Music
Major Requirements
Major: Music
Degree Type: B.A. or B.S.
Required Degree Credits to Graduate: 122
University Degree Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
- Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework. Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
- Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
- A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
- At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits. Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
- At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
- Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.
For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.
University General Education Requirements
A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Category C: Communication | 12 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| College Composition II | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
Upper Division Writing † | ||
| Category R: Quantitative Reasoning † | 3 | |
| Category S: Science and Technology † | 10 | |
| Category A: Humanities and Fine Arts † | 6 | |
| Category B: Social and Behavioral Sciences † | 6 | |
| Category W: Wellness † | 2 | |
| Category D: Cultural Diversity *† | ||
| Category G: Global Perspectives *† | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- *
Courses for category D & G are satisfied by completing D & G designated courses in another general education category.
- †
General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable. Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.
Major Requirements
A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in all MUSC prefix courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Music Core Requirements | ||
| MUSC 103 | Introduction to Music History (May satisfy general education category A) | 3 |
| MUSC 130 | Theory and Analysis I | 3 |
| MUSC 131 | Theory and Analysis II | 3 |
| MUSC 132 | Ear Training & Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 133 | Ear Training & Sight Singing II | 1 |
| MUSC 189 | Skills for Academic Success 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 230 | Theory and Analysis III | 3 |
| MUSC 231 | Theory and Analysis IV | 3 |
| MUSC 232 | Ear Training & Sight Singing III | 1 |
| MUSC 233 | Ear Training & Sight Singing IV | 1 |
| MUSC 340 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUSC 341 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUSC 385 | Music Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| Capstone Experience (choose from following:) 2 | 1 | |
| Recital | ||
| Recital | ||
| Individual Study | ||
| Applied Music: Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments | ||
| Applied Upper Strings | ||
| Applied Lower Strings | ||
| Applied Guitar | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments | ||
| Applied Upper Strings | ||
| Applied Lower Strings | ||
| Applied Guitar | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments | ||
| Applied Upper Strings | ||
| Applied Lower Strings | ||
| Applied Guitar | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments | ||
| Applied Upper Strings | ||
| Applied Lower Strings | ||
| Applied Guitar | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Major Ensemble: Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Marching Band | ||
| University Band | ||
| Cantemus | ||
| Statesmen of NDSU | ||
| University Chamber Singers | ||
| Wind Symphony | ||
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Music Electives or Emphasis Courses | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
- 1
MUSC 189 is only required for first-time, first-year students--A first-time, first-year student is defined as a student who has not yet completed a college course as a college student. Students that are not first-time, first-year students that either transfer into the university or change their major are not required to take MUSC 189.
- 2
B.A./B.S. Recital Capstone or Individual Study Capstone is fulfilled by registration in MUSC 380 Recital, MUSC 480 Recital, or MUSC 494 Individual Study. The MUSC 494 Individual Study registration is approved by the music faculty and supervised by the adviser. Possibilities include:
- Half (MUSC 380 Recital) or full (MUSC 480 Recital) recital with program notes.
- Approved research project on a topic related to music; requires a formal written document (MUSC 494 Individual Study).
- Approved internship, such as directing an ensemble (e.g. church choir), teaching at the NDSU Academy, observed regularly by the advisor, with a formal written document of the experience (MUSC 494 Individual Study).
- Approved “lecture recital” with a formal presentation. Lecture recital should be at least the same length as a half recital (MUSC 494 Individual Study)
- Performance or major opera role or a major solo with ensemble in a formal concert, accompanied by a summary document (MUSC 494 Individual Study)
Degree Requirements and Notes
- Music majors may not declare a music minor.
Major Requirements
Major: Music - Instrumental Performance
Degree Type: B.Mus.
Required Degree Credits to Graduate: 128
University Degree Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
- Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework. Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
- Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
- A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
- At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits. Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
- At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
- Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.
For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.
University General Education Requirements
A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Category C: Communication | 12 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| College Composition II | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
Upper Division Writing † | ||
| Category R: Quantitative Reasoning † | 3 | |
| Category S: Science and Technology † | 10 | |
| Category A: Humanities and Fine Arts † | 6 | |
| Category B: Social and Behavioral Sciences † | 6 | |
| Category W: Wellness † | 2 | |
| Category D: Cultural Diversity *† | ||
| Category G: Global Perspectives *† | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- *
Courses for category D & G are satisfied by completing D & G designated courses in another general education category.
- †
General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable. Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.
Major Requirements
A grade of 'C' or better is required in all MUSC prefix courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Music Core Requirements | ||
| MUSC 103 | Introduction to Music History (May satisfy general education category A) | 3 |
| MUSC 130 | Theory and Analysis I | 3 |
| MUSC 131 | Theory and Analysis II | 3 |
| MUSC 132 | Ear Training & Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 133 | Ear Training & Sight Singing II | 1 |
| MUSC 189 | Skills for Academic Success 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 230 | Theory and Analysis III | 3 |
| MUSC 231 | Theory and Analysis IV | 3 |
| MUSC 232 | Ear Training & Sight Singing III | 1 |
| MUSC 233 | Ear Training & Sight Singing IV | 1 |
| MUSC 341 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUSC 380 | Recital | 1 |
| MUSC 340 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUSC 351 | Instrumental Conducting & Literature | 2 |
| MUSC 385 | Music Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MUSC 480 | Recital | 1 |
| Advanced Theory - select 2 of the following 3 courses | 6 | |
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Counterpoint | ||
| Contemporary Harmonic Techniques | ||
| Pedagogy: Select 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Music | ||
| Select 22 credits from the following: (2 semesters each of 100 level, 200 level, 300 level; 1 semester of 400 level) | 22 | |
| Wind Instruments: | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Wind Instruments and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Percussion: | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Percussion Instruments and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Upper Strings: | ||
| Applied Upper Strings and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Upper Strings and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Upper Strings and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Upper Strings and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Lower Strings: | ||
| Applied Lower Strings and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Lower Strings and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Lower Strings and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Lower Strings and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Guitar: | ||
| Applied Guitar and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Guitar and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Guitar and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Guitar and Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Instrumental Track | ||
| MUSC 331 | Instrumental Arranging | 2 |
| Literature | ||
| MUSC 344 | Wind Band Literature | 2 |
| or MUSC 441 | Symphonic Literature | |
| Applied Piano: Class or individual study | 4 | |
| Piano Class I (Up to 2 semesters of MUSC 165 with permission) | ||
or MUSC 165 | Applied Piano | |
| Piano Class II | ||
| Piano Class III | ||
| Piano Class IV | ||
| Jazz Studies: Select 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Marching Band Methods and Techniques | ||
| Jazz Improvisation | ||
| Composition I | ||
| Composition II | ||
| Major Ensemble: Select 8 credits from the following: | 8 | |
| Wind Symphony (or as approved by adviser) | ||
| University Symphony Orchestra (for string majors) | ||
| Minor Ensembles: Select 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Marching Band | ||
| University Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Brass Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Chamber Ensemble | ||
| String Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Mixed Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
Or as approved by adviser | ||
| Total Credits | 87 | |
- 1
MUSC 189 is only required for first-time, first-year students--A first-time, first-year student is defined as a student who has not yet completed a college course as a college student. Students that are not first-time, first-year students that either transfer into the university or change their major are not required to take MUSC 189.
Degree Notes
- Music majors may not declare a music minor.
Major Requirements
Major: Music - Piano Performance
Degree Type: B.Mus.
Required Degree Credits to Graduate: 128
University Degree Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
- Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework. Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
- Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
- A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
- At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits. Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
- At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
- Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.
For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.
University General Education Requirements
A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Category C: Communication | 12 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| College Composition II | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
Upper Division Writing † | ||
| Category R: Quantitative Reasoning † | 3 | |
| Category S: Science and Technology † | 10 | |
| Category A: Humanities and Fine Arts † | 6 | |
| Category B: Social and Behavioral Sciences † | 6 | |
| Category W: Wellness † | 2 | |
| Category D: Cultural Diversity *† | ||
| Category G: Global Perspectives *† | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- *
Courses for category D & G are satisfied by completing D & G designated courses in another general education category.
- †
General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable. Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.
Major Requirements
A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in all MUSC prefix courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Music Core Requirements | ||
| MUSC 103 | Introduction to Music History (May satisfy general education category A) | 3 |
| MUSC 130 | Theory and Analysis I | 3 |
| MUSC 131 | Theory and Analysis II | 3 |
| MUSC 132 | Ear Training & Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 133 | Ear Training & Sight Singing II | 1 |
| MUSC 189 | Skills for Academic Success 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 230 | Theory and Analysis III | 3 |
| MUSC 231 | Theory and Analysis IV | 3 |
| MUSC 232 | Ear Training & Sight Singing III | 1 |
| MUSC 233 | Ear Training & Sight Singing IV | 1 |
| MUSC 340 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUSC 341 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUSC 351 | Instrumental Conducting & Literature | 2 |
| or MUSC 352 | Choral Conducting & Literature | |
| MUSC 385 | Music Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MUSC 380 | Recital | 1 |
| MUSC 480 | Recital | 1 |
| Upper-Division Music Theory: Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Counterpoint | ||
| Contemporary Harmonic Techniques | ||
| Analytical Techniques | ||
| Applied Music: Select 22 credits from the following: | 22 | |
| Applied Piano | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Supplementary Applied Study | ||
| Piano Track | ||
| MUSC 443 | Keyboard Literature (Take two times.) | 6 |
| Additional Literature: Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Wind Band Literature | ||
| Survey/Vocal Literature | ||
| Symphonic Literature | ||
| Opera Literature | ||
| Pedagogy: | ||
| MUSC 423 | Piano Pedagogy (Take two times.) | 6 |
| Major Ensembles: Select 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Marching Band | ||
| University Band | ||
| Cantemus | ||
| Statesmen of NDSU | ||
| Wind Symphony | ||
| University Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Minor Ensembles: Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Mixed Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Piano Chamber Music | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Piano Chamber Music | ||
| Individual Study | ||
| Applied Composition | ||
| Total Credits | 89 | |
- 1
MUSC 189 is only required for first-time, first-year students--A first-time, first-year student is defined as a student who has not yet completed a college course as a college student. Students that are not first-time, first-year students that either transfer into the university or change their major are not required to take MUSC 189.
Degree Notes
- Music majors may not declare a music minor.
Major Requirements
Major: Music - Vocal Performance
Degree Type: B.Mus
Required Degree Credits to Graduate: 142
University Degree Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
- Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework. Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
- Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
- A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
- At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits. Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
- At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
- Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.
For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.
University General Education Requirements
A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Category C: Communication | 12 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| College Composition II | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
Upper Division Writing † | ||
| Category R: Quantitative Reasoning † | 3 | |
| Category S: Science and Technology † | 10 | |
| Category A: Humanities and Fine Arts † | 6 | |
| Category B: Social and Behavioral Sciences † | 6 | |
| Category W: Wellness † | 2 | |
| Category D: Cultural Diversity *† | ||
| Category G: Global Perspectives *† | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- *
Courses for category D & G are satisfied by completing D & G designated courses in another general education category.
- †
General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable. Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.
Major Requirements
A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in all MUSC prefix courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Music Core Requirements | ||
| MUSC 103 | Introduction to Music History (May satisfy general education category A) | 3 |
| MUSC 130 | Theory and Analysis I | 3 |
| MUSC 131 | Theory and Analysis II | 3 |
| MUSC 132 | Ear Training & Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 133 | Ear Training & Sight Singing II | 1 |
| MUSC 189 | Skills for Academic Success 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 230 | Theory and Analysis III | 3 |
| MUSC 231 | Theory and Analysis IV | 3 |
| MUSC 232 | Ear Training & Sight Singing III | 1 |
| MUSC 233 | Ear Training & Sight Singing IV | 1 |
| MUSC 340 | Music History I | 3 |
| MUSC 341 | Music History II | 3 |
| MUSC 380 | Recital | 1 |
| MUSC 385 | Music Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MUSC 480 | Recital | 1 |
| Advanced Theory - select 2 of the following 3 courses | 6 | |
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Counterpoint | ||
| Contemporary Harmonic Techniques | ||
| Applied Music | ||
| Select 22 credits from the following: | 22 | |
| Applied Voice and Supplementary Applied Study * | ||
| Applied Voice and Supplementary Applied Study * | ||
| Applied Voice and Supplementary Applied Study * | ||
| Applied Voice and Supplementary Applied Study * | ||
| Vocal Track | ||
| MUSC 174 | Pronunciation for Singers I | 1 |
| MUSC 175 | Pronunciation for Singers II | 1 |
| MUSC 346 | Survey/Vocal Literature | 2 |
| MUSC 349 | Vocal Methods & Pedagogy I | 2 |
| MUSC 442 | Opera Literature | 2 |
| Language | ||
| FREN 101 | First-Year French I | 4 |
| FREN 102 | First-Year French II | 4 |
| GERM 101 | First-Year German I | 4 |
| GERM 102 | First-Year German II | 4 |
| Applied Piano: Private (MUSC 165) or class (MUSC 160; MUSC 161; MUSC 260; MUSC 261) | 4 | |
| Piano Class I (Up to 2 semesters of MUSC 165 with permission) | ||
or MUSC 165 | Applied Piano | |
| Piano Class II | ||
| Piano Class III | ||
| Piano Class IV | ||
| Major Ensemble: Select 8 credits from the following: | 8 | |
| Concert Choir (or as approved by adviser) | ||
| Minor Ensemble: Select 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| University Chamber Singers | ||
| Madrigal Singers | ||
| Opera Workshop | ||
Or as approved by adviser | ||
| Total Credits | 99 | |
- 1
MUSC 189 is only required for first-time, first-year students--A first-time, first-year student is defined as a student who has not yet completed a college course as a college student. Students that are not first-time, first-year students that either transfer into the university or change their major are not required to take MUSC 189.
- 2
Students may take THEA 268 instead of 3 credits of Supplementary Applied Study.
Degree Notes
- Music majors may not declare a music minor.
Minor Requirements
Minor: Music
Required Credits: 20
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MUSC 103 | Introduction to Music History | 3 |
| MUSC 130 | Theory and Analysis I | 3 |
| MUSC 131 | Theory and Analysis II | 3 |
| MUSC 132 | Ear Training & Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 133 | Ear Training & Sight Singing II | 1 |
| Applied Study Electives | 2 | |
| Major Ensemble Electives | 2 | |
| Electives | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Minor Requirements and Notes
- A minimum of 8 credits must be taken at NDSU.