Music: Liberal Arts (BA)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Major: Music
Concentration: Liberal Arts
Program Code: 3253
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is a liberal arts degree with a breadth of general studies in English, math, humanities, natural sciences, history, social and behavioral sciences and fine arts. Combined with courses in music theory, music history and literature, ensembles and applied studies, this curriculum provides a strong foundation that when innovatively integrated with additional credits of the student's choosing, allows the flexibility to creatively design a personalized degree program. Students in this major have the ability to create a curriculum tailored to their strengths and career interests that can focus on traditional music, contemporary-commercial music, their own musical compositions or an interdisciplinary program of study, designed by the student.
For more information on what you can do with this major, visit Career Services’ What to Do with a Major? resource.
All CMU baccalaureate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus-wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:
- Construct and present a summative project that draws on current research, scholarship and/or techniques, and specialized knowledge in music (specialized knowledge/applied learning)
- Develop musical interpretations using musical analysis (quantitative fluency)
- Explain knowledge of music history in presentations (communication fluency)
- Develop musical interpretations through solo performances (critical thinking)
- Demonstrate musical professionalism through ethical conduct, reflection, and leadership (personal and social responsibility)
- Find relevant sources of information, evaluate information critically, and apply the information appropriately and effectively to musical purposes (information literacy)
Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements.
To print or save an overview of this program's information, including the program description, learning outcomes, requirements, suggested course sequencing (if applicable), and advising and graduation information, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand navigation menu and select "Print Options." This will give you the options to either "Send Page to Printer" or "Download PDF of This Page." The "Download PDF of This Page" option prepares a much more concise presentation of all program information. The PDF is also printable and may be preferable due to its brevity.
Institutional Degree Requirements
The following institutional degree requirements apply to all CMU baccalaureate degrees. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.
- 120 semester hours minimum.
- Students must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher.
- 40 upper-division credits (an alternative credit limit applies to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree).
- 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
- A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
- No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
- Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed 30 semester credit hours for a baccalaureate degree. A maximum of 15 of the 30 credits may be for cooperative education, internships, and practica.
- Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
- Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Degree Requirements.
- The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and degree requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.
- See “Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates” in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.
Essential Learning Requirements
(31 semester hours)
See the current catalog for a list of courses that fulfill the requirements below. If a course is an Essential Learning option and a requirement for your major, you must use it to fulfill the major requirement and make a different selection for the Essential Learning requirement.
- Some Essential Learning credits will have to be completed in the junior year.
Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
English 1 | ||
ENGL 111 | English Composition I-GTCO1 | 3 |
ENGL 112 | English Composition II-GTCO2 | 3 |
Mathematics 1 | ||
MATH 110 | Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 | 3 |
History | ||
Select one History course | 3 | |
Humanities | ||
Select one Humanities course | 3 | |
Social and Behavioral Sciences | ||
Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course | 3 | |
Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course | 3 | |
Fine Arts | ||
Select one Fine Arts course | 3 | |
Natural Sciences 2 | ||
Select one Natural Sciences course | 3 | |
Select one Natural Sciences course with a lab | 4 | |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 31 |
- 1
Must receive a grade of “C” or better and must be completed by the time the student has 60 semester hours.
- 2
One course must include a lab.
Other Lower Division Requirements
Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Wellness Requirement | ||
KINE 100 | Health and Wellness | 1 |
Select one Activity course | 1 | |
Essential Learning Capstone 1 | ||
ESSL 290 | Maverick Milestone | 3 |
ESSL 200 | Essential Speech | 1 |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 6 |
- 1
Essential Learning Capstone must be taken after completion of the Essential Learning English and Mathematics requirements, and when a student has earned between 45 and 75 hours.
Foundation Courses
(26 semester hours, must pass all courses with a “C” or better)
Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
MUSA 111 | Music Technology | 1 |
MUSA 114 | Theory I-Introduction | 3 |
MUSA 115 | Theory II-Diatonic Concepts | 3 |
MUSA 116 | Ear Training and Sightsinging I | 2 |
MUSA 117 | Ear Training and Sightsinging II | 2 |
MUSA 130 | Class Piano I | 1 |
MUSA 131 | Class Piano II | 1 |
MUSA 214 | Theory III - Chromatic Concepts | 3 |
MUSA 215 | Theory IV - Twentieth Century Form and Analysis | 3 |
MUSA 230 | Class Piano III | 1 |
MUSL 1__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSL 1__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSL 2__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 1__ | Music Performance | 1 |
MUSP 1__ | Music Performance | 1 |
MUSP 2__ | Music Performance | 1 |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 26 |
Program Specific Degree Requirements
(34 semester hours, must pass all courses with a “C” or better and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher in coursework in this area.)
- Students are assessed for piano proficiency upon admission to the Department of Music. Students who need additional preparation to be successful in piano will be required to enroll in MUSA 125: Foundations of Piano (1) during their first semester.
- Students must meet departmental recital/concert attendance requirements.
- Students must pay close attention to the Department’s two-year course rotation.
Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 250 | Beginning Conducting | 1 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Symphonic Literature | ||
Keyboard Literature | ||
Vocal Literature | ||
Choral Literature | ||
MUSA 326 | Music History and Literature I | 3 |
MUSA 327 | Music History and Literature II | 3 |
MUSA 426 | The Music of World Cultures | 2 |
MUSL 2__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSL 3__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSL 3__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSL 4__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSL 4__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 2__ | Music Performance | 1 |
MUSP 3__ | Music Performance | 1 |
MUSP 3__ | Music Performance | 1 |
MUSP 4__ | Music Performance | 1 |
MUSP 4__ | Music Performance | 1 |
MUSP 420 | Senior Recital/Presentation | 1 |
Upper Division Music Electives | ||
Select from any 300- or 400-level MUSA, MUSL, or MUSP courses | 5 | |
Foreign Language | ||
Two consecutive courses in the same foreign language 1 | 6 | |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 34 |
- 1
Must receive a grade of “C” or better.
General Electives
All college level courses appearing on your final transcript, not listed above that will bring your total semester hours to 120 hours. 23 semester hours, at least 15 upper division hours will be needed.
Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Select electives | 23 | |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 23 |
While the total semester hours below reads 120-122, students in this program actually complete 120 hours for degree requirements. This variation in the total hours is due to differences in rotation courses that appear multiple times.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall Semester | Semester Credit Hours | |
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 114 | Theory I-Introduction | 3 |
MUSA 116 | Ear Training and Sightsinging I | 2 |
MUSA 111 | Music Technology | 1 |
MUSL 1__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 1__ | Music Performance | 1 |
ENGL 111 | English Composition I-GTCO1 | 3 |
Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Science | 3 | |
Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
Spring Semester | ||
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 115 | Theory II-Diatonic Concepts | 3 |
MUSA 117 | Ear Training and Sightsinging II | 2 |
MUSA 130 | Class Piano I | 1 |
MUSL 1__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 1__ | Music Performance | 1 |
ENGL 112 | English Composition II-GTCO2 | 3 |
KINE 100 | Health and Wellness | 1 |
Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Science | 3 | |
Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 131 | Class Piano II | 1 |
MUSA 214 | Theory III - Chromatic Concepts | 3 |
MUSL 2___ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 2___ | Music Performance | 1 |
Essential Learning - Natural Science with Lab | 4 | |
MATH 110 | Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 | 3 |
General Elective | 3 | |
Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
Spring Semester | ||
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSA 215 | Theory IV - Twentieth Century Form and Analysis (Essential Learning - Natural Science) | 3 |
MUSA 230 | Class Piano III | 1 |
MUSA 250 | Beginning Conducting | 1 |
MUSL 2__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 2__ | Music Performance | 1 |
KINA Activity | 1 | |
Essential Learning - Fine Arts | 3 | |
Essential Learning - Natural Science | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSL 3__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 3__ | Music Performance | 1 |
Essential Learning - History | 3 | |
Foreign Language Course | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
ESSL 290 | Maverick Milestone | 3 |
ESSL 200 | Essential Speech | 1 |
Upper Division Music Elective | 3 | |
Semester Credit Hours | 18 | |
Spring Semester | ||
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
Music Literature Course | 3 | |
MUSL 3__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 3__ | Music Performance | 1 |
Foreign Language Course | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | 2-3 | |
Upper Division Music Elective | ||
The Music of World Cultures | ||
General Electives (2 courses) | 6 | |
Semester Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSL 4__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 4__ | Music Performance | 1 |
MUSA 326 | Music History and Literature I | 3 |
Essential Learning - Humanities | 3 | |
General Electives | 4 | |
Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
Spring Semester | ||
MUSA 101 | Concert Attendance | 0 |
MUSL 4__ | Music Lesson | 1 |
MUSP 4__ | Music Performance | 1 |
Select one of the following: | 2-3 | |
The Music of World Cultures | ||
Upper Division Music Elective | ||
MUSA 327 | Music History and Literature II | 3 |
MUSP 420 | Senior Recital/Presentation | 1 |
General Elective | 4 | |
Semester Credit Hours | 12-13 | |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 120-122 |
Advising Process and DegreeWorks
Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a degree. The suggested course sequencing outlines how students could finish degree requirements. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters, while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended degree(s).
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a degree and determine eligibility for graduation. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.
Graduation Process
Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:
- Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
- Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
- Submit the “Intent to Graduate” form to the Registrar’s Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
- Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.
Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found at http://www.coloradomesa.edu/registrar/graduation.html.
If a student’s petition for graduation is denied, it will be their responsibility to consult the Registrar’s Office regarding next steps.