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Twin Cities Campus

Music Minor

School of Music
College of Liberal Arts
  • Program Type: Undergraduate minor related to major
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2020
  • Required credits in this minor: 20 to 24
The minor in music allows students to dive into the theory, application, and practice of music alongside other students pursuing all kinds of majors across the University. Undergraduate students from any college or department at the University of Minnesota may deepen their knowledge of music through this minor, creating a vibrant and diverse cohort of students practicing and learning together. Program Advising Due the nuances unique to the discipline and study of music, students must work in close consultation on a semesterly basis with the department advisor to ensure adequate and timely degree progress. Music programs involve careful sequencing of core courses and applied music study to progressively build musical competencies and techniques. Introductory courses support not only the key concepts needed for success in the next course in the sequence but also the adjacent core course sequences as well. For example, the music history sequence is highly dependent on the concepts addressed in the accompanying courses in music theory, ear-training, sight-singing, and keyboarding.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
Admission to the applied music minor is contingent upon passing an audition. Auditions are competitive with students normally having studied privately for a number of years on the primary instrument. Auditions are held in the spring for fall semester entrance, and in the fall for spring semester entrance. Some instruments require a pre-screening video round. Please visit the School of Music website for more information about auditions.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Minor Requirements
Students may earn a major or a minor in music, but not both.
Music Theory and Ear Training
Take exactly 4 course(s) totaling exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 1501 - Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music I (2.0 cr)
· MUS 1502 - Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music II (2.0 cr)
· MUS 1511 - Ear-Training and Sight-Singing I (1.0 cr)
· MUS 1512 - Ear-Training and Sight-Singing II (1.0 cr)
Musicology/Ethnomusicology
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 1801W - Music, Society, and Cultures [AH, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· MUS 3601W - History of Western Music I [WI] (3.0 cr)
· MUS 3602W - History of Western Music II [WI] (3.0 cr)
· MUS 3603W - History of Western Music III [WI] (3.0 cr)
Keyboard
Keyboard minors take MUS 1155. Non-keyboard minors may substitute MUS 1155 for MUS 1151 and MUS 1152.
Take 1 - 2 course(s) totaling 2 - 4 credit(s) from the following:
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling exactly 2 credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 1155 - Keyboard Skills I (2.0 cr)
or Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 4 credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 1151 - Piano: Class Lessons I (2.0 cr)
· MUS 1152 - Piano: Class Lessons II (2.0 cr)
Applied Music
Take 2 courses for 2 credits each, over 2 semesters.
Take 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUSA 1301 - Piano: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1302 - Harpsichord: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1303 - Organ: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1304 - Voice: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1305 - Violin: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1306 - Viola: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1307 - Cello: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1308 - Double Bass: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1309 - Flute: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1311 - Oboe: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1312 - Clarinet: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1313 - Saxophone: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1314 - Bassoon: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1315 - French Horn: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1316 - Trumpet: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1317 - Trombone: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1318 - Euphonium: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1319 - Tuba: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1321 - Percussion: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1322 - Harp: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
· MUSA 1323 - Guitar: Music Major (2.0-4.0 cr)
Ensembles
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 2 - 4 credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 3230 - Chorus (1.0-2.0 cr)
· MUS 3410 - University Wind Bands (1.0 cr)
· MUS 3420 - Orchestra (1.0 cr)
· MUS 3440 - Chamber Ensemble (1.0 cr)
· MUS 5240 - University Singers (1.0 cr)
· MUS 5280 - Opera Theatre (2.0 cr)
 
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MUS 1501 - Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music I
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course begins the core sequence of theory and musicianship courses required of the undergraduate music majors and music minors. In this course you will develop basic skills in music fundamentals and then apply these to species counterpoint, harmony and analysis exercises. These studies will then also be applied as concrete skills in your musicianship class (MUS 1511 Ear-Training/Sight-Singing I) through identification of musical materials, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation; sight-singing and clef reading. Listening exercises will train you not only in familiarity with the core repertoire of Western European concert music, but also in what to listen for and how. Co-Requisite: course must be taken concurrently w/ MUS 1511.
MUS 1502 - Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music II
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
These courses continue the core sequence of undergraduate theory and musicianship courses that are required for the undergraduate music majors and minors. Building upon the skills developed in the earlier courses [MUS 1501, 1511], we will now develop a more complete and sophisticated phrase model for harmony. These concepts will then also be applied as concrete skills in your musicianship classes (MUS 1512 Ear-Training and Sight Singing II) through melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation; sight-singing and clef reading. Each component emphasizes diatonic harmony. Course intended to be taken concurrently w/MUS 1512. prereq: [1501, 1511 with grade of at least C-]
MUS 1511 - Ear-Training and Sight-Singing I
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to foundations of musicianship. Co-Requisite: students must concurrently enroll in MUS 1501 Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music I.
MUS 1512 - Ear-Training and Sight-Singing II
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Develop basic musicianship skills in sight-singing, ear-training and musical vocabulary. Chromatic harmonic, contrapuntal/voice leading principles in common-practice music (Corelli to Brahms). Analyze chromatic progressions, rhythms, melodies, contrapuntal functions. Proficiency in keyboard skills. Course intended for concurrent registration in MUS 1502 Tonal Theory II. prereq: [MUS 1501 and MUS 1511] with grades of at least C-.
MUS 1801W - Music, Society, and Cultures (AH, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Drawing on examples from many different places and times, we will develop an analytic language to address the power of musical performance. We will study various methods of musical enculturation; the connections between politics and musical aesthetics; the ways in which music reinforces and challenges scaffoldings of race, nation, and ethnicity; and the power of music to form ethical subjects. Prereq: Registration for this course is open until the first day of class, at which point instructor consent will be required.
MUS 3601W - History of Western Music I (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This is the first course in the undergraduate music history sequence. We will study music composed over a very broad time span, ca. 800 to 1700, looking at the works' musical structures within the larger contexts of musical style, social/political significance, and broad aesthetic and philosophical movements. In addition, as a writing intensive course, students will hone their writing skills, focusing in particular on listening to and analyzing early music. Pre-reqs: MUS 1501 and MUS 1511
MUS 3602W - History of Western Music II (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This is the second course in the undergraduate music history sequence. We will study music composed ca. 1700?1880, looking at the works? musical structures within the larger contexts of musical style, social/political significance, and broad aesthetic and philosophical movements. In addition, as a writing intensive course, students will hone their writing skills, focusing in particular on analyzing and writing about music. prereq: MUS 1502, MUS 1512, and MUS 3601 OR instr consent
MUS 3603W - History of Western Music III (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
History of European/American art, popular music traditions, from 1850 to present. Composers, styles, structures, social institutions. prereqs: [MUS 3602W, MUS 3501, MUS 3511] with grades of at least C- or instr consent
MUS 1155 - Keyboard Skills I
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Reading, transposing, harmonizing, improvising, playing by ear. Keyboard theory, technique, music learning skills. prereq: Keyboard major or music major with extensive keyboard background or instr consent
MUS 1151 - Piano: Class Lessons I
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
A beginning course for music majors and music minors with a limited keyboard background. Emphasis is on developing functional skills such as reading, transposing, harmonizing, improvising, and playing by ear, along with keyboard theory, technique, repertoire, and practice strategies. prereq: undergraduate music major or music minor status.
MUS 1152 - Piano: Class Lessons II
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
A continuation of Mus 1151, a beginning course for freshman music majors and minors with limited keyboard background. Emphasis is on functional skills, such as reading, transposing, harmonizing, improvising, and playing by ear, along with keyboard theory, technique, repertoire, and practice strategies. prereq: MUS 1151 or instr consent
MUSA 1301 - Piano: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1302 - Harpsichord: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1303 - Organ: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1304 - Voice: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1305 - Violin: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1306 - Viola: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1307 - Cello: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1308 - Double Bass: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1309 - Flute: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1311 - Oboe: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1312 - Clarinet: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1313 - Saxophone: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1314 - Bassoon: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1315 - French Horn: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1316 - Trumpet: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1317 - Trombone: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1318 - Euphonium: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1319 - Tuba: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1321 - Percussion: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1322 - Harp: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUSA 1323 - Guitar: Music Major
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUS 3230 - Chorus
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 16.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Includes the University Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, Concert Choir, and Choral Union. Choirs participate in a variety of programs exploring both Western and non-Western repertoire from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Concerts include touring, and collaborative campus and community performances. prereq: Choral and/or instrumental music background, audition, instr consent
MUS 3410 - University Wind Bands
Credits: 1.0 [max 14.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The University Wind Ensemble is comprised of the university?s finest graduate and undergraduate woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians. This ensemble prepares a wide variety of repertoire composed from the early Renaissance through today and performs concerts on and off campus throughout the year. The ensemble participates in special activities, events, projects, and collaborations with featured guest artists. The University Wind Ensemble and University Symphony Orchestra share musicians and rehearse on alternating block schedules during the semester (a project-focused schedule). Please consult with the Ensemble Library in Ferguson Hall for more details on the rehearsal and performance schedule. Placement in the ensemble is determined through an audition; all university students are eligible to audition. The Symphonic Band is comprised of woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians in music disciplines as well as other disciplines across the university. This ensemble studies and prepares standard and contemporary wind band repertoire and performs concerts on and off campus throughout the year. Many performances are shared with guest ensembles and/or featured guest artists. Please consult with the Ensemble Library in Ferguson Hall for more details on the rehearsal and performance schedule. Placement in the ensemble is determined through an audition; all university students are eligible to audition. prereq: Audition, instr consent
MUS 3420 - Orchestra
Credits: 1.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Symphony orchestra performs standard repertory and major works with chorus; concerts and tour appearances. Players from all colleges may participate. prereq: Audition, instr consent
MUS 3440 - Chamber Ensemble
Credits: 1.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Performance of chamber music; duos, trios, quartets, quintets, and other ensemble combinations for instruments and voices. prereq: instr consent
MUS 5240 - University Singers
Credits: 1.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Mixed chorus with members of former chamber singers and concert choir. Programs exploring Western/non-Western repertoire from Middle Ages through 20th century. Concerts include touring and collaborative campus/community performances. prereq: Audition, instr consent
MUS 5280 - Opera Theatre
Credits: 2.0 [max 16.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Preparation and performance of fully-staged operatic production. Major involvement in singing, acting, and technical aspects of opera. prereq: audition, instr consent