The Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.) allows students to study music within the larger context of a liberal arts education. In comparison to the curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), less emphasis is placed on studies specifically in music, with greater flexibility for studies in a field outside of the required music core curriculum. Instead of more music credits as required for the B.M., the B.A. student can choose at least 21 credits in one or more areas outside the music core. In addition, the completion of a capstone experience is required during the senior year.
The B.A. in Music provides flexibility for students wishing to double-major in music and another discipline.
A udition requirements for each track are listed below .
Prospective CSU Students: In addition to applying to CSU through the Office of Admissions, students applying to the B.A. in Music are required to audition and/or interview with music faculty members. Students may elect to audition for the "Studio Track" (i.e., flute, voice, guitar, etc.) or interview for the “No Studio Track" within the degree. Students auditioning for the applied "Studio Track" must complete the performance audition for their instrument/voice. The music faculty will interview students opting for the "No Studio Track" to discuss musical experiences and long-term goals within the degree program. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.
Current CSU Students: To change your major to music, you may call the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at (970) 491-5891 or email smtd@colostate.edu. Current CSU students must complete the audition and interview process outlined in the above paragraph for prospective students and be accepted to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance before contacting the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.
Join an Ensemble: Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs are open to all CSU students. Ensemble audition excerpts and instructions are available at Ensemble Audition Information (some ensembles do not require an audition).
A music program fee is assessed with Undergraduate and graduate music and musical theatre majors and music minors, per semester. Does not apply to the following students: online degree students and summers-only master's degree students. Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.
A minimum grade of C is required in all music courses used to satisfy the requirements of the major programs (B.A. and B.M.) in music.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MU 272A | Applied Music Instruction: Euphonium | 1-2 |
| MU 272B | Applied Music Instruction: French Horn | 1-2 |
| MU 272C | Applied Music Instruction: Trombone | 1-2 |
| MU 272D | Applied Music Instruction: Trumpet | 1-2 |
| MU 272E | Applied Music Instruction: Tuba | 1-2 |
| MU 272G | Applied Music Instruction: Harpsichord | 1-2 |
| MU 272H | Applied Music Instruction: Organ | 1-2 |
| MU 272I | Applied Music Instruction: Piano | 1-2 |
| MU 272J | Applied Music Instruction: Percussion | 1-2 |
| MU 272K | Applied Music Instruction: Guitar | 1-2 |
| MU 272L | Applied Music Instruction: Harp | 1-2 |
| MU 272M | Applied Music Instruction: String Bass | 1-2 |
| MU 272N | Applied Music Instruction: Viola | 1-2 |
| MU 272O | Applied Music Instruction: Violin | 1-2 |
| MU 272P | Applied Music Instruction: Violoncello | 1-2 |
| MU 272Q | Applied Music Instruction: Voice | 1-2 |
| MU 272R | Applied Music Instruction: Bassoon | 1-2 |
| MU 272S | Applied Music Instruction: Clarinet | 1-2 |
| MU 272T | Applied Music Instruction: Flute | 1-2 |
| MU 272U | Applied Music Instruction: Oboe | 1-2 |
| MU 272V | Applied Music Instruction: Saxophone (Alto) | 1-2 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MU 201 | Men's Chorus | 1 |
| MU 202 | University Chorus | 1 |
| MU 204 | Marching Band | 1 |
| MU 205 | Concert Band | 1 |
| MU 206 | Colorado State University Concert Orchestra | 1 |
| MU 300 | Women's Chorus | 1 |
| MU 302 | University Orchestra | 1 |
| MU 304 | Symphonic Band | 1 |
| MU 305 | Colorado State University Concert Choir | 1 |
| MU 309 | Jazz Ensemble | 1 |
| MU 310 | Jazz Combo | 1 |
| MU 400 | Colorado State University Chamber Choir | 1 |
| MU 401 | Opera Theater | 1-2 |
| MU 402 | Theater/Chamber Orchestra | 1 |
| MU 404 | Symphonic Wind Ensemble | 1 |
| MU 406 | New Music Ensemble | 1 |
| MU 407 | Accompanying | 1 |
| MU 408 | Chamber Music | 1 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MU 318 | Arranging and Orchestration | 2 |
| MU 325 | Jazz Composition/Arranging | 2 |
| MU 417 | Counterpoint | 3 |
| MU 418 | Advanced Orchestration | 2 |
| MU 419 | Electronic Music Composition | 2 |
| Code | Title | AUCC | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MU 332 | History of Jazz | 4A,4B | 3 |
| MU 334 | Perspectives in Early Music History | 4A,4B | 3 |
| MU 335 | Music of the Common Practice Era | 4A,4B | 3 |
| MU 430 | 20th and 21st Century Music | 4A,4B | 3 |
| MU 431 | American Music | 4A,4B | 3 |
Students declaring the BA in Music must take a theory diagnostic to place them either in MU 111 or MU 117 .
Students with previous keyboard experience can test out of MU 150 and/or MU 151B and use the extra credit(s) toward electives.
Students must participate in an ensemble during each semester in which they are enrolled in MU 172A , MU 172B , MU 272A - MU 272V , MU 472A - MU 472V . Students in ensembles are not required to be in lessons/studio.
A maximum of 24 credits of are allowed in music. Non-music electives may be applied towards a second major, a non-music minor, or a certificate.
MU 499 is variable credit. A minimum of 3 credits of either MU 479B or MU 499 are required to fulfill AUCC 4C.
Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper division (300- to 400-level), with a maximum of 24 credits allowed in music.
Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
To declare this major, must audition with department. A grade of C or better is required in all music courses used to satisfy major requirements.