Music, B.A.

Music Division

Professor Stuart Benkert, Interim Chair

The Music Division seeks to cultivate a passion for musical excellence by providing the highest quality education. The department serves the entire University community by offering General Education music courses, opportunities for group musical performance, individual lessons, and beginning classes in piano, voice and guitar, as well as minors in Music. The Bachelor of Music degree is designed to prepare students for the professional life of a musician. Graduates of the program will be able to: 1) effectively read musical scores and detect errors in performance; 2) analyze and identify key elements in musical scores and performances; 3) present a stylistically appropriate performance from standard musical literature.

The requirements for entrance to and graduation from the Music Division are in accordance with the published regulations of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Tennessee regulations for certification of teachers.

The Music Division offers the following two degree programs at the undergraduate level: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in Music, the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), with a major in Music. The B.M. degree provides five concentrations: instrumental performance; vocal performance; composition; instrumental music education; vocal music education.

The B.A. degree is offered for students who desire a strong liberal arts background with a major in music. Approximately one third of the four-year B.A. program is in music, and numerous elective hours outside the department permit study in other academic areas.

The B.M. degree is a more concentrated course of study in the major area. Approximately two thirds of the four-year program is in music. The B.M. degree in music education is appropriate for students who plan to teach music in elementary, middle, or high schools. It combines general education with music content and teaching methodology in a highly structured course of study. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded teaching certification upon graduation. All music degree programs represent appropriate preparation for graduate study.

General Education

(see Certified General Education Courses for list of approved courses)

Rhetoric and Writing: (6 hours)

Two approved courses in rhetoric and writing

Fine Arts and Humanities: (12 hours)

Complete one approved course in each subcatetory

Historical Understanding (3 hours)

Literature (3 hours)

Thought, Values and Beliefs (3 hours)

Visual and Performing Arts (3 hours)

Natural Sciences: (7-8 hours)

Two approved natural science courses, at least one including a laboratory component

Behavioral and Social Sciences: (6 hours)

Two approved behavioral or social science courses in two different discipline

Mathematics: (3 hours)

One approved mathematics course

Statistics: (3 hours)

One approved course in statistics

Non-Western Culture: (3 hours)

MUS 3110 - Musics of the World *

Foreign Language

Complete two years in one foreign language or equivalent through placement.

Minor Requirement

Completion of a minor with a minimum 2.0 grade point average.

Program Requirements

Musicianship (10 hours)

Applied Music and Ensemble (8 hours)

Applied study or ensemble participation required each semester of residence
Minimum 2 hours 1000-level applied voice or instrument study
Minimum 2 hours ensemble participation

Music Literature (6 hours)

Choose two courses from:

Music Electives (9 hours)

Music courses not applied to other program areas may be used as music electives.

Personal and Social Responsibility (15 hours)

Additional Information and Notes

2.0 GPA in all required major and related courses (including specified General Education courses).

Seminar is required each semester of residence. A minimum of 8 semesters with a grade of “satisfactory” is required.

Minimum of 39 hours of 3000 and 4000 level courses.

Electives to complete a minimum of 120 hours.

See Degree and Graduation Requirements for additional requirements.

*Also satisfies requirement in the major.

#Also satisfies general education requirement.

ClearPath for Advising

The ClearPath for Advising guides provide students with an opportunity to see program requirements defined in a semester-by-semester format. The ClearPath for Advising guides also provide students with important tips, pointers, and suggestions for staying on track with progress toward the degree. Your ClearPath is available through the Center for Advisement website at https://www.utc.edu/advisement/advising-resources/clear-paths-for-advising/