The BA in Contemporary Musicianship has two tracks: industry and performance. The industry track will help students as they prepare for work in the music business, ranging from songwriting to the arts nonprofit sector. The performance track includes a choice between two concentrations: classical and commercial. All students will study standard technique through classical repertoire for the first two years. The final two years, students can choose to remain in a classical concentration, or transition to a commercial concentration, where they apply their technical study to various genres ranging from country to R&B to gospel. Consequently, students will acquire an omnicultural musical language that will equip them to move between various cultural marketplaces, and serve a rapidly expanding entertainment sector in Georgia.
All students enter the Contemporary Musicianship program through the music industry track. For the first three semesters, there are no curriculum differences between the performance track and the industry track. At the end of the third semester, students can gain admission to the performance track with a C or better in MUSC 2201, a B or better in MUSA 2111, and the recommendation of their applied instructor. Students seeking admission to the performance track must successfully complete MUSC 2201within the first two attempts.
Students who have earned a scholarship via an audition may gain entry to the performance track upon admission to the University.
Core Curriculum
See list of requirements
Area F: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 15 hours)
Students may study different instruments at the 1000-level, but all applied lessons at the 2000-level or higher should be on the same instrument.
Ensembles (Credit: 3 hours)
Take three of any of the following ensemble classes.
To remain in good standing with the program, students must make a C or better in all Area F courses. A student may not take a course a third time without permission from the Music Faculty and the Dean.
Total Credit Hours: 18
Major Area Courses - Common Curriculum (Credit: 21 hours)
These courses are required of all music majors regardless of chosen track of study.
Upper Level Core Classes (Credit: 12 hours)
Upper Level Ensembles (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should take three ensemble classes at the 3000-level based on area of interest. The same class may be repeated for credit.
Music Business Course (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should select one of the following courses.
| MUSC 4250 | Survey of the Entertainment Industry | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4260 | Arts Nonprofit Management | 3 credits |
Music History Course (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should select one of the following courses.
Total Credit Hours: 21
Performance Track (Credit: 39 hours)
Please see the program description for details about admission to the performance track. The concentrations for the performance track in the B.A. in Contemporary Musicianship are delivered in the Upper Level Applied and Upper Level Ensemble courses. There are two concentrations: Classical and Commercial. Students who are accepted into the performance track at the conclusion of their MUSA 2111 jury will declare their concentration. Those who opt for the commercial concentration will transition into commercial repertoire during the MUSA 2112 semester, and will have a full immersion in commercial repertoire beginning with MUSA 3111. Students will consult with their advisor to select upper level ensembles which best support the concentration.
Upper Level Applied: Emphasis (Credit: 10 hours)
Please see the program description for details about admission to the performance track, and the performance track description about the two concentrations: Classical or Commercial.
Students must study the same instrument at the 2000, 3000, and 4000 levels.
Upper Level Emphasis Ensemble (Credit: 2 hours)
Choose 2 hours from the following:
Theory (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should take these classes during their sophomore year to complete foundational work for success with upper level classes.
| MUSC 2203 | Intermediate Music Theory II | 2 credits |
| MUSC 2204 | Sight Singing / Ear Training IV | 1 credit |
Composition Courses (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should choose one of these courses in composition that aligns with their area of expertise.
| MUSC 3800 | Contemporary Songwriting | 3 credits |
| MUSC 3100 | Contemporary Scoring and Arranging | 3 credits |
Music History (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should choose one of the following courses so long as it is different from the one selected in the upper level core.
Open Electives (Credit: 18 hours)
Students should consult with an advisor in selecting open electives in order to help them align with career goals. Students are encouraged to consider a professional minor.
Students must complete at least 39 semester hours of upper level classes in their degree program.
Total Credit Hours: 39
Industry Track (Credit: 39 hours)
Students pursuing the Industry Track are preparing for careers in the music business that includes working for publishers, recording studios, etc.
Required Minor or Certificate (Credit: 15-18 hours)
Students choose a minor in Business, Information Technology, or the Georgia Film Academy certificate. (A student may consult with an advisor to request an alternative minor if it supports career objectives.)
Notes: Students must complete at least 39 semester hours of upper level classes.
Total Credit Hours: 39
Music Business Course (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should select one of the following courses.
| MUSC 4250 | Survey of the Entertainment Industry | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4260 | Arts Nonprofit Management | 3 credits |
This course should be different from the one taken in the upper level core.
Open Electives (Credit: 18-21 hours)
Though the student may select any courses for this requirement, there is a 39 semester hour requirement of upper level classes for graduation. Student should discuss career goals with their advisor to help with this selection. In some cases, a second minor is advantageous.