College Music Department

Academics

Interested in opera? Jazz theory and improv? Musical theater? The uninitiated can learn to read music. The budding musicologist and theorist will acquire all the knowledge and skills required for admission to top graduate music schools. Majors, minors, music clusters, internships, independent studies, interdepartmental majors -- all of these are options in the music department.

General Information

Degree Requirements

Special Programs

Courses and Clusters

Photos

General Information

About the Program

Students from all disciplines may participate in the pleasures of musical study and performance to acquire a deeper understanding of the many ways music (and related arts) reflects values of various cultures, influences lives, and enriches human existence. The Music Department of the College offers courses of study leading to the B.A. degree with a concentration in music and a minor in music. A wide variety of non-technical courses address non-concentrators who wish to study music on an introductory, interdisciplinary, or aesthetic basis. Degree programs, course offerings, and performance opportunities in music are diverse and invite choice and flexibility (click here to view a PDF of department course offerings). Courses offered at the Eastman School of Music, normally open to any student presenting the proper prerequisites, augment the range and depth of musical experiences and courses available to students in The College.

Any undergraduate student may qualify to take applied music lessons at the Eastman School through a successful audition. The student must sign up for an audition at the Music Department in Todd Union or at the music table at orientation. The auditions take place at the Eastman School during the first week of each semester.

There are many opportunities to participate in performing ensembles. Some 400 students play or sing in a dozen musical organizations. Auditions for all of these groups take place during the first week of school. For a complete list of performing ensembles and for audition information, contact the Music Department in 207 Todd Union.

B.A. with a Concentration in Music

The College's Music Department, in cooperation with the Eastman School of Music, offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in music. This degree program in music addresses students who can meet both the intellectual and musical challenges of a rigorous program that emphasizes the broad experience of a liberally educated person. The concentration comprises a balanced program of academic courses, private instruction, and ensemble experience that fosters understanding of musical languages, historical developments, and compositional styles while encouraging excellence in performance. The core curriculum in music theory and history provides the common foundation for advanced study of specialized subfields in music (musicology, theory, conducting, management, performance, composition, music education, etc.) whether this study occurs in the final years of undergraduate education or at the graduate or professional level.

Although the concentration in music is a demanding one, students often also explore, beyond the introductory level, one or more non-music disciplines. Some students pursue a double major. Such flexibility allows students to combine pre-law or pre-medicine preparation with a concentration or minor in music.

Freshman students who plan to major in music should take the music theory placement exam during summer orientation to learn whether they should enroll in MUR 110 or 111 for the fall semester. Prospective music majors should also request (during the summer) an application for applied music lessons and prepare to audition for an ensemble during the first week of classes.

Beginning in 2006, music majors may choose from a variety of tracks within the music concentraction. The tracks comprise between 63 and 73 credits, depending upon background, pre-college preparation, and the particular track selected. Students may opt for specialization in composition, conducting, history/theory, music in world cultures, musical theater, performance, or popular music/jazz, or simply choose the basic track. Each track has a specific faculty advisor. Within each track, the concentration requirements fall into 6 areas. All music majors are required to take the "core courses" in music theory, music history, musicianship, and keyboard skills. Requirements for ensemble, private instruction, and electives vary with the track and are listed in the "Degree Requirements" page.

Advice for Freshmen

Every student at the University of Rochester should plan to take at least one music course at some time during his or her four years here. The Music Department offers a variety of interesting courses designed for all kinds of students, from those with no background in music at all to those interested in making music their livelihood. See "Courses" for a list of classes which freshmen may take.

Advanced Placement (A.P.)

Students who have taken the Advanced Placement examination in Music Appreciation and earned a score of 4 or 5 can receive advanced placement credit.

Degree Requirements

  • Completion of the College Requirements
  • Music Theory: MUR 111, 112, 211, 212
  • Musicianship: MUR 109 (if needed), 113, 114, 115
    Music concentrators normally begin their musicianship work with MUR 113. At the discretion of the faculty member supervising musicianship courses, a student can be directed to begin with another course.
  • Music History: MUR 221, 222, 223, 224
  • Ensemble: Participation in one or more faculty-directed ensembles sponsored by the College Music Department: Men's Glee Club, Women's Glee Club, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Gamelan.
    Concentrators are encouraged to participate in one or more ensembles beyond the minimum requirement, although no more than 8 credits can be applied toward the degree. Concentrators can also participate in Gospel Choir and/or Chamber Ensembles, but neither of those ensembles will count toward fulfillment of the ensemble requirement.
  • Private Instruction: Studio instruction at the Eastman School of Music.
    Minimum standards of proficiency are established by the various Eastman departments, and B.A. concentrators are strongly encouraged to continue their private study beyond the required number of semesters. No more than 16 credits can be applied toward the degree.
  • Music Electives: Credits may be chosen from any MUR course numbered 120 or higher and/or Eastman courses numbered 200 or higher (except Eastman MHS 421-6). Unless stated otherwise in the requirements for the track, no ensemble or private instruction credits may be included.
  • Keyboard Skills: students must demonstrate keyboard facility prior to graduation either by completing MUR 116 and 117, or by passing the equivalent proficiency test for each course.

Minimum Graduation Requirement: 128 hours

Note: Music concentrators must maintain a 2.0 average in the theory and history courses.

Requirements for the Major

A concentration in music (63-73 credits) will include these core requirements:

Basic Track: core requirements plus 4 semesters studio lessons, 4 semesters ensemble, 8 elective credits (not lessons or ensembles). 63 credits total.

Composition Track: core requirements plus 4 semesters studio lessons or composition instruction, 4 semesters ensembles, and 12 credits of composition and/or theory electives. 67 credits total. Entrance threshold: portfolio of compositions. Capstone: portfolio of at least three finished compositions with recordings (if available). Students are encouraged to organize a recital of compositions but are not required to do so. Any student interested in a recital must see Josef Hanson by September of his/her senior year to begin planning the event.

Conducting Track: core requirements plus 4 semesters of studio lessons, 6 semesters ensembles, 6CND211 and 212, and 8 credits of conducting electives. 69 credits total. Entrance threshold: audition for conducting faculty. Capstone: successfully prepare and conduct an ensemble performance under the supervision of a Music Department ensemble director. Opportunities to conduct Departmental ensembles are very limited. Interested students should consult with ensemble directors as soon as possible after attaining the entrance threshold so that arrangements can be made either to form an ad hoc group for a special performance or to conduct an existing ensemble.

History/Theory Track: core requirements plus 2 semesters of studio lessons, 4 semesters ensembles, and 12 credits of electives in history and/or theory. 63 credits total. Entrance threshold: minimum 3.0 GPA in required music history and theory courses. Capstone: analytical or research paper.

Music in World Cultures Track: core requirements plus 2 semesters of studio lessons, 2 semesters world music ensemble, 2 semesters of ensemble of student's choice, MUR 121 (or equivalent 6MHS course), Intro to Ethnomusicology, and 4 elective credits of anthropologically-oriented courses. 63 credits total. Entrance threshold: completion of World Musics with B or better. Capstone: field study project or senior essay.

Musical Theater Track: core requirements plus 4 semesters studio voice lessons, 2 semesters ensembles, MUR 133, 233, 135, and 4 credits of electives. 69 credits total. Entrance threshold: admission into MUR 133. Capstone: senior recital or musical theater performance.

Performance Track: core requirements plus at least 6 semesters (16 credits) studio lessons, 6 semesters ensembles, and 8 elective credits which may include additional studio instruction and ensembles. 73 credits total. Entrance threshold: qualification for 4 credit lessons, written support of ESM studio instructor. Capstone: senior recital.

Popular Music/Jazz Track: core requirements plus 2 semesters studio instruction, 4 semesters ensembles, and 12 elective credits in popular music courses. 63 credits total. Entrance threshold: minimum 3.0 GPA in required theory and history courses.

In accordance with University policy, no more than 80 credit hours may be taken in a student's concentration. Although the requirements of the concentration in music can be met in three years, any student who is considering a music concentration is urged to begin the Music Theory sequence in the fall semester of the freshman year. The theory placement exam is given during summer orientation. Students with limited background in music who do not qualify for MUR 111 (Theory I) will be asked to enroll in MUR 110 (Introduction to Music Theory) during the freshman year.

 

Requirements for the Minor

28 credits are required, with 8 of those credits specifically designated:

  • Music Theory - 4 credits; MUR 111
  • Introduction to Music History: Style and Genre - 4 credits; MUR 134

The remaining 20 credits are to be chosen from among MUR courses numbered 112 or higher, and/or ESM courses numbered 200 or higher. No more than 8 credits can be derived from studio instruction or ensembles combined.


Special Programs

Honors Program

The Honors Program in Music comprises a minimum of 16 credits and requires work above and beyond that of any particular track in terms of both quality and quantity. Students may apply for admission to the Honors Program any time after admission to the concentration, but no later than the end of fall term of the junior year. They are eligible to apply with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in non-applied music courses. Application must include a prospectus for the honors project and a proposed course of study, approved by the faculty member who has agreed to serve as the student's advisor for the honors program.

The course of study should present a coherent pattern of advanced study in music history, music theory, musical theater, music criticism, music education, performance, jazz studies, arts management, or other areas of specialization. At least eight credits must be in music courses (MUR or ESM courses) numbered above 200, with students encouraged to explore upper-level or graduate-level courses at ESM. (These credits also satisfy the elective requirement for the concentration in music.) Certain courses of study (music criticism, arts management, musical theater) will necessarily require advanced courses in other departments.

Admission to the Honors Program will be based on an evaluation by the faculty of the merits of the proposed course of study and evidence of the student's ability to complete it successfully. Each honors candidate will submit a final honors project that shall be evaluated by a committee, which may include extra-departmental or extra-university members. The honors project may be a research paper, a performance, or other appropriate demonstration of mastery on a level beyond that expected of the music concentrator. Normally the honors candidate will enroll in MUR 391 (Independent Study) while preparing the Honors Project.

Combined B.A./M.A. in Music Education

The College Music Department and the Music Education Department at the Eastman School of Music offer an option that allows a limited number of undergraduates to get an early start on a Master of Arts degree in Music Education at Eastman. The program normally takes 5 1/2 or 6 years to complete. Along with the Master's degree, students also receive initial certification in teaching music in New York State. Students interested in the program should consult a music faculty advisor in their first year at the University, since a detailed program of study needs to be carried out. Students apply for the M.A. degree during the second semester of the junior year. Details are available from the Music Education Department at the Eastman School: 585-274-1540.

B.A. Requirements: Complete required theory, history, musicianship and keyboard skills, and performance requirements (studio lessons and ensembles) of one of the B.A. music tracks. Entrance audition/interview at ESM required as part of admission to M.A.

Students interested in pursuing the BA/MA in Music Education should contact Josef Hanson, the College's advisor for this program, to develop a plan of action.

Combined B.A./M.A. in Ethnomusicology

B.A. Requirements: Complete required theory, history, musicianship and keyboard skills, and performance requirements (studio lessons and ensembles) of one of the B.A. music tracks; must include a World Musics (MUR 121 or 6MHS 281 or 282) course. The student must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in required courses. An entrance audition/interview at ESM in required as part of admission to the M.A.

Courses and Clusters

Photos

Here are a few photos from some of our classes and department events.

Fall 2002 - Music History (MUR 221) - Orlando Consort Workshop
November 6, 2002
Howard Hanson Hall, Eastman School of Music

The British vocal quartet The Orlando Consort—internationally renowned as specialists in Medieval and Renaissance music—came to Rochester in November 2002 for a concert in the Eastman School of Music’s Kilbourn Concert Series. This lively performance featured items from the Consort’s most recent CD “Food, Wine, and Song: Music and Feasting in Renaissance Europe,” which comes complete with a 42-page cookbook of recipes from the period. (We got to sample some of these recipes at MUR 221’s Medieval Banquet in December!)

The group graciously offered to hold a workshop the following day for anyone interested in learning more about performing this repertory. We were fortunate enough to schedule this session during the MUR 221 class period, and Prof. Jennifer Brown worked with the Consort to design a workshop tailored to the MUR 221 curriculum. In the first half of the workshop, the quartet talked us through a chanson by Guillaume de Machaut, explaining the challenges this music poses to the modern-day performer. In the second half, they invited the audience onstage to sing a motet by John Dunstable using the techniques they had just described.

Many thanks to Andy Green and the Eastman Concert Office for arranging this workshop!
-Dr. Jennifer Williams Brown, MUR 221 Instructor, Fall 2002.

Photographs courtesy of the Eastman School of Music
MUR students Amy Gau, Kary Haddad, and Stephen Di Giovanni listen to the presentation; ESM professor Paul O’Dette at far right, 2nd row.

Baritone Donald Greig explains a point to MUR students Suzanne Clark and Nate Potter.


Counter-tenor Robert Harre-Jones directs the Dunstable motet.


Tenor Angus Smith with MUR students Jeffrey Klein, Neil Pawlowski, and Elias-Axel Pettersson.


Counter-tenor Robert Harre-Jones demonstrates the virtues of early tuning systems. Singers include MUR 221 students, Prof. Brown, and ESM professor Patrick Macey.