The Department of Music is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. The department offers two undergraduate degrees with majors in music (Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music) and one master’s degree with majors in music performance or education (Master of Music). The Department of Music also offers a minor in music for undergraduate students majoring in other disciplines.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) music degree, combined with Professional Education requirements, provides students with the information and skills to be a music educator at all levels and prepares them to take the exams for teacher certification in Texas. Though students are prepared to teach instrumental and vocal music at all grade levels, the curriculum allows them to select one of three areas of emphasis: (1) elementary general—preparation for teaching general music in the elementary grades, (2) secondary choral—preparation for organizing and directing choral organizations at the secondary level; or (3) secondary instrumental—preparation for directing bands and orchestras at the secondary level.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) degree designates an emphasis in performance (piano, voice, winds, or percussion) and prepares the students for careers as professional musicians in an orchestra, opera, ballet, recording studio, private studio, or military organization.
Music requires disciplined skill development and careful sequencing of specific courses. Starting with the freshman year, students enroll in two University Studies courses per semester with the balance of coursework in music. This pattern continues throughout the degree program. Additional non-music courses may be required to satisfy deficiencies. Due to the substantial degree requirement, summer school is frequently encouraged.
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in any of the following teacher education programs must complete: (1) degree requirements (Music Core and Music Emphasis; see below) for a Bachelor of Science in Music with All-Level Teacher Certification degree, (2) University Studies requirements, (3) requirements for admission to and retention in the teacher education program, and (4) professional development courses. (For admission requirements to the teacher education program and teacher certification requirements please see the College of Education section of this catalog). Students electing to pursue the Elementary General Emphasis must take emphasis courses according to their major performance medium (voice or instrument). Keyboard majors must declare an instrument or voice as minor applied and as their area music education emphasis.
The bands, choirs, and other ensembles are open to all students upon audition. These ensembles carry one hour credit each semester. Non-music majors may count ensemble credits as elective or minor credits toward graduation. Two Marching Band credits will substitute for two semester hours of University Studies Fitness and Recreation requirement. Other instrumental and vocal ensembles give students the opportunity to perform specialized literature. Music majors must enroll for a principal ensemble each semester until all music degree requirements are met or until the semester of practice teaching. Principal ensembles include Chorale, University Choir, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. All instrumental music majors are required to participate in Marching Band for four semesters. One or two additional ensembles may be elected and/or stipulated by the student’s advisor in order to ensure appropriate experience and adequate instrumentation.
Private instruction in applied music is offered each term. Each credit hour involves one 30-minute private lesson per week and requires a minimum of six hours practice each week. A maximum of three semester credit hours may be taken in a long semester. During the summer sessions, a maximum of one credit hour may be taken in each summer term. A jury exam will be given at the end of each long semester and at the end of summer school in music 151, 152, 351, and 352 unless waived by the applied music faculty. Music majors without basic skills may be required to take additional instruction beyond what is suggested in degree outlines to meet proficiency requirements for various majors.