Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

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

  • The student will be able to identify and analyze the basic elements of music both visually and aurally including analyzing musical compositions focusing on theoretical and historical aspects. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to identify, explain and appreciate music of different historical periods, cultures, and composers. (UO: 1,2,6,9)
  • The student will be able to use critical thinking skills and communicate effectively in oral, written, and electronic mode. (UO: 1,2,6)
  • The student will be able to harmonize, transpose, compose, arrange, and orchestrate music utilizing concepts of the basic elements of music as well as instrumental and vocal characteristics. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to demonstrate basic conducting patterns, techniques, expressions, and rehearsal techniques with vocal and instrumental ensembles. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to understand and appreciate the creative process of the arts by exploring creative ways to express feelings, perform music, and select resources and procedures for instruction/therapy with their students/clients. (UO: 2,6,7,8,9)
  • The student will be able to play scales, accompaniments, song repertoire, songs by ear, and transpose melodies with harmonization on the guitar. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to explain and identify jazz concepts and styles and perform clinical instrumental improvisation techniques. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to perform as a member of a musical ensemble demonstrating proper techniques of ensemble performance such as balance and blend, as well as musical and social interaction, and cooperation to achieve shared goals. (UO: 1,2,5,6,7,8,9)
  • The student will be able to play scales, repertoire, hymns, music therapy literature, accompaniments, songs by ear, and transposed melodies with harmonization on the piano. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to sing or play his/her primary instrument with appropriate techniques of posture, breathing, tone production, articulation/bowing, diction, intonation, expression, and style. (UO: 2,5,6)
  • The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of instrumental/vocal repertoire by performing music of different styles, periods, and composers. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will perform in a student recital or performance class every semester. (UO: 1,2,5,6,7)
  • The student will be able to identify instrumental/vocal strengths and weaknesses. (UO: 1,2,5,6)
  • The student will be able to use technology in composition, performance, analysis, teaching and research. (UO: 2,6,10)

Related Links

Music, BA Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock 2 Studies Requirements42
Modern Language Requirement0-9
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major Requirements42
Electives36

* 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

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Sciences Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours42
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.

Complete 0-9 credits0-9
Total Hours0-9

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.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

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
Required Music Courses
MUSI 151Music Theory and Musicking I 1,22
MUSI 154Musicianship Skills I 1,21
MUSI 203Musician's Health (non-voice majors) 1,21
MUSI 206Fundamentals of Conducting 11
MUSI 253Music Theory and Analysis II 1,22
MUSI 254Music Theory and Analysis III 1,22
MUSI 255Music Theory and Analysis IV 1,22
MUSI 256Musicianship Skills II 1,21
MUSI 257Musicianship Skills III 1,21
MUSI 258Musicianship Skills IV 1,21
Select one of the following:2
Computer Technology in Music 1
Arranging & Orchestration 1
MUSI 359History of Music I 13
MUSI 373History of Music II 13
MUSI 473History of Popular Musics 13
Subtotal25
Major Applied
Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study. Four semesters must be at the 300+ level. Students must earn a “C” or better to move on to the next level.
Select two credits of the following:2
Applied Music 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 two credits of the following:2
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 two credits of the following:2
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 one credit of the following:1
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
Subtotal7
Ensemble Courses
Four 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 7 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
Subtotal7
Music Electives
Non-Voice Majors3
MUSI 3XX/4XX
Any MUS 300/400 Level course
Voice Majors
MUSI 3xx/4xx
Any 300/400 Level Music course
Subtotal3
Required Music Electives - Voice Majors Only
Diction for Singers 1
Diction for Singers II 1
Subtotal0
Total Hours42
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

MUSI 131Class Piano I 11
MUSI 132Class Piano II 11
MUSI 234Class Piano III 11
MUSI 235Class Piano IV 11
MUSI 179-479Applied Piano 11-4
MUSI 301Women and Music3
MUSI 360Keyboard Improvisation1
or MUSI 361 Instrumental Improvisation
MUSI 499Applied Recital1
MUSI 300/400 levelAditional 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:

  1. International study programs (short-term, semester)
  2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  3. Student-faculty research
  4. Student leadership development
  5. Career education and development
  6. Internships
  7. Field Experiences
  8. Student Teaching
  9. 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)
This program is effective as of Spring 2023
Revised 07.08.2024
UCC 11.29.2022

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
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 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 2 3
 Hours16
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
 Hours16
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
 Hours14
Spring
Major Applied – 200 level 1
Assigned Ensemble – 200 Level 1
MUSI 255 Music Theory and Analysis IV (S) 2
MUSI 258 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
 Hours12
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
 Hours14-16
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
 Hours14-16
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
 Hours13
Spring
Major Applied – 400 level 1
Assigned Ensemble – 400 level 1
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Free Electives 6
Integrated Inquiry/Thread 3
 Hours14
 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 is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 5 53
Revised: 05.15.2023