Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Music Performance, Bachelor of Music (BM)

The Bachelor of Music in Music Performance prepares students to develop the highest level of performing skills. For more information on the BM in Music Performance, please contact Dr. Jason Kush.

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: 2,6,9)
  • The student will be able to use critical thinking skills and communicate effectively in oral, written, and electronic mode. (UO: 1,2,10)
  • 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: 1,2,6)
  • 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: 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: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of instrumental/vocal repertoire by performing music of different styles, periods, and composers. (UO: 1,2,6)
  • 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 Performance, BM Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

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

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Modern Language Proficiency (Voice Majors Only)0-6
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major Requirements81

* 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 one of the following:3
MUSI 114-414
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUSI 115-415
Concert Choir
MUSI 116-416
University Choir
MUSI 118-418
Marching Pride
MUSI 119-419
Concert Band
MUSI 121-421
Symphony Orchestra
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.

Modern Language Proficiency: Voice Majors Only

Language proficiency at the 102 class level is required in French, German or Italian. Exemption by placement or examination is possible

Complete 0-6 credits0-6
Total Hours0-6

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

  • 39 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 39 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Music Courses
Students must earn a ‘C’ or better in each semester of Musicianship Skills and Music Theory
MUSI 151Music Theory and Musicking I 1,22
MUSI 154Musicianship Skills I 1,21
MUSI 203Musician's Health1
MUSI 204Art and Science of Performing1
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
MUSI 350Computer Technology in Music 12
MUSI 351Arranging & Orchestration 12
MUSI 359History of Music I 13
Select one of the following:1
Keyboard Improvisation 1
Instrumental Improvisation 1
MUSI 373History of Music II 13
MUSI 406Advanced Conducting2
MUSI 431Pedagogy 11
MUSI 473History of Popular Musics 13
Subtotal32
Major Applied - Must all be in same instrument.
Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study.
Select Four semesters at the 300+ level or higher (required):24
MUSI 165-465
Applied Performance Voice 1,2
MUSI 166-466
Applied Performance Piano 1,2
MUSI 167-467
Applied Performance Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 1,2
MUSI 168-468
Applied Performance Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon) 1,2
MUSI 169-469
Applied Performance Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba) 1,2
MUSI 170-470
Applied Performance Percussion 1,2
Subtotal24
Minor Applied Courses
Select one of the following based on instrument:4
Instrumental and Voice Majors Only
Class Piano can be counted toward the minor applied. Students must earn a ‘C’ or better each semester to move on to the next level.
Select one of the following:
Class Piano I
and Class Piano II
and Class Piano III
and Class Piano IV 1,2
MUSI 179-479
Applied Piano 1,2
Piano Majors Only
Class Piano cannot be counted toward the minor applied. Piano majors must select another instrument. Students must earn a ‘C’ or better each semester to move on to the next level.
Select four credits:
MUSI 181-481
Applied Voice 2
MUSI 182-482
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2
MUSI 183-483
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
MUSI 184-484
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
MUSI 185-485
Applied Percussion 2
Subtotal4
Ensemble Participation
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 8 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
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
Subtotal8
Music Electives
Voice Majors must take the following two courses in addition to 8 credits from the electives listed below:
Required Music Electives - Voice Majors Only
Diction for Singers
Diction for Singers II
All performance majors select twelve credits, Voice majors select eight credits; six credits must be at the 300 level or higher:12
MUSI 109-409
Jazz Combo 1
MUSI 113-413
Saxophone Quartet 1
MUSI 114-414
Wind Ensemble 1
MUSI 115-415
Concert Choir 1
MUSI 117-417
Chamber Singers 1
MUSI 118-418
Marching Pride 1
MUSI 119-419
Concert Band 1
MUSI 121-421
Orchestra 1
MUSI 122-422
Chamber Strings 1
MUSI 123-423
Brass Ensemble 1
MUSI 126-426
Flute Choir 1
Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass Methods 1
Class Voice I (Instrumental majors only) 1
Voice Methods 1
Functional Guitar for Music Therapy I 1
Functional Guitar for Music Therapy II 1
Low Brass Methods 1
MUSI 179-479
Applied Piano 1,2
MUSI 181-481
Applied Voice 1
MUSI 182-482
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 1
MUSI 183-483
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba) 1
MUSI 184-484
Applied Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon) 1
MUSI 185-485
Applied Percussion 1
Clarinet and Saxophone Methods 1
Opera Performance 1
Opera Performance
Chamber Music Performance 1
Percussion Methods 1
Women and Music 1
Orchestral String Methods 1
Keyboard Improvisation 1
Instrumental Improvisation
Flute, Oboe, & Bassoon Methods 1
High Brass Methods 1
Subtotal12
Applied Recital
MUSI 499Applied Recital 11
Total Hours81
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

2

Grade of “C” or better required.

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific 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.

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 PERFORMANCE - BM (5253)
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 3
Minor Applied (Class Piano I) 1
Assigned Ensemble (major instrument) –100 level (Arts Inq. I) 1
MUSI 151 Music Theory and Musicking I 2
MUSI 154 Musicianship Skills I 1
MUSI 204 Art and Science of Performing 1
Integrated Inquiry/Thread (voice majors take foreign language) 2,3 3
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 4 3
Voice Majors - Select the following course: 1-2
Diction for Singers (voice majors only) 1
 Hours16-17
Spring
Major Applied –100 level 3
Minor Applied (Class Piano II) 1
Assigned Ensemble –100 level (Arts Inquiry 2) 1
MUSI 253 Music Theory and Analysis II 2
MUSI 256 Musicianship Skills II 1
Music Electives (voice majors take MUSI 399) 1-2
Integrated Inquiry/Thread (voice majors take foreign language) 2,3 3
MUSI 203 Musician's Health (piano and non-string inst. Majors) 1
MATH 117 Quantitative Reasoning 3
 Hours16-17
Second Year
Fall
Major Applied –200 level 3
Minor Applied (Class Piano III) 1
Assigned Ensemble –200 level (Arts Inquiry 3) 1
MUSI 206 Fundamentals of Conducting 1
MUSI 212 Fundamentals of Conducting Lab 1
MUSI 254 Music Theory and Analysis III 2
MUSI 257 Musicianship Skills III 1
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
Integrated Inquiry/Thread 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 6
 Hours16
Spring
Major Applied –200 level 3
Minor Applied (Class Piano IV) 1
Assigned Ensemble –200 Level 1
MUSI 255 Music Theory and Analysis IV 2
MUSI 258 Musicianship Skills IV 1
MUSI 406 Advanced Conducting (w/Lab) 2
Music Electives 2
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Advanced Standing Review scheduled at the completion of 60 credits
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
Major Applied –300 level 3
Assigned Ensemble –300 level 1
MUSI 359 History of Music I 3
Music Electives 5 2
MUSI 350 Computer Technology in Music 2
Select one of the folllowing: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Integrated Inquiry/Thread 3
 Hours17
Spring
Major Applied –300 level 3
Assigned Ensemble –300 level 1
MUSI 351 Arranging & Orchestration 2
Select one of the following this semester or fall semester: 1
Instrumental Improvisation 3
Keyboard Improvisation 3
MUSI 373 History of Music II 3
Music Electives 2
Thread 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Major Applied –400 level 3
Assigned Ensemble –400 level 1
MUSI 473 History of Popular Musics 3
MUSI 431 Pedagogy 1
Music Electives 5 2
Thread 3
 Hours13
Spring
Major Applied –400 level 3
Assigned Ensemble –400 level 1
Applied Recital 1
Music Electives 5 2
Thread 6
 Hours13
 Total Hours**121-123
1

Voice majors must take Diction I and II. 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

Voice majors must pass the 102 level of Italian, French or German;

3

BM majors have a choice of Keyboard Improvisation or Instrumental Improvisation.

4

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

5

See BM Progress Sheet for additional information on 300+ level requirement

6

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

** 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: 5253
Revised: 05.15.2023