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University of Pittsburgh    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Dec 06, 2024
 
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Music, BA


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The Department of Music offers an innovative undergraduate program that confers a bachelor’s degree in music. The department’s dynamic faculty offer strong support for undergraduate research and creative expression. Undergraduates also engage with the department’s renowned graduate programs and are encouraged to actively participate in all aspects of the department’s research and performance culture. Students are taught by a well-respected faculty of internationally recognized scholars, performers, and composers. They receive individualized attention and are mentored in ways that maximize their potential and growth.

The music major requires the completion of 42 credits. Students must choose one of the five major tracks: Composition; Music & Cultural History; Jazz; Global & Popular Music; or Performance. The tracks offer students a broad foundation in music scholarship while tailoring specific elements of music study to the students’ individual talents and interests. For more information on the major, the minor, and the Department of Music’s Web site.

To declare this major, students must complete MUSIC 0100 - FUNDAMENTALS OF WESTERN MUSIC  with a letter grade of B- or better, or achieve a sufficient score to on the Music placement exam to receive credit for this course. Students should plan to take MUSIC 0411 - THEORY 1  , MUSIC 0412 - MUSICIANSHIP 1  , and MUSIC 0416 - MUSICIANSHIP 2  in their first year, and no later than the first term of their second year.

Prerequisite theory course


Students may test out of this prerequisite by completing the Music Theory placement exam with a sufficient score. Students who take this course must earn a letter grade of B- or better to delcare the Music major.

BA Requirements


Composition Track


Students pursuing the Composition track must take MUSIC 0222 MUSIC 0222 - HISTRY OF WESTERN MUSC TO 1750 , indicated in the core course list.

Global & Popular Music Track


Jazz Track


Choose one of the following courses


Of these two courses, students must take the one that was not taken as a core course.

All of the following courses


Music & Cultural History Track


All of the following courses


  • Two MUSIC courses at the 1200-level
  • Two MUSIC courses at the 1200- to 1400-level
  • Three MUSIC performance courses, at 1 credit each

Performance Track


Choose one of the following courses


Of these two courses, students must take the one that was not taken as a core course.

Six performance courses


Six MUSIC performance courses, at 1 credit each

Other requirements


  • Students may test out of MUSIC 0100 MUSIC 0100 - FUNDAMENTALS OF WESTERN MUSIC  by passing the Music Theory placement exam, which is administered in the Dietrich School Advising Center, 201 Thackeray Hall.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 in departmental courses is required for graduation.
  • No course that counts toward the major can be taken on an S/NC basis.
  • Students must complete at least one W-course in the major.
  • All students interested in taking private lessons must complete a Request for Private Lessons form, available in 110 Music Building. Music majors have first priority in scheduling private lessons, which cost an additional $395 per term.
  • To graduate with departmental honors, a student must earn a minimum 3.25 GPA overall, a minimum 3.50 GPA in the music courses with no grade lower than a B-.

 

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