Music Composition

Bachelor of Music - Music; Track: Specialization in Music Composition

College of Visual & Perf Arts

Catalog Year: 2015-2016

Degree Specific Credits: 86

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.75

Note: All degrees require 39 upper division credits.

1st year

Rule: All courses required

Note: 1st year requirements: MUSI 195 applied studies 1 credit each semester for a total of 2 credits first year. Composition I - 2 credits each semester for a total of four 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- 21-23 Total Credits Required

2nd year

Rule: All courses required

Note: 2nd year requirements: MUSI 295 applied studies 1 credit each semester for a total of 2 credits second year. Composition II - 2 credits each semester for a total of four credits the second year. MUSI 296 -01 Upper-Division Required Performance to be completed 2nd year to advance to upper division classes

Show All Course Descriptions Course 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 235 - Keyboard Skills III
Offered autumn. Prereq., MUSI 136A or equiv. Continuation of MUSI 136A.
 1 Credits
Show Description MUSI 236 - Keyboard Skills IV
Offered spring. Prereq., MUSI 235. Continuation of MUSI 235, culminates in piano functional examination.
 1 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 295 - Applied Study II
(R-12) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., audition and consent of instr. Continuation of 151. All private instruction requires concurrent ensemble participation.
 1 To 4 Credits
Show Description MUSI 296 - Piano Prof Assessment
Repeat 8 times. All majors pursuing a B.M. or B.M.E. degree must successfully complete all sections of the Piano Proficiency Assessment in order to attain upper-division standing in music. The eight-part exam is administered at the end of each semester. Successfully completed assessments will receive a grade of CR.
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- 24-26 Total Credits Required

3rd year

Rule: See commentary

Note: 3rd year requirements: MUSI 395 applied studies 1 credit Fall semester. Composition III - 3 credits each semester for a total of six credits the third year. MUSI 335 or 336 Instrumental OR Choral Conducting for 2 credits Spring Semester

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSI 335 - Instrumental Conducting
(R-4) Offered spring. Prereq., upper-division standing in music. Conducting methods and practice. Teaching methods and materials.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUSI 336 - Choral Conducting
(R-4) Offered autumn. Prereq., upper-division standing in music. A study of the techniques of choral conducting. Emphasis on issues encountered in various ensemble settings.
 2 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
Show Description MUSI 395 - Applied Study III
(R-12) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., upper-division standing in music and consent of instr. Continuation of MUSI 295. All private instruction requires concurrent ensemble participation.
 1 To 4 Credits
Show Description MUSI 407 - Counterpoint I
Offered intermittently. Prereq., upper-division standing in music. Writing and analysis of contrapuntal styles through the 18th century.
 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 440 - Orchestration
Offered autumn. Prereq., upper-division standing in music. Orchestrating and transcribing for orchestra and band instruments.
 2 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 21-23 Total Credits Required

4th year

Rule: All courses required

Note: 4th year requirements: MUSI 499 Professional project 2 credits Spring semester. MUSI 480 Composition IV, 3 credits Fall semester. 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 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
Show Description MUSI 499 - Senior Recital/Capstone Pjt
(R-4) Offered autumn and spring.
 1 To 4 Credits
Show Description MUST 310 - Interactivity Digitl Sgnl Proc
Offered spring. Prereq., MUST 210 and upper-division standing in music. Composition of interactive computer music using a graphical programming environment for MIDI, synthesis, and digital signal processing. Study of graphical programming, interactive composition and performance, generating and processing MIDI data, synthesizing computer-generated sound, and processing digital audio in real-time.
 2 Credits
Show Description MUST 410 - Computer Music Programming
Offered autumn. Upper-division standing in music. Composition of computer music through programming. Study of object oriented programming, synthesis and digital signal processing techniques, music-generating algorithms, sound spatialization, graphical user interface design, and external control.
 2 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 9-11 Total Credits Required

Upper Division Writing Expecation

Rule: All courses required

Note: Music 415, Music of the 20th Century to the Present, will satisfy the upper-division writing expectation.

Show All Course Descriptions Course 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
Minimum Required Grade: C- 3 Total Credits Required

1st and 2nd year Ensemble requirements

Rule: One course each semester

Note: Ensembles - MUSI 108A -114A, +162A, #191, ( + guitar principals only #piano principals only )required one credit each semester for 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 114A (MUS 110A), section 1, Symphonic Wind Ensemble (or MUSI 114A (MUS 110A, section 2, University Concert Band, or MUSI 108A(MUS 108A, section 1, University Orchestra, if designated by the Director, every semester.
String majors must register for:
• MUSI 108A (MUS 108A), section 1, University Orchestra, every semester.

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
Minimum Required Grade: C- 4 Total Credits Required

3rd and fourth Ensemble Requirements

Rule: One course each semester

Note: MUSI 308-314,310,331,OR +362, #391 ( + guitar principals only #piano principals only ) required one credit each semester for two credits third year, fourth year 1 credit Fall Semester.
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 (MUS 108A/308), section 1, University Orchestra, every semester.
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 331 - Jzz Ens II: UM
(R-8) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. See MUSI 131A 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- 3-22 Total Credits Required

Lower division Writing Expectation

Rule: All courses required

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
Minimum Required Grade: C- 3 Total Credits Required

Music General Requirement 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: Math - M Couse 100 or above

Minimum Required Grade: C-
3 Total Credits Required

Music Requirements for Modern & Classical Languages

Rule: All courses required

Note: Exemption from Modern and Classical Language Requirement - Symbolic Systems MUSI 105,106,140,141

Minimum Required Grade: C-

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-

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-

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-

Music Requirements for Indigenous & Global Perspectives

Rule: All courses required

Note: Indigenous and Global Perspectives - (min. 3 credits) MUSI 207X is required

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description MUSI 207H - World Music (equiv to 307)
Offered autumn and spring. Introduction to the diversity of music among the world’s peoples. Selected music systems throughout the world examined in their broad cultural contexts: religious, historical, and social. Introduction to ethnomusicology-a combination of musicology, anthropology and other related disciplines.
 3 Credits
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.