Course & Degree Info
MUSIC
Professors Marsh, J. Sandborg; Associate Professor LaChance; Lecturer Hubbard; Teaching Associate M.
Sandborg
A Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music requires the completion of a minimum of 11 units, including,
eight units of core courses beyond Music 150, three units of Applied Music, and one unit of Senior Project.
Major in Music
Core Courses (seven units)
MUSC 240 Music in Culture
MUSC 251 Music Theory I* and Lab
MUSC 252 Music Theory II and Lab
MUSC 261 Music History I: Classical Antiquity through 1700
MUSC 262 Music History II: 1700 to 1900
MUSC 343 Advanced Projects in Music Theory
MUSC 350 Music after 1900
*Completion of or Competency in MUSC 150: Fundamentals of Music is a prerequisite for MUSC 251/251L.
Senior Project (one unit total)
By the middle of their junior year, students, in consultation with the music faculty, declare their area of concentration (composition, performance, research). By the end of their junior year at semester juries, students propose a senior project based on these guidelines:
1. Performance: A public recital of no less than 60 minutes in length, with at least three style periods represented (including 20th century). Students will typically enroll in the appropriate applied music instruction course (one-quarter unit) during Fall of their senior year, and, in the Spring of their senior year, enroll in two courses, a second one-quarter unit of applied music instruction and MUSC 420 (one half unit). The one-half unit of applied instruction earned for Senior Project is beyond the five one-quarter units required for graduation in the major.
2. Composition: Creation of an original work or works presented to the public and introduced by the composer. Students will typically enroll in MUSA 104 (one-quarter unit) during Fall of their senior year, and, in the Spring of their senior year, enroll in two courses, a second one-quarter unit of MUSA 104 and MUSC 420 (one-half unit). The one-half unit of applied instruction earned for Senior Project is beyond the five one-quarter units required for graduation in the major.
3. Research: An original thesis tailored to the student’s special interests, pursued in consultation with a music
faculty member, and culminating in a public lecture. Students will enroll in either MUSC 420 and 422 (two
one-half unit courses) or MUSC 421 (a one unit course) during their senior year.
Students may, in consultation with the faculty, propose a senior project combining more than one area of
concentration (e.g., performance and composition, performance and research, composition and research).
Applied Music (three units)
Satisfactory completion of at least five one-quarter units of Applied Music Instruction in voice (MUSA 101),
keyboard (MUSA 102), instrumental (MUSC 103), composition (MUSA 104), and/or conducting (MUSC 105),
and at least seven one-quarter units of Applied Music Ensemble (MUSC 109, 111, 112, 113). Individual studios
or areas of concentration may require additional one-quarter units of Applied Music. Descriptions of the skill
levels and literature of these courses are available from the Fine Arts department.
Applied Music Instruction
Applied music instruction includes private lessons in voice (MUSA 101), keyboard (MUSA 102), instrumental
(MUSA 103), composition (MUSA 104) and conducting (MUSC 105). Each lesson is one hour per week.
Applied Music Ensemble
This requirement can be satisfied by the following Roanoke College ensembles: Concert Choir, Oriana Singers,
Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble.
Music Juries and Other Requirements
Juries are held at the end of each semester. Juries are intended for monitoring the progress of students enrolled in
MUSA courses, especially those who wish to concentrate in music performance.
In consultation with music faculty, all students majoring in music must demonstrate appropriate progress in their
applied studies. All students majoring in music (performance, composition, research) must pass the Music Area’s
musicianship exams before graduation. These exams may be taken any time after completion of MUSC 251.
Students who do not pass these exams by the end of their sophomore year may be required to enroll in applied
music courses until the proficiency exam can be passed.
Students must satisfy the Fundamentals of Music (MUSC 150 or competency) before program declaration can be approved. Satisfactory progress in the music major includes continued registration in the core courses, in order
to receive the applied music fee waiver.
Attendance and/or participation in department activities such as seminars, master classes and recitals are required
of all music major and minor students.
Music Education: Vocal/Choral
For courses in this sequence or requirements for teacher licensure, the student should consult the college catalog
under Education.
Minor in Music
A minor in music requires of seven units, including the following five units of core course work: MUSC 251,
252, 261, 262 and 343. In addition, a minimum of four one-quarter units of applied music instruction and a
minimum of four one-quarter units of applied music ensemble must be completed successfully. MUSC 150 or
competency is a prerequisite for MUSC 251.