Department of Performing Arts (Music, Theatre and Dance)

Requirements — Music

The Major

• Theory: MUSIC 121-122, 123-124; 221-222, 223-224 (20 credits)
• Keyboard Skills: MUSIC 131-132 (4 credits)
• History: MUSIC 301, 302, 303, and one history elective at the 400 level (one such elective is offered each spring) (12 credits)
• Solo Performance: 185 (8 credits)
• Ensemble Performance: 101, 102, 104, 106, or 294 (six semesters)

Six semesters of performing ensemble are required for the major; however, this requirement must be seen as the bare minimum for a non-professional degree. Students who aspire to becoming performers (all types) or music educators, and/or intend to further their studies beyond the Bachelor of Arts degree, are required to be in at least one performing ensemble that is idiomatic to their instrument per semester, whether officially enrolled for performing ensemble credit or not. All transfer students with fewer than sixty credits are required to fulfill their entire performing ensemble requirement at UMass Boston.

The phrase “idiomatic to their instrument” means, for example, that saxophonists will perform in jazz band and string players will perform in orchestra. Any question as to assignment of instruments that fit both categories (trumpet, for example) is left up to the discretion of the ensemble conductors and will be determined by the needs of all the performing ensembles for any given semester. Once performing in the ensemble determined to be idiomatic to their instrument, students may elect to perform in others.

In order to be certified for graduation a student must achieve at least level four of proficiency in performance. Repertoire lists of the eight proficiency levels are available from instructors or from the Department of Performing Arts office. Students majoring in music must perform before a faculty jury at the end of each semester. In addition, all music majors are expected to demonstrate elementary keyboard proficiency before graduation. Each student majoring in music will be assisted by a departmental advisor to plan a sequence of courses that will meet his or her own needs and satisfy the requirements of the Department of Performing Arts. No course required for the major in music may be taken pass/fail.

The Minor

Eighteen to twenty credits are required for the minor. Three separate options are available for those students wishing to minor in music.

Theory: This option offers a coordinated sequence of music theory courses with supplementary courses in music history and performance.

• Requirements: MUSIC 121-122, 123-124; one semester of music history at the 200 level, two semesters in a performing ensemble, and one music elective of the student’s choice. (Although not required, MUSIC 131 is recommended for the minor in theory.)

History: This option offers a survey of the history of music from the Middle Ages to the present, a theory component and performance experience.

• Requirements: MUSIC 301, 302, 303; one upper-level music history elective, one year of music theory (MUSIC 121-122), and one semester in a performing ensemble.

Performance: This option offers students a course of study emphasizing vocal or instrumental performance, with additional courses in music theory and history.

• Requirements: four semesters in a performing ensemble (MUSIC 101, 102, 104, 106, 294), one year of music theory (MUSIC 121-122), one semester of music history at the 300 level, and one music elective.

All students minoring in music are encouraged to enroll in private music instruction offered through the Department of Performing Arts and Continuing Education.

No course required for the minor in music may be taken pass/fail.