Music Composition, BMUS
for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition
In this major, emphasis may be placed on music composition or on the theory of music. Necessary course adjustments require approval of the composition-theory division.
for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition
In this major, emphasis may be placed on music composition or on the theory of music. Necessary course adjustments require approval of the composition-theory division.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
Students who wish to study voice or an instrument for credit are credit are required to satisfy the instrumental or vocal qualifying audition designed for students outside the School of Music.
A minimum of twelve hours of 400-level courses in Music must be taken on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities and the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences and Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | 0-15 | |
Orientation Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 100 | First-year Seminar for Music Majors | 0 |
| FAA 101 | Arts at Illinois | 1 |
| Total Hours | 1 | |
Music Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Music Theory and Musicianship | ||
| MUS 101 | Music Theory and Practice I | 2 |
| MUS 102 | Music Theory and Practice II | 2 |
| MUS 201 | Music Theory and Practice III | 2 |
| MUS 202 | Music Theory and Practice IV | 2 |
| MUS 107 | Musicianship I | 2 |
| MUS 108 | Musicianship II | 2 |
| MUS 207 | Musicianship III | 2 |
| MUS 208 | Musicianship IV | 2 |
| Musicology | ||
| MUS 110 | Introd Art Mus: Intl Perspect | 3 |
| MUS 313 | The History of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 314 | The History of Music II | 3 |
| Keyboard Proficiency | ||
| MUS 172 | Grp Instr Pno for Mus Major I | 2 |
| MUS 173 | Grp Instr Pno for Mus Maj II | 2 |
| Total Hours | 29 | |
Music Composition Studies
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Music Lessons | 8 | |
Music Composition majors register for a minimum of 4 two-credit hour applied lessons. | ||
Applied Music Lessons (years 1 & 2) | ||
Students choose from: | ||
| Ensemble | 8 | |
Music Composition majors must be in an ensemble each semester of residence; a maximum of 10 hours of ensemble may be applied to the BMUS degree. | ||
Students choose from: | ||
| MUS 106 | Beginning Composition (2 times) | 4 |
| MUS 206 | Intermediate Composition (2 times) | 4 |
| MUS 242 | Elements of Conducting | 2 |
| MUS 406 | Advanced Composition (4 times) | 12 |
| MUS 408 | Analysis of Musical Form (Section D or E) | 3 |
| MUS 426 | Orchestration | 3 |
| MUSC 400 | Senior Recital | 0 |
| Advanced Musicology | 6 | |
| Advanced Music Theory | 6 | |
Music theory courses may not be used for more than one requirement. | ||
| Total Hours | 56 | |
Summary of Credit for the Bachelor of Music in Music Composition
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| Orientation | 1 | |
| Music Core | 29 | |
| Music Composition | 56 | |
| Free electives to bring the total hours earned to 120 | ||
| A minimum of 40 credits at the 300- or 400-level must be completed for this degree | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |
for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. This sample curriculum plan makes the assumption that the foreign language graduation requirement has been satisfied by completing three years of study of a single foreign language in high school. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree General and Education Requirements page.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| FAA 101 | 1 | MUS 102 | 2 |
| MUS 100 | 0 | MUS 106 | 2 |
| MUS 101 | 2 | MUS 108 | 2 |
| MUS 106 | 2 | MUS 110 | 3 |
| MUS 107 | 2 | MUS 172 | 2 |
| Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 100-level courses) | 2 | Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 100-level courses) | 2 |
| Ensemble (MUSC 400-level courses) | 1 | Ensemble (MUSC 400-level courses) | 1 |
| Comp. I or General Education course | 4 | General Education course or Comp. I | 3 |
| 14 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 100-level courses) | 2 | Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 100-level courses) | 2 |
| Ensemble (MUSC 400-level courses) | 1 | Ensemble (MUSC 400-level courses) | 1 |
| MUS 173 | 2 | MUS 202 | 2 |
| MUS 201 | 2 | MUS 206 | 2 |
| MUS 206 | 2 | MUS 208 | 2 |
| MUS 207 | 2 | MUS 314 | 3 |
| MUS 313 | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Advanced Musicology (300- or 400-level) | 3 | Advanced Musicology (300- or 400-level) | 3 |
| Ensemble (MUSC 400-level courses) | 1 | Ensemble (MUSC 400-level courses) | 1 |
| MUS 242 | 2 | MUS 406 | 3 |
| MUS 406 | 3 | MUS 408 | 3 |
| MUS 426 | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Ensemble (MUSC 400-level courses) | 1 | Ensemble (MUSC 400-level courses) | 1 |
| Advanced Music Theory | 3 | Advanced Music Theory | 3 |
| MUS 406 | 3 | MUSC 400 | 0 |
| General Education course | 3 | MUS 406 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| 16 | 13 | ||
| Total Hours 120 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition
Bachelor of Music graduates will:
- Understand, apply, and integrate foundational concepts of musical study in theory, aural skills, history, composition, improvisation, and keyboard competency, and do so independently and cooperatively.
- Demonstrate the ability to learn independently, make inquiries, think critically, discover solutions, and integrate knowledge across both similar and varied areas of musical study.
- Develop and demonstrate effective performance skills (technical and expressive) using critical thinking to inform historical and stylistic performance practices and artistic expression.
- Develop and demonstrate effective communication skills, including artistic self-expression, with diverse audiences through multiple media.
- Acquire a basic understanding of diverse musical systems and traditions across the world, and develop a sensitivity to and awareness of cultural and societal differences, and their contribution to an interdependent global consciousness.
- Acquire an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility as musicians and citizens, and demonstrate the ability to work professionally and effectively as leaders and collaborators.
- Acquire a basic understanding of technology and professional skills, along with knowledge of specific technological developments within area of specialization.
- Appreciate how music interacts with communities to enhance and engage social and cultural identities and enrich lifelong learning.
for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition
School of Music
School of Music Website
Music Faculty
College of Fine & Applied Arts
FAA College Website
Admissions
University of Illinois Undergrad Admissions