Music

School Overview

102 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
116 Music, Box 353450
(206) 543-1239
musicadv@uw.edu

The School of Music offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music (plus music history option; voice option; instrumental track; early music option; music theory option)
• The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in composition, piano, string instruments, voice, organ, orchestral instruments, guitar, jazz studies, percussion (with options in orchestral percussion and in contemporary percussion and mallet keyboard), and music education; and an option in music history.
• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in ethnomusicology.
• 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. 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 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 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 Arts

General Requirements

Minimum 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

1. Music (63 credits): Music core, plus 6 credits approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives, 6 credits approved 300- or 400-level MUSAP, MUSEN, MUSIC, or MUHST courses, 10 credits MUSAP vocal or instrumental private applied instruction, 5 credits MUSEN (ensembles)
2. Instrumental Track (69 credits): Music core, plus 6 credits approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives,18 credits MUSAP instrumental private applied instruction, and 9 credits in ensembles
3. Voice Option (75 credits): Music core, plus 6 credits approved upper-level MUSIC or MUHST electives, 18 credits MUSICP vocal private applied instruction, 6 credits vocal diction, and 9 credits in ensembles. Proficiency through the third quarter college level in two languages from French, German, and Italian
4. Early Music Option (66 credits): Music core, plus 15 credits approved 300- and 400-level electives, selected from MUHST 400, MUHST 401, MUHST 406; MUSIC 418, MUSIC 421; MUSEN 369, MUSEN 383, and other approved 300- or 400-level courses. 10 credits MUSICP vocal or instrumental private applied instruction, 5 credits of MUSEN (ensembles). Students are strongly encouraged to take 10 credits in pre-1700 literature, art history, and history courses as part to their VLPA requirement.
5. Music History Option (69 credits): Music core, plus 12 credits approved 400-level MUHST electives; 6 credits approved 300- or 400-level music theory or MUHST courses; 10 credits MUSAP vocal or instrumental private applied instruction; 5 credits MUSEN (ensembles). Students must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for all required MUHST courses.
6. Music Theory Option (63 credits): Music core; MUSIC 470, MUSIC 471, and minimum 6 credits selected from MUSIC 472, MUSIC 485, MUSIC 487, and/or MUSIC 489; 10 credits MUSAP vocal or instrumental private applied instruction; 5 credits MUSEN (ensembles).

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 Requirements

Admission is competitive. Students must have a minimum 3.0 grade in either MUSIC 316 or MUSIC 317, a minimum 2.0 grade in each MUSIC course taken, and a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA to apply. Admission is based on student’s transcripts, musical ability, and statement of purpose, which should explain the student’s interest in ethnomusicology and potential areas of specialization.

Major Requirements

57-73 credits

1. Core courses (39-45 credits): minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in MUSIC 201, MUSIC 202, MUSIC 203, MUSIC 204, MUSIC 205, MUSIC 206, MUSIC 316, MUSIC 317, MUSIC 499 (5 credits), and minimum six quarters of MUSAP 389 (12-18 credits)
2. Ethnomusicology electives (9-15 credits): minimum three 400-level ethnomusicology courses from approved list
3. Sociocultural anthropology elective (3 credits): minimum one sociocultural anthropology course from approved list
4. Interdisciplinary electives (6-10 credits): minimum two interdisciplinary electives from approved list
5. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major

Bachelor of Music

Admission Requirements

All 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 Requirements

A minimum of 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 is required for graduation.

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.

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 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 core (36 credits) 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 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 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.

Major Requirements: Music core (36 credits) 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 core (36 credits) 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 core (36 credits) 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 core (36 credits) 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 (119 credits)

Music core, excluding MUSIC 204, MUSIC 205, MUSIC 206, MUSIC 304, MUSIC 305, and MUSIC 306 (30 credits); MUSICP 337; MUSICP 340; MUSICP 341; MUSIC 379; MUSIC 479; 12 credits of MUSAP 443; 12 credits of MUSEN 304; minimum 18 credits from MUSICP 437, MUSICP 440, MUSICP 441, or MUSICP 442; minimum 6 credits from MUSEN 300, MUSEN 301, or MUSEN 302; minimum 3 credits from MUSEN 384, MUSEN 410, or MUSEN 411; 12 credits of approved upper-division MUSIC or MUHST electives; minimum 15 credits from one of the following options:

1. Orchestral Percussion: 3 additional credits of MUSICP 337; 6 additional credits of MUSICP 340; 6 additional credits of MUSEN 300, MUSEN 301, or MUSEN 302.
2. Contemporary Percussion and Mallet Keyboard: 3 credits of MUSICP 342; 6 additional credits of MUSICP 341; 6 additional credits of MUSEN 384, MUSEN 410, or MUSEN 411.

Strings (105 credits)

Music core (36 credits) 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 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.

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

Minor 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:

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 non-majors 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 (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). 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@uw.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@uw.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 program chair and the written consent of the Director of the School of Music.

Graduate Program

Graduate Adviser
116 Music, Box 353450
206-543-2726
musicadv@uw.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
• Jazz studies and improvised music
• Opera production
• Performance piano, organ, harpsichord, voice, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, harp

Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy

• 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 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 is 90.

Degree Requirements

45 credits minimum, as follows:

1. 45 credits as specified for the student's particular degree program; of these, 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, as required by the degree program
4. All work for the 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. Minimum GPA of 3.00 or B average in the most recent two years of study.
3. (Only if applying to Composition): Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), unless the applicant holds an earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
4. International Applicants
• 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 is 90.

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 Requirements

All 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:

1. Minimum 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. Oral master's examination
3. All work for the degree completed within six years, to include applicable work transferred from other institutions (max. 6 credits transferable) and time spent on leave.

Doctor of Music Arts

Admission Requirements

1. Generally a master’s degree or equivalent in the same field of music or music performance from an accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
2. Minimum GPA of 3.00 or B average in the most recent two years of study.
3. (Only if applying to Composition): 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 score is 100.

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 Requirements

All 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:

1. Minimum 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 specified
4. General examination for admission to candidacy consisting of written and oral examinations.
5. Dissertation which is a significant contribution to knowledge in a specific field and which 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 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. Generally a master’s degree or equivalent in the same field of music or music performance from an accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
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), (except for Ethnomusicology), unless the applicant holds an earned doctorate from an accredited institution
4. International Applicants
• 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 score is 100.

Degree Requirements

Minimum 90 credits, to include:

1. Minimum 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 specified for the particular degree
4. General examination for admission to candidacy consisting of written and oral examinations. Dissertation which is a significant contribution to knowledge in a specific field and which clearly indicates training and research
5. Final examination devoted to the dissertation in the field with which it is concerned
6. All work for the degree completed within ten years. Applicable work from the master's degree and work transferred from 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 Website (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.