The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree provides for the study of music within the context of a liberal arts framework. The limited hours in music provide a strong background in music while allowing ample time for study outside of music.
Three concentrations are offered in this program. Open Studies, Music Theory and Composition, and Audio Recording and Technology. Students must successfully complete an audition on a primary instrument or voice in order to declare the B.A. in Music major.
Total Semester Hours 50 - 58
Core Requirements (22 credit hours)
MUS 1102
Navigating the Music Major. (1 credits)
Music Theory (8 credit hours)
MUS 1501
Comprehensive Musicianship I. (4 credits)
or
MUS 1501
Comprehensive Music I - Written Perspectives. (3 credits)
and
MUS 1501
Comprehensive Music I - Aural Perspectives. (1 credits)
MUS 1502
Comprehensive Musicianship II. (4 credits)
or
MUS 1502
Comprehensive Music II - Written Perspectives. (3 credits)
and
MUS 1502
Comprehensive Music II - Aural Perspectives. (1 credits)
Music History (3 credit hours)
MUS 3553
Survey of Western Musical Masterworks. (3 credits)
or
MUS 3593
Survey of Western Musical Masterworks, Honors. (3 credits)
Ensemble (4 credit hours) selected from:
MUS 0200
Wind Symphony. (1 credits)
MUS 0201
Concert Band. (1 credits)
MUS 0211
Orchestra. (1 credits)
MUS 0220
Jazz Ensemble. (1 credits)
MUS 0221
Jazz Lab Band. (1 credits)
MUS 0230
Concert Choir. (1 credits)
MUS 0231
University Mixed Chorus. (1 credits)
MUS 0233
Camerata. (1 credits)
Applied (4 credit hours)
Piano (2 credit hours) selected from:
MUS 2203
Functional Skills in Piano I. (1 credits)
MUS 2204
Functional Skills in Piano II. (1 credits)
Recital Attendance (4 semesters)
MUS 1103
Recital Attendance.
1. Open Studies Concentration (28 credit hours)
Music Theory (8 additional credits)
MUS 2501
Comprehensive Musicianship III. (4 credits)
MUS 2502
Comprehensive Musicianship IV. (4 credits)
Music History (6 additional credits)
MUS 3584
Music History and Literature I. (3 credits)
or MUS 3594 - Music History and Literature I, Honors. Credits: 3
MUS 3585
Music History and Literature II. (3 credits)
or MUS 3595 - Music History and Literature II, Honors. Credits: 3
Ensemble (2 additional credits)
Two additional credits in music ensembles
Open music electives (6 hours) in consultation with a music academic advisor
Upper-level music electives (6 credit hours)
Completion of an academic minor or second major outside the Department of Music
2. Music Theory and Composition Concentration (34 credit hours)
Music Theory (8 additional credits)
MUS 2501
Comprehensive Musicianship III. (4 credits)
MUS 2502
Comprehensive Musicianship IV. (4 credits)
Music History (6 additional credits)
MUS 3584
Music History and Literature I. (3 credits)
or MUS 3594 - Music History and Literature 1, Honors. Credits: 3
MUS 3585
Music History and Literature II. (3 credits)
or MUS 3595 - Music History and Literature II, Honors. Credits: 3
Ensemble (2 additional credits)
Two additional credits in music ensembles
Music Theory and Composition Courses (18 credits)
MUS 1070
Introduction to Music Technology. (2 credits)
MUS 1560
Introduction to Music Composition. (2 credits)
MUS 2070
Electronic Music Studio Techniques. (2 credits)
MUS 3542
Music Analysis: Music of the Post-Tonal Period. (3 credits)
MUS 3547
Orchestration. (2 credits)
MUS 1570
Intermediate Composition. (1, 2, or 4 credits)
(3 credits total)
MUS 3570
Advanced Composition. (1, 2, or 4 credits)
(4 credits total)
At least 66 credits must be non-music courses.
3. Audio and Recording Technology Concentration (36 credits)
Electives: 3 Credits
MUS 1070
Introduction to Music Technology. (2 credits)
MUS 1560
Introduction to Music Composition. (2 credits)
MUS 2070
Electronic Music Studio Techniques. (2 credits)
MUS 2071
Audio and Recording Techniques I. (3 credits)
MUS 2557
The Evolution of Jazz and Rock. (3 credits)
MUS 3070
Electronic Music Studio Techniques II: Interactive Electronics and Multimedia. (3 credits)
MUS 3071
Audio and Recording Techniques II. (3 credits)
MUS 3072
Live Sound Reinforcement. (2 credits)
MUS 3571
Music Business. (3 credits)
MUS 4275
Internship in Music Technology and Recording. (1 to 12 credits)
(6 credits required)
PHY 1071
Physics of Sound and Music. (3 credits)
PHY 1072
Physics of Sound and Music Laboratory. (1 credits)
At least 66 credits must be non-music courses.
Information sourced from the 2026-2027 EIU Undergraduate Catalog.
