MUSIC MAJORS

PLEASE REFER TO THE COLLEGE GATALOG
FOR LISTS OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS.
A PDF VERSION OF THE CURRENT
CATALOG CAN BE ACCESSED HERE
.

Basic Music Major

"The basic music major addresses music study in its broadest scope.
Students explore a variety of courses in music history and literature, music theory,
and musical performance. Frequently, basic music majors double-major in other subjects,
which are complementary to their personal interests and goals."

Suggested First Year Schedule
English Composition (based on placement)
MUT 1131, 1132, 1102, 1103
First-year Seminar
Performance Ensemble
Four Basic Liberal Arts Requirement Classes
Physical Education
Applied Music Lessons
Piano as needed

Music Theory and Composition Major

"Music theory is the study of the musical elements (rhythm, harmony, melody, and form)
and how they are organized to create 'a musical composition.' At McDaniel College,
we teach you how to manipulate these elements in analysis and composition."

The department's music theory classes are computer-aided and emphasize the development of the ear&emdash;hearing music. Composition is also encouraged.

In order to better ensure success, students are strongly encouraged to begin their formal study of composing and/or arranging in the first semester of their junior year. Students are encouraged to begin experimenting in this field as early as possible.

Suggested First Year Schedule--See Basic Major

Music History and Literature

"The broad scope of liberal arts education at McDaniel College provides the perfect setting
to study music history since the history of music is the study of history, music, and culture."

Suggested First Year Schedule--See Basic Major

Recommended Courses--Two Years of Foreign Language

Music Education

"Our music education major is unique in that is based on the development of specific demonstrated competencies necessary for success in the classroom. Classes are small giving students the opportunity to work very closely with professors."

Four Year Program Culminating in a Bachelor of Arts Degree

Five Year Program Culminating in a Masters of Science (Education) Degree

Suggested First Year Schedule
English Composition (based on placement)
Applied Music Lessons
MUT 1126, 1131, 1132, 1102, 1103
Performance Ensemble
Psychology 1106
Three Basic Liberal Arts Requirement Classes
Physical Education
First-year Seminar
Piano as needed

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL MUSIC MAJORS:

*Six of the eight credits in applied music lessons must be in the student's major instrument or voice. The three semesters prior to and including the semester of the senior recital must include applied study on the major instrument (instrument of the recital). Transfer students must complete four credits of the eight credit applied requirement (at least four hours in residence) on their major instrument and perform their senior recital at McDaniel College.

*CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (MUS 4205)--All music majors are required to present a senior recital for their capstone experience. In the case of Music History and Music Theory majors, a major composition or research project will be required. This project may be associated with the recital or one of the music theory courses.

*THE BASIC MUSICIANSHIP SKILLS TEST (MUS 1204) must be satisfied prior to taking courses at the 3000 level or higher.

*THE PIANO PROFICIENCY EXAM must be passed prior to graduation and should be taken before the junior year.

*Applied Music courses do not fulfill the Fine Arts Distribution requirement.

*College policy limits the number of credit hours taken in vocal and instrumental ensembles such as Music 1101-1105, 1110-1122 to 8 of the 128 hours required for graduation.

Minor in Music

Minor in Jazz Studies

Dual Major: Music and Theatre Arts

"Our dual major in music and theatre allows students to develop very close working relationships with members of both faculties. Both departments offer a wealth of performance opportunities."

Graduating with Honors

Music majors may graduate with honors
if they fulfill the following requirements:

*Music majors may graduate with honors if they fulfill the following requirements:

*Maintain a 3.4 GPA in all music courses.

*Complete a special project to be connected with the senior recital, which must produce a written document. This project may take the form of a lecture-recital, composition and/or arrangement (see Composition Major), or a research paper.

*The student is required to work closely with an advisor on the project, and must formally declare the intent to pursue the project with that advisor and the department chair by the mid-terms of the semester before the semester of the recital. A formal proposal must be approved by the advisor and chair by the end of that semester. Interested students are encouraged to talk with their advisor about this as soon as possible.

*Final decision regarding honors status will be based on an acceptable level of quality of the project as determined by the advisor and department chair.

Preparation for Senior Recitals

Music majors must follow these guidelines in preparation for their senior recital:

*Students should have the date set for a senior recital by the end of the Spring semester of their junior
year. It is the responsibility of the student to set a date with the music department chair and faculty member in charge of scheduling.

*Students should have possible repertoire selected by the end of the second week of classes the Fall semester of the senior year for review by the department chair. It is understood that some changes and substitutions may be made before the recital preview. After the preview, no changes in the repertoire should be made.

*The jury of the semester previous to the recital should contain some material from the recital so students can get comments from faculty reflecting things they may want to think about as they prepare for the recital.

*There will be a preview of the recital three weeks prior to the recital for the applied teacher, the department chair, the student's advisor, and another invited faculty member.

*The student is responsible for designing his or her recital program. Past programs, as well as a program template which must be used, are available in the Arts Management Office.

*The department will pay the accompanist for the recital. Consult the department chair for more details.

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