Music, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts in Music program at Slippery Rock University provides a general, highly customizable music education that will prepare students for a variety of careers within the music industry. For more information about the BA in Music, please contact Dr. Glenn Utsch.
For information regarding auditions for the Music Department, please click here.
Program Learning Outcomes
- PO1: Musical Analysis and Interpretation: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret the structural, theoretical, and historical elements of music both visually and aurally. (UO#2, UO#6)
- PO2: Performance Proficiency: Students will perform on their primary instrument or voice type with technical mastery, artistic expression, and stylistic awareness across various genres and historical periods. (UO#5, UO#6)
- PO3: Collaborative Musicianship: Students will collaborate effectively in musical ensembles and other group settings, demonstrating leadership, cooperation, and ensemble techniques to achieve shared creative goals. (UO#5, UO#7)
- PO4: Creative Musicianship: Students will utilize creativity in composition, arrangement, improvisation, and performance, applying these skills in interdisciplinary and professional contexts such as performance, instruction, music business, or production. (UO#6, UO#5)
- PO5: Cultural and Historical Literacy: Students will explore and appreciate music from different historical periods, cultures, and composers, recognizing the influence of social, cultural, and historical factors on music. (UO#6, UO#9)
- PO6: Technological Proficiency: Students will utilize digital tools and platforms to enhance music performance, composition, analysis, and instruction, demonstrating adaptability in using technology in diverse professional settings. (UO#2, UO#6, UO#10)
- PO7: Communication and Critical Thinking: Students will communicate ideas effectively in oral, written, and digital formats, and apply critical thinking in the analysis and discussion of music and its interdisciplinary connections. (UO#1, UO#2)
Related Links
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock 2 Studies Requirements | 42 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 0-9 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 42 | |
| Electives | 36 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
BA Modern Language Requirement
BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 0-9 credits | 0-9 | |
| Total Hours | 0-9 | |
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Major Requirements
- 21 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 21 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Music Courses | ||
| MUSI 151 | Music Theory and Musicking I 1,2 | 2 |
| MUSI 154 | Musicianship Skills I 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 203 | Musician's Health 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 206 | Fundamentals of Conducting 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 253 | Music Theory and Analysis II 1,2 | 2 |
| MUSI 254 | Music Theory and Analysis III 1,2 | 2 |
| MUSI 256 | Musicianship Skills II 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 257 | Musicianship Skills III 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 355 | Music Theory and Analysis IV 1,2 | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| History of Music I 1 | ||
| History of Music II 1 | ||
| MUSI 435 | Music Entrepreneurship 1,2 | 1 |
| MUSI 473 | History of Popular Musics 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 20 | |
| Major Applied | ||
| Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study. Two semesters must be at the 300+ level. Students must earn a “C” or better to move on to the next level. | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Applied Piano 1 | ||
| Applied Voice 1 | ||
| Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 1 | ||
| Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 1 | ||
| Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 1 | ||
| Applied Percussion 1 | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following | 6 | |
| Applied Piano 1 | ||
| Applied Voice 1 | ||
| Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 1 | ||
| Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 1 | ||
| Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 1 | ||
| Applied Percussion 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| Two semesters must be at the 300+ level. The student must earn a “C” or better in each semester to satisfy the requirement. Students must play in one ensemble every semester up to 6 semesters. See Ensemble Policy below. | ||
| Ensembles | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Chamber Music Performance | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Combo | ||
| Saxophone Quartet | ||
| Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Marching Pride | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber String Ensemble | ||
| Brass Ensemble | ||
| Woodwind Ensemble | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Flute Choir | ||
| Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble | ||
| Jazz Lab Band | ||
| World Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Music Electives | 4 | |
MUSI 3xx/4xx | Any 300/400 Level Music course | |
Required Music Electives - Voice Majors Only | ||
| Diction for Singers 1 | ||
| Diction for Singers II 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
Grade of “C” or better must be earned in this course.
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Recommended Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSI 131 | Class Piano I 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 132 | Class Piano II 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 234 | Class Piano III 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 235 | Class Piano IV 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 179-479 | Applied Piano 1 | 1-4 |
| MUSI 301 | Women and Music | 3 |
| MUSI 360 | Keyboard Improvisation | 1 |
| or MUSI 361 | Instrumental Improvisation | |
| MUSI 499 | Applied Recital | 1 |
| MUSI 300/400 level | Aditional Applied Minor | 1-4 |
- 1
Grade of “C” or better must be earned in this course.
Ensemble Policy
While students are encouraged to participate in a variety of ensemble experiences, students must participate in at least one ensemble on their primary instrument every semester in which they are enrolled at SRU and taking applied lessons.
Students are required to complete an ensemble placement audition each semester after which ensemble directors, in consultation with applied teachers and advisors, will assign semester ensemble placements. Only once all ensembles have been staffed and no other opportunities exist for a specific primary instrument will participation on a secondary instrument be counted toward this requirement.
In addition, music education students whose primary instrument is voice must play an instrument in an instrumental ensemble for at least one semester and music education students whose primary instrument is anything other than voice must sing in a vocal ensemble for at least one semester.
Completed Requirement Checklist
Requirement Description
- Musicianship Health Competency: Can be satisfied by passing the eight Musicianship Health Competency quizzes with scores of 70% or higher OR by earning a C or better in MUSI 203, Musician’s Health.
Co-curricular and Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International study programs (short-term, semester)
- High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
- Student-faculty research
- Student leadership development
- Career education and development
- Internships
- Field Experiences
- Student Teaching
- Volunteering (schools, health care facilities, churches, communities)
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
MUSIC - BA (5 53)/CIM 311
This program is effective as of Summer 2025
Revised 07.07.2025
UCC 11.29.2022
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| Major Applied – 100 level | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble – 100 level (Arts Inquiry 1) | 1 | |
| MUSI 151 | Music Theory and Musicking I (F) | 2 |
| MUSI 154 | Musicianship Skills I (F) | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
Music Elective |
||
| Diction for Singers (voice majors only) (F) 1 | ||
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread | 3 | |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major Applied – 100 level | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble – 100 level (Arts Inquiry 2) | 1 | |
| MUSI 203 | Musician's Health | 1 |
| MUSI 253 | Music Theory and Analysis II (S) | 2 |
| MUSI 256 | Musicianship Skills II (S) | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
Music Elective |
||
| Diction for Singers II (voice majors only)(S) 1 | ||
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major Applied – 200 level | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble – 200 level (Arts Inquiry 3) | 1 | |
| MUSI 254 | Music Theory and Analysis III (F) | 2 |
| MUSI 257 | Musicianship Skills III (F) | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 3 | |
| Foreign Language (101)/Free Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread | ||
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major Applied – 200 level | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble – 200 Level | 1 | |
| MUSI 355 | Music Theory and Analysis IV (S) | 2 |
| MUSI 378 | Musicianship Skills IV (S) | 1 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| Foreign Language (102)/ Free Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 1 | |
| Advanced Standing Review scheduled at the completion of 60 credits | ||
| Hours | 12 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major Applied – 300 level | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble – 300 level | 1 | |
| MUSI 359 | History of Music I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 0-2 | |
| Computer Technology in Music (F) 4 | ||
| Arranging & Orchestration (S) | ||
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 3 | |
| Foreign Language (103)/Free Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 14-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major Applied – 300 level | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble – 300 level | 1 | |
| MUSI 373 | History of Music II | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 0-2 | |
| Computer Technology in Music (F) 4 | ||
| Arranging & Orchestration (S) | ||
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 3 | |
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 14-16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major Applied – 400 level | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble – 400 level | 1 | |
| MUSI 206 | Fundamentals of Conducting | 1 |
| MUSI 431 | Pedagogy | 1 |
| MUSI 473 | History of Popular Musics | 3 |
| Music Electives | 3 | |
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major Applied – 400 level | 1 | |
| Assigned Ensemble – 400 level | 1 | |
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Integrated Inquiry/Thread | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours** | 113-117 | |
- 1
All voice majors must take Diction for Singers I (MUSI 299) and II (MUSI 399). These classes will be offered on a rotational basis. If you begin your program in an even year you will take these classes in your freshmen year. If you begin your program in an odd year you will take them in your sophomore year.
- 2
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject
- 3
All candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree must demonstrate competency in a modern language at the 103 level through course work or placement tests.
- 4
Student will take either Computer Technology in Music or Arranging/Orchestration.
- 5
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
**This document serves as a guide. Earning a degree requires at least 120 credits, though some majors require more. Before registering for courses, consult your academic adviser and review your curriculum guide. Be sure to review and confirm your plan with your adviser at least once each academic year.
Major Code: 5 53
Revised: 07.07.2025