Music

Major Requirements

Major: Music

Degree Type: B.A. or B.S.
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 122

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. 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.

Category C: Communication12
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 Credits39
*

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.

Music Core Requirements
MUSC 103Introduction to Music History (May satisfy general education category A)3
MUSC 130Theory and Analysis I3
MUSC 131Theory and Analysis II3
MUSC 132Ear Training & Sight Singing I1
MUSC 133Ear Training & Sight Singing II1
MUSC 189Skills for Academic Success 11
MUSC 230Theory and Analysis III3
MUSC 231Theory and Analysis IV3
MUSC 232Ear Training & Sight Singing III1
MUSC 233Ear Training & Sight Singing IV1
MUSC 340Music History I3
MUSC 341Music History II3
MUSC 385Music Entrepreneurship3
Capstone Experience (choose from following:) 21
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 Courses15
Total Credits57
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.
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 128

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. 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.

Category C: Communication12
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 Credits39
*

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.

Music Core Requirements
MUSC 103Introduction to Music History (May satisfy general education category A)3
MUSC 130Theory and Analysis I3
MUSC 131Theory and Analysis II3
MUSC 132Ear Training & Sight Singing I1
MUSC 133Ear Training & Sight Singing II1
MUSC 189Skills for Academic Success 11
MUSC 230Theory and Analysis III3
MUSC 231Theory and Analysis IV3
MUSC 232Ear Training & Sight Singing III1
MUSC 233Ear Training & Sight Singing IV1
MUSC 341Music History II3
MUSC 380Recital1
MUSC 340Music History I3
MUSC 351Instrumental Conducting & Literature2
MUSC 385Music Entrepreneurship3
MUSC 480Recital1
Advanced Theory - select 2 of the following 3 courses6
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 331Instrumental Arranging2
Literature
MUSC 344Wind Band Literature2
or MUSC 441 Symphonic Literature
Applied Piano: Class or individual study4
Piano Class I (Up to 2 semesters of MUSC 165 with permission)
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 Credits87
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.
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 128

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. 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.

Category C: Communication12
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 Credits39
*

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.

Music Core Requirements
MUSC 103Introduction to Music History (May satisfy general education category A)3
MUSC 130Theory and Analysis I3
MUSC 131Theory and Analysis II3
MUSC 132Ear Training & Sight Singing I1
MUSC 133Ear Training & Sight Singing II1
MUSC 189Skills for Academic Success 11
MUSC 230Theory and Analysis III3
MUSC 231Theory and Analysis IV3
MUSC 232Ear Training & Sight Singing III1
MUSC 233Ear Training & Sight Singing IV1
MUSC 340Music History I3
MUSC 341Music History II3
MUSC 351Instrumental Conducting & Literature2
or MUSC 352 Choral Conducting & Literature
MUSC 385Music Entrepreneurship3
MUSC 380Recital1
MUSC 480Recital1
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 443Keyboard 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 423Piano 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 Credits89
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
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 142

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. 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.

Category C: Communication12
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 Credits39
*

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.

Music Core Requirements
MUSC 103Introduction to Music History (May satisfy general education category A)3
MUSC 130Theory and Analysis I3
MUSC 131Theory and Analysis II3
MUSC 132Ear Training & Sight Singing I1
MUSC 133Ear Training & Sight Singing II1
MUSC 189Skills for Academic Success 11
MUSC 230Theory and Analysis III3
MUSC 231Theory and Analysis IV3
MUSC 232Ear Training & Sight Singing III1
MUSC 233Ear Training & Sight Singing IV1
MUSC 340Music History I3
MUSC 341Music History II3
MUSC 380Recital1
MUSC 385Music Entrepreneurship3
MUSC 480Recital1
Advanced Theory - select 2 of the following 3 courses6
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 174Pronunciation for Singers I1
MUSC 175Pronunciation for Singers II1
MUSC 346Survey/Vocal Literature2
MUSC 349Vocal Methods & Pedagogy I2
MUSC 442Opera Literature2
Language
FREN 101First-Year French I4
FREN 102First-Year French II4
GERM 101First-Year German I4
GERM 102First-Year German II4
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)
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 Credits99
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.

Major Requirements

Major: Music - Composition

Degree Type: B.Mus
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 123

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. 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.

Category C: Communication12
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 Credits39
*

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.

Music Core Requirements
MUSC 103Introduction to Music History3
MUSC 130Theory and Analysis I3
MUSC 131Theory and Analysis II3
MUSC 132Ear Training & Sight Singing I1
MUSC 133Ear Training & Sight Singing II1
MUSC 189Skills for Academic Success 11
MUSC 230Theory and Analysis III3
MUSC 231Theory and Analysis IV3
MUSC 232Ear Training & Sight Singing III1
MUSC 233Ear Training & Sight Singing IV1
MUSC 340Music History I3
MUSC 341Music History II3
MUSC 385Music Entrepreneurship3
MUSC 480Recital1
MUSC 494Individual Study1
Applied Music - Select 6 credits from one of the following applied music disciplines:6
Applied Piano
Applied Piano
Applied Piano
Applied Piano
Applied Piano
Applied Voice
Applied Voice
Applied Voice
Applied Voice
Applied Voice
Applied Wind Instruments
Applied Wind Instruments
Applied Wind Instruments
Applied Wind Instruments
Applied Wind Instruments
Applied Percussion Instruments
Applied Percussion Instruments
Applied Percussion Instruments
Applied Percussion Instruments
Applied Percussion Instruments
Applied Upper Strings
Applied Upper Strings
Applied Upper Strings
Applied Upper Strings
Applied Upper Strings
Applied Lower Strings
Applied Lower Strings
Applied Lower Strings
Applied Lower Strings
Applied Lower Strings
Applied Guitar
Applied Guitar
Applied Guitar
Applied Guitar
Applied Guitar
Major Ensembles - 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
Minor Ensembles - Select 4 credits from the following:4
Percussion Ensemble
Brass Chamber Ensemble
Woodwind Chamber Ensemble
String Chamber Ensemble
Madrigal Singers
Mixed Chamber Ensemble
Vocal Chamber Ensemble
Piano Chamber Music
Jazz Combo
Piano Classes
MUSC 160Piano Class I1
MUSC 161Piano Class II1
MUSC 260Piano Class III1
MUSC 261Piano Class IV1
Composition Core
MUSC 331Instrumental Arranging2
MUSC 351Instrumental Conducting & Literature2
or MUSC 352 Choral Conducting & Literature
MUSC 430Counterpoint3
Applied Composition - Select 13 credits from the following (one semester of 100 level, 2 semesters each of 200 level, 300 level, and 400 level)
MUSC 166Applied Composition1
MUSC 266Applied Composition (Enroll two times but in different semesters)2
MUSC 273Supplementary Applied Study (Enroll two times but in different semesters)2
MUSC 366Applied Composition (Enroll two times but in different semesters)2
MUSC 373Supplementary Applied Study (Enroll two times but in different semesters)2
MUSC 466Applied Composition (Enroll two times but in different semesters)2
MUSC 473Supplementary Applied Study (Enroll two times but in different semesters)2
Upper Division Theory - Select from the following:3
Form and Analysis
Contemporary Harmonic Techniques
Analytical Techniques
Major electives determined in consultation with Advisor 10
(Substitution form with course selections must be submitted to the Office of Registration and Records to receive credit for the electives.)
Total Credits84
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.

Minor Requirements

Minor: Music

Required Credits: 20

Required Courses
MUSC 103Introduction to Music History3
MUSC 130Theory and Analysis I3
MUSC 131Theory and Analysis II3
MUSC 132Ear Training & Sight Singing I1
MUSC 133Ear Training & Sight Singing II1
Applied Study Electives2
Major Ensemble Electives2
Electives5
Total Credits20

Minor Requirements and Notes

  • A minimum of 8 credits must be taken at NDSU.