Degree Requirements for Music

In this section

General Requirements for the Major or Minor

General university degree requirements stipulate that 1) at least four units of the major or three units of the minor be taken in residence at Puget Sound; 2) students earn at least a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in courses taken for the major or the minor; and 3) all courses taken for a major or minor must be taken for graded credit. Any exceptions to these stipulations are indicated in the major and minor degree requirements listed below.

Requirements for the Major

Entrance audition to demonstrate appropriate background and potential for formal acceptance into the School of Music.
Completion of 32 units for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Music degree.
Music majors must attain, maintain membership in, attend, and be registered for credit in the appropriate large university ensemble (band, orchestra, choir or Accompanying Ensemble; Jazz Orchestra is a qualifying option for pianists and guitarists) during all semesters in which they are enrolled. Music majors electing a wind or percussion instrument as their principal performing medium are required to participate in the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, or Symphony Orchestra, as assigned; string instruments in the Symphony Orchestra; voice students in the Adelphian Concert Choir, Chorale, or the Dorian Singers, as assigned; songwritign students in Popular Music Ensemble; keyboard majors in a minimum of the first four semesters in Accompanying Ensemble; and guitar students in any of the above ensembles. Students may elect to perform in additional ensembles if they desire and are qualified.
Each major must pass the Keyboard Musicianship Examination, preferably during the sophomore year. Typically, this requirement is completed in the two-year music theory sequence.
Music majors are required to be registered for applied music every semester with the exception of students in the Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business track, who are required to be registered for applied music through the junior year, and students in the Bachelor of Music Composition track, who are required to be registered for applied music through the sophomore year. Songwriting students are required to take four units of Class Voice for Popular Musicians as well as 0.5 units of Applied Music in voice, piano, or guitar.
Recital requirements for Bachelor of Music candidates majoring in Performance are a minimum of one-half of a formal recital or three noon recital appearances in the principal performing medium in the junior year and a full recital demonstrating a high level of musicianship in performance in the principal performing medium in the senior year. Other majors must perform in one noon recital at a minimum during both their junior and senior years.
Continuation in all music major degrees is based on ongoing assessment by the faculty of a student's progress in music theory, musicology and ethnomusicology, ensembles, music education methods, and applied music. To advance to the junior year as well as to graduate in the major, students must have a 2.3 overall grade point average and a 2.5 music grade point average. Students also must demonstrate excellence in the jury of their major performance instrument in the spring of the sophomore year. Students who are music education majors and/or transfer students will also have a review of their academic performance progress in the junior year.
Upon transcript review, transfer students may be required to take placement examinations in music theory and musicology prior to registration; Music Education transfer students are required to complete MUS 393 or an equivalent one-semester, in-school teaching experience.
Each semester in residence all music majors register for Recital Attendance (109/309), a non-credit course. All music majors are expected to fulfill the recital attendance requirement by attending a prescribed number of concerts and recitals.

Note

Music majors and minors must receive a grade of C- or better in all courses required by the School of Music. A course in which the student receives less than a C- will not satisfy the graduation requirements of the School of Music. Music Education majors must receive a grade of C or better in all required courses to fulfill Washington State teacher certification requirements. For transfer students, courses more than 10 years old on their transcripts cannot be included toward a major or minor offered by the School of Music.

Bachelor of Music in Performance

Requirements for the Major in Keyboard Performance (BM)

Four units Theory: MUS 101/103, 102/104, 201/203, 202/204;
Four units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 233, 234, and two electives, at least one of which must be at the 300-level or above, and excluding MUS 100 and MUS 123
One-half unit Conducting: MUS 291 or 293;
Seven units Applied Music: 6 units of MUS 161 through 462 (major instrument), MUS 353 (Pedagogy and Literature), MUS 168 or 368 (Chamber Music), and MUS 422 (Junior-Senior Recital);
One and one-half units to be chosen from MUS 168/368 (0.5 unit maximum), 235, 236, 237, 238, 250, 301, 335, 337, 338, 341, 354, 355, 390, 392, 393, 394, 401, 402, 437, 438, or a musicology/ethnomusicology course at the 200-level or above; a maximum of 0.5 unit in applied lessons in a secondary instrument (requires approval of the music faculty advisor);
Participation for credit in a performing group each semester as specified under Requirements for the Major; for the keyboard major, this requirement includes Accompanying Ensemble (MUS 282) in the first four semesters;
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Recital attendance each semester.

Requirements for the Major in Vocal Performance (BM)

Four units Theory: MUS 101/103, 102/104, 201/203, 202/204;
Four units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 233, 234, and two electives, at least one of which must be at the 300-level or above, and excluding MUS 100 and MUS 123
One-half unit Conducting: MUS 293;
Seven and one-half units Applied Music: 6 units of MUS 161 through 462 (major instrument), MUS 235 and 236 (Diction), MUS 356 (Vocal Pedagogy), and MUS 422 (Junior-Senior Recital);
One unit to be chosen from MUS 168/368 (0.5 unit maximum), 237, 238, 250, 301, 335, 337, 338, 341, 355, 390, 392, 393, 394, 401, 402, 437, 438, or a musicology/ethnomusicology course at the 200-level or above; a maximum of 0.5 unit in applied lessons in a secondary instrument (requires approval of the music faculty advisor);
Participation for credit in a performing group each semester as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Recital attendance each semester;
Two units of a Foreign Language.

Requirements for the Major in Orchestral Performance (BM)

Four units Theory: MUS 101/103, 102/104, 201/203, 202/204;
Four units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 233, 234, and two electives, at least one of which must be at the 300-level or above, and excluding MUS 100 and MUS 123
One-half unit Conducting: MUS 291;
Seven units Applied Music: 6 units of MUS 161 through 462 (major instrument); 1 unit of MUS 168 and/or 368 (Chamber Music); MUS 422 (Junior-Senior Recital);
One and one-half units to be chosen from MUS 168/368 (0.5 unit maximum), 220, 221, 222, 223, 237, 238, 250, 301, 335, 337, 338, 341, 355 (required for string performance majors), 390, 392, 393, 394, 401, 402, 437, 438, 493, 494,or a musicology/ethnomusicology course at the 200-level or above; a maximum of 0.5 unit in applied lessons in a secondary instrument (requires approval of the music faculty advisor);
Participation for credit in a performing group each semester as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Recital attendance each semester.

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Music Education

Graduates will be able to achieve Washington State teacher certification by completing the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. (The M.A.T. program is described in the Education section of the Graduate Bulletin.) Within a five-year program, students earn both a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching. The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is a prerequisite in the Master of Arts in Teaching degree with certification in music. Application to the M.A.T. takes place in the senior year. Details are available from the School of Education.

An endorsement in music requires completion of the major. Licensed, practicing teachers who wish to apply for completion of music certification, which includes completion of all music education major courses, should send a letter of application outlining previous certification, experience and goals, all transcripts, and a copy of their Washington teaching license. All unlicensed teacher applicants will be expected to complete the music education major and the fifth-year M.A.T. program for teacher certification in music.

Requirements for the Major in Instrumental and General Music Education (BM)

Four units Music Theory to include 101/103, 102/104, 201/203, and 202/204;
Four units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 233, 234, and two electives, at least one of which must be at the 300-level or above, and excluding MUS 100 and MUS 123
Six and three-quarter units Music Education to include MUS 140, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 291, 390, 392, 393, and 394;
Two units Applied Music 111 through 412 on major instrument (Strings, Winds, Keyboard, or Percussion);
Participation for credit in a performing group each semester as specified under Requirements for the Major; for music education students whose primary instrument is keyboard, this requirement includes Accompanying Ensemble (MUS 282) in the first four semesters;
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Recital attendance each semester;
EDUC 419 and 420 (prerequisites for the MAT) recommended as electives.
MUS 248 and 395 recommended as electives.

Requirements for the Major in Choral and General Music Education (BM)

Four units Music Theory to include 101/103, 102/104, 201/203, and 202/204;
Four units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 233, 234, and two electives, at least one of which must be at the 300-level or above, and excluding MUS 100 and MUS 123
Six and one-half units Music Education to include MUS 140, 240, 241, 242, 245, 247, 293, 356, 390, 392, 393 and 394;
MUS 235 (Diction);
Two units Applied Music 111 through 412 (Voice or Piano);
Participation for credit in a performing group each semester as specified under Requirements for the Major; for music education students whose primary instrument is keyboard, this requirement includes Accompanying Ensemble (MUS 282) in the first four semesters;
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Recital attendance each semester;
EDUC 419 and 420 (prerequisites for the MAT) recommended as electives.
MUS 248 and 395 recommended as electives.

Requirements for the Major in Comprehensive Music Education (BM)

A student who desires a comprehensive program (demonstrated experience in both vocal and instrumental music) must complete an application process during the first semester of the sophomore year. If the student is accepted, a program will be designed to fulfill the instrumental, choral, and general degree requirements. The comprehensive music education major requires four semesters of applied voice.

Requirements for the Major in Music Composition (BM)

Four units Theory: MUS 101/103, 102/104, 201/203, 202/204;
Four units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 233, 234, and two electives, at least one of which must be at the 300-level or above, and excluding MUS 100 and MUS 123
One-half unit Conducting: MUS 291 or 293;
Three and a half units in Composition: MUS 237, 238, 337, 338, 437, and 438, including a composition recital, MUS 422, in the senior year;
PHYS 205 is recommended but not required (satisfies the Natural Science Approaches core requirement); CSCI 161 is recommended but not required (satisfies the Mathematical Approaches core requirement);
Three units in upper-division music theory: MUS 301, 401, and 402;
Participation for credit in a performing group each semester as specified under Requirements for the Major, except during the senior year when preparing for the composition recital. For students whose primary instrument is keyboard, this requirement includes Accompanying Ensemble (MUS 282) in the first four semesters.
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major through the sophomore year for applied lessons, through the junior year for performing group, and by presenting a composition on one noon recital during both their junior and senior years;
Recital attendance each semester.

Requirements for the Major in Elective Studies in Business (BM)

Four units Theory: MUS 101/103, 102/104, 201/203, 202/204;
Four units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 233, 234, and two electives, at least one of which must be at the 300-level or above, and excluding MUS 100 and MUS 123
One-half unit Conducting: MUS 291 or 293;
Two units Music Business: MUS 341 and INTN 497 or MUS 498;
Four units Business: BUS 205, 305, 310 and 380. ECON 101 is a prerequisite for BUS 310 and should be taken to satisfy the Social Scientific Approaches core requirement; MATH 160 is recommended but not required (satisfies the Mathematical Approaches core requirement);
One and a half units Applied Music: MUS 111 through 312 (major instrument);
Participation for credit in a performing group each semester as specified under Requirements for the Major, which may be waived during the semesters a student enrolls in the required internship. For students whose primary instrument is keyboard, this requirement includes Accompanying Ensemble (MUS 282) in the first four semesters.
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major through the junior year;
Recital attendance each semester.

Requirements for the Major in Music (BA)

Four units Music Theory to include MUS 101/103, 102/104, 201/203, 202/204;
Four units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 233, 234, and two electives, at least one of which must be at the 300-level or above, and excluding MUS 100 and MUS 123
Enrollment in applied music (primary instrument) during every se- mester that a student is in residence, with at least one semester at the 400 level, totaling a minimum of 2 units;
Participation for credit in a performing group each semester as specified under Requirements for the Major; for students whose primary instrument is keyboard, this requirement includes Accompanying Ensemble (MUS 282) in the first four semesters;
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Recital attendance each semester.
Students must fulfill the Artistic Approaches core requirement with a course outside of music.

Note: Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree must fulfill the Artistic Approaches core requirement with a course outside of music.

Requirements for the Major in Music with an Emphasis in Songwriting (BA)

Two units Theory: MUS 101/103, 102/104
Three units Musicology/Ethnomusicology, to include MUS 126, MUS 233, and 234
Three units Songwriting MUS 251, MUS 252, MUS 351
One unit MUS 341 Music Business Seminar
One unit MUS 250 Recording Techniques
Four units of Class Voice for Popular Musicians (MUS 165, taken four times)
One-half unit Applied Music (MUS 111 and 112), placed by audition in voice, piano, or guitar
Three units Popular Music Ensemble 186/286/386
One unit Large Ensemble (band, orchestra, choir)
Completing the performance requirements as specified under Requirements for the Major;
Recital attendance each semester.

Note: Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree must fulfill the Artistic Approaches core requirement with a course outside of music.

Requirements for the Minor in Music with Applied Studies

This minor is designed for students who want to study music and performance at the collegiate level. Qualification for Applied Music lessons in the student's desired performance area is assessed through audition prior to declaring the Minor in Music with Applied Studies. Interested students should communicate with a full-time music faculty member to learn about setting up an audition.

Two units Theory: MUS 101/103, 102/104;
Two units Musicology/Ethnomusicology from the list below, or MUS 123. MUS 100, if chosen, may only be taken in the first or second year. MUS 123, if chosen, must be taken before MUS 101/103 and prior to the commencement of applied music study for credit;
One unit Applied Music: MUS 111 through 212;
One unit Music elective (MUS 100 may be taken only in the first or second year);
Each student minoring in Music with Applied Studies shall register for credit and maintain membership for at least four semesters in the large university music ensemble (band, orchestra, choir or Accompanying Ensemble; Jazz Orchestra for pianists and guitarists) appropriate to the student’s major instrument and ability. Students who enroll for credit in more than four semesters may apply the additional ensemble credit to the elective requirement, even when the additional coursework exceeds the university activity limit.

Requirements for the Minor in Musical Inquiry

This minor is open to all students who seek to explore the study of music as part of their liberal arts education. No prior musical experience or audition is required. Interested students should communicate with a full-time music faculty member to learn about establishing a secondary advisor for this minor.

Four units of coursework in Music (excluding applied music and ensemble participation); students may petition to include non-MUS courses with a significant music component;
One unit of Music coursework at the 300-level or above;
Participation in one semester of music-making activity, to be approved in advance by the secondary advisor;
Completion of a reflective ePortfolio, undertaken with guidance from the secondary advisor and submitted to the School of Music by April 1 of the senior year.

Music Theory and Composition

MUS 101 Aural Skills I (0.50 units.)

MUS 102 Aural Skills II (0.50 units.)

MUS 103 Music Theory I (0.50 units.)

MUS 104 Music Theory II (0.50 units.)

MUS 123 Discovering Music

MUS 201 Aural Skills III (0.50 units.)

MUS 202 Aural Skills IV (0.50 units.)

MUS 203 Music Theory III (0.50 units.)

MUS 204 Music Theory IV (0.50 units.)

MUS 237 Beginning Composition 1 (0.25 units.)

MUS 238 Beginning Composition 2 (0.25 units.)

MUS 301 Form and Analysis

MUS 335 Jazz Theory and Improvisation

MUS 337 Intermediate Composition 1 (0.50 units.)

MUS 338 Intermediate Composition 2 (0.50 units.)

MUS 401 Counterpoint

MUS 402 Orchestration

MUS 437 Advanced Composition 1

MUS 438 Advanced Composition 2

Musicology and Ethnomusicology

MUS 100 Survey of Western Music

MUS 105 Music in the United States

MUS 123 Discovering Music

MUS 126 History of Popular Music

MUS 221 Jazz History

MUS 222 Music of the World's Peoples

MUS 223 Women in Music

MUS 224 The Age of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven

MUS 225 Romanticism in Music

MUS 226 Twentieth-Century Music Through Film

MUS 227 Musical History of Tacoma

MUS 233 Introduction to Historical Musicology

MUS 234 Introduction to Ethnomusicology

MUS 321 Music of South Asia

MUS 322 Dance in World Cultures

MUS 323 Performing Asian America

MUS 330 Opera: Based on a True Story

MUS 493 Special Topics in Historical Musicology

MUS 494 Musicology Thesis

Music Education

MUS 140 Music Education in American Schools (0.25 units.)

MUS 240 Instrumental Techniques: Brass (0.25 units.)

MUS 241 Instrumental Techniques: Percussion (0.25 units.)

MUS 242 Instrumental Techniques: Single Reeds, Flute (0.25 units.)

MUS 243 Instrumental Techniques: Double Reeds (0.25 units.)

MUS 244 Instrumental Techniques: Lower Strings (0.25 units.)

MUS 245 Instrumental Techniques: Upper Strings (0.25 units.)

MUS 246 Vocal Techniques (0.25 units.)

MUS 247 Techniques of Accompanying (0.25 units.)

MUS 327 Practicum in Music Education/Music Business (Variable credit up to 1.00 unit.)

MUS 393 Introduction to Secondary Music Education

MUS 394 Introduction to Elementary Music Education

MUS 395 Popular Music Pedagogies: Modern Band in the Classroom

Pedagogy and Literature

MUS 235 Diction for Singers I (0.50 units.)

MUS 236 Diction for Singers II (0.50 units.)

MUS 353 Piano Pedagogy and Literature (0.50 units.)

MUS 355 String Pedagogy (0.50 units.)

MUS 356 Vocal Pedagogy (0.50 units.)

Conducting

MUS 291 Beginning Instrumental Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques (0.50 units.)

MUS 293 Beginning Choral Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques (0.50 units.)

MUS 390 Advanced Choral Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques (Variable credit up to 1.00 unit.)

MUS 392 Advanced Instrumental Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques (Variable credit up to 1.00 unit.)

Music Business

MUS 250 Music Recording Techniques

MUS 327 Practicum in Music Education/Music Business (Variable credit up to 1.00 unit.)

MUS 341 Seminar in Music Business

MUS 498 Music Business Internship

Applied Music

MUS 111 Applied Music (0.25 units.)

MUS 112 Applied Music (0.25 units.)

MUS 113 Class Guitar I (0.25 units.)

MUS 114 Class Guitar II (0.25 units.)

MUS 161 Applied Music (0.50 units.)

MUS 162 Applied Music (0.50 units.)

MUS 168/368 Chamber Music (0.50 units.)

MUS 205 Class Piano I (0.25 units.)

MUS 211 Applied Music (0.25 units.)

MUS 212 Applied Music (0.25 units.)

MUS 261 Applied Music (0.50 units.)

MUS 262 Applied Music (0.50 units.)

MUS 311 Applied Music (0.25 units.)

MUS 312 Applied Music (0.25 units.)

MUS 361 Applied Music (Variable credit up to 1.00 unit.)

MUS 362 Applied Music (Variable credit up to 1.00 unit.)

MUS 411 Applied Music (0.25 units.)

MUS 412 Applied Music (0.25 units.)

MUS 461 Applied Music (Variable credit up to 1.00 unit.)

MUS 462 Applied Music (Variable credit up to 1.00 unit.)

Performing Groups (activity units)

MUS 119/319 Opera Theater (Variable credit up to 0.25 activity units.)

MUS 170/270/370 Wind Ensemble (Variable credit up to 0.50 activity units.)

MUS 172/272/372 Adelphian Concert Choir (Variable credit up to 0.50 activity units.)

MUS 174/274/374 Symphony Orchestra (Variable credit up to 0.50 activity units.)

MUS 176/276/376 Chorale (Variable credit up to 0.50 activity units.)

MUS 178/278/378 Voci d'Amici (Variable credit up to 0.25 activity units.)

MUS 180/280/380 Dorian Singers (Variable credit up to 0.50 activity units.)

MUS 182/282/382 Accompanying Ensemble (Variable credit up to 0.50 activity units.)

MUS 184/284/384 Puget Sound Jazz Orchestra (Variable credit up to 0.25 activity units.)

MUS 186/286/386 Popular Music Ensemble (Variable credit up to 0.50 units.)

MUS 188/288/388 Concert Band (Variable credit up to 0.25 activity units.)

Courses Especially Suitable for Non-Majors

All Performing Groups (no audition required for Chorale and Concert Band)
Applied Music, including classes (subject to audition by instructor and availability)
MUS 100, 105, 123, 126, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 234, 321, 322, and 341.