Music (B.A.)

The B.A. in Music is designed to prepare the practicing musician for the 21st century cultural economy. Students will learn to capitalize on their artistic product through courses in entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management. They will learn to prepare a deliverable for various sectors of the industry through courses in music technology, studio production, song writing, scoring and arranging. The degree also provides ample space for electives, allowing students to tailor the degree to their career goals.

The B.A. in Music has three tracks: industry, performance, and production. The industry track will help students as they prepare for work in the music business, ranging from arts advocacy 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. The production track includes courses in studio recording and mixing. When combined with music courses such as piano and music theory, the production majors will have a music-based foundation for superior work in the studio.

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 IMPACTS (Credit: 42 Hours)

See listing of requirements for Core IMPACTS

 

Field of Study: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 hours)

Required Courses (Credit: 12 hours)

MUSC 1000Foundations of Music Theory

1

MUSC 1101Elementary Theory I

2 credits

MUSC 1102Sight-singing/Ear-training I

1 credits

MUSC 1103Elementary Theory II

2 credits

MUSC 1104Sight-singing/Ear-training II

1 credits

MUSC 1112Class Piano Lab I

1 credits

MUSC 1113Class Piano Lab II

1 credits

MUSC 1500Foundations in Music Technology

3 credits

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.

MUSC 1078Classical Guitar Ensemble

1 credits

MUSC 1080University Band

1 credits

MUSC 1082Jazz Ensemble

1 credits

MUSC 1086Percussion Ensemble

1 credits

MUSC 1090Chamber Singers

1 credits

Applied Study (Credit: 3 Hours)

MUSA 1111Lower Level Applied

2 credits

MUSC 2111Piano Functional Skills III

1

MUSC 2112Piano Functional Skills IV

1

MUSC 1800Class Voice I

1

MUSC 1810Class Voice II

1

To remain in good standing with the program, students must make a C or better in all Field of Study 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)

MUSC 3350World Music

3

MUSC 4200Arts Entrepreneurship

3 credits

MUSC 4995Effective Communication for the Modern Creative

3

MUSC 4999Senior Capstone

3 credits

Applied Study (Credit:1 Hour)

Students seeking the performance track must select MUSC 2112.

Choose 1

MUSC 2111Piano Functional Skills III

1

MUSC 2112Piano Functional Skills IV

1

MUSC 1800Class Voice I

1

MUSC 1810Class Voice II

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.

MUSC 3070Commercial Combos

1 credit

MUSC 3078Guitar Ensemble

1 credit

MUSC 3080University Band

1 credit

MUSC 3082Jazz Band

1 credit

MUSC 3086Percussion Ensemble

1 credit

MUSC 3090Chamber Singers

1 credit

MUSC 3092Gospel Chorus

1 credit

Music Business Course (Credit: 3 hours)

Students should select one of the following courses.

MUSC 4250Survey of the Entertainment Industry

3 credits

MUSC 4260Arts Nonprofit Management

3 credits

Music History Course (Credit: 3 hours)

Students should select one of the following courses.

MUSC 3321Music History I

3 credits

MUSC 3322Music History II

3 credits

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.

MUSA 1112Lower Level Applied

2 credits

MUSA 2111Lower Level Applied

2 credits

MUSA 2112Lower Level Applied

2 credits

MUSA 3111Upper Level Applied

2 credits

MUSA 3112Upper Level Applied

2 credits

MUSA 4111Upper Level Applied

2 credits

MUSA 4112Upper Level Applied

2 credits

Upper Level Emphasis Ensemble (Credit: 2 hours)

Choose 2 hours from the following:

MUSC 3070Commercial Combos

1 credit

MUSC 3078Guitar Ensemble

1 credit

MUSC 3080University Band

1 credit

MUSC 3082Jazz Band

1 credit

MUSC 3084Brass Ensemble

1 credit

MUSC 3086Percussion Ensemble

1 credit

MUSC 3088Woodwind Ensemble

1 credit

MUSC 3090Chamber Singers

1 credit

MUSC 3092Gospel Chorus

1 credit

Theory (Credit: 6 hours)

Students should take these classes during their sophomore year to complete foundational work for success with upper level classes.

MUSC 2201Intermediate Music Theory I

2

MUSC 2202Sight Singing / Ear Training III

1 credit

MUSC 2203Intermediate Music Theory II

2 credits

MUSC 2204Sight 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.

MUSC 3321Music History I

3 credits

MUSC 3322Music History II

3 credits

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, Certificate, or Second Track (Credit: 15-20 Hours)

Minors in Public Relations, Business, Professional Writing, or Information Technology are recommended.

Alternatively, students can seek a second track in Music Production, utilizing the hours for a minor along with hours available for open electives.

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 4250Survey of the Entertainment Industry

3 credits

MUSC 4260Arts Nonprofit Management

3 credits

Choose one of the following courses or petition transfer credit for this requirement.
ACCT 2000Survey of Accounting

3 credits

BUSA 2201Business Information Applications

3 credits

ITEC 2201Business 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 3100Contemporary Scoring and Arranging

3 credits

MUSC 3800Contemporary Songwriting

3 credits

MUSC 2500Commercial Music Lab

3 credits

MUSC 4100Recording 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)

Students pursuing the Production Track are preparing for careers in the business of music production. This could include recording studios, music distributors, film companies, nonprofit organizations, music travel companies, etc. 

Composition Courses (Credit: 6 Hours)

MUSC 3100Contemporary Scoring and Arranging

3 credits

MUSC 3800Contemporary 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 4250Survey of the Entertainment Industry

3 credits

MUSC 4260Arts Nonprofit Management

3 credits

Production Courses (Credit: 14 Hours)

MUSC 2500Commercial Music Lab

3 credits

MUSC 4100Recording Studio Fundamentals

3 credits

MUSC 4110Mixing Philosophy

3

MUSC 4120Advanced Recording Techniques

3

MUSC 4150Sound Reinforcement

2 credits

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.

Total Semester Credit Hours: 120