The Music Major introduces students to the primary subfields of music, developing the skills of research, analysis, performance, and the creation of original work. Broadly diverse in its coverage of styles, cultures, and fields, the Music Department provides students foundational knowledge in multiple modes of music study, but also offers students substantial freedom in crafting focus of courses relevant to individual interests. The skills in critical thinking, research, writing, and performance gained in the major have proven pertinent and applicable to alumni in a broad variety of fields. Students planning a professional career in music should consult with faculty members in their area for advice and assistance.

64 credits, including:

Musical Foundations and Theory (16 credits)*

One 200- or 300-level course in Western Art Music (6 credits)

  • MUSC 211: Race, Gender, and Classical Music · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 215: Western Music and its Social Ecosystems, 1830-Present
  • MUSC 217: Opera: Stage, Screen, Recording
  • MUSC 218: Improvisation: A Living History · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 308: Seminar in Music Analysis · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 313: Video Game Music: History, Interpretation, Practice · not offered in 2024-25

One 200- or 300-level course in Ethnomusicology or Popular Music (6 credits)

  • AFST 225: Black Music, Resistance, and Liberation
  • ARBC 222: Music in the Middle East
  • MUSC 205: Disability in Popular Music: Representations, Roles, and Receptions
  • MUSC 213: J-Pop: Listening to Music in Modern Japan · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 215: Western Music and its Social Ecosystems, 1830-Present · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 232: Golden Age of R & B
  • MUSC 241: Music of Latin America · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 244: Music Studies at the Border
  • MUSC 304: Party Politics: Popular Music in the Middle East
  • MUSC 313: Video Game Music: History, Interpretation, Practice
  • MUSC 320: Ambient Music · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 338: Sonic Spectacles in Minnesota and Beyond: Music as Heritage · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 341: Music in the American South Program: Rock Lab and Lab · not offered in 2024-25

Composition (6 credits)

  • CGSC 130: Introduction to Cognitive Science · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 153J: Composition (Juried)
  • MUSC 208: Computer Music and Sound · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 220: Composition Studio
  • MUSC 221: Electronic Music Composition
  • MUSC 224: Collaborative Composition in Community Partnership · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 225: Performing with Electronics · not offered in 2024-25
  • MUSC 253J: Composition (Juried)

Ensemble Participation (2 credits)

Juried Applied Lessons (4 credits)

  • Any combination of juried applied lessons and MUSC 299 may fill this requirement. Composition 153J/253J does not satisfy this requirement.

300-level Seminar (6 credits)

  • Any Music course numbered between Music 303 to Music 339.  Inclusive note: a course which fulfills the seminar requirement may not be “double counted” toward other requirements, e.g., Western Art Music, Ethnomusicology, or Popular Music.

Music Electives (12 credits)

  • Any MUSC credits, including Music classes and
    • AFST 225 Black Music, Resistance and Liberation
    • CGSC 130 The Musical Mind
    • GERM 150 German Music and Culture from Mozart to Rammstein
    • Ensembles
    • Chamber Music
    • Applied Lessons
    • MUSC 299.

Integrative exercise (6 credits)

*Students who score a 4 or 5 on the AP Music Theory exam are granted 6 general education credits. This does not grant students automatic exemption from MUSC 103 and/or MUSC 110; exemption in these courses is determined by the music department placement exams. Credits earned via the AP exam do not count for elective credit in the major or minor. Students who are exempted from 103 need only 61 credits to complete the major. Students who are exempted from 110 will need to take another 6-credit classroom course in Music (MUSC 100 does not qualify).