Department of Music

[1] Mission

The human spirit is enlightened and elevated through the creation, presentation and transmission of our common musical culture. To this goal, and in consonance with the mission of the University and of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, the Department of Music prepares tomorrow’s performers, music teachers, entrepreneurs and professionals in and through the discipline of music, and brings performances of national prominence to Arkansas and the region. The Department of Music also provides music education experiences for children and adults through the Community School of Music, opportunities for university students from all disciplines to enrich their own general education by taking courses in music and performing in ensembles, and service and outreach to Arkansas public schools.

[2] Honors in Music

[Jump to Recognition of Academic Achievement for general information about Honors in the Majors.]

The Honors in Music program provides outstanding music students the opportunity to do additional creative projects and research. To be eligible for admission, a student must have a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.0 GPA in music courses. This program will include successful completion of MUS 4310 Special Studies in Music. Students who are interested should petition to participate by writing a letter to the departmental Honors Committee (1) stating that he/she meets the GPA qualifications for the honors program; (2) describing the proposed project (research, composition, lecture/recital, etc.); and (3) listing proposed committee members for his/her project. Students should discuss projects with their proposed committee members prior to writing their petition and secure the commitment of one faculty member to serve as chair of the committee and supervise the project. The department Honors Committee will review the petition and inform the student of approval.

[3] Baccalaureate Degrees

[3.1] Bachelor of Music

[3.1.1] Music Education

The BM degree with a concentration in music education requires successful completion of 122-123 semester credit hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 credit hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the UCA Core requirements) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses; (2) degree/licensure requirements in the College of Education; (3) degree requirements in music as listed below; and (4) ensemble experiences as required. Keyboard majors must pursue a choral or an instrumental degree track. A minor is not required.

[3.1.1.1] Major in Music Education

Music Core courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core requirements in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, and Communication. MSIT 3310 will satisfy the upper-division Responsible Living requirement. MUS 1340 should be selected within the lower-division Core because it fulfills a UCA Core requirement and a program requirement. BM in Education students will be taking MUS 4690 and 4691, Internship II, as the required UCA Core capstone.

Applied Music (12-14 credit hours):

Major applied: 10 credit hours (instrumental) or 12 credit hours (vocal)

Recital or Project: 1 credit hour
MUS 4102 Senior Recital
or
MUS 4108 Senior Project

Minor applied: 2 credit hours
MUS 2133 Piano Class III
MUS 2134 Piano Class IV or other applied if piano proficiency is passed

Ensemble Credit (7-8 credit hours):
Students must participate in a large ensemble for a minimum of 7-8 semesters; seven credits or semesters if the student completes Int. II during the 8th semester. Beginning in the 3rd year of study, students should register in 4000-level large ensembles. See specific requirements below.

Theory (18 credit hours):

Required Courses: 16 hours
MUS 1230 Harmony I
MUS 1231 Ear Training I
MUS 1232 Harmony II
MUS 1233 Ear Training II
MUS 2430 Theory III
MUS 2431 Theory IV

Choose One (2-3 hours):
MUS 2233 Composition
MUS 3210 Counterpoint
MUS 3230 Form and Analysis
MUS 4210 Instrumental Arranging
MUS 4215 Choral Arranging
MUS 4311 Introduction to Linear Analysis [ UD UCA Core: I ]

History and Literature (9 credit hours):

MUS 1340 Introduction to Music Literature
MUS 3302 Music History I [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]
MUS 3303 Music History II [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]

Pedagogy (9-11 credit hours):

Vocal majors:
MUS 1141 Diction I
MUS 1142 Diction II
MUS 3201 Instrumental and Choral Conducting
MUS 3305 Elementary Methods of Music Education
MUS 3306 Secondary Choral Methods in Music Education
MUS 4160 Vocal Pedagogy

Keyboard majors/vocal track:
MUS 2150 String Class
MUS 3201 Instrumental and Choral Conducting
MUS 3305 Elementary Methods of Music Education
MUS 3306 Secondary Choral Methods in Music Education
MUS 4202 Piano Pedagogy

Instrumental majors:
MUS 2150 String Class
MUS 2170/2171 Brass I and/or Brass II
MUS 2180/2181 Woodwinds I and/or Woodwinds II
MUS 2199 Percussion Class
MUS 3201 Instrumental and Choral Conducting
MUS 3305 Elementary Methods of Music Education
MUS 3304 or 3308 Secondary Instrumental Methods in Music Education or Orchestral Methods and Materials

Instrumental majors must have 1 credit hour of string class, 1-2 credit hours of brass class, and 1-2 credit hours of woodwind class. Brass majors will take 2 hours of woodwinds. Woodwind majors must have 2 credit hours of brasses. Percussion majors will take 2 credit hours of woodwinds and 2 credit hours of brasses.

Technology (2 credit hours):

MUS 2211 Integration of Music Technology into Teaching and Learning

Internships (13 credit hours):

MUS 4340 Internship I [ UD UCA Core: I, C ]
MUS 4690 Internship II [ UD UCA Core: Z ]
MUS 4691 Internship II [ UD UCA Core: Z ]

Professional Education (12 credit hours):

EDUC 1300 Education as a Profession (for music majors)
MUS 2311 Musical Development and Learning
MSIT 4305 Classroom and Behavior Management
EDUC 3322 Diverse Learners in Inclusive Settings

[3.1.2] Performance

The degree of Bachelor of Music with a concentration in performance requires successful completion of 120 credit hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 credit hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the UCA Core requirements) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses in Music except for Responsible Living; (2) degree requirements as listed below; and (3) ensemble experience as required. A minor is not required.

[3.1.2.1] Major in Performance

Music Core courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core requirements in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, and Communication. MUS 1340 should be selected within the lower-division Core because it fulfills a UCA Core requirement and a program requirement. BM in Performance students will be taking MUS 4102, Senior Recital, as the required UCA Core capstone.

Applied Music (26 credit hours):

Major applied: 23 credit hours

Minor applied: 2 credit hours
MUS 2133 Piano Class III
MUS 2134 Piano Class IV or other applied if piano proficiency is passed

Recital: 1 credit hour
MUS 4102 Senior Recital [ UD UCA Core: Z ]

Ensemble Credit (8 credit hours)
Students must participate in a large ensemble for a minimum of 8 semesters. Beginning in the 3rd year of study, students should register in 4000-level large ensembles. See specific requirements below, in § 7.2.

Theory (24 credit hours):
Any two of the upper-division theory classes satisfy the UCA Core requirement in Critical Inquiry.

Required Courses: 22 credit hours
MUS 1230 Harmony I
MUS 1231 Ear Training I
MUS 1232 Harmony II
MUS 1233 Ear Training II
MUS 2430 Theory III
MUS 2431 Theory IV
MUS 3210 Counterpoint [ UD UCA Core: I ]
MUS 3230 Form and Analysis [ UD UCA Core: C ]
MUS 2233 Composition

Choose One: 2 credit hours
MUS 4210 Instrumental Arranging or
MUS 4215 Choral Arranging

History and Literature (9-11 credit hours):

Required Courses: 9 credit hours
MUS 1340 Introduction to Music Literature
MUS 3302 Music History I [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]
MUS 3303 Music History II [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]

Choose one: 2 credit hours (0 credit hours for instrumental majors)
Keyboard majors: MUS 4203 Piano Literature or
Vocal majors: MUS 4205 Vocal Literature

Pedagogy (4-5 credit hours)

Required Course: 2 credit hours
MUS 3201 Choral and Instrumental Conducting

Instrumental majors:
MUS 4204 Instrumental Pedagogy only or

Vocal majors:
MUS 1141 Diction I
MUS 1142 Diction II
MUS 4160 Vocal Pedagogy

Vocal majors under the BM Performance program must have one year of a foreign language, either FREN 1310 and 1320 or GERM 1310 and 1320.

Electives: Vocal emphasis: 5 credit hours; instrumental emphasis: 14 credit hours; keyboard emphasis: 12 credit hours. (Electives may be music courses or courses from other disciplines. Students should consider the university graduation requirement of 40 hours of upper-division credit for graduation when choosing electives.)

[3.1.3] Composition

The degree of Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Composition requires successful completion of 120 credit hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 credit hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the UCA Core requirements) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated Music courses except for the Responsible Living requirement; (2) degree requirements as listed below. A minor is not required.

Students interested in pursuing the concentration in Composition should notify the Composition faculty during the first semester of the freshman year, take MUS 2233 Composition Class in the spring of the freshman year, and submit an audition portfolio of two or three pieces for different media at the end of the freshman year. Successful completion of MUS 2233, 1232, and 1233 with a grade of A or B and a satisfactory audition are required for admission to the program. Students who have significant composition experience prior to entering UCA as freshmen may submit a portfolio of 2-3 compositions to the Composition Area Head when applying for admission to the music program or during the summer before their freshman year.

[3.1.3.1] Major in Composition

Music Core courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core requirements in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, and Communication. MUS 1340 should be selected within the lower-division Core because it fulfills a UCA Core requirements and a program requirement. BM in Composition students will be taking MUS 4102, Senior Recital, as the required UCA Core capstone.

Applied Music (31 credit hours):

Composition applied: 20 credit hours
MUSA 2260, MUSA 2260, MUSA 4460, MUSA 4460, MUSA 4460, MUSA 4460

Instrumental vocal or keyboard applied: 8 credit hours

Minor applied: 2 credit hours
MUS 2133 Piano Class III
MUS 2134 Piano Class IV or other applied if piano proficiency is passed.

Recital: 1 credit hour
MUS 4102 Senior Recital [ UD UCA Core: Z ]

Ensemble Credit 6 credit hours:
Students must participate in a large ensemble for a minimum of 6 semesters. After the third semester of ensemble participation, students should register in 4000-level large ensembles. See specific requirements below in § 7.2.

Theory (26 credit hours):

Any two of the upper-division theory classes satisfy the UCA Core requirement in Critical Inquiry.
MUS 1230 Harmony I
MUS 1231 Ear Training I
MUS 1232 Harmony II
MUS 1233 Ear Training II
MUS 2233 Composition Class
MUS 2430 Theory III
MUS 2431 Theory IV
MUS 3210 Counterpoint
MUS 3230 Form and Analysis
MUS 4210 Instrumental Arranging
MUS 4215 Choral Arranging

Pedagogy (2 credit hours):

MUS 3201 Instrumental and Choral Conducting

Technology (2 credit hours):

MUS 2210 Music Technology

History and Literature (9 credit hours):

MUS 1340 Introduction to Music Literature
MUS 3302 Music History I [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]
MUS 3303 Music History II [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]

Electives (9 credit hours)

Students interested in pursuing the concentration in Composition should notify the Composition faculty during the first semester of the freshman year, take MUS 2233 Composition Class in the spring of the freshman year, and submit an audition portfolio of two or three pieces for different media at the end of the freshman year. Successful completion of MUS 2233 with a grade of A or B, and a satisfactory audition are required for admission to the program.

[3.2] Bachelor of Arts

The degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music requires the completion of 120 credit hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 credit hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the UCA Core requirements) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated major, minor, or elective courses; note that the upper-division Responsible Living requirement must be taken from minor or elective courses; (2) BA special degree requirements; (3) major requirements as listed below; (4) ensemble experience as required; and (5) a minor in another field of up to 18 credit hours as worked out with the minor advisor. Degree hours may be more than 120 depending upon the minor selected.

[3.2.1] Major in Music

Music Core courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core requirements in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, and Communication. MUS 1340 should be selected within the lower-division Core because it fulfills a UCA Core requirement and a program requirement. BA in Music students will be taking MUS 4102, Senior Recital, or MUS 4108, Senior Project, as the required UCA Core capstone.

Applied Music (11 credit hours):

Major Applied: 8 credit hours

Secondary Applied: 2 credit hours
MUS 2133 Piano III
MUS 2134 Piano IV or other applied if piano proficiency is passed

Recital or Project: 1 credit hour
MUS 4102 Senior Recital [ UD UCA Core: Z ]
or
MUS 4108 Senior Project [ UD UCA Core: Z ]

Ensemble Credit (8 credit hours)
Students must participate in a large ensemble for a minimum of 8 semesters. Beginning in the 3rd year of study, students should register in 4000-level large ensembles. See specific requirements below in § 7.2.

Theory (16 credit hours):

MUS 1230 Harmony I
MUS 1231 Ear Training I
MUS 1232 Harmony II
MUS 1233 Ear Training II
MUS 2430 Theory III
MUS 2431 Theory IV

History and Literature (9 credit hours):

MUS 1340 Introduction to Music Literature
MUS 3302 Music History I [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]
MUS 3303 Music History II [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]

Music Technology (2 credit hours):

MUS 2210 Introduction to Music Technology

Upper-Division Music Electives (12 credit hours):
Any two of the upper-division theory classes satisfy the UCA Core requirement in Critical Inquiry.

General Electives (6 credit hours):
These hours may be taken either in or outside of the music area.

[3.2.2] Minor in Music (non-teaching) (24 credit hours)

This minor is designed for students who wish to develop their competence in music, but who do not desire a professional preparation. Twenty-four credit hours are required to complete a minor in music. Students should complete at least 3-4 credit hours at the upper-division level in their applied hours and/or ensemble hours.

Music theory (8 credit hours): Admission to Harmony I and Ear Training I is contingent upon the successful completion of a placement test or the successful completion of MUS 1300 Fundamentals of Music.

MUS 1230 Harmony I
MUS 1231 Ear Training I
MUS 1232 Harmony II
MUS 1233 Ear Training II

Music Literature (3 credit hours):

MUS 1340 Introduction to Music Literature

Applied Music (6-7 credit hours). For those who need piano for theory keyboard, 2 hours of piano class may be a part of the 6 hours in applied music. Up to two hours per semester may be used to complete this requirement.

Ensemble (6-7 credit hours). Only two credit hours per semester may be used to fulfill this requirement. At least two hours must be in large ensembles.

[4] Master’s Degree

See Graduate Bulletin.

[5] Accreditation

The University of Central Arkansas is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, Virginia 20190. Telephone: (703) 437-0700.

[6] Departmental Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Students may apply for admission to undergraduate music study at the University of Central Arkansas for the fall, spring, or summer terms. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process late in their junior year or early in their senior year of high school.

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the University of Central Arkansas, students desiring to pursue a major or minor in music must submit an additional application and supporting materials to the Department of Music. No student is allowed to declare any major in music without receiving a letter of acceptance from the Department of Music.

[6.1] Admission from High School

1. Submit all general materials to the UCA admissions office.
2. Submit music application to Department of Music (forms available from the music office or online).
3. Audition in the principal applied area. A satisfactory audition is essential to determine acceptability to the department. For additional information regarding audition requirements, please refer to the Department of Music website, Degrees and Programs, Areas of Study or contact the appropriate applied instructor.

[6.2] Admission as a Transfer from Another College

1. Same as admission from high school.
2. Examinations in theory and music literature/history are required for placement or verification of transfer credits in music courses.

[6.3] Diagnostic Exams for Incoming Music Majors

1. Piano Placement Evaluation: While piano proficiency is not required for admission, all music majors must achieve the required level of proficiency. The Piano Placement evaluation will assist in placing each student in an appropriate level of piano instruction.
2. Basic Musicianship Evaluation: While not required for admission, all music majors must achieve a required level of proficiency in basic musicianship. This evaluation is a brief test of rudimentary music skills which is necessary for placement in music theory and musicianship courses.

Students will be notified by the department of the time and date of these evaluations.

[7] Performance Requirement

[7.1] Ensemble Requirements

Every student registered for applied instruction and every music major will participate in one appropriate large conducted ensemble each semester, as assigned by the faculty. Students pursuing the BM in Composition degree may participate in one appropriate large conducted ensemble, as assigned by the faculty, for a minimum of six semesters. The chair, in consultation with the appropriate applied faculty member and ensemble director and with the student, may substitute a small conducted ensemble or waive the requirement.

[7.2] Specific Requirements

[7.2.1] Recital Attendance—All Music Majors

All BM and BA music majors must successfully complete six semesters of MUS 1000 with a grade of “pass” which requires attendance at 15 recital programs per semester.

This requirement is modified as shown below for transfer students who were music majors at their transfer institutions:

• Freshmen Music Transfers (up to 30 hours completed) 6 semesters required
• Sophomore Music Transfers (30 hours completed) 4 semesters required
• Junior Music Transfers (60 hours completed) 2 semesters required
• Senior Music Transfers (90 hours completed) 1 semester required

Transfer students who were not music majors at their transfer institution must complete six (6) semesters of MUS 1000.

The following additional requirements applying to MUS 1000 should be noted:

• First-semester and second-semester freshmen music majors must register for MUS 1000.
• Students are strongly advised to register for MUS 1000 each subsequent semester until the requirement of 6 semesters is completed.
• A student must be registered for MUS 1000 in order to receive credit for the course. If the course is added after the semester has begun, the student must process the drop/add procedure and will be assessed the drop/add fee.

[7.2.2] BM, Music Education

• Woodwind, brass, and percussion majors must participate in the university ensemble combination (Fall: Bear Marching Band and a concert band; Spring: a concert band) to fulfill large ensemble credit up until the Internship II semester. Students may participate in orchestra as an elective in addition to a concert band.
• String majors must participate in the university orchestra to fulfill large ensemble credit up until the Internship II semester.
• Vocalists must participate in a choir to fulfill the large ensemble credit up until the Internship II semester.
• Piano majors may participate in any large ensemble to fulfill credit up until the Internship II semester; however, they may substitute up to three semesters of accompanying as large ensemble credit.
• During the course of the degree program, it is expected that students will take an appropriate mix of small conducted ensembles and/or chamber music, in addition to the large ensembles, as assigned by the major professor and the advisor.
• Exceptions to this policy require application to the department chair.

[7.2.3] BM, Performance

• Woodwind, brass, and percussion majors must participate in the university band combination (Fall: Bear Marching Band and a concert band; Spring: a concert band or orchestra) each semester to fulfill a large ensemble requirement. Participation in Wind Ensemble through successful audition may be substituted for the university band combination in the fall.
• String majors must participate in the university orchestra each semester to fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
• Vocalists must participate in a choir each semester to fulfill the large ensemble requirement; in addition, they must participate in two contiguous semesters of Opera Workshop. Other equivalent stage experiences may be substituted for the Opera Workshop requirement if approved by the applied instructor.
• Piano majors must participate in a large ensemble each semester in residence. This may include collaborative activity with a university ensemble. Students may substitute up to six semesters of solo accompanying for the large ensemble requirement.
• Guitar majors must participate in a large ensemble each semester to fulfill the large ensemble requirement and may substitute up to two semesters of conducted jazz ensemble as large ensemble credit. In addition, they are required to participate in guitar ensemble as their small ensemble each semester.
• During the course of the degree program, it is expected that students will take an appropriate mix of small conducted ensembles and/or chamber music, in addition to the large ensembles, as assigned by the major professor and the advisor.
• Exceptions to this policy require application to the chairman.

[7.2.4] BM, Composition and BA in Music

• During the course of the degree program, it is expected that students will take an appropriate mix of small conducted ensembles in addition to the large ensembles, as assigned by the major professor and the advisor.

[7.2.5]Upper-Division Qualifying Assessment (UDQA)—All Music Majors

All BM and BA music majors must pass all three sections of the UDQA prior to enrollment in upper-division applied music courses, music history courses, music theory courses, and music education courses. The musicianship portions of the exam (piano and sight-singing) will take place at the end of the fourth semester of musicianship courses (harmony/theory, ear training, and piano courses). The performance section of the exam (applied jury) will take place at the end of the fourth semester of applied study on the student’s major instrument/voice.

[7.3] Piano Skills Development

Piano Classes I and II are remedial in nature and do not count toward music degrees. An entering student with adequate preparation will normally enter into Piano Class III. All students enrolled as music majors are required to demonstrate their competence in keyboard skills. This requirement may be met by choosing one of the following options:

1. Completion of Piano Class IV with a grade of C or higher will demonstrate achievement of the skills guidelines. (The final exam for Piano IV will be equivalent to the respective guideline statement for each area of emphasis. Piano IV may be repeated until the requirement is satisfied.)
2. Any student may be exempted from Piano Class III and/or IV by successfully demonstrating the skills contained in the guidelines for each level for which exemption is sought in a specially scheduled hearing before the piano proficiency committee.
3. All keyboard majors will complete requirements contained in the guidelines through participation in a weekly lab session during the freshman year. Non-keyboard majors with sufficient keyboard background to qualify may also complete the requirements through the lab session (admittance for non-keyboard majors is by a screening audition at the beginning of the school year).

[7.4] Jury Examinations

At the end of each semester all music majors and minors are required to perform a jury examination in the major and minor applied area of study. Juniors and seniors who have given a satisfactory recital may be exempted from the jury. Examination requirements for persons enrolled in applied music on an elective basis are determined by the individual teacher. The specific jury repertoire requirements are determined by the individual teachers or general areas such as voice or piano.

[7.5] Recitals

All music majors, except first-semester freshmen, are required to appear in a general recital at least once each semester. During the senior year, an individual, full-length recital is required. However, at the discretion of the major professor, and after consulting with the department chair, BA music majors and music education majors may give this recital jointly with another music major or may substitute an alternative project. A bachelor of music performance candidate must, in addition to the senior recital, give a half recital during the junior year. Students planning recitals must confer early in the semester with the department chair.

[8] Music Fees

For individual instruction in piano, guitar, voice, band, orchestral instruments, and piano class:

$40.00 per semester for two credit hours (two half-hour lessons or one full-hour lesson per week); $25.00 per semester for one credit hour (one half-hour lesson or two class lessons per week).

For practice facilities:

Piano, voice, guitar: $4.00 per semester for the first daily practice hour, $2.00 for each additional hour; $2.00 per summer term of five weeks for the first 2 daily practice hours, $2.00 for each additional hour.

Orchestra and band instruments: $3.00 per semester for the first daily hour of practice, $1.00 for each additional hour; $2.00 per summer term of five weeks for 2 hours of daily practice, $1.00 for each additional hour.

[9] Credit Hours in Applied Music

Credit in applied music is computed as follows (SCH = semester credit hour[s]):

Music Course Links

[10.1] Music Theory (MUS)

Follow this link for MUS – Theory course descriptions: course link.

[10.2] Music History and Literature (MUS)

Follow this link for MUS – History and Literature course descriptions: course link.

[10.3] Pedagogy

Follow this link for MUS – Pedagogy course descriptions: course link.

[10.4] Special Courses

Follow this link for MUS – Special Courses course descriptions: course link.

[10.5] Applied Classes (group instruction)

Follow this link for MUS – Applied Classes descriptions: course link.

[10.6] Courses in Music – Applied (MUSA)

Follow this link for MUSA course descriptions: course link.

[10.7] Courses in Music – Ensemble (MUSE)

Follow this link for MUSE course descriptions: course link.