Musicology, BMUS

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Musicology


This major offers a broad cultural education that unites academic and musical training. It also provides preparation for the graduate study required for research and teaching in musicology or ethnomusicology.

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Musicology


Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

Students who wish to study voice or an instrument for credit are required to satisfy the instrumental or vocal qualifying audition designed for students outside the School of Music.

Credits earned in applied music lessons are generally considered elective.

A minimum of twelve hours of 400-level courses in Music must be taken on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

The fourth-year student, working with an adviser, must complete a satisfactory thesis as part of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Musicology. 

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.

Composition I4-6
Advanced Composition3
Humanities & the Arts (6 hours)6
fulfilled by MUS 313 and MUS 314
Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours)6
Social & 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 fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required)0-20

Orientation Requirements

FAA 101Arts at Illinois1
MUS 100First-year Seminar for Music Majors0
Total Hours1

Music Core 

Music Theory and Musicianship
MUS 101Music Theory and Practice I2
MUS 102Music Theory and Practice II2
MUS 201Music Theory and Practice III2
MUS 202Music Theory and Practice IV2
MUS 107Musicianship I2
MUS 108Musicianship II2
MUS 207Musicianship III2
MUS 208Musicianship IV2
Musicology
MUS 110Introd Art Mus: Intl Perspect3
MUS 313The History of Music I3
MUS 314The History of Music II3
Keyboard Proficiency
All students, except keyboard students, must demonstrate keyboard competency when they audition, by proficiency examination when they matriculate, or by enrolling in MUS 172 and/or MUS 173.
MUS 172Grp Instr Pno for Mus Major I2
MUS 173Grp Instr Pno for Mus Maj II2

Musicology Studies 

Music Lessons16
Students enroll in applied music on the same instrument or in voice each semester. It is strongly recommended that students in this major acquire a thorough practical knowledge of the piano beyond basic keyboard competency as part of the applied music study.
Applied Music Lessons (years 1 & 2, 8 hours). Students choose from:
Applied Music Lessons (years 3 & 4, 8 hours). Students choose from:
Ensemble8
Students choose from:
MUS 242Elements of Conducting2
MUS 299Thesis/Adv UG Honors in Music1 or 2
MUS 419Sr Seminar in Musicology3
Advanced Musicology (MUS 400-level courses)12
Advanced Music Theory (MUS 400-level courses)6
Foreign Language0-4
Students must complete the equivalent of a fourth-semester college-level foreign language course or demonstrate fourth-semester proficiency for graduation.
Four courses in relevant discipline outside of Music. 12-16
Chosen in consultation with the BMUS Musicology advisor. These courses may not be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
Electives as needed to total 120 hours
Total Hours120

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Musicology


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. This sample curriculum plan makes the assumption that students will have demonstrated keyboard competency by proficiency examination when they matriculate or they will need to enroll in MUS 172 and/or MUS 173.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth 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 four years of study of a single foreign language in high schoolFor more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 100-level)2Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 100-level)2
Ensemble (MUSC 400-level) 1Ensemble (MUSC 400-level) 1
FAA 1011MUS 1022
MUS 1000MUS 1082
MUS 1012MUS 1103
MUS 1072General Education course or Composition I3
Composition I or General Education course4General Education course3
General Education course3 
 15 16
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 100-level)2Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 100-level)2
Ensemble (MUSC 400-level) 1Ensemble (MUSC 400-level) 1
MUS 2012MUS 2022
MUS 2072MUS 2082
MUS 3133MUS 3143
General Education course3General Education course3
 General Education course3
 13 16
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 400-level)2Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 400-level)2
Ensemble (MUSC 400-level) 1Ensemble (MUSC 400-level) 1
Advanced Musicology (MUS 400-level)3Advanced Musicology (MUS 400-level)3
Advanced Music Theory (MUS 400-level)3Advanced Music Theory (MUS 400-level)3
MUS 2422Course in relevant discipline outside of Music 3
Course in relevant discipline outside of Music 3General Education course3
 14 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 400-level)2Applied Music Lessons (MUSC 400-level)2
Ensemble (MUSC 400-level) 1Ensemble (MUSC 400-level) 1
Advanced Musicology (MUS 400-level)3Advanced Musicology (MUS 400-level)3
MUS 4193Course in relevant discipline outside of Music 3
MUS 2991General Education course3
Course in relevant discipline outside of Music 3General Education course3
General Education course3 
 16 15
Total Hours 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Musicology


Bachelor of Music graduates will:

  1. 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.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to learn independently, make inquiries, think critically, discover solutions, and integrate knowledge across both similar and varied areas of musical study.
  3. Develop and demonstrate effective performance skills (technical and expressive) using critical thinking to inform historical and stylistic performance practices and artistic expression.
  4. Develop and demonstrate effective communication skills, including artistic self-expression, with diverse audiences through multiple media. 
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Acquire a basic understanding of technology and professional skills, along with knowledge of specific technological developments within area of specialization.
  8. 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 Musicology


School of Music

School of Music Website
Music Faculty

College of Fine & Applied Arts

FAA College Website

Admissions

Fine & Applied Arts Overview of Admissions & Requirements
University of Illinois Undergrad Admissions