Music, B.M.

Program Code: MUSBM_BM

Program Description

The Bachelor of Music degree program is intended to prepare students for careers in composition or performance. Completion of this program requires that the student achieve a high level of competence in order to begin professional work or pursue further studies at the graduate level.

What is Music?

Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni said “music is sonorous air.” A more scientific definition might be “sounds organized in time.” With a history that likely pre-dates language, music is an in integral part of all societies for expression, communication and the fostering of community. In the words of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “without music, life would be a mistake.”

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You have achieved a high level of musical accomplishment from years of study, practice, and ensemble participation and want to pursue a career in performance or composition
  • Music is the driving force in your life and you are captivated by all things musical

Entrance to Major

Entrance into this program will be determined by departmental evaluation.

Entrance Procedures

Incoming First Year Students

Incoming first year students must apply to Penn State. Decision is based on both an academic review and successful audition. Detailed information on audition requirements and scheduling can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#som-audreq. Auditions can be scheduled through the online scheduling form beginning October 1st – February 1st for music performance and music composition. Students will enter the AAMUS pre-major upon successful application for admission and audition.

Change of Major/Change of Campus Students

Change of Major/Change of Campus students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above and successful audition. Detailed information on audition requirements and scheduling can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#som-audreq. Auditions to enter AAMUS pre-major can be scheduled through the online scheduling form beginning October 1st – February 1st for music performance and for music composition.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must apply to Penn State. Decision is based on both an academic review and a successful audition. Detailed information on audition requirements and scheduling can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#som-audreq. Auditions to enter AAMUS pre-major can be scheduled through the online scheduling form beginning October 1st – February 1st for music performance and music composition.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Music degree in Music with an option in Composition, a minimum of 134 credits is required; with an option in Keyboard Instruments, a minimum of 126 credits is required; with an option in Strings, Winds, Brass and Percussion Instruments, a minimum of 125 credits is required; and with an option in Voice, a minimum of 131 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Requirements for the Major 81-91

0-3 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes 3 credits of General Education GA courses.

All students are required to pass a piano proficiency examination.

Requirements for the Major

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MUSIC 101Music Common Hour1
MUSIC 121Basic Musicianship I1
MUSIC 122Basic Musicianship II1
MUSIC 131Music Theory I2
MUSIC 132Music Theory II2
MUSIC 162Introduction to Music History2
MUSIC 221Basic Musicianship III1
MUSIC 222Basic Musicianship IV1
MUSIC 231Music Theory III2
MUSIC 261Survey of Music History I Keystone/General Education Course3
MUSIC 262Survey of Music History II Keystone/General Education Course3
MUSIC 266Basic Conducting1
MUSIC 331Tonal Analysis2
MUSIC 332Analysis of Twentieth Century Music2
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Studies in Music History: Antiquity to 1600
Studies in Music History: 1550-1750
Studies in Music History: 1700-1900
Studies in Music History: 1850-Present
Select an additional 3 credits from the following:3
Jazz Harmony and Arranging
Advanced Tonal Analysis
Advanced Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music
Studies in Music History: Antiquity to 1600
Studies in Music History: 1550-1750
Studies in Music History: 1700-1900
Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles)4
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option47-57

Requirements for the Option

Composition Option (55-57 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MUSIC 1201
MUSIC 173First-Year Composition Seminar2
MUSIC 174Composition II2
MUSIC 255Intermediate Theory I3
MUSIC 273Composition III2
MUSIC 274Composition IV2
MUSIC 373Composition V3
MUSIC 374Composition VI3
MUSIC 431Advanced Tonal Analysis2-3
MUSIC 433Advanced Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music2-3
MUSIC 451Computer Programming for Musicians3
MUSIC 452Computer Music Synthesis3
MUSIC 458Electronic Music Composition I3
MUSIC 459Electronic Music Composition II3
MUSIC 472Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint2
MUSIC 473Composition VII3
MUSIC 474Composition VIII3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 11 credits of Applied MUSIC courses11
Select 2 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles)2
Keyboard Instruments Option (48-53 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MUSIC 129SFirst-Year Performance Seminar3
MUSIC 481Keyboard Literature3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
INART 258AFundamentals of Digital Audio Keystone/General Education Course1-3
or INART 258B Fundamentals of Digital Audio Keystone/General Education Course
Select 2-3 credits of the following:2-3
Jazz Improvisation I
Jazz Improvisation II
Techniques of Composition
Orchestration
Jazz Harmony and Arranging
Advanced Tonal Analysis
Graduate Review of Twentieth-Century Analysis
Advanced Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music
The Business of Music
Structural and Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint
Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 4 credits in a secondary instrument4
Select 4 credits in music in consultation with adviser 14
Select 4-6 credits in consultation with adviser 24-6
Select 21 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance21
Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles)4
MUSIC 419Piano Pedagogy I2
or MUSIC 424 Piano Pedagogy II
1

Students may apply 2 credits of ROTC.

2

Students may apply 4 credits of ROTC.

Strings, Winds, Brass and Percussion Instruments Option (47-52 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MUSIC 129SFirst-Year Performance Seminar3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
INART 258AFundamentals of Digital Audio Keystone/General Education Course1-3
or INART 258B Fundamentals of Digital Audio Keystone/General Education Course
MUSIC 485Chamber Music Literature3
or MUSIC 487 Orchestral Literature
Select 2 credits of the following:2
Percussion Ensemble Keystone/General Education Course
Mallet Ensemble
Jazz Improvisation I
Chamber Music for Strings Keystone/General Education Course
Chamber Music for Woodwinds Keystone/General Education Course
Chamber Music for Brass Keystone/General Education Course
Orchestration 1
Intermediate Conducting
Jazz Combo Class
Jazz Harmony and Arranging 1
Advanced Conducting II
Chamber Music Literature
Orchestral Literature
Select 2-3 credits of the following:2-3
Jazz Improvisation I
Jazz Improvisation II
Techniques of Composition
Orchestration 1
Jazz Harmony and Arranging 1
Advanced Tonal Analysis
Graduate Review of Twentieth-Century Analysis
Advanced Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music
The Business of Music
Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
Select 1 credit of the following:1
String Pedagogy
Woodwind Pedagogy
Brass Pedagogy
Percussion Pedagogy
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 4 credits in a secondary instrument4
Select 4 credits in music in consultation with adviser 24
Select 2-4 credits in consultation with adviser 32-4
Select 21 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance21
Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles)4
1

MUSIC 336 and MUSIC 422 may fulfill the requirement of Additional Courses or Supporting Courses and Related Areas in the option, but not both.

2

Students may apply 4 credits of ROTC.

3

Students may apply 2 credits of ROTC.

Voice Option (53-56 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MUSIC 129SFirst-Year Performance Seminar3
MUSIC 387Language Diction for Singers: Italian and English1
MUSIC 388Language Diction for Singers: French1
MUSIC 389Language Diction for Singers: German1
MUSIC 418Voice Pedagogy2
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
INART 258AFundamentals of Digital Audio Keystone/General Education Course1-3
or INART 258B Fundamentals of Digital Audio Keystone/General Education Course
Select 2-3 credits of the following:2-3
Jazz Improvisation I
Jazz Improvisation II
Techniques of Composition
Orchestration
Jazz Harmony and Arranging
Advanced Tonal Analysis
Graduate Review of Twentieth-Century Analysis
Advanced Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music
The Business of Music
Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
MUSIC 478Vocal Literature3
or MUSIC 480 Opera Literature
Select 2 credits in consultation with adviser2
Select 8 credits in one foreign language: French, German or Italian8
Select 4 credits in a secondary instrument4
Select 21 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance21
Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles)4

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Integrated B.M. in Performance and M.A. in Music

Requirements for the Integrated B.M. in Performance and M.A. in Music can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Learning Outcomes

Performance

  • Comprehensive capabilities in the major performing medium including the ability to work independently to prepare performances at the highest possible level; knowledge of applicable solo and ensemble literature; and orientation to and experience with the fundamentals of pedagogy. For majors in Early Music, Historical Performance, or the equivalent, the ability to apply aural, improvisational, and language skills, knowledge of styles and performance practices, and general historical and cultural knowledge as required by the focus of the major is essential.
  • An overview understanding of the repertory in their major performance area and the ability to perform from a cross-section of that repertory.
  •  The ability to read at sight with fluency, demonstrating both general musicianship and, in the major performance area, a level of skill relevant to professional standards appropriate for the particular music concentration.
  •  Knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation. Rehearsal and conducting skills are required as appropriate to the particular music concentration.
  • Keyboard competency.
  • Growth in artistry, technical skills, collaborative competence, and knowledge of repertory through regular ensemble experiences. Ensembles should be varied both in size and nature.

Composition

  • Achievement of the highest possible level of skill in the use of basic concepts, tools, techniques, and procedures to develop a composition from concept to finished product. This involves the competency to work with both electronic and acoustic media; work with a variety of forms, styles, and notations; and apply principles of scoring appropriate to particular compositions.
  • Fluency in the use of tools needed by composers. This includes keyboard skills, spoken and written language, conducting and rehearsal skills, analytical techniques, and applicable technologies.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Margaret Higgins
Academic Adviser
104 Borland Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-9523
mah68@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Composition Option: Music, B.M. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 1201ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3
MUSIC 121*1MUSIC 122*1
MUSIC 131*2MUSIC 132*2
MUSIC 173*2MUSIC 162*2
Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Primary (see note)*31MUSIC 174*2
Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Primary (see note)*31
General Education Course3Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 General Education Course3
 14 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 221*1MUSIC 222*1
MUSIC 231*2MUSIC 261*3
MUSIC 2553MUSIC 274*2
MUSIC 262*3MUSIC 331*2
MUSIC 273*2MUSIC 458*3
Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Primary (see note)*31Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Primary (see note)*31
Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Secondary (see note)*31
General Education Course3Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21
 General Education Course3
 16 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
MUSIC 2661MUSIC 374*3
MUSIC 332*2MUSIC 451 or 4523
MUSIC 373*3Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Primary (see note)*31
MUSIC 4593Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Secondary (see note)*31
MUSIC 472*2Additional Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*31
Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Primary (see note)*31General Education Course3
Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Secondary (see note)*31General Education Course3
Additional Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*31 
 17 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 431*2MUSIC 101*1
MUSIC 473*3MUSIC 433*3
Additional Course for Major (see list)*13MUSIC 451 or 4523
Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Primary (see note)*31MUSIC 474*3
General Education Course3400 Level Music Course (see note)*43
General Education Course3Additional Course for Option, Applied Music, Primary (see note)*31
General Education Course (GHW)3General Education Course (US)3
 18 17
Total Credits 135
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

ADDITIONAL COURSES FOR MAJOR (3 credits)
Select 3 credits from MUSIC 461W(3), MUSIC 462W(3), MUSIC 463W(3), MUSIC 464W(3) (Sem: 5-8)

2

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS FOR MAJOR (4 credits)
Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) (Sem: 1-8)

3

ADDITIONAL COURSES, COMPOSITION OPTION (13 credits)
Select 11 credits of Applied MUSIC courses (Sem: 1-7)
Select 2 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) (Sem: 1-8)

4

400 LEVEL MUSIC (3 credits)
Select 3 credits from MUSIC 422(3), MUSIC 431(2-3), MUSIC 433(2-3), MUSIC 461W(3), MUSIC 462W(3), MUSIC 463W(3), MUSIC 472(3)

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Program Notes:

Entrance into this program will be determined by departmental evaluation.

Keyboard Instruments Option: Music, B.M. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 121*1ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3
MUSIC 129S*3KEYBD 180*43
MUSIC 131*2MUSIC 122*1
General Education Course3MUSIC 132*2
General Education Course3MUSIC 162*2
Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Option, Applied Music (see note)*41Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21
 Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41
 14 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
INART 258B or 258A (GA)*†31-3KEYBD 280*43
KEYBD 230*43MUSIC 222*1
MUSIC 221*1MUSIC 261 (IL)*3
MUSIC 231*2MUSIC 331*2
MUSIC 262*3General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21
General Education Course3Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41
 15-17 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
KEYBD 330*43KEYBD 380*43
MUSIC 266*1General Education Course (GHW)3
MUSIC 332*2Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41
MUSIC 419 or 424*42Supporting Course for Option, MUSIC Elective (see note)*44
MUSIC 481*3 
Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41 
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
KEYBD 430*43KEYBD 480*43
Additional Course for Major (see list)*13MUSIC 101*1
Additional Course for Option (see list)*32General Education Course3
General Education Course (US)3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41400 Level Music Course (see note)*43
 Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41
 15 17
Total Credits 123-125
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

ADDITIONAL COURSES FOR MAJOR (6 credits)
Select 6 credits from MUSIC 461W(3), MUSIC 462W(3), MUSIC 463W(3), MUSIC 464W(3) (Sem: 5-8)

2

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS FOR MAJOR (4 credits)
Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) (Sem: 1-8)

3

ADDITIONAL COURSES, KEYBOARD INSTRUMENTS OPTION  (3-6 credits)
INART 258A GA(3) or 258B GA(1) (Sem: 3-6)
Select 2-3 credits from MUSIC 181(2), MUSIC 182(2), MUSIC 267(2), MUSIC 336(2), MUSIC 422(3), MUSIC 431(2-3), MUSIC 432(2-3), MUSIC 433(2-3), MUSIC 438(2), MUSIC 471(2), MUSIC 472(2) (Sem: 5-8)

4

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS, KEYBOARD INSTRUMENTS OPTION (39-41 credits)
-Select 4 credits in a secondary instrument (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 4 credits in music in consultation with adviser (Students may apply 2 credits of ROTC.) (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 4-6 credits in consultation with adviser (Students may apply 4 credits of ROTC.) (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 21 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance (Sem: 2-8)
-Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) (Sem: 5-8)
-Select 2 credits from MUSIC 419(2) or MUSIC 424(2) (Sem: 5-8)

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Program Notes:

Entrance into this program will be determined by departmental evaluation.

Strings, Winds, Brass and Percussion Instruments Option: Music, B.M. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 121*1ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3
MUSIC 129S*3MUSIC 122*1
MUSIC 131*2MUSIC 132*2
General Education Course3MUSIC 162 (IL)*2
General Education Course3General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41
Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Performance (see note)*43
 Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21
 14 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
INART 258B or 258A (GA)*†31-3MUSIC 222*1
MUSIC 221*1MUSIC 331*2
MUSIC 231*2MUSIC 261*3
MUSIC 262*3General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Performance (see note)*43Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21
Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Performance (see note)*43
General Education Course3Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41
 15-17 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 266*1ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3Additional Course for Major (see list)*13
MUSIC 332*2General Education Course (GHW)3
Additional Course for Major (see list)*13Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Performance (see note)*43
Additional Course for Option (see list)*31-2Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41
Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Performance (see note)*43Supporting Course for Option, MUSIC Elective (see note)*44
Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41 
 14-15 17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Additional Course for Option, Theory (see note)*32MUSIC 101*1
General Education Course (US)3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Performance (see note)*43400 Level Music Course (see note)*43
Supporting Course for Option (see note)*42Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Performance (see note)*43
Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41
 17 17
Total Credits 127-130
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

ADDITIONAL COURSES FOR MAJOR (6 credits)
Select 6 credits from MUSIC 461W(3), MUSIC 462W(3), MUSIC 463W(3), MUSIC 464W(3) (Sem: 5-8)

2

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS FOR MAJOR (4 credits)
Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) (Sem: 1-8)

3

ADDITIONAL COURSES FOR S/W/B/P/I OPTION (9-12 credits)
(MUSIC 336 and MUSIC 422 may fulfill the requirement of Additional Courses or Supporting Courses and Related Areas in the option, but not both.)
-Select 2 credits from MUSIC 86(1), MUSIC 87(1), MUSIC 181(2), MUSIC 190(1), MUSIC 191(1), MUSIC 192(1), MUSIC 336(2), MUSIC 366(2), MUSIC 421(1), MUSIC 422(3), MUSIC 466(2), MUSIC 485(3), MUSIC 487(3) (Sem: 1-8)
INART 258A GA(3) or INART 258B GA(1) (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 2-3 credits from MUSIC 181(2), MUSIC 182(2), MUSIC 267(2), MUSIC 336(2), MUSIC 422(3), MUSIC 431(2-3), MUSIC 432(2-3), MUSIC 433(2-3), MUSIC 438(2), MUSIC 472(2) (Sem: 5-8)
-Select 1 credit from MUSIC 414(1-2), MUSIC 415(1-2), MUSIC 416(1-2), or MUSIC 417(1-2) (Sem: 5-8)
-Select 3 credits from MUSIC 485(3) or MUSIC 487(3) (Sem: 7-8)

4

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS FOR S/W/B/P/I OPTION (35-37 credits)
-Select 4 credits in a secondary instrument (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 4 credits in music in consultation with adviser (Students may apply 4 credits of ROTC.) (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 2-4 credits in consultation with adviser (Students may apply 2 credits of ROTC.) (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 21 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance (Sem: 2-8)
-Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) (Sem: 5-8)

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Program Notes:

Entrance into this program will be determined by departmental evaluation.

Voice Option: Music, B.M. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 121*1ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3
MUSIC 129S*3MUSIC 122*1
MUSIC 131*2MUSIC 132*2
MUSIC 387*1MUSIC 162*2
Foreign Language4MUSIC 389*1
General Education Course3VOICE 180*43
Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21Foreign Language4
Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21
 Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41
 MUSIC 388*1
 16 19
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 221*1MUSIC 222*1
MUSIC 231*2MUSIC 261 (GA; IL)*†3
MUSIC 262 (GA)*†3MUSIC 331*2
VOICE 230*43VOICE 280*43
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21Supporting Course for Major, Ensemble (see note)*21
Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41Supporting Course for Option, Applied, Secondary (see note)*41
 17 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MUSIC 266*1ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
MUSIC 332*2VOICE 380*43
MUSIC 418*2MUSIC 478 or 4803
VOICE 330*43INART 258B or 258A*31-3
General Education Course3Additional Course for Option*32
Additional Course for Major (see list)*13General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41
 15 16-18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3MUSIC 101*1
VOICE 430*43VOICE 480*43
General Education Course3General Education Course (US)3
General Education Course (GHW)3General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41General Education Course3
Supporting Course for Option, MUSIC Elective (see note)*42Supporting Course for Option, Ensemble (see note)*41
 400 Level Music course (see note)*43
 15 17
Total Credits 132-134
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

ADDITIONAL COURSES FOR MAJOR (6 credits)
Select 6 credits from MUSIC 461W(3), MUSIC 462W(3), MUSIC 463W(3), MUSIC 464W(3) (Sem: 5-8)

2

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS FOR MAJOR (4 credits)
Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) (Sem: 1-8)

3

ADDITIONAL COURSES, VOICE OPTION (3-6 credits)
INART 258A GA(3) or 258B GA(1) (Sem: 3-6)
Select 2-3 credits from MUSIC 181(2), MUSIC 182(2), MUSIC 267(2), MUSIC 336(2), MUSIC 422(3), MUSIC 431(2-3), MUSIC 432(2-3), MUSIC 433(2-3), MUSIC 438(2), or MUSIC 472(2) (Sem: 5-8)

4

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS, VOICE OPTION (40-42 credits)
-Select 3-5 credits in consultation with adviser (Students may apply 2 credits of ROTC.) (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 8 credits in one foreign language: French, German or Italian (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 4 credits in a secondary instrument (Sem: 1-8)
-Select 21 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance (Sem: 2-8)
-Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) (Sem: 5-8)

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Program Notes:

Entrance into this program will be determined by departmental evaluation.

Career Paths

B.M. graduates are prepared to embark on careers in performance or composition or to pursue graduate studies in music.

Careers

The B.M. in music degree prepares students for careers in the professional music world. For those students who pursue the performance option, careers include performing in orchestras, chamber music, a range of commercial music work, and university and private teaching. Students in the composition option may pursue careers as composers, arrangers, and university teachers.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

The B.M. in music degree provides a comprehensive education in performance or composition. Graduates are well prepared to pursue advanced or terminal degrees in many areas of music. Performance, conducting, theory, musicology, and composition are some of the areas where graduates can excel if they pursue graduate studies.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Accreditation

The Penn State School of Music is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Music. NASM is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 650 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF MUSIC

Contact

University Park

SCHOOL OF MUSIC
233 Music Building I
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0431
music-ug-adm@psu.edu

https://arts.psu.edu/academics/school-of-music/