School Overview102 Music The mission of the School of Music is creation, discovery, preservation, and transmission of a wide and diverse range of music from across time and place. Students, faculty, and staff of the School of Music work together to expand the frontiers of artistic knowledge through the creative processes of performance, composition, and scholarly research. The school's faculty includes leading performers, composers, and scholars. Renowned guest artists and scholars regularly perform and teach. Through its instructional offerings, the School of Music provides opportunities for all UW students to explore the role of music in cultures of the world -- past, present, and future. The school teaches students to think creatively and critically. The faculty provides professional training to musical performers, composers, and academic scholars. The school's ultimate goal is to inspire students to reach the highest standards and ideals of excellence in both artistic and scholarly endeavors. The school is a vital part of the artistic and scholarly life of the UW and plays a prominent role in Seattle and greater Pacific Northwest music and art communities. The school also offers each year over 100 public concerts of music spanning more than a millennium, with offerings that extend across many cultures. Undergraduate Program
Adviser The School of Music offers the following programs of study:
Information Applicable to All Music MajorsDepartment Admission RequirementsAdmission is competitive to all music programs. All students must participate in an entrance audition or submit an application and satisfy the requirements of each degree program or track for admittance. Check department website for entrance audition dates. 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 American music studies, music education, composition, and ethnomusicology, 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. Theory and Ear Training PreparationIn preparation for theory and ear training 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. 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. Grade RequirementsUndergraduate music majors are required to earn a minimum 2.0 grade in each course (core and elective) counted toward music major requirements. An overall 2.50 minimum GPA in music coursework is required for graduation. Bachelor of ArtsGeneral RequirementsMinimum 180 credits, of which 90 must be taken in departments other than the School of Music. Piano proficiency at MUSAP 135 level. All College of Arts and Sciences graduation requirements must be met. Minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA for all music courses and a minimum 2.0 grade for each music course counted toward the major. Major Requirements
Bachelor of Arts (with major in American music studies)Study of the regional, racial, ethnic, sacred, secular, communal, and cultural diversities represented in the music of the Americas. Students are strongly encouraged to formulate individual programs under the guidance of faculty mentors. Interdisciplinary approaches, both within music or between music and other areas of study, serve as a primary focus of the program. In addition to major requirements, students must also complete general education requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences. Admission RequirementsAdmission is competitive. Meeting minimum grade and course requirements does not guarantee admission. Minimum 3.0 grade in two of the following courses: MUSIC 160, MUSIC 161, MUSIC 162, MUSIC 216, MUSIC 250, MUSIC 317, MUSIC 325, MUSIC 331, or MUHST 212. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA. Admission is based on student’s transcripts, musical ability, and statement of purpose, which should explain the student’s interest and intent, specifying the direction of study the students wishes to take and indicating the desired outcome(s) in terms of specialized knowledge and skills, and possible career directions(s). 74 credits
Bachelor of Arts (with a major in ethnomusicology)The BA degree with a major in ethnomusicology emphasizes the study of music as culture as well as art. Students may be admitted to the degree program on the basis of a written application. Course requirements include selected courses in the School of Music’s core curriculum, ethnomusicology courses encompassing diverse repertoires and topics, several interdisciplinary courses including at least one in socio-cultural anthropology, world music performance study, and a capstone senior project. In addition to the ethnomusicology major requirements, students must also complete the general education requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences. Admission RequirementsAdmission is competitive. Minimum 3.0 grade in either MUSIC 251 or MUSIC 252, minimum 2.0 grade in each MUSIC course taken, and minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA. Admission is based on the student’s transcript(s), musical interests, and statement of purpose, which should explain the student’s interest in ethnomusicology and potential areas of specialization. Major Requirements51-67 credits
Bachelor of MusicAdmission RequirementsAll students must participate in an entrance audition as described above. Students admitted into the BA program have the option to jury into the B.M. program at the end of the freshman and sophomore years. The composition and music education programs have additional application requirements as described below. General RequirementsMinimum 180 credits, of which at least 60 must be taken in departments other than the School of Music. All College of Arts and Sciences degree requirements must be met (including Language Skills and Reasoning and Writing in Context), except that students need take only 60 credits in Areas of Knowledge, to include at least 20 credits each in two of the following three areas: Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts; Individuals & Societies; and the Natural World. Piano proficiency at MUSAP 235 level, a minimum 2.0 grade in each music course counted toward the major, and a minimum 2.50 GPA in music courses. 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 adviser for more information on the application process. 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; 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 MUSICP applied instruction; 6 credits of MUSEN ensembles; and one 400-level course in ethnomusicology. See undergraduate adviser for more specific information. Guitar (120 credits) 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; and at least 3 credits from among MUSIC 250, MUSIC 316, MUSIC 317, or any 400-level ethnomusicology course; plus 9 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 487 or MUSIC 438; 36 credits of MUSICP 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 undergraduate adviser for more specific information. Jazz Studies (120 credits) 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; 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 MUSICP applied instruction; 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See 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 adviser for more information on the application process. 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; plus MUSIC 350, MUSIC 351, MUSIC 352 (or MUSIC 380, MUSIC 381, MUSIC 382); MUSED 301; MUSED 304, MUSED 305; MUSED 340; MUSED 403; MUSED 405 (or MUSEN 303); MUSED 440; MUSED 442 (or MUSED 443); MUSED 452; MUSED 465; 18 credits of MUSICP 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 undergraduate adviser for more specific information. Orchestral Instruments (116 credits) 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; plus 12 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; 36 credits of MUSICP applied instruction; 18 credits of electives; 2 credits of recitals; and 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See undergraduate adviser for more specific information. Organ (120 credits) 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, plus 12 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 487; 36 credits of MUSICP 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 undergraduate adviser for more specific information. Piano (120 credits) 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, plus 12 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; MUSIC 487; 36 credits of MUSICP applied instruction; MUSIC 434, MUSIC 435, MUSIC 436; MUSIC 326, MUSIC 327, MUSIC 328; 7 credits of electives; 2 credits of recitals; and 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See undergraduate adviser for more specific information. Percussion (111 credits) MUSIC 201, MUSIC 202, MUSIC 203, MUSIC 204, MUSIC 205, MUSIC 206, MUSIC 301, MUSIC 302, MUSIC 303; MUSIC 304, MUSIC 305, MUSIC 306; MUHST 210, MUHST 211, MUHST 212; at least 3 credits from MUSIC 250, MUSIC 251, MUSIC 252, or any 400-level ethnomusicology course; minimum 18 credits from MUSICP 337; MUSIC 379; MUSIC 479; minimum 18 credits from MUSICP 437; minimum 12 credits of MUSEN 304; minimum 12 credits from MUSEN 300, MUSEN 301, or MUSEN 302; minimum 1 credit from MUSEN 384, MUSEN 389, MUSEN 410, or MUSEN 411; 12 credits of approved upper-division MUSIC or MUHST electives. Strings (105 credits) 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; plus 15 credits of division-approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; 36 credits of MUSICP applied instruction; MUSIC 380; 3 credits of electives; 2 credits of recitals; and 12 credits of MUSEN ensembles. See undergraduate adviser for more specific information. Voice (119 credits) 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; 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 MUSICP 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 undergraduate adviser for more specific information. Academic OptionsMusic 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 core courses, 3.00 GPA in 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 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; plus 6 credits of 300-level MUHST electives; 36 credits of 400-level MUSIC or MUHST electives; a 3-credit, 400-level course in ethnomusicology; 3 credits of MUSIC 498; 18 credits of MUSICP applied instruction (3 years); 9 credits of MUSEN ensembles; and 24 credits of music electives. MinorMinor Requirements: Minimum 25 credits of music courses (MUSIC, MUHST, MUSEN, MUSAP, or MUSED prefixes). Maximum 10 credits at the 100 level, minimum 15 credits at the 200 level or above including:
Student Outcomes and Opportunities
Of Special Note: Continuation of Major StatusPerformance 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 program chair and the written consent of the Director of the School of Music. Graduate Program
Graduate Adviser 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
Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy
Master of ArtsAdmission Requirements
Degree Requirements45 credits minimum, as follows:
Master of MusicAdmission Requirements
Entrance Auditions: Before acceptance into a performance-based School of Music graduate program, applicants need to pass an entrance audition in their major performance area. Degree RequirementsAll students in the performance degree programs (MM, DMA) are expected to enroll in music applied lessons (MUSICP 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:
Doctor of Music ArtsAdmission Requirements
Entrance Auditions: Before acceptance into a performance-based School of Music graduate program, applicants need to pass an entrance audition in their major performance area. Degree RequirementsAll students in the performance degree programs (MM, DMA) are expected to enroll in music applied lessons (MUSICP 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:
Doctor of PhilosophyAdmission Requirements
Degree RequirementsMinimum 90 credits, to include:
Financial AidA 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 Website (above) for more information about applications and audition dates. Research FacilitiesThe 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. |
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