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Courses & Curriculum

Major Requirements

Requirements of the Major

Students who are interested in majoring in Music should consult a Music professor or the Chair in their sophomore year to plan their academic programs. Ethnomusicology students should consult with the Chair. Prospective Music majors should complete the prerequisites by the end of their sophomore year and are encouraged to complete them by the end of their freshman year. By the end of their first year as a Music major, the student should select a faculty advisor.

The Music major's courses should include:

  1. Foundation Courses: Choose one or the other:
    1. MUSI BC 1001 - An Introduction to Music I
    2. MUSI BC 1002 - An Introduction to Music II
  2. Courses: Minimum of 40 points, including -
    1. MUSI UN 2318 - UN 2319 - Diatonic Harmony and Counterpoint
    2.  MUSI UN 3321 - UN 3322 - Chromatic Harmony and Counterpoint
    3.  MUSI UN 3128 - History of Western Music I: Middle Ages to Baroque
    4. MUSI UN 3129 - History of Western Music II: Classical to 20th Century
    5. Four semesters of ear-training, unless the student is exempt by exam
    6. At least three 3000- or 4000- level electives in an area of interest (theory, history, composition, or ethnomusicology)
    7. Remaining points from 2000- to 4000- level electives. (No more than 6 points of 2000- level courses and no more than 4 points of instrumental or vocal lessons count towards the major.)
    8.  MUS BC3993 - Senior Seminar (4 points)
  3. Senior Project: It can be an expansion of a paper written in a 4000- level course, a composition, or a recital.
  4. Keyboard Proficiency: Music majors will be required to take a keyboard proficiency exam, which must be arranged by making an appointment with a member of the piano faculty immediately upon declaration of the major. Those who do not pass the exam will be required to take MUSI UN 1517-UN1518 for 1 point each term, which will count against the maximum 4 points allowed toward completion of the major.

Recommendations

  • Languages: Students who plan to do graduate work in music, the study of German, French, Italian, and/or Latin is recommended.

  • Music Lessons at the Manhattan School of Music or the Juilliard School: Current students should consult with Gail Archer, the Barnard Director, to apply to take lessons. Prospective students and current students should refer to the Juilliard School Programs and the Manhattan School of Music Program information page. (For non-majors, there is a six-semester limit but majors may continue for the remainder of the program.)

Resources

  • Regular Practice Rooms: Practice rooms are available, at a nominal fee, upon application to the Music Department in 319 Milbank. Applications should be made during the first week of class. Preference in assigning hours is given to students taking piano instruction and majors.