombone	3
MU 475D	Applied Instruction: Trumpet	3
MU 475E	Applied Instruction: Tuba	3
MU 475G	Applied Instruction: Harpsichord	3
MU 475H	Applied Instruction: Organ	3
MU 475I	Applied Instruction: Piano	3
MU 475J	Applied Instruction: Percussion	3
MU 475K	Applied Instruction: Guitar	3
MU 475L	Applied Instruction: Harp	3
MU 475M	Applied Instruction: String Bass	3
MU 475N	Applied Instruction: Viola	3
MU 475O	Applied Instruction: Violin	3
MU 475P	Applied Instruction: Violoncello	3
MU 475R	Applied Instruction: Bassoon	3
MU 475S	Applied Instruction: Clarinet	3
MU 475T	Applied Instruction: Flute	3
MU 475U	Applied Instruction: Oboe	3
MU 475V	Applied Instruction: Saxophone (Alto)	3

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 406	New Music Ensemble	1
MU 407	Accompanying	1
MU 408	Chamber Music	1

 Upper-Division Music History 4A/4B Courses

¹

Students with previous keyboard experience may test out of MU 150 and/or MU 151B and replace with the same number of elective credit(s).

²

Major instrument. Take two semesters each during the freshman and sophomore years.

³

Students must participate in an ensemble during each semester in which they are enrolled in MU 275A-MU 275V and MU 475A-MU 475V. At least once during the program of study, this must be achieved by taking MU 408 or through another small ensemble experience.

⁴

 Major instrument. Take two semesters each during the junior and senior years.

⁵

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to 120, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program: A minimum grade of C (2.000) is required in all music courses used to satisfy the requirements of the BM in Music, Performance Concentration, Orchestral Instrument Option.