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Duluth Campus

Theory and Composition B.Mus.

Music
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2021
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 92
  • Degree: Bachelor of Music
The B.Mus. in theory and composition is for students pursuing programs of intensive study to prepare for professional careers in music. The program assists students to acquire compositional and analytical skills to best express their musical ideas and provides students with advanced knowledge of the materials of contemporary and historical music and a theoretical understanding of their construction. Department honors requirements: Candidates, nominated by music department faculty, receive honors for distinguished achievement in musical performance, composition, or exceptional ability and accomplishment as a music educator.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
Students must pass a performance audition to be accepted into any music degree program. At the time of the audition, students must also complete diagnostic examinations in theory/aural/keyboard skills and an interview with the department head or an appointed designee. Any student who receives provisional acceptance into a degree program must pass a review (usually at the end of the first semester) to receive full acceptance. That review includes recommendations of major instructors and successful completion of an applied jury.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
Courses with grades less than C- will not count toward the major.
Learning in Community (1 cr)
Requirement will be waived for transfer students with at least 30 credits taken post high school, for UMD students who started in a UMD collegiate unit where this is not required, and upon request for first-year students with 30 PSEO credits.
UST 1000 - Learning in Community (1.0-2.0 cr)
or EHS 1000 - Into the World [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
or PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
Additional Fine Arts Requirement (3 cr)
Three credits of any 1000-level or 2000-level fine art course(s) from outside the student’s chosen major (Art, Art History, Dance, Fine Arts, or Theatre), provided that the student meets pre-requisites for the course(s). A 2 credit DN course may be substituted (Art or Music students only).
Fine Arts (3 cr)
Recital Hour (0 cr)
MU 100 must be taken concurrently each semester with applied instruction in principal instrument.
Take 8 or more course(s) from the following:
· MU 100 - Recital Hour (0.0 cr)
Music Core (22 cr)
MU 1111 - Tonal Harmony I (3.0 cr)
MU 1112 - Ear-Training and Sight-Singing I (1.0 cr)
MU 1121 - Tonal Harmony II [LOGIC & QR] (3.0 cr)
MU 1122 - Ear-Training II (1.0 cr)
MU 2111 - Tonal Harmony III (3.0 cr)
MU 2112 - Ear-Training III (1.0 cr)
MU 2121 - Tonal Harmony IV (3.0 cr)
MU 2122 - Ear-Training, Sight Singing and Improvisation (1.0 cr)
MU 3201 - Music History I (3.0 cr)
MU 3202 - Music History II (3.0 cr)
Major Course Requirements (23 cr)
Register for 2 credits of MU 4997. Register for 3 credits of MU 4991.
MU 2110 - Jazz Theory (2.0 cr)
MU 3101 - Form and Analysis (2.0 cr)
MU 3705 - Instrumental Conducting I (1.0 cr)
MU 3805 - Jazz Writing I (2.0 cr)
MU 4101 - Instrumental Arranging (2.0 cr)
MU 4103 - Contrapuntal Techniques (2.0 cr)
MU 4200 - Advanced Music History (2.0 cr)
MU 4807 - Music Industry (2.0 cr)
MU 4991 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
MU 4997 - Internship in Music (1.0-2.0 cr)
MU 1005 - Jazz Studies [LE CAT, LECD C, FINE ARTS, CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
or MU 2001 - Ethnic and Folk Music of the World [LE CAT, FINE ARTS] (3.0 cr)
or MU 2005 - African Roots of American Music [LE CAT, LECD C] (3.0 cr)
Composition Requirements (12 cr)
Register for each course twice, for a total of 4 credits each.
MU 2105 - Composition I (2.0 cr)
MU 3105 - Composition II (2.0 cr)
MU 4105 - Composition III (2.0 cr)
Piano Classes (3 cr)
MU 1322 - Piano-Non Major (1.0 cr)
MU 1421 - Piano Class I (1.0 cr)
MU 1422 - Piano Class II (1.0 cr)
Applied Instruction and Advanced Standing (16 cr)
MU 100 must be taken concurrently each semester with applied instruction in principal instrument.
Principal Instrument - Lower Division
Two credits of principal instrument each semester prior to passing MU 300 Advanced Standing Exam.
Take 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MU 13xx
Advanced Standing Exam
MU 300 - Advanced Standing Exam (0.0 cr)
Principal Instrument - Upper Division
Two credits of principal instrument each semester after passing MU 300 Advanced Standing Exam.
Take 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MU 43xx
Ensemble Requirements (8 cr)
MU 1xxx: take 4 cr from MU 1501, 1502, 1503, 1510, 1511. MU 4xxx: take 4 cr from MU 4501, 4502, 4503, 4510, 4511.
Lower Division Ensembles
One credit each semester.
Take 4 or more course(s) totaling 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MU 1xxx
Upper Division Ensembles
One credit each semester.
Take 4 or more course(s) totaling 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MU 4xxx
Senior Recital (1 cr)
MU 4300 - Senior Recital (1.0 cr)
Advanced Writing (3 cr)
WRIT 3110 - Advanced Writing: Arts and Letters (3.0 cr)
 
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UST 1000 - Learning in Community
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Credit will not be granted if already received for EHS 1000.
EHS 1000 - Into the World (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the transition into college learning and student life at UMD and the College of Education and Human Service Professions. Introduces the promise and peril of global challenges in the 21st century and relates these challenges to local communities. pre-req: 1st semester CEHSP student
ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. This course explores the global cultural context of sustainability while facilitating the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Examine the topic of environmental sustainability through the context of global culture and affairs. Explore different cultural approaches to solving environmental issues, compare and contrast these approaches with those taken in the US. Investigate the concept of outsourcing with respect to the peoples and ecosystems that are impacted by the practice. pre-req: less than 30 credits earned
LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD while simultaneously fulfilling other core requirements. Examines the topic of Cultural Diversity in the U.S. through the context of language and dialect in American English. Explores the impact language has on the broad spectrum of American culture, and conversely, the ways in which various American cultures and their diverse heritages have influenced the many ways language is spoken in the United States. Investigates concepts of linguistic competency, perceptions and biases toward language, power structures manifested in language, and influences of class, race, ethnicity, and heritage on spoken language. pre-req: less than 30 credits
PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitate the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD; applications of positive psychology across cultures and positive behavior change; the examination of diverse perspectives in positive psychology; the promotion of student well-being, community and inclusivity, and time- and stress-management techniques. pre-req: less than 30 credits
MU 100 - Recital Hour
Credits: 0.0 [max 0.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Attendance at scheduled musical events. prereq: Concurrent registration in applied instruction
MU 1111 - Tonal Harmony I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Rudimentary study of triadic harmony from the 17th and 18th centuries. Exploration of methods of composition and analysis, harmonic functions and non-harmonic tones. prereq: Music major or music minor; credit will not be granted if already received for Mu 1010 or Th 1114
MU 1112 - Ear-Training and Sight-Singing I
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to ear-training and sight-singing of tonal music. prereq: Music major or minor; co-enrollment in or prior successful completion of MU 1111 (or equivalent placement exam score)
MU 1121 - Tonal Harmony II (LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continued study of Common Practice harmony with an introduction to species counterpoint and four-part writing. A focus on progressions and the development of phrase structures. prereq: Music major or minor and MU 1111
MU 1122 - Ear-Training II
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continued study of ear-training and sight-singing of tonal music. prereq: Music major or minor; MU 1111 & 1112; co-enrollment in or prior successful completion of MU 1121 (or equivalent placement exam score)
MU 2111 - Tonal Harmony III
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Continued study of tonal theory with an emphasis on late 18th and early 19th century methods of composition and analysis. prereq: Music major or minor and MU 1121
MU 2112 - Ear-Training III
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Continued study of ear-training and sight-singing of tonal music. prereq: Music major or minor; MU 1121 & 1122; co-enrollment in or prior successful completion of MU 2111 (or equivalent placement exam score)
MU 2121 - Tonal Harmony IV
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continued study of tonal theory with an emphasis on 19th century methods of composition and an introduction to 20th century and contemporary modes of musical organization. prereq: Music major or minor and MU 2111
MU 2122 - Ear-Training, Sight Singing and Improvisation
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continued study of ear-training and sight-singing of tonal music; introduction to post-tonal music and basic principles and techniques of improvisation. prereq: Music major or minor; MU 2111 & 2112; co-enrollment in or prior successful completion of MU 2121 (or equivalent placement exam score)
MU 3201 - Music History I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Survey of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical eras of Western music, with an emphasis on the cultural, literary, religious and socio-political contexts in which master composers developed. prereq: Mu 1121/1122 or instructor consent
MU 3202 - Music History II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Survey of Romantic, Modern and Contemporary eras of music, emphasizing the increasingly non-Western influences and cross-cultural connections on the development of European artistic values into a global aesthetic. prereq: 3201 or instructor consent
MU 2110 - Jazz Theory
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to jazz harmony, chord/scale relationships, and jazz piano skills. prereq: 1111, 1421 or instructor consent
MU 3101 - Form and Analysis
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Overview of form in music; structure from Renaissance through 20th-century. prereq: 2121, 2122
MU 3705 - Instrumental Conducting I
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Intermediate techniques, reading, and interpretation of full and condensed orchestral, band, and vocal scores; lab practice in rehearsal procedures.
MU 3805 - Jazz Writing I
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Transpositions, voicings, and arranging concepts for large and small jazz ensembles; development of composition in jazz idiom. prereq: Mu [2121, 2122] or instructor consent
MU 4101 - Instrumental Arranging
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Idiomatic scoring for instruments; individual assignments in problems and possibilities of various instrument combinations. prereq: Mu 2121, 2122 or instructor consent
MU 4103 - Contrapuntal Techniques
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Study of, and practice in, use of polyphonic devices in Western art music. prereq: Mu 2121, 2122 or instructor consent
MU 4200 - Advanced Music History
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced study, critique, and analysis of selected areas in music literature. pre-req: MU 3101, 3202 or instructor consent
MU 4807 - Music Industry
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Study of developing commercial applications and trends in the music industry, including basic concepts of business and marketing. prereq: instructor consent
MU 4991 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Independent study in area of student interest arranged with instructor before registration. pre-req: instructor consent
MU 4997 - Internship in Music
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Participation in music tutoring or recognized campus/community activity related to student's musical program and career objectives. prereq: department consent
MU 1005 - Jazz Studies (LE CAT, LECD C, FINE ARTS, CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Evolution of jazz: social problems in America that fostered its origin and continue to shape its development.
MU 2001 - Ethnic and Folk Music of the World (LE CAT, FINE ARTS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introductory course to the music of the world. This class will introduce you to a diverse musical repertoire and non-traditional approaches to music. We will study the music of a variety of cultures and societies as an expression of meaningful human interaction.
MU 2005 - African Roots of American Music (LE CAT, LECD C)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course defines and examines the musical and cultural significance of West Africa and its indelible impression on Western music and culture (particularly in America). Music and culture is traced from West Africa, through South America and Latin America, and on to North America. Class material ranges from historical West African tradition through today?s American popular music.
MU 2105 - Composition I
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Beginning music composition technique leading to creation of original works. prereq: 1121 or 1122
MU 3105 - Composition II
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Continued study of musical composition techniques leading to creation of original works. prereq: 2105
MU 4105 - Composition III
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced creative composition; individual assignments in various contexts. prereq: 3105
MU 1322 - Piano-Non Major
Credits: 1.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Individual lesson one half hour weekly. prereq: Non-music major or music major secondary instrument; may be repeated
MU 1421 - Piano Class I
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course in keyboard musicianship is the first of a two semester sequence of class piano. The course focuses on the development and improvement of keyboard skills in the areas of technique, performance, improvisation, harmonization, transposition, sight-reading, and elementary ensemble skills. The course is intended to develop basic keyboard competency while reinforcing students' musicianship skills. prereq: Music major, music minor, musical theatre major or instructor consent
MU 1422 - Piano Class II
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course in keyboarding musicianship is the second of a two-semester seauence of class piano. It is a contiuation of MU 1421, focusing on developing increased ability with regard to technical ability, artistry, musicianship, and fundamental skills. Successful course completion is achieved with basic keyboard competency of early intermediate to intermediate levels. prereq: MU 1421, equivalent CE or instructor consent
MU 300 - Advanced Standing Exam
Credits: 0.0 [max 0.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Applied performance requirement to qualify for advanced applied study. prereq: three semesters of 1xxx level applied study, department consent
MU 4300 - Senior Recital
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Preparation and public presentation of a solo performance of at least 50 minutes of music appropriate to the student's principal instrument or principal compositional media. This is the capstone requirement for students in music performance or theory-composition.
WRIT 3110 - Advanced Writing: Arts and Letters
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Study of writing for those invested in the disciplines of art, design, and performing arts. Exploration of academic and professional rhetorical situations. Practice with research methods, document design, editing, effective collaboration, and ethical issues in the production of documents in multiple genres for multiple audiences. pre-req: 1) WRIT 1120 or MNTC or AA completed 2) minimum 60 credits earned or in progress