Composition

Bachelor of Arts - Music; Track: Specialization in Composition

College of Visual & Perf Arts

Catalog Year: 2015-2016

Degree Specific Credits: 58

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.75

Note: **51 Credits of non-Music major courses (36 credits must be in the College of Arts and Sciences)
**51 Credits in Music


1st year

Rule: All courses required

Note: All required for first year of study for a BA in Composition: MUSI 195 applied studies 1 credit each semester for a total of 2 credits first year. MUSI 180 Composition I studies 1 credit each semester for a total of 2 credits first year.

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSI 105 - Music Theory I
Offered autumn. Coreq., MUSI 140. Material and structure of music. Application of principles in tow-, three-, and four-part writing and the keyboard.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 106 - Music Theory II
Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 105. Coreq., MUSI 141. Continuation of MUSI 105.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 135A - Keyboard Skills I
Offered autumn.  Music reading, techniques, and harmonization skills acquired through study of solo and ensemble repertoire in a contemporary electronic piano laboratory.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 136A - Keyboard Skills II
Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 135A. Continuation of  MUSI 135A.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 140 - Aural Perception I
Offered autumn. Coreq., MUSI 105. A laboratory course in singing and dictation to supplement Theory I.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 141 - Aural Perception II
Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 140; coreq., MUSI 106. Continuation of MUSI 140. 
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 180 - Composition I
(R-4) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. An introduction to the basic art of music composition. May be substituted for upper division electives for students not majoring in theory or composition.
 1 To 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 195 - Applied Study I
(R-12) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., audition and consent of instr. Instruction in voice, piano, organ, string, wind and percussion instruments. Students entering MUSI 195 must show talent for solo performance and evidence of the equivalent of a minimum of four years prior study. All private instruction requires concurrent ensemble participation.
 1 To 4 Credits
Show Description MUSI 202L - Intro to Music Literature
Offered spring. Prereq., for non-majors consent of instr. A survey of representative examples of the standard music literature of the Western European tradition. Particular attention to musical styles and forms and their relationship to musical understanding and effective listening. A basic knowledge of music fundamentals is expected. Credit not allowed for both MUSI 101L and 202L.
 3 Credits
Show Description MUST 110 - Digital Audio & Multitracking
Offered autumn and spring. Composition of computer music through recording, editing, and processing sound with digital audio software. Study of the theory and application of digital audio recording, multitracking, and digital signal processing, and electroacoustic music history. Survey of historical and current electronic and computer music composers, pieces, and practices.
 2 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 21-26 Total Credits Required

2nd year

Rule: See commentary

Note: All requrired for second year of study for a BA in Composition: MUSI 280 Composition II studies 1 credit each semester for a total of 2 credits first year. MUSE 123, 120-121, 126-127, 272-5 Voice/Instruments in Class 1 credit each semester for a total of two credits second year. MUSI 296-01 Upper-Division Required Performance required by the end of the 2nd year of study. UDRP to consist of scholarly writing example to be approved by faculty

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSE 120 - Techs: String Inst in Class I
(R-2) Offered autumn. Group instruction for beginning students on violin, viola, cello and bass, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 121 - Techs: String Inst in Class II
(R-2) Offered spring. Prereq., MUSE 120. Continuation of MUSE 120.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 123 - Techniques: Voice
Offered autumn. This course examines vocal function and issues associated with the physical processes of singing such as alignment, breathing, creating sound, amplifying (resonating) sound. Additionally, students will learn basic information about becoming a voice teacher (or choral director). Students will also learn about singers' diction, voice classification, and the appropriate assigning of solo classical repertoire.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 126 - Techs: Percussn Instruments I
(R-2) Offered autumn. Basic instruction in percussion instruments, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 127 - Techs: Percussn Instruments II
(R-2) Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 126. Continuation of MUSI 126. Basic instruction in percussion instruments, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 272 - Techniqus: Flute & Single Reed
Composers are expected to bring new musical ideas, sketches, and eventually finished pieces to the workshop, while performers are expected to read, critique, practice, and finally perform the new works.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 273 - Techniques: Double Reed
(R-2) Offered autumn. Basic instruction in oboe and bassoon, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 274 - Techniques: Upper Brass
(R-2) Offered autumn. Basic instruction in trumpet and horn, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 275 - Techniques: Lower Brass
Offered spring. Basic instruction in trombone, baritone, and tuba, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 205 - Music Theory III
Offered autumn. Prereq., MUSI 106 and 141; coreq., MUSI 240. Continuation of MUSI 106.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 206 - Music Theory IV
Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 205; coreq., MUSI 241. This course is a continuation of MUSI 205, concentrating on, but not limited to, music as defined by and expressed in the Western European historical traditions from the Renaissance through the common practice period to the contemporary musical world in which we live.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 240 - Aural Perception III
Offered autumn. Prereq., MUSI 106 and 141; coreq., MUSI 205. A lab course in singing and dictation to supplement Theory III.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 241 - Aural Perception IV
Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 240; coreq., MUSI 206. See MUSI 240.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 280 - Composition II
(R-4) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., 4 credits of MUSI 180. Original work in composition may be substituted for upper-division electives for students not majoring in theory or composition.
 1 To 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 301H - Music History I
Offered autumn. Prereq., MUSI 202L. The history of music in Western civilization from its origins to 1750 and its relationship to general cultural development. Introduction to basic research skills in music. Emphasis on listening for style characteristics through representative recorded repertoire.
 3 Credits
Show Description MUSI 302H - Music History II
Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 202L. The history of music in Western civilization from 1750 to modern times. See MSUI 301H.
 3 Credits
Show Description MUST 210 - Sequencng, Synthesis, Sampling
Offered autumn. Prereq., MUST 110. Composition of computer music using MIDI sequencing, sampling, and synthesis software, and score preparation using music notation software. Study of the theory and application of MIDI, synthesis algorithms, and effects processing, and the practice of music engraving.
 2 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 23-27 Total Credits Required

3rd year

Rule: See commentary

Note: All required for third year of study for a BA in Composition: MUSE 123, 120-121, 126-127, 272-5 Voice/Instruments in Class for 1 credit each semester for a total of two credits the third year. MUSI 380 Composition III studies 1 credit Fall semester.

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSE 120 - Techs: String Inst in Class I
(R-2) Offered autumn. Group instruction for beginning students on violin, viola, cello and bass, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 121 - Techs: String Inst in Class II
(R-2) Offered spring. Prereq., MUSE 120. Continuation of MUSE 120.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 123 - Techniques: Voice
Offered autumn. This course examines vocal function and issues associated with the physical processes of singing such as alignment, breathing, creating sound, amplifying (resonating) sound. Additionally, students will learn basic information about becoming a voice teacher (or choral director). Students will also learn about singers' diction, voice classification, and the appropriate assigning of solo classical repertoire.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 126 - Techs: Percussn Instruments I
(R-2) Offered autumn. Basic instruction in percussion instruments, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 127 - Techs: Percussn Instruments II
(R-2) Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 126. Continuation of MUSI 126. Basic instruction in percussion instruments, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 272 - Techniqus: Flute & Single Reed
Composers are expected to bring new musical ideas, sketches, and eventually finished pieces to the workshop, while performers are expected to read, critique, practice, and finally perform the new works.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 273 - Techniques: Double Reed
(R-2) Offered autumn. Basic instruction in oboe and bassoon, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 274 - Techniques: Upper Brass
(R-2) Offered autumn. Basic instruction in trumpet and horn, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSE 275 - Techniques: Lower Brass
Offered spring. Basic instruction in trombone, baritone, and tuba, with emphasis on teaching procedures.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 356 - Form & Analysis I
Offered autumn. Prereq., upper-division standing in music. Detailed harmonic and formal analysis of representative works from the Baroque period to the present.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 357 - Form & Analysis II
Offered spring. Prereq., upper-division standing in music and MUSI 356. Continuation of MUSI 356.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 380 - Composition III
(R-6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., upper-division standing in music and 4 credits in MUSI 280. Creative writing of music.
 1 To 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 9-16 Total Credits Required

4th year

Rule: All courses required

Note: 4th year required: All students majoring in music are required to attend in a minimum of 100 approved recitals/concerts prior to graduation. During the 4th year in an undergraduate degree program and upon completion of this requirement, students should register for MUSI 388, 0 cr.

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSI 388 - Concert Attendance UM
All music majors pursuing a B.M., B.M.E., or B.A. degree must attend in a minimum of 100 approved recitals/concerts prior to graduation. Students will receive recital credits each semester they are enrolled and should register for 388 the semester they apply for graduation. Successful completion of attendance requirements will be graded CR.
Show Description MUSI 440 - Orchestration
Offered autumn. Prereq., upper-division standing in music. Orchestrating and transcribing for orchestra and band instruments.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 480 - Composition IV
(R-6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., 3 credits in MUSI 380. A continuation of composition with writing in the larger forms.
 1 To 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 5 Total Credits Required

Ensemble requirements 1st and 2nd year

Rule: One course for each semester

Note: Ensembles - MUSI 108A -114A, +162A, #191, + guitar principals only #piano principals only required one credit each semester for a two year total.
All majors seeking an undergraduate degree in music and who are registered for 5 or more credits must participate in an ensemble specified by their degree curriculum each semester of residence of the regular school year. (See specific curricula for maximum ensemble credits applicable toward minimum degree requirements.)
Majors whose principal performance area is wind/percussion must register for:
• MUSI 114A/314 (MUS 110A/310), section 1, Symphonic Wind Ensemble (or MUSI 114A/314 (MUS 110A/310), section 2, University Concert Band, or MUSI 108A/308 (MUS 108A/308), section 1, University Orchestra, if designated by the Director, every semester.
String majors must register for:
• MUSI 108A/308 (MUS 108A/308), section 1, University Orchestra, every semester.
B.A., voice, majors must register for:
• a minimum of 4 credits in MUSI 112 (MUS 107A), section 1 (University Choir).
Ensemble requirements for piano and organ are listed separately for each curriculum.

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSI 108A - Orchestra: UMSO
Offered autumn and spring. See MUSI 112A for repeatability limitations. Open to all University students by audition. Rehearsal and performing experience in a broad range of symphonic, choral, operatic and concerto repertoire in the University Orchestra and the Missoula Symphony.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 110A - Opera Theatre I
(R-8) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Study and performance of the standard opera repertoire.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 112A - Choir: Chamber Chorale
Offered autumn and spring. Open to all University students. Audition places students according to appropriate ensemble and proper seating/section. Music majors refer to curricula for specific requirements. Non-music majors may apply 8 credits of MUSI 112A-114A, 110A/310, 131A/331, and 122A/322 toward graduation.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 114A - Band: UM Concert Band
Offered autumn and spring. See MUSI 112A for repeatability limitations. Major musical organizations open to all University students. Audition required for Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 162A - Chamber Ensembles I
(R-20) Offered autumn and spring.  See MUS 107A for repeatability limitations.  Prereq., consent of instr.  String, woodwind, brass, percussion, piano and vocal ensembles as appropriate to meet student needs.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 191 - Special / Experimental Courses
(R-9) Offered autumn and spring. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
 1 To 9 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 4-14 Total Credits Required

Ensembles 3rd and 4th year

Rule: One course each semester

Note: Must participate in Music Ensembles MUSI 308A-314A, or MUSI +362A, #391 - (+guitar principals only #piano principals only ) 1 credit each semester for a total of two credits each year. All majors seeking an undergraduate degree in music and who are registered for 5 or more credits must participate in an ensemble specified by their degree curriculum each semester of residence of the regular school year. (See specific curricula for maximum ensemble credits applicable toward minimum degree requirements.)
Majors whose principal performance area is wind/percussion must register for:
• MUSI 314 (MUS 310), section 1, Symphonic Wind Ensemble (or MUSI 314 (MUS 310), section 2, University Concert Band, or MUSI 308 (MUS 308), section 1, University Orchestra, if designated by the Director, every semester.
String majors must register for:
• MUSI 308 (MUSI 308), section 1, University Orchestra, every semester.
Upon completion of the upper-division recital performance, B.A., voice, majors may enroll in:
• MUSI 312 (MUS 307), section 1 (University Choir),
• MUSI 312 (MUS 307), section 2 (Chamber Chorale),
• MUSI 312 (MUS 307), section 3 (Women's Chorus),
• MUSI 310 (MUS 313) (Opera Theater), or
Ensemble requirements for piano and organ are listed separately for each curriculum

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSI 308 - Orchestras II: UM
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., upper-division standing in instrument of participation. See MUSI 108A for description.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 310 - Opera Theatre II
(R-8) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. See MUSI 131A for description.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 312 - Choir III: Chamber Chorale
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., upper-division standing in voice. See MUSI 112A for description.
 1 To 8 Credits
Show Description MUSI 314 - Band III: UM Concert Band
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., upper-division standing in instrument of participation. See MUSI 114A for description.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 362 - Chmbr Ens III: UM
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instructor. See MUSI 122A.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 391 - Special / Experimental Courses
(R-9) Offered autumn and spring. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
 1 To 9 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 4-14 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements

Rule: All courses required

Note: LS 151L and 152L Intro to Humanities 8 credits

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description LSH 151L - IntrHumanities:Greek,Bible,Rom
Offered autumn. Prereq., eligibility for WRIT 101 (ENEX 101) based on writing placement examination. General survey of the field of Humanities in Western civilization contrasting the Greco–Roman with the Jewish and Christian traditions.
 0 To 4 Credits
Show Description LSH 152L - Humanities Medieval to Modern
Offered spring. Prereq., eligibility for WRIT 101 (ENEX 101) based on writing placement examination. General survey of the field of Humanities in Western civilization, from the Middle Ages through modernity.
 0 To 4 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 8 Total Credits Required

Music Writing Expectation

Rule: All courses required

Note: Lower- Division Writing Expectation MUSI 302
Upper- Division Writing Expectation (MUSI 415, 416, 417)

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSI 302H - Music History II
Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 202L. The history of music in Western civilization from 1750 to modern times. See MSUI 301H.
 3 Credits
Show Description MUSI 415 - Music 20th Century to Present
Offered intermittently. Prereq., MUSI 302H and upper-division standing in music. Detailed analysis and comparison of selected instrumental, vocal and keyboard compositions of the 20th Century.
 3 Credits
Show Description MUSI 416 - Topics in Music History
(R-3) Offered intermittently. Prereq. MUSI 302H and upper division standing in music or consent of instructor. Course materials will examine the development of musical styles, genres, forms and aesthetics important to Western music, introducing students to research methods in musicology.
 3 Credits
Show Description MUSI 417 - Cultural Studies in Music
(R-3) Offered intermittently. Prereq. MUSI 302H and upper division standing in music, or consent of instructor. Course materials will examine music's contemporary role within cultures and societies around the world, introducing students to research methods in cultural studies and ethnomusicology.
 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 6-12 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Writing

Rule: All courses required

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description WRIT 101 - College Writing I
UM: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of passing score on writing diagnostic examination, referral by WRIT 095 instructor-SAT writing score at or above 440, MUSWA at or above 3.5, SAT/ACT essay score at or above 7, or ACT Combined English/Writing score at or above 18. Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Credit not allowed for both WRIT 101 and COM 101. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit). MC: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of appropriate SAT/ACT essay, English/Writing, writing section scores, appropriate MUSWA scores, or proof of passing scores on Writing Placement Exam). Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit).
 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 3 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Mathematics

Rule: All courses required

Note: Mathmatics - M Couse 100 or above

Minimum Required Grade: C-
3 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Modern & Classical Languages

Rule: All courses required

Note: MCLL (Modern and Classical Languages and Literature) Foreign Languages 10 credits required
Exemption from Modern and Classical Language Requirement - Symbolic Systems MUSI 105,106,140, 141

Minimum Required Grade: C-
10 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Expressive Arts

Rule: All courses required

Note: Expressive Arts - A Courses - (min. 3 credits) Ensembles and Sec. Lessons taken each semester satisfies this requirement.

Minimum Required Grade: C-
3 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Literary & Artistic Studies

Rule: All courses required

Note: Literary and Artistic Studies - L Courses -(min. 3 credits) MUSI 202L taken in 1st year satisfies this requirement.

Minimum Required Grade: C-
3 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Historic & Cultural Studies

Rule: All courses required

Note: Historical and Cultural Studies and American and European Perspectives - H/Y Courses - (min. 3 credits) MUSI 301 and MUSI 302

Minimum Required Grade: C-
3 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Indigenous & Global Perspectives

Rule: All courses required

Note: Indigenous and Global Perspectives - (min. 3 credits) Recommend MUSI 207H

Minimum Required Grade: C-
3 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Natural Sciences

Rule: All courses required

Note: Natural Science (for this perspective, 6 credits required and at least one course Must include a lab experience)

Minimum Required Grade: C-
6 Total Credits Required

This is an advising track only and not an official program as recognized by the University of Montana (UM) or the Montana University System. This information will not appear on your UM transcript, diploma, university lists, student data system, or university publication. You do not fill out a major change for a track.