Music

102 Music

The foremost goal of the School of Music is the discovery, preservation, and transmission of the practice and knowledge of music, as well as the role of music in culture and history. The school expands the frontiers of artistic enterprise and cultural knowledge through research, scholarship, and creative production, in its publications, performances, and teaching.

Through its instructional offerings, the School of Music provides opportunities for all students of the University of Washington to explore the role of music in the cultural nature of the world, past, present, and future. The school teaches students to think creatively and critically. The faculty provides professional training to musical performers as well as to academic scholars. The ultimate goal of the school is to instill the standards and ideals of excellence in both the artistic and scholarly endeavor of its students.

The School of Music is committed to furthering and transmitting technological advances through its research and instruction.

Because of its prominence in public performance, the School of Music has a unique external visibility, playing a vital role in the cultural life of the University, region, and beyond through the performance, creation, and study of music and culture. To that end, the school maintains strong links with professional arts organizations regionally as well as nationally.

Undergraduate Program

The School of Music offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music (music theory-history track; vocal track; instrumental track)
• The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in composition, piano, string instruments, voice, organ, orchestral instruments, guitar, jazz studies, music education, and music history
• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in individualized studies (ethnomusicology) (See individualized studies adviser in 171 Mary Gates Hall for requirements.)
• A minor in music

Information Applicable to All Music Majors

Department Admission Requirements

All students must participate in an entrance audition and qualify at the MUSAP 320 level or better in their principal performance areas to be admitted as music majors and to receive private instruction. Entrance auditions are held in late September, late January, and as needed throughout the year. (See department Web site for more information.) Major status in performance areas is accorded when, after admission to the College of Arts and Sciences is acknowledged and the required School of Music audition is successfully completed, the student commences applied-music study in a performance medium (e.g., voice) with an approved faculty member of the School of Music. In music history, music education, and composition, additional entrance requirements apply.

All music programs require instruction on an instrument. Auditions into freshman-level applied-music instruction (private lessons) are based on the assumption that a student's background includes four to eight years of private study on an instrument. Completion of a further two years of college-level private instruction does not automatically guarantee entry at the junior level of private instruction; placement is determined by an audition.

Most degree programs in the School of Music require one to two years of basic piano, to be completed during the course of study at the University.

Pre-Core Preparation

In preparation for beginning the music core coursework, all students must be evaluated by placement test to determine their levels in music theory and music history. Students who have minimal background in these areas may be required to take MUSIC 113/MUSIC 119 and MUSIC 120 before beginning the music core.

Transfer students who have had at least two quarters of music theory or music history are evaluated by a faculty member the quarter they are admitted to their program.

Music Core Requirements

The music core (36 credits), required in each of the undergraduate program tracks, is as follows: MUSIC 201/MUSIC 204, MUSIC 202/MUSIC 205, MUSIC 203/MUSIC 206; MUSIC 301/MUSIC 304, MUSIC 302/MUSIC 305, MUSIC 303/MUSIC 306; MUHST 210, MUHST 211, MUHST 212; at least 3 credits from among MUSIC 250, MUSIC 316, MUSIC 317, or any 400-level ethnomusicology course.

Grade Requirements

Undergraduate music majors are required to earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course (core and elective) counted toward music major requirements. An overall minimum GPA of 2.50 in music course work is required for graduation.

Bachelor of Arts

General Requirements

Major Requirements

Music Theory-History Track (63 credits): Music core, plus 12 credits of approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives, 10 credits of MUSAP vocal or instrumental private applied instruction, 5 credits of MUSEN (ensembles).

Instrumental Track (69 credits): Music core, plus 6 credits of approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives,18 credits of MUSAP instrumental private applied instruction, and 9 credits in ensembles.

Vocal Track (75 credits): Music core, plus 6 credits of approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives, 18 credits of MUSAP vocal private applied instruction, 6 credits of vocal diction, and 9 credits in ensembles. Proficiency through the third quarter college level in two languages from French, German, and Italian.

Bachelor of Music

General Requirements

Major Requirements (and Additional Admission Requirements, as noted)

Composition (114-120 credits)

Additional Admission Requirements: MUSIC 302 and MUSIC 305; MUHST 212; and MUSIC 216, MUSIC 217, MUSIC 218. Prospective students must also submit a portfolio of recent compositions. See the adviser for more information on the application process.

Major Requirements: Music core (36 credits) plus MUSIC 216, MUSIC 217, MUSIC 218; PHYS 207; 18 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 380, MUSIC 381, MUSIC 382; MUSIC 400 or MUSIC 401; MUSIC 471 or MUSIC 472; MUSIC 490; 18 credits of private instruction in composition (MUSIC 391/MUSIC 491); 12-18 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; 6 credits of MUSEN ensembles; and one 400-level course in ethnomusicology. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information.

Guitar (120 credits)

Music core (36 credits) plus 9 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 487 or MUSIC 438; 36 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; 7 credits of electives; 2 credits of recitals; MUSIC 326, MUSIC 327, MUSIC 328; MUSIC 434, MUSIC 435, MUSIC 436; MUSIC 380, MUSIC 381, MUSIC 382; and 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information.

Jazz Studies (120 credits)

Music core (36 credits) plus 9 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 319 or MUSIC 331; MUHST 425; MUSIC 336 and MUSIC 436; MUSIC 467, MUSIC 468, MUSIC 469; MUSIC 379, MUSIC 479; 6 credits of MUSIC 464; 10 credits of music electives; 30 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information.

Music Education (115-119 credits)

Additional Admission Requirements: Students must complete a separate Music Education audition and interview. See the adviser for more information on the application process.

Major Requirements: Music core (36 credits) plus MUSIC 300, MUSIC 350, MUSIC 351, MUSIC 352 (or MUSIC 380, MUSIC 381, MUSIC 382); MUSED 301; MUSED 304, MUSED 305, MUSED 306; MUSED 340; MUSED 403; MUSED 405 (or MUSEN 303); MUSED 440; MUSED 442 (or MUSED 443); MUSED 452; MUSED 465; 18 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; 6-7 credits of MUSEN ensembles; 12-14 credits of techniques courses; 3 credits of approved jazz coursework; EDC&I 494; and 3 credits of education electives. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information.

Orchestral Instruments (116 credits)

Music core (36 credits) plus 12 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; 36 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; 18 credits of electives; 2 credits of recitals; and 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information.

Organ (120 credits)

Music core (36 credits) plus 12 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 487; 36 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; MUSIC 454; MUSIC 473 and MUSIC 474; MUSIC 458 and MUSIC 459; MUSIC 350, MUSIC 351, MUSIC 352; 1 credit of electives; 2 credits of recitals; and 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information.

Piano (120 credits)

Music core (36 credits) plus 12 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 487; 36 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; MUSIC 434, 435, 436; MUSIC 326, MUSIC 327, MUSIC 328; 7 credits of electives; 2 credits of recitals; and 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information.

Strings (117 credits)

Music core (36 credits) plus 15 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; 36 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; 6 credits of MUSIC 429; MUSIC 434, MUSIC 435, MUSIC 436; MUSIC 380; 3 credits of electives; 2 credits of recitals; and 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information.

Voice (119 credits)

Music core (36 credits) plus 12 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 307, MUSIC 308, MUSIC 309; MUSIC 326, MUSIC 327, MUSIC 328; MUSIC 434; MUSIC 460, MUSIC 461, and MUSIC 462; MUSIC 379 and MUSIC 479; 36 credits of MUSAP applied instruction; 10 credits of MUSEN ensembles; and 3 credits of music electives. Proficiency through the third quarter college level in two languages from French, German, and Italian. See the Music undergraduate adviser for more specific information on these requirements.

Academic Options

Music History

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements for all music majors, shown above, formal application to the Music History division, to include verified completion of music core, 3.00 GPA in music core courses, 3.00 overall GPA, and a writing sample. Completion of minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. The program of study and preparation of the senior thesis is developed in consultation with a Music History faculty adviser. Students who intend to pursue graduate studies are strongly advised to establish proficiency in German or French and to acquire some acquaintance with one or two additional foreign languages.

Major Requirements: 135 credits as follows: Music core (36 credits) plus 6 credits of 300-level MUHST electives; 36 credits of 400-level MUSIC or MUHST (minimum 12 courses); a 3-credit 400-level course in ethnomusicology; 3 credits of MUSIC 498; 18 credits of MUSAP applied instruction (3 years); 9 credits of MUSEN ensembles; and 24 credits of music electives.

Minor

1. At least 4 credits from courses dealing with the elements of music (chosen from MUSIC 116, MUSIC 117, MUSIC 118, MUSIC 113/MUSIC 119, or MUSIC 120).
2. 5 credits from courses for nonmajors that focus on a particular music area (MUSIC 121, MUSIC 122, MUSIC 160, MUSIC 162, MUSIC 316, MUSIC 317, MUSIC 318, MUSIC 319, MUSIC 331).
3. Maximum 10 transfer credits (including maximum 5 transfer credits in performance lessons and ensembles) may count toward the minor.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Instructional and Research Facilities: None.
• Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: None.
• Department Scholarships: None.
• Student Organizations/Associations:
  • Music Student Association (MSA): A group of undergraduate and graduate students from various divisions of the School of Music, working to foster a stronger sense of professional community, serve the larger cultural community, and build practical tools for encouraging and promoting student musicians' endeavors. For more information, contact sonare@u.washington.edu.
  • Ethnomusicology Student Association: A student association which deals with the concerns of the ethnomusicology division, as well as meeting socially. For further information, contact the division at 206-543-0949 or 64 Music Building.
  • Music Educators National Conference (MENC): A local chapter of this national scholarly organization of music educators is directly involved in annual state and regional meetings and events. Contact Professor Patricia Campbell (pcamp@u.washington.edu) for further details.

Of Special Note:

Continuation of Major Status

Performance studies should begin after audition and acceptance, and continue each subsequent quarter of registration until the minimum program requirements for applied-music lessons have been met. Applied-music study should continue as long as the student is registered and in residence until the final approved recital is given. In order to retain major standing, the student must make and demonstrate consistent and acceptable progress at the annual required jury. Concurrent enrollment or participation in at least one School of Music ensemble is required during each quarter in which a student receives "MUSAP" applied-music instruction, at the 300 level and above, except for MUSAP 389/589. Also, basic piano proficiency is required for all majors. Non-keyboard majors must enroll in the MUSAP 133/235 series until appropriate proficiency is attained. Any departure from the above requirements must have the recommendation of the appropriate divisional chair and the written consent of the Director of the School of Music.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
116 Music, Box 353450
206-543-2726
musicadv@u.washington.edu

Graduate programs in the School of Music take into consideration the dual nature of music's subject matter. First, it is one of the creative arts, requiring constant renewal through the efforts of composers, performers, and teachers. Second, it is a branch of the humanities, subject to scholarly study and interpretation of its theoretical concepts and historical development. Each degree focuses on one of these areas.

Master of Music or Doctor of Musical Arts

• Choral conducting
• Composition
• Instrumental conducting
• Opera production
• Performance piano, organ, harpsichord, voice, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, harp

• Ethnomusicology
• Music education
• Music history
• Music theory

Master of Arts

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Performance programs expect that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in music or the equivalent experience and training in the field.
2. Minimum GPA of 3.00 or B average in the most recent two years of study.
3. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), unless the applicant holds an earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
4. International Applicants
   • International applicants must consult the online Preliminary Evaluation Process before proceeding with the application process.
   • International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores must be less than two years old. Minimum scores are 580 for the paper test and 237 for the computer test.

Degree Requirements

1. 45 credits as specified for the student's particular degree program; of these credits, 18 credits must be numerically graded and 18 credits must be at the 500-level
2. Proficiency in a foreign language as required by the degree program
3. Thesis, to include passing an oral thesis defense or passing an examination based on approximately 10 topics
4. All work for the master’s degree completed within six years, to include applicable work transferred from other institutions (max. 6 credits transferable) and time spent on leave.

Master of Music

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Performance programs expect that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in music or the equivalent experience and training in the field.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.00 or B average in the most recent two years of study.
3. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), unless the applicant holds an earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
4. International Applicants
   • International applicants must consult the online Preliminary Evaluation Process before proceeding with the application process.
   • International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores must be less than two years old. Minimum scores are 580 for the paper test and 237 for the computer test.

Degree Requirements

All students in the performance degree programs (MM, DMA) are expected to enroll in music applied lessons (MUSAP courses at the 500-level) until all recital requirements are met. The School of Music requires that all students registered for music applied lessons must also be enrolled in an ensemble (MUSEN 5XX). Minimum 45 credits, to include:

1. Minimum of 45 credits as specified for the student's particular degree program; of these credits, 18 credits must be numerically graded and 18 credits must be at the 500-level
2. Proficiency in a foreign language as required by the degree program
3. Thesis, to include passing an oral thesis defense or passing an examination based on approximately ten topics
4. All work for the master’s degree completed within six years, including applicable work transferred from other institutions (max. 6 credits transferable) and time spent on leave.

Doctor of Music Arts

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Performance programs expect that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in music or the equivalent experience and training in the field.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.00 or B average in the most recent two years of study.
3. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), unless applying to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program in any area besides composition, or if the applicant holds an earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
4. International Applicants
   • International applicants must consult the online Preliminary Evaluation Process before proceeding with the application process.
   • International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores must be less than two years old. Minimum scores are 580 for the paper test and 237 for the computer test.

Degree Requirements

All students in the performance degree programs (MM, DMA) are expected to enroll in music applied lessons (MUSAP courses at the 500-level) until all recital requirements are met. The School of Music requires that all students registered for music applied lessons must also be enrolled in an ensemble (MUSEN 5XX).

Minimum 90 credits, to include:

1. A minimum of 90 credits of resident study with at least 60 registered credits from the UW
2. Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages as required by the particular degree program
3. Performance requirements as required for the specific degree
4. General Examination for admission to candidacy; may consist of written and oral examinations based on approximately twenty topics (depending on degree program)
5. Dissertation which is a significant contribution to knowledge in a specific field andwhich clearly indicates training and research
6. Final Examination devoted to the dissertation, in the field with which it is concerned
7. All work for the doctoral degree completed within ten years. Applicable work from the master’s degree and work transferred from the other institutions must fall within the ten-year period, including time spent on leave and away from the program. Up to thirty credits from an approved master’s degree may be counted toward the 90 credits required for the degree. (Master’s degree credits are applied toward the general elective requirements of the degree plan.)

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Performance programs expect that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in music or the equivalent experience and training in the field.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.00 or B average in the most recent two years of study.
3. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), unless the applicant holds an earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
4. International Applicants
   • International applicants must consult the online Preliminary Evaluation Process before proceeding with the application process.
   • International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores must be less than two years old. Minimum scores are 580 for the paper test and 237 for the computer test.

Degree Requirements

1. A minimum of 90 credits of resident study with at least 60 registered credits from the UW
2. Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages as required by the particular degree program
3. Performance requirements required for the specific degree
4. General Examination for admission to candidacy, which may consist of written and oral examinations based on approximately twenty topics (depending on degree program).
5. Dissertation which is a significant contribution to knowledge in a specific field andwhich clearly indicates training and research
6. Final Examination devoted to the dissertation in the field with which it is concerned
7. All work for the doctoral degree completed within ten years. Applicable work from the master’s degree and work transferred from the other institutions must fall within the ten-year period, including time spent on leave and away from the program. Up to thirty credits from an approved master’s degree may be counted toward the 90 credits required for the degree. (Master’s degree credits are applied toward the general elective requirements of the degree plan.)

Financial Aid

A limited number of teaching and staff assistantships (including accompanying) are available. Competitive auditions for performance scholarships for new and returning students are held each year. See the School's Web site (above) for more information about applications and audition dates.

Research Facilities

The Music Building contains the music library, an electronic composition laboratory, a listening center, and the ethnomusicology archives, as well as the studio, practice, and classroom facilities of a modern music department.

Ensembles available for student participation include University Symphony Orchestra, University Chorale, Opera Chorus, Contemporary Group, Wind Ensemble, University Symphonic Band, Studio Jazz Ensemble, Baroque Ensemble and Chamber Singers, as well as non-Western ensembles with visiting artists from around the globe.