2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog - Belmont University


Bachelor of Music Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Music degree is designed for students who wish to prepare for professional careers in music as performers, teachers (private studio, university, secondary and elementary levels), church musicians, conductors, or composers and arrangers. The curricula leading to this degree are based on a philosophy which recognizes the necessity of rigorous professional training in all aspects of music, with correlative and supporting studies in the liberal arts. The peculiar demands of music training are such that students preparing for a career in music must agree to a greater amount of specialization in their undergraduate period. The curricula leading to the Bachelor of Music degree contain approximately two-thirds music and one-third liberal arts core. This degree provides necessary preparation for graduate study in music.

A broad core of general studies is included in each curricula to help music students heighten their awareness of natural phenomena, social involvement, and ethical values. Recognizing that certain subject matter areas and learning processes are common to all baccalaureate degrees in music, the programs of study in the Bachelor of Music degree share a music core required for all majors. These courses attempt to develop basic musicianship through studies which prepare the student to function as performer, listener, historian, theorist, conductor, composer, and teacher.

The following table includes the common General Education Core and Music Core of all music majors leading to the Bachelor of Music Degree through the School of Music at Belmont University. Complete coursework for each major in music can be accessed through links on the web page, Music Degree Programs.

  Hours
General Education Core Requirements for B.M. 43-44
 
Common Music Core 30-33
    MUT 1310, 1320, Harmony I and II 6    
    MUT 1330, 1340, Ear Training I and II 2    
    MUT 2310, 2320, Harmony III and IV 6    
    MUT 2330, Ear Training III 1    
    MUT 2340 or MUT 2350, Ear Training IV (1)
    (Classical or Commercial)
   
    MUH 2200, History of Western Music: 1700-Present 3    
    MUE 3230, Basic Conducting 3    
    MUH 3200, History of Western Music: Ancient-1700 (2)    
    MUN Ensembles (3) 7-10     
    MUG 2000, Recital/Workshop Attendance
      (7 semesters required)
0    
Music Core Specific to Majors 1-8
Total 31-41


1 All classical majors take MUT 2340 and commercial majors take MUT 2350.

2 Commercial Music majors and Musical Theatre majors do not have this requirement.

3 All students seeking the Bachelor of Music degree must participate in at least one ensemble each semester enrolled as a full-time student and earn a minimum of eight (8) hours credit except Music Education majors who earn a minimum of seven (7) hours credit and Musical Theatre majors who earn a minimum of ten (10) hours credit. This number of credits only may count toward degree requirements. See specific Ensemble Requirements for each principal area.