Specializations
Music history is an ideal specialization for students who not only want to perform music, but are also interested in the development of musical styles, genres, and how these relate to developments in the arts, history and society. Students explore major works, composers and prominent performers in the European and American concert traditions, as well as interconnections with other traditions such as world and folk music. Students hone their critical skills in music research, analysis, writing, listening and musical thought.
SIUE's music history faculty members are musicians whose scholarly work has been published and presented nationally and internationally. As such, they are able to provide students with the benefits of their broad experience in both classroom instruction and musicological research. Class sizes are kept small and faculty members are able to offer students ample personalized instruction.
Many students specializing in music history continue their studies at the graduate level. They find work as musicologists, music librarians, music journalists, music publicists and promoters, and gain valuable training as music educators, particularly in the ability to teach music history effectively.
Sample Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Music, Specialization in Music History and Literature
Year 1 (Fall Semester)
(1) MUS 121A Class Piano (or Proficiency)
(3) MUS 125A Theory (BFPA)
(1) MUS 126A Aural Skills
(2) MUS 139A Diction (Voice Students Only) or Music Elective (Non-Voice Students)
(2) MUS 140 Applied Lessons
(1) MUS Major Ensemble
(3) ENG 101 English Composition I
(0) MUS 100 Convocation
(3) ACS 101 Public Speaking
(1) FST 101 Succeeding & Engaging at SIUE
17 - Total Credits
Year 1 (Spring Semester)
(1) MUS 121B Class Piano (or Proficiency)
(3) MUS 125B Theory (BFPA)
(1) MUS 126B Aural Skills
(2) MUS 267 History of Music I (BHUM, EGC)
(2) MUS 139B Diction (Voice Major Only) or Music Elective (Non-Voice Students)
(2) MUS 140 Applied Lessons
(1) MUS Major Ensemble
(3) ENG 102 English Composition II
(0) MUS 100 Convocation
15 - Total Credits
Year 2 (Fall Semester)
(1) MUS 221A Class Piano (or Proficiency)
(4) MUS 225A Theory (BFPA)
(2) MUS 367A History of Music II (BHUM)
(2) MUS 240 Applied Lessons
(1) MUS Major Ensemble
(1) MUS Elective
(3) RA 101 Reasoning & Argumentation
(3) Breadth Physical Science (BPS)
(0) MUS 100 Convocation
17 - Total Credits
Year 2 (Spring Semester)
(1) MUS 221B Class Piano (or Proficiency)
(4) MUS 225B Theory (BFPA)
(2) MUS 367B History of Music III
(2) MUS 240 Applied Lessons
(1) MUS Major Ensemble
(3) QR 101, MATH 150 or Higher
(2) Health Experience (EH)
(0) MUS 100 Convocation
15 - Total Credits
Year 3 (Fall Semester)
(3) MUS 326 Analysis
(3) Breadth Life Science (BLS)
(4) FL 101 Elementary Foreign Language I (BICS)
(3) Experience United States Culture (EUSC)/Breadth Social Science (BSS)
(2) Elective Music Literature
(0) MUS 100 Convocation
15 - Total Credits
Year 3 (Spring Semester)
(3) Lab Experience (EL)
(4) FL 102 Elementary Foreign Language II
(3) Elective
(2) Elective Music Literature
(3) Elective
(0) MUS 100 Convocation
15 - Total Credits
Year 4 (Fall Semester)
(3) MUS 442 Counterpoint
(3) Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)
(3) Elective
(2) Elective Music Literature
(2) Elective
(0) MUS 100 Convocation
13 - Total Credits
Year 4 (Spring Semester)
(2) Elective Music Literature
(3) Elective
(3) Elective
(3) Elective
(2) Elective
(0) MUS 100 Convocation
(0) MUS 400A-Z Senior Assignment
13 - Total Credits
Total Hours 120
Transfer Students: To maximize your transfer experience, complete the bold course requirements pre-transfer and satisfy either the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) General Ed Core or receive an AA, AS or AAT (early childhood, special ed or math) degree from an IAI community college. If minor requirements are shown, discuss careful course selection with the academic advising contact listed. Visit the transfer credit website to find course equivalency guides. All transfer students most take placement exams in music theory and class piano. Placement in the appropriate level of applied lessons and related courses determined by applied faculty.
