Music Composition Major (B.Mus.)

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Major code BM5105

College of Fine Arts
School of Music
Glidden Hall 440
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4244
Fax: 740.593.4255

Christopher Hayes, contact person

Program Overview

The curriculum is designed to prepare exceptionally talented students for careers as theorists or composers, or for continued study or graduate work in theory or composition. The curriculum focuses on basic musicianship skills; analytical, aural, and writing skills; compositional facility and technique; and the acquisition of a historical perspective on, and basic knowledge of, technological innovations in the field.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

All entering freshmen must meet University admission requirements. In addition, any student intending to major in any program offered by the School of Music must successfully audition on their instrument or voice. Also, entering freshmen will be required to take a Music Theory Placement Examination. Composition majors are also required to submit sample compositions to the composition faculty.

Change of Program Policy

Any Ohio University student intending to change his or her major to any program in the School of Music must successfully audition on their instrument or voice. Students without previous college-level coursework in music theory will be required to take a Music Theory Placement Examination. Composition majors are also required to submit sample compositions to the composition faculty.

External Transfer Admission

Students transferring from any other college or university intending to major in any program in the School of Music must successfully audition on their instrument or voice. Students without previous college-level coursework in music theory will be required to take a Music Theory Placement Examination. Composition majors are also required to submit sample compositions to the composition faculty.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students completing a B. Mus. with a major in composition work successfully as freelance musicians and are also prepared to continue graduate work at institutions across the United States and overseas.

Requirements

Universitywide Graduation Requirements

To complete this program, students must meet all Universitywide graduation requirements .

College-Level Requirements for the College of Fine Arts

View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Fine Arts.

Aural Skills, Music Theory, and Music History and Literature

Complete the following courses during freshman and sophomore years:

Aural Skills

Complete the following courses:

MUS 1030 - Dictation and Sight Singing I Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 1040 - Dictation and Sight Singing II Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2030 - Dictation and Sight Singing III Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2040 - Dictation and Sight Singing IV Credit Hours: 1.0

Music Theory

Complete the following courses:

MUS 1010 - Music Theory I Credit Hours: 3.0
MUS 1020 - Music Theory II Credit Hours: 3.0
MUS 2010 - Music Theory III Credit Hours: 3.0
MUS 2020 - Music Theory IV Credit Hours: 3.0

Music History and Literature

Complete the following courses:

MUS 1250 - Introduction to Music History and Literature Credit Hours: 3.0
MUS 3210 - History and Literature of Music I Credit Hours: 3.0
MUS 3220 - History and Literature of Music II Credit Hours: 3.0

Class Piano

Note: Successful completion of the Keyboard Skills Proficiency (KSP) exam is outlined in the School of Music Handbook and is required of students in Music Composition. If a student fails to pass the KSP exam after two years of study, the student must complete up to two additional semesters of class piano (MUS 3590 and MUS 3600 ) until the KSP is completed.

Secondary Instrument - If Principle Instrument is NOT Piano

Complete one of the options below.

Complete the following courses (available to all)

MUS 1410 - Class Piano I Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 1420 - Class Piano II Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2410 - Class Piano III Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2420 - Class Piano IV Credit Hours: 1.0

Complete four semesters of the following (requires keyboard division approval)

MUS 3410 - Piano Credit Hours: 1.0-4.0

Secondary Instrument - If Principle Instrument IS Piano

Complete one of the following options:

Complete four semesters of applied lessons in an instrument other than piano; or
Complete four of the following courses:

MUS 2610 - Upper Strings Methods and Materials Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2611 - Lower Strings Methods and Materials Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2630 - Percussion Methods and Materials Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2631 - Horn and Trumpet Methods and Materials Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2632 - Trombone/Euphonium/Tuba Methods and Materials Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2635 - Flute, Saxophone & Clarinet Methods and Materials Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2636 - Double Reed Methods and Materials Credit Hours: 1.0

Ensemble

Complete 8 semesters of large ensemble for 0.5-1 hour each semester. Music majors must perform in a large ensemble every semester in residence. See School of Music Undergraduate Handbook for ensembles appropriate to the principal instrument and major.

MUS 2510 - Marching Band Credit Hours: 1.0-2.0
MUS 2511 - Wind Symphony Credit Hours: 1.0-2.0
MUS 2512 - University Concert Band Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2513 - Varsity Band Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2514 - Symphonic Band Credit Hours: 1.0-2.0
MUS 2520 - Symphony Orchestra Credit Hours: 1.0-2.0
MUS 2521 - Campus Orchestra Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2530 - University Singers Credit Hours: 1.0-2.0
MUS 2531 - Choral Union Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2532 - Opera Theater Credit Hours: 1.0-2.0
MUS 2533 - The Singing Men of Ohio Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2534 - Women’s Chorale Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2544 - Chamber Music, Contemporary Credit Hours: 0.5
MUS 2550 - Jazz Ensemble Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2551 - Percussion Ensemble Credit Hours: 1.0
MUS 2552 - Trombone Choir Credit Hours: 0.5

Performance Lab

Complete 6 semesters of the following course:

MUS 1090 - Performance Laboratory Credit Hours: 0.0

Principal Instrument or Voice

Complete 2 hours per semester for 6 semesters on appropriate applied instrument or voice for major. See School of Music Undergradaute Handbook for guidelines regarding attaining senior status.