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 Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, 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] 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.

[3] 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.

[4] Departmental Undergraduate Admission

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 a Music Department Application and audition for admission as a declared music major or minor. No student is allowed to declare any major in music without receiving a letter of acceptance from the Department of Music. Visit uca.edu/music for audition information and the Music Department Application.

[4.1] Placement Evaluations

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.
3. Transfer students will be required to complete evaluations in theory, piano, and music literature/history for placement or verification of transfer credits in music courses.

[5] Baccalaureate Degrees

[5.1] Bachelor of Arts

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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; (2) BA special degree requirements; (3) major requirements as listed below; and (4) a minor in another field. Degree hours may total more than 120 depending upon the minor selected.

Degree-required music courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core Diversity, Effective Communication, and Capstone requirements.

Course Requirements: 58 total credit hours from the categories listed below.

Music Course Requirements – 30 credit hours

Primary Applied Music Requirements – 8 credit hours

Eight (8) credit hours from the following courses:

All credits used to fulfill the Primary Applied Music credit hour requirements must be the same course number—e.g., eight (8) total credits of MUSA 2V02 Flute or eight (8) total credits of MUSA 2V10 Trumpet.

Large Ensemble Requirements – 8 credit hours

Four (4) credit hours of lower-division large ensemble credits from the following courses:

Four (4) credit hours of upper-division large ensemble credits from the following courses:

Refer to section 8.1 for approved large ensemble substitutions.

Upper-Division Music Electives – 12 credit hours

Twelve (12) credit hours from the following courses selected in consultation with the music advisor:

[5.2] Bachelor of Music

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[5.2.1] 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 courses; and (2) degree requirements as listed below. A minor is not required.

Degree-required music courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core Diversity, Critical Inquiry, Effective Communication, and Capstone requirements.

Admission to the Bachelor of Music Composition Concentration

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.

Course Requirements: 76 total credit hours from the categories listed below.

Music Course Requirements – 62 credit hours

Primary Applied Music Requirements – 8 credit hours

Eight (8) credit hours from the following courses:

Large Ensemble Requirements – 6 credit hours

Four (4) credit hours of lower-division large ensemble credit from the following courses:

Two (2) credit hours of upper-division large ensemble credit from the following courses:

Refer to section 8.1 for approved large ensemble substitutions.

[5.2.2] 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; and (2) degree requirements as listed below. A minor is not required.

Degree-required music courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core Diversity, Effective Communication, and Capstone requirements.

Admission to the Bachelor of Music Performance Concentration

Current music majors interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Music Performance Concentration must apply for admission and successfully audition to declare this concentration. During a fall or spring applied jury performance, the student must submit a Bachelor of Music Performance Concentration Application. The applied jury performance will serve as an audition for admission to the Bachelor of Music Performance Concentration. Admission requires a signature of approval from all applied music faculty in the student’s area of study on the Bachelor of Music Performance Concentration Application.

Course Requirements: 71–82 total credit hours from the categories listed below (total credit hours depend on emphasis).

Music Course Requirements – 38 credit hours

Primary Applied Music Requirements – 23 credit hours

Eight (8) lower-division credit hours from the following courses:

All credits used to fulfill the Primary Applied Music lower-division credit hour requirements must be the same course number—e.g., eight (8) total credits of MUSA 2V02 Flute or eight (8) total credits of MUSA 2V10 Trumpet.

Fifteen (15) upper-division credit hours from the following courses:

All credits used to fulfill the Primary Applied Music upper-division credit hour requirements must be the same course number—e.g., fifteen (15) total credits of MUSA 4V02 Flute or fifteen (15) total credits of MUSA 4V10 Trumpet.

Large Ensemble Requirements – 8 credit hours

Four (4) credit hours of lower-division large ensemble credit from the following courses:

Four (4) credit hours of upper-division large ensemble credit from the following courses:

Refer to section 8.1 for approved large ensemble substitutions and requirements based on primary applied instrument/voice.

All students pursuing the Bachelor of Music Performance Concentration must fulfill the requirements for one of the following emphases.

Vocal Emphasis Requirements – 13 credit hours

Instrumental Emphasis Requirements – 2 credit hours

Piano Emphasis Requirements – 4 credit hours

[5.2.3] Piano Pedagogy

The degree of Bachelor of Music with a concentration in piano pedagogy 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; and (2) degree requirements as listed below. A minor is not required.

Degree-required music courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core Diversity, Effective Communication, and Capstone requirements.

Course Requirements: 75 total credit hours from the categories listed below.

Music Course Requirements – 47 credit hours

Music Theory Elective Requirement – 2 credit hours

Choose one (1) from the following courses:

Primary Applied Music Requirements – 16 hours

Eight (8) lower-division credit hours from the following courses:

Eight (8) upper-division credit hours from the following courses:

Secondary Applied Music Requirements – 2 credit hours

Two (2) credit hours from the following courses:

Ensemble Requirements – 8 credit hours

Four (4) credit hours from the following courses:

Four (4) credit hours from the following courses:

[5.3] Bachelor of Music Education

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The Bachelor of Music Education requires successful completion of 126-130 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; (4) complete all Music Education and concentration/emphasis specific courses with a “C” or better; and (5) maintain a 2.70 cumulative GPA. A minor is not required.

Degree-required music courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity in Creative Works and the upper-division UCA Core Diversity, Critical Inquiry, Effective Communication, and Capstone requirements.

Course Requirements: 91-95 total credit hours from the categories listed below (total credit hours depend on concentration/emphasis).

Music Course Requirements – 28 credit hours

Music Theory Elective Requirement – 2 credit hours

Choose one (1) from the following courses:

Music Education Course Requirements – 34 credit hours

All students pursuing the Bachelor of Music Education must fulfill the requirements for one of the following concentrations/emphases.

Vocal Concentration Requirements – 27 or 28 credit hours

Piano Concentration, Vocal Emphasis Requirements – 27 or 28 credit hours

Piano Concentration, Instrumental Emphasis – 30 or 31 credit hours

Instrumental Concentration, Woodwind Emphasis – 29 or 30 credit hours

Instrumental Concentration, Brass Emphasis – 29 or 30 hours

Instrumental Concentration, Percussion Emphasis – 29 or 30 credit hours

Instrumental Concentration, String Emphasis – 28 or 29 credit hours

Refer to section 8.1 for approved large ensemble substitutions and requirements based on primary applied instrument.

[6] Minor in Music

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The minor in music is designed for students who wish to develop their competence in music, but who do not desire a professional preparation. Students must audition for admission as a declared music minor. Twenty-four (24) credit hours are required to complete the minor in music. Students should complete a minimum of three (3) credit hours at the upper-division level in their applied music hours and/or ensemble hours.

Course Requirements: 24 total credit hours from the categories listed below.

Music Course Requirements – 11 credit hours

*Basic Musicianship Evaluation required for placement in MUS 1230 and MUS 1231. Contact the Department of Music for more information.

Music Ensemble Requirements – 6 credit hours

Six (6) credit hours from the following courses:

*Requires audition for placement or permission from the instructor to enroll. Please contact the Department of Music for more information.

Applied Music Requirements – 6 credit hours

Six (6) credit hours from the following courses:

Music Ensemble or Applied Music Elective Requirement – 1 credit hour

Complete one (1) additional credit hour from either the Music Ensemble Requirement category or the Applied Music Requirement category.

[7] Master’s Degree

See Graduate Bulletin.

[8] Performance Requirements

[8.1] Large Ensemble Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Music, the Bachelor of Music, and the Bachelor of Music Education each require a minimum number of large ensemble credit hours. The chair, in consultation with the appropriate applied faculty member, ensemble director, and the student, may substitute a small conducted ensemble for a large ensemble requirement.

[8.1.1] Bachelor of Music Education Large Ensemble Requirements

1. Woodwind, brass, and percussion majors must participate in MUSE 2101/4101 Marching Band each fall semester and MUSE 2102/4102 Wind Ensemble or MUSE 2103/4103 Symphonic/Campus Band each spring semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements. Students may participate in orchestra as an elective large ensemble.
2. String majors must participate in MUSE 2120/4120 Symphony each semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements.
3. Vocal majors must participate in MUSE 2110/4110 Concert Choir or MUSE 2111/4111 University Chorus each semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements.
4. Piano majors may participate in any large ensemble to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements. This may include collaborative activity with a university ensemble. Piano majors may substitute up to three semesters of MUSE 2140/4140 Accompanying as large ensemble credit.
5. Guitar majors must participate in a large ensemble each semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements and may substitute up to two semesters of MUSE 2104/4104 Jazz Ensemble as large ensemble credit.
6. 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.
7. Exceptions to this policy require application to the department chair.

[8.1.2] BM, Performance Large Ensemble Requirements

1. Woodwind, brass, and percussion majors must participate in MUSE 2101/4101 Marching Band each fall semester and MUSE 2102/4102 Wind Ensemble, MUSE 2103/4103 Symphonic/Campus Band, or MUSE 2120/4120 Symphony each spring semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements. Participation in MUSE 2102/4102 Wind Ensemble through successful audition may be substituted for MUSE 2101/4101 Marching Band in the fall.
2. String majors must participate in MUSE 2120/4120 Symphony each semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements.
3. Vocal majors must participate in MUSE 2110/4110 Concert Choir or MUSE 2111/4111 University Chorus each semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements. In addition, they must participate in two contiguous semesters of MUSE 2112/4112 Opera. Other equivalent stage experiences may be substituted for the Opera requirement if approved by the applied instructor.
4. Piano majors must participate in a large ensemble each semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements. This may include collaborative activity with a university ensemble. Students may substitute up to six semesters of MUSE 2140/4140 Accompanying for the large ensemble requirement.
5. Guitar majors must participate in a large ensemble each semester to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements and may substitute up to two semesters of MUSE 2104/4104 Jazz Ensemble as large ensemble credit.
6. 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.
7. Exceptions to this policy require application to the department chair.

[8.1.3] BM, Composition, and BA in Music Large Ensemble Requirements

1. Composition and BA music majors may use any of the following large ensemble credits to fulfill the minimum large ensemble credit requirements: MUSE 2101/4101 Marching Band, MUSE 2102/4102 Wind Ensemble, MUSE 2103/4103 Symphonic Band, MUSE 2110/4110 Concert Choir, MUSE 2111/4111 University Chorus, and MUSE 2120/4120 Symphony
2. Piano majors may substitute up to three semesters of MUSE 2140/4140 Accompanying to fulfill large ensemble requirements.
3. Guitar majors may substitute up to two semesters of MUSE 2104/4104 Jazz Ensemble to fulfill large ensemble requirements.
4. 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.
5. Exceptions to this policy require application to the department chair.

[8.2] Jury Examinations

At the end of each semester all music majors and minors enrolled in MUSA (music applied) courses are required to perform a jury examination in the primary 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 MUSA courses on an elective basis are determined by the individual teacher. The specific jury repertoire requirements are determined by the individual teachers or primary applied areas such as voice or brass.

[8.3] 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 senior project.

A bachelor of music performance candidate must, in addition to the senior recital, give a half recital during the junior year.

[9] Recital Attendance Requirement

All BA, BM, and BME music majors must successfully complete six semesters of MUS 1000 with a grade of “credit” (CR) which requires attendance at recitals and music events as specified in the course syllabus. This requirement is modified as shown below for transfer students who were music majors at their transfer institutions:

• Freshmen Music Transfers (up to 29 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.

[10] Upper-Division Qualifying Assessment (UDQA) Requirement

All BA, BM, and BME 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 theory/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. For more information visit https://uca.edu/music/files/2022/01/UDQA-Upper-Division-Qualifying-Assessment.pdf.

[10.1] Upper-Division Qualifying Assessment (UDQA) – Transfer Student Policy

A transfer student who has completed a minimum of four (4) semesters of applied music instruction, music theory, and ear training courses is allowed one (1) semester to waive the requirement of a passing score on all sections of the UDQA. The semester of the waiver must be the transfer student’s first semester of enrollment at the University of Central Arkansas. Transfer students that are eligible for this waiver are required to take the piano and theory/sight-singing sections of the exam prior to their first semester of enrollment at UCA. At the end of their first semester of enrollment at UCA, the student will be required to complete the applied jury section of the UDQA as well as retake any sections not passed on the initial attempt.

[11] Piano Proficiency Requirement

MUS 1131 Piano Class I and MUS 1132 Piano Class II are remedial prerequisites and do not fulfill music degree requirements. An entering student with adequate piano preparation will begin in MUS 2133 Piano Class III. All music majors, regardless of their major applied area, must demonstrate piano proficiency through one of the following options.

1. Completion of MUS 2134 Piano Class IV and a passing score on the piano section of the Upper-Division Qualifying Assessment (UDQA).
2. Completion of two semesters of MUSA 2V30/4V30 Piano (1 credit hour) and a passing score on the piano section of the Upper-Division Qualifying Assessment (UDQA). This option is for students that are exempt from MUS 2133 Piano Class III and MUS 2134 Piano Class IV based on their demonstrated piano proficiency.
3. Completion of the first semester of MUSA 2V30 Piano (2 credit hours). This option is for piano majors only.

[12] Credit Hours in Applied Music

Credit in applied music is computed as follows:

1. One (1) credit hour: one (1) half-hour lesson per week, six (6) hours of practice per week.
2. Two (2) credit hours: one (1) full-hour lesson or two (2) half-hour lessons per week, twelve (12) hours of practice per week.
3. Four (4) credit hours: one (1) full-hour lesson or two (2) half-hour lessons per week, eighteen (18) hours of practice per week (applicable to BM in performance students).

[13] Music Course Links (MUS, MUSA, MUSE)

Follow this link for MUS – Theory course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for MUS – History and Literature course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for MUS – Pedagogy course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for MUS – Special Courses course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for MUS – Applied Classes (group instruction): course link.
Follow this link for MUSA – Applied Classes descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for MUSE – Ensemble course descriptions: course link.