Music, Theory-Composition Concentration, B.M.
Music
615-898-5742
Michael Linton, program coordinator
Michael.Linton@mtsu.edu
To be admitted into the Bachelor of Music degree program, all entering students must pass an audition before the faculty on their major instrument or voice. Students who do not pass the audition may be allowed, at the discretion of the faculty, to enroll in private music lessons or class instruction for one semester only. At the end of the semester the student must reaudition for admission into the program.
In addition, all prospective new or transfer undergraduate majors and minors are required to take the Music Theory and Aural Skills Diagnostic Exam to determine appropriate placement in the music theory program. For additional information and to schedule a time for the exam, contact the School of Music Office. Students may not enroll in any music theory course until the exam is taken.
Jury Examinations
All music majors and minors are required to participate in jury examinations in their primary performing areas. Non-music majors registered for private lessons may be required to perform a jury examination at the discretion of the instructor. Jury examinations are held to measure the student's progress at the conclusion of each semester. Those students who have presented and passed their senior recitals during the semester may be excused from jury examinations.
Undergraduate Music majors must pass an upper-division jury to qualify for applied music study at the MUAP 3000 level. A Music major must take his or her upper-division jury no later than the end of the sixth semester and if not passing must take an upper-division jury again the next semester. A third attempt must be accompanied by extraordinary circumstances and must carry the approval of the studio teacher and director of the School of Music.
Class Piano/Theory and Aural Skills
All undergraduate music majors (except keyboard principals) must take class piano every semester as indicated on the advising check sheets until the required piano proficiency exam is successfully completed. Concurrent enrollment in Class Piano I and Theory and Aural Skills I is required, with the following exceptions: (1) The student successfully passed either Class Piano I or Theory and Aural Skills I, but not both, or (2) the student successfully passed one or more levels of Class Piano by examination. Students should see their advisors for details.
Students wishing to continue piano after successfully completing the required class piano sequence may audition for piano applied lessons.
Keyboard principals must take MUS 2550, Keyboard Skills for Pianists I, and MUS 2560, Keyboard Skills for Pianists II, in lieu of class piano.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Music, Theory-Composition, B.M., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 79 hours |
| Major Core | 27 hours |
| Theory Composition Concentration | 52 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
Major Requirements (79 hours)
Music Core (27 hours)
All music majors must take class piano or private piano instruction until they pass the piano proficiency examination prescribed by their degree programs. Students should see their advisors for details.
Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in MUTH 1110, MUTH 1120, MUTH 2110, MUTH 2120 (music theory sequence) and MUHL 1610, MUHL 3010, MUHL 3020 (music history sequence).
MUS 1010 - Recital Attendance
0 credit hours
Attendance at a minimum number of recitals and concerts given by students, faculty, and guest artists. Six semesters required for undergraduate music majors (see School of Music handbook for details). May be repeated multiple times. Pass/Fail.
MUS 3130 - Conducting in the Industry
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2120. Fundamental conducting patterns with and without a baton, terminology, stage deportment, advanced mixed meter patterns, and introduction to score study and reading. For Music Industry majors, Theory/Composition majors, B.A. in Music students.
MUTH 1110 - Theory and Aural Skills I
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 1000 with grade of C- or higher or satisfactory score on theory diagnostic exam. Harmonic tonality and fixed-do solfège through chorale analysis and harmonizations of given bass lines. Major and minor scales and harmonizations through secondary function. Meets for five hours per week.
MUTH 1120 - Theory and Aural Skills II
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 1110. Harmonic tonality and fixed-do solfège through chorale analysis and harmonizations of given bass lines. Modal scales, harmonization, and analysis through the augmented sixth. Meets for five hours per week.
MUTH 2110 - Theory and Aural Skills III
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 1120. Harmonic tonality and twentieth-century vocabularies. Nineteenth-century chromaticism. Meets for four hours per week.
MUTH 2120 - Theory and Aural Skills IV
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2110. Continued study of harmonic tonality and twentieth-century vocabularies. Twentieth-century practices. Meets for four hours per week.
MUTH 4130 - Orchestration and Arranging
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2120. Compass and tonal qualities of band and orchestra instruments; transposition. Fundamentals of arranging for various instrumental groupings.
MUHL 1610 - The World of Music
3 credit hours
A study of culture and music through a chronological survey of styles, genres, and composers of Western art music and through the comparative study of various non-Western musical practices.
MUHL 3010 - History of Western Art Music I
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUHL 1610 with grade of C- or better. Second required music history course for Music majors. A survey of Western art music from antiquity through the eighteenth century, including Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.
MUHL 3020 - History of Western Art Music II
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: MUHL 1610 with grade of C- or better. Third required music history course for music majors. A survey of Western art music of the eighteenth through twenty-first century, including Classical, Romantic, Modern, and Postmodern periods.
Concentration Requirements (52 hours)
MUS 1530 - Class Piano I
1 credit hour
Acquaints beginning piano students with the keyboard. Includes such skills as note reading, basic chords for harmonization of melodies, improvisation, basic exercises for development of coordination and technique, transposition, repertory, and sight reading. TBR Common Course: MUS 1027
NOTE: All undergraduate music majors (except keyboard principals) must take class piano every semester as indicated on the advising check sheets until the required piano proficiency exam is successfully completed. Concurrent enrollment in Class Piano I and Theory and Aural Skills I is required with the following exceptions: (1) The student successfully passed either Class Piano I or Theory and Aural Skills I, but not both, or (2) the student successfully passed one or more levels of Class Piano by examination. Students should see their advisors for details.
Students wishing to continue piano after successfully completing the required class piano sequence may audition for piano applied lessons. Keyboard principals must take MUS 2550 and MUS 2560 in lieu of class piano.
MUS 1540 - Class Piano II
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: MUS 1530. Continuation of skills and concepts taught in MUS 1530. Emphasis on standard piano repertory in addition to sight reading and functional piano skills. TBR Common Course: MUS 1127
NOTE: All undergraduate music majors (except keyboard principals) must take class piano every semester as indicated on the advising check sheets until the required piano proficiency exam is successfully completed. Concurrent enrollment in Class Piano I and Theory and Aural Skills I is required with the following exceptions: (1) The student successfully passed either Class Piano I or Theory and Aural Skills I, but not both, or (2) the student successfully passed one or more levels of Class Piano by examination. Students should see their advisors for details.
Students wishing to continue piano after successfully completing the required class piano sequence may audition for piano applied lessons. Keyboard principals must take MUS 2550 and MUS 2560 in lieu of class piano.
MUS 2530 - Class Piano III
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: MUS 1540. Continuation of skills and concepts taught in MUS 1540. Emphasis on standard piano repertory in addition to sight reading and functional piano skills.
MUS 2540 - Class Piano IV
1 credit hour
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MUS 2540 - Class Piano IV
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: MUS 2530. Continuation of skills and concepts taught in MUS 2530. Emphasis on standard piano repertory in addition to sight reading and functional piano skills.
MUTH 3110 - Counterpoint
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2120 with C- or better. Review and continuation of contrapuntal techniques. Canon, imitation, various contrapuntal devices, inventions, and beginning fugue. Analysis and some degree of original work.
MUTH 4110 - Form and Analysis
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2120. Binary and tenary forms, simple rondos and sonatinas progressing to sonata form, large rondos, theme and variations, art song, and free forms. Stylistic analysis and study of devices and materials from early to contemporary periods.
MUTH 4190 - Principles and Practices of Electronic Music
3 credit hours
(Same as RIM 4190.) Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 1230 or MUTH 1110; others-RIM 3010, RIM 1230, or MUTH 1110 or permission of instructor. An introduction to synthesizer programming and the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) with emphasis on history, theory, and application. Hands-on activities include synthesizer programming with virtual instruments and MIDI sequencing using a digital audio workstation. Laboratory required.
MUAP 2342 - Private Instruction-Composition
2 credit hours
Experience composing original works in numerous media and styles to develop technique and self-expression. Topics include melodic and harmonic practice, orchestration, analysis, music form, score preparation, and audience psychology. Musical styles may embrace jazz, rock, pop, and electronics in addition to traditional and contemporary art music.
MUAP 4342 - Private Instruction-Composition
2 credit hours
Experience composing original works in numerous media and styles to develop technique and self-expression. Topics include melodic and harmonic practice, orchestration, analysis, music form, score preparation, and audience psychology. Musical styles may embrace jazz, rock, pop, and electronics in addition to traditional and contemporary art music.
MUHL 4630 - Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Music
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A survey of Western classical music during the Baroque and Classic periods; emphasis on topics selected by instructor.
MUHL 4640 - Nineteenth-Century Music
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A survey of Western classical music during the Romantic period; emphasis on topics selected by instructor.
MUHL 4650 - Twentieth-Century Music
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A survey of twentieth century Western art music; emphasis on topics selected by instructor. Examines the major developments of music during the late Romantic, Modern, and Postmodern eras.
- MUAP 2- -1 - Private Instruction 4 credit hours
- MUAP 4- -1 - Private Instruction 4 credit hours
MUAP 4900 - Senior Recital
2 credit hours
Prerequisites: MUAP 3800 with a grade of C or better (Vocal or Instrumental Performance); three semesters of upper-division private study. Required of all Bachelor of Music majors with a concentration in Vocal or Instrumental Performance, Jazz Studies, and Theory-Composition. Constitutes approximately 50 minutes of music with appropriate repertoire as assigned by the private instructor. Recital performance graded by a faculty committee; must be passed with a grade of C or better.
- MUEN 3- - - - Ensembles 9 credit hours **
*Not required if piano major instrument
**Ensembles
NOTE: Nine (9) hours of ensemble participation as required by faculty are required. Ensembles may be based on audition and are selected with guidance from the faculty.
Music
MUS 1010 - Recital Attendance
0 credit hours
Attendance at a minimum number of recitals and concerts given by students, faculty, and guest artists. Six semesters required for undergraduate music majors (see School of Music handbook for details). May be repeated multiple times. Pass/Fail.
MUS 1030 - Introduction to Music
3 credit hours
Meets part of the General Education Humanities and/or Fine Arts requirement. Perceptive listening to music of various styles and cultures including popular and world musics and Western classical concert music. TBR Common Course: MUS 1030
MUS 1500 - Introduction to Piano
1 credit hour
A beginning group piano class for non-music majors. Prior knowledge of the piano not assumed. Skills covered by the class include reading and playing of pieces, basic exercises for the development of technique, a variety of short examples based on five-finger positions, and basic music theory. Students work at a digital Roland keyboard in class; includes weighted keys and individual headphones.
MUS 1510 - Class Voice I
1 credit hour
Basic vocal techniques including posture, breath control, tone quality, and diction. Italian and English diction, Vaccai studies, and moderately easy song repertory.
MUS 1520 - Class Voice II
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: MUS 1510. A continuation of the vocal techniques in Class Voice I with addition of vocal flexibility, uniform tone quality in extending the voice range, interpretation of songs, and stage deportment in public performance. Further study of Vaccai, Italian art songs, and English songs.
MUS 1530 - Class Piano I
1 credit hour
Acquaints beginning piano students with the keyboard. Includes such skills as note reading, basic chords for harmonization of melodies, improvisation, basic exercises for development of coordination and technique, transposition, repertory, and sight reading. TBR Common Course: MUS 1027
NOTE: All undergraduate music majors (except keyboard principals) must take class piano every semester as indicated on the advising check sheets until the required piano proficiency exam is successfully completed. Concurrent enrollment in Class Piano I and Theory and Aural Skills I is required with the following exceptions: (1) The student successfully passed either Class Piano I or Theory and Aural Skills I, but not both, or (2) the student successfully passed one or more levels of Class Piano by examination. Students should see their advisors for details.
Students wishing to continue piano after successfully completing the required class piano sequence may audition for piano applied lessons. Keyboard principals must take MUS 2550 and MUS 2560 in lieu of class piano.
MUS 1540 - Class Piano II
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: MUS 1530. Continuation of skills and concepts taught in MUS 1530. Emphasis on standard piano repertory in addition to sight reading and functional piano skills. TBR Common Course: MUS 1127
NOTE: All undergraduate music majors (except keyboard principals) must take class piano every semester as indicated on the advising check sheets until the required piano proficiency exam is successfully completed. Concurrent enrollment in Class Piano I and Theory and Aural Skills I is required with the following exceptions: (1) The student successfully passed either Class Piano I or Theory and Aural Skills I, but not both, or (2) the student successfully passed one or more levels of Class Piano by examination. Students should see their advisors for details.
Students wishing to continue piano after successfully completing the required class piano sequence may audition for piano applied lessons. Keyboard principals must take MUS 2550 and MUS 2560 in lieu of class piano.
MUS 1550 - Class Guitar I
1 credit hour
Beginning guitar playing, teaching basic techniques through chording and melodic elements.
MUS 1560 - Class Guitar II
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: MUS 1550 . Continuation of skills and concepts sought in Class Guitar I with emphasis on more advanced playing and repertory study.
MUS 2530 - Class Piano III
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: MUS 1540. Continuation of skills and concepts taught in MUS 1540. Emphasis on standard piano repertory in addition to sight reading and functional piano skills.
MUS 2540 - Class Piano IV
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: MUS 2530. Continuation of skills and concepts taught in MUS 2530. Emphasis on standard piano repertory in addition to sight reading and functional piano skills.
MUS 2550 - Keyboard Skills for Pianists I
1 credit hour
Elementary-level sight-playing; three-voice, open-score reading; improvisation; harmonization using primary chords; transposition; and common patterns in two-octave range (scales, arpeggios, progressions).
MUS 2560 - Keyboard Skills for Pianists II
1 credit hour
Intermediate-level ensemble and solo sight-playing; harmonization using primary and secondary chords; improvisation; transposition; four-voice, open-score reading; and common patterns in four-octave range (scales, arpeggios, progressions).
MUS 2680 - Music Industry Seminar
0 credit hours
Introduces students to the real-world experiences and lessons learned by industry leaders working in the diverse music industry. Guests with backgrounds as artist-entrepreneurs and music business-entrepreneurs will be primary focus. Student attendance and active participation in question and answer sessions with featured guests will enable greater understanding and insight into the music industry.
MUS 2690 - Foundations in Music Industry
3 credit hours
First course in the Music Industry curriculum. The foundational exploration of how music performance, commerce, and entrepreneurship come together to help you project, plan, and implement a future career in the music industry. Additional focus on developing awareness of music industry career paths and promoting relevant soft skills to promote a lifetime of success after school. For Music majors only.
MUS 3130 - Conducting in the Industry
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2120. Fundamental conducting patterns with and without a baton, terminology, stage deportment, advanced mixed meter patterns, and introduction to score study and reading. For Music Industry majors, Theory/Composition majors, B.A. in Music students.
MUS 3140 - Basic Conducting
2 credit hours
Prerequisites: MUTH 2120. Interpretation of scores, fundamental diagrams with and without baton, terminology, and stage deportment.
MUS 3150 - Advanced Instrumental Conducting
2 credit hours
Prerequisites: MUED 2320 and MUS 3140. Further development of techniques, especially those relevant to choral and instrumental conducting. Laboratory experiences with large musical groups; conducting with records to develop awareness of musical texture, form, and general musicianship in all areas as related to conducting.
MUS 3160 - Advanced Choral Conducting
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUS 3140. Further development of conducting techniques relative to the choral area. Emphasis on choral style and literature, scope and sequence of the historical perspective, and major developments in the choral art.
MUS 3170 - Guitar Skills I
2 credit hours
Prerequisites: MUTH 1110, MUTH 1120, and two semesters of private study. A skills course for improving reading skills and applying music theory concepts to the guitar. Topics will include arranging, harmonization of melody, reading from lead sheet format, improvisation, and standard repertoire suitable for a variety of performance situations.
MUS 4000 - Special Topics in Music
1 to 3 credit hours
Study of a topic in music. Topic and prerequisites to be announced.
MUS 4100 - Independent Study in Music
1 to 3 credit hours
Intensive study of a chosen subject. An indication of reasonable skill and knowledge of research techniques, writing, and creativity expected. Requires permission of the instructor and director of the music school.
MUS 4270 - Music Internship
3 to 6 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Examination and experiences in music industry, music education, or instrumental or choral conducting. Music industry may include songwriting and the creative aspects of music, studio production, music publishing, and music merchandising. Music education may include public and private school settings, state board of education arts consulting, and music textbook consulting. Conducting may include school and church conducting, music publishing, and private or public orchestras and/or choirs. Pass/Fail.
MUS 4360 - The Music Industry Professional
3 credit hours
Creation, examination, and experience in developing and implementing a business plan in the selected areas of the music business. Areas include studio teaching, freelance musicianship, contracting, performing, producing, nonprofit organizations, and similar areas of music specialization.
MUS 4460 - Bachelors of Arts in Music Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Completion of all MUHL and MUTH requirements; permission of department. Provides opportunity for students to complete a thesis, musical performance, composition, or some combination of these under faculty advisement and appropriate to the interests of the student. Must include written work in all cases.
Music Theory
MUTH 1000 - Elements of Music
3 credit hours
For those needing remedial work before enrolling in Theory MUTH 1110. Topics covered include music reading in G and F clefs, intervals, major and minor scales; rhythm.
MUTH 1110 - Theory and Aural Skills I
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 1000 with grade of C- or higher or satisfactory score on theory diagnostic exam. Harmonic tonality and fixed-do solfège through chorale analysis and harmonizations of given bass lines. Major and minor scales and harmonizations through secondary function. Meets for five hours per week.
MUTH 1120 - Theory and Aural Skills II
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 1110. Harmonic tonality and fixed-do solfège through chorale analysis and harmonizations of given bass lines. Modal scales, harmonization, and analysis through the augmented sixth. Meets for five hours per week.
MUTH 2110 - Theory and Aural Skills III
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 1120. Harmonic tonality and twentieth-century vocabularies. Nineteenth-century chromaticism. Meets for four hours per week.
MUTH 2120 - Theory and Aural Skills IV
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2110. Continued study of harmonic tonality and twentieth-century vocabularies. Twentieth-century practices. Meets for four hours per week.
MUTH 3110 - Counterpoint
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2120 with C- or better. Review and continuation of contrapuntal techniques. Canon, imitation, various contrapuntal devices, inventions, and beginning fugue. Analysis and some degree of original work.
MUTH 3160 - Jazz Theory
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 1120. Exploration of the harmonic syntax, melodic construction, and song forms in jazz music. Analysis, listening, original composition, and practice hearing jazz chords and progressions.
MUTH 4110 - Form and Analysis
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2120. Binary and tenary forms, simple rondos and sonatinas progressing to sonata form, large rondos, theme and variations, art song, and free forms. Stylistic analysis and study of devices and materials from early to contemporary periods.
MUTH 4130 - Orchestration and Arranging
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 2120. Compass and tonal qualities of band and orchestra instruments; transposition. Fundamentals of arranging for various instrumental groupings.
MUTH 4180 - Improvisation
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MUTH 1120 or permission of instructor. Basic tools of jazz improvisation including chord/scale relationships, melodic construction, and practice techniques. In-class playing over blues, rhythm changes, and other standard jazz progressions. Elements of the bebop style. Preparation of playing exercises and several solo transcriptions.
MUTH 4190 - Principles and Practices of Electronic Music
3 credit hours
(Same as RIM 4190.) Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 1230 or MUTH 1110; others-RIM 3010, RIM 1230, or MUTH 1110 or permission of instructor. An introduction to synthesizer programming and the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) with emphasis on history, theory, and application. Hands-on activities include synthesizer programming with virtual instruments and MIDI sequencing using a digital audio workstation. Laboratory required.
MUTH 4270 - Choral Arranging
2 credit hours
The fundamentals of arranging musical works for vocal ensembles of various sizes, combinations, and skill levels.
MUTH 4290 - MIDI Sequencing and Virtual Instruments
3 credit hours
(Same as RIM 4290). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4910/MUTH 4910; others - RIM 4190/MUTH 4190 or permission of instructor. An advanced hands-on course with an emphasis on MIDI sequencing and virtual instruments within Pro Tools, Reason, and other music production software. Drum machines, synthesizers, samplers, and other electronic instruments used to create a commercial music track. Laboratory required.
MUTH 4590 - Computer Based Scoring for Visual Media
3 credit hours
(Same as RIM 4590.) Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, RIM 4190/MUTH 4190 and either RIM 3300 or RIM 4290/MUTH 4290; others - RIM 4190/MUTH 4190 and either RIM 3300 or RIM 4290/MUTH 4290; or permission of instructor. Writing music for visual media using the capabilities of a computer workstation. Introduces compositional techniques utilizing Macintosh sequencing software and QuickTime video playback in combination with synthesizers and sample playback programs. Concepts include synchronization of music to picture, tempo selection, sound source selection/manipulation, and analysis of the dramatic content of a scene. Laboratory required.
