All students enter the Music program through the music industry track. For the first two semesters, there are minimal curriculum differences between the three tracks. Students seeking admission to the performance track will begin applied study in their first semester. At the end of the second semester, students can gain admission to the performance track with a C or better in MUSC 1103 a B or better in MUSA 1112, and the recommendation of their applied instructor. Students seeking admission to the performance track must successfully complete MUSC 1103 and 1104, semester two of the music theory aural skills sequence within the first two attempts. Students seeking admission to the production track must have a B or better in MUSC 1500 and MUSC 2500.
Students who have earned a scholarship via an audition may gain entry to the performance track upon admission to the University.
*Applied music encompasses the areas of instrumental and vocal performance requiring individual studio instruction. Studio instruction is offered in applied music performance courses for two (2) hours of credit. Students must be enrolled in the appropriate ensemble course as well. Students will work toward continued mastery of technique and appropriate literature that meet or exceed standards for current level of study. Students are expected to practice daily and will come prepared for weekly 60-minute lessons. Enrolled students are also expected to attend and participate in music studio programming and performances throughout the semester. A juried performance completes the semester.
Core Curriculum
See list of requirements
Area F: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 12 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.
*Students who place out of Elementary Music Theory may take an additional hour of lower-level elective credit, which may be applied to a minor.
Ensembles (Credit: 3 hours)
Take three of any of the following ensemble classes.
Applied Study (Credit: 3 Hours)
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)
Applied Study (Credit:1 Hour)
Students seeking the performance track must select MUSC 2112.
Choose 1
Upper Level Ensembles (Credit: 2 hours)
Students should take two 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 Music 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 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 may select a mixed concentration of classical and commercial. Students will consult with their advisor to select upper level ensembles which best support the concentration.
Upper Level Applied: Emphasis (Credit: 14 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 3000 and 4000 levels.
Upper Level Emphasis Ensemble (Credit: 2 hours)
Choose 2 hours from the following:
Theory (Credit: 6 hours)
Students should take these classes during their sophomore year to complete foundational work for success with upper level classes.
| MUSC 2201 | Intermediate Music Theory I | 2 |
| MUSC 2202 | Sight Singing / Ear Training III | 1 credit |
| MUSC 2203 | Intermediate Music Theory II | 2 credits |
| MUSC 2204 | Sight Singing / Ear Training IV | 1 credit |
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: 14-15 hours*)
Students should consult with an advisor to select electives that align with career goals. Students are encouraged to take a professional minor or Georgia Film Academy course work.
*Students who have placed out of music 1000 will have an additional hour of lower level credit available here.
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, artistic nonprofits, music distributors, music travel companies, etc.
Required Professional Minor or Certificate (Credit: 15-18 hours)
Minors in Public Relations, Business, Professional Writing, or Information Technology are recommended.
Students with significant transfer credit in a concentrated area may use the University petition process to seek an exception to the requirement for a minor.
Notes: Students must complete at least 39 semester hours of upper level classes.
Total Credit Hours: 39
Music Business Courses (Credit: 6 hours)
Students should select one of the following courses. This course should be different from the one taken in the upper level core.
| MUSC 4250 | Survey of the Entertainment Industry | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4260 | Arts Nonprofit Management | 3 credits |
Choose one of the following courses or petition transfer credit for this requirement.
| ACCT 2000 | Survey of Accounting | 3 credits |
| BUSA 2201 | Business Information Applications | 3 credits |
| ITEC 2201 | Business Information Applications | 3 credits |
Music Elective (Credits: 3 Hours)
Choose one of the MUSC following. Course should be different than the one selected to satisfy the core 21 hours.
| MUSC 3100 | Contemporary Scoring and Arranging | 3 credits |
| MUSC 3800 | Contemporary Songwriting | 3 credits |
| MUSC 2500 | Commercial Music Lab | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4100 | Recording Studio Fundamentals | 3 credits |
Open Electives (Credit: 12-16 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.
*Students who have placed out of music 1000 will have an additional hour of lower level credit available here.
Production Track (Credit: 39 Hours)
Composition Courses (Credit: 6 Hours)
| MUSC 3100 | Contemporary Scoring and Arranging | 3 credits |
| MUSC 3800 | Contemporary Songwriting | 3 credits |
Music Business Courses (Credit: 3 Hours)
Students should select one of the following courses. This course should be different from the one taken in the upper level core.
| MUSC 4250 | Survey of the Entertainment Industry | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4260 | Arts Nonprofit Management | 3 credits |
Production Courses (Credit: 14 Hours)
Open Electives (Credit: 16-17 Hours*)
Students are encouraged to consider a professional minor in public relations, business, professional writing, or information technology or coursework from the Georgia Film Academy.
*Students who have placed out of music 1000 will have an additional hour of lower level credit available here.
Notes: Students must complete at least 39 semester hours of upper level classes.