B.A. in Music
Application materials and deadlines for the March 3, 2012 music major auditions are located here.
A successful audition is required for entrance to the music major.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of music with courses in composition, ethnomusicology, music history, music theory, music technology. and performance as well as classes relating to other disciplines including Anthropology, Dance, Performance Studies, Philosophy, Theater, and Visual Arts. Course work explores a wide range of musics—Western and non-Western; past and present; transmitted by oral, written, and electronic means. Such courses examine sonic structures, notational systems (if used), and styles of performance, and investigate the relationship of music to other arts.
Minor in Music
Students from all musical backgrounds and interests are encouraged to become involved in the study and practice of music at Texas A&M as a complement to their major fields. The music program in the Department of Performance Studies offers instruction for students who wish to study music as one of the liberal arts. Introductory and advanced courses emphasize the interrelationships among the music history, theory, ethnomusicology, composition, technology and performance. Attendance at the numerous concerts and lectures presented each year and participation in the performing ensembles are encouraged to broaden the classroom experience.
18 credit hours required
Credit Course
3 Either MUSC 200: Topics in Music or MUSC 201: Music and the Human Experience
2 MUSC 204: Music Theory I (See special notes)
1 MUSC 208: Musicianship I
3 Ensemble Performance:
Select from — MUSC 280: Ensemble Performance: Symphonic Band, MUSC 281: Ensemble Performance: Small Ensembles, MUSC 286: Ensemble Performance: Symphony Orchestra, or MUSC 290: Ensemble Performance: Choir
9 Elective courses: Choose 9 hours of upper-dvision (300- or 400- level) MUSC courses
Special notes:
- MUSC 204 requires a prerequisite of TAMU course MUSC 102, or Texas Common Course number (TCCN) MUSC 1301, or an approved equivalent.
- MUSC 204 and MUSC 208 must be taken concurrently.
- MUSC 204 and MUSC 208 are offered in the fall semester only.
- No more than 9 credits of the minor may be lower division courses (100- or 200- level).
- Students must earn a grade of “C” or better on all required minor course work.
Descriptions for all MUSC courses can be found here.
Performance Opportunities for all Students (i.e. non-majors and non-minors) at Texas A&M University
- TAMU Small Ensembles: Dr. David Wilborn, Coordinator. Ensembles include: Trombone Choir, Woodwind Octet, Mixed Brass Ensembles, Vocal Ensembles, Piano and String Ensembles, Guitar Ensembles, Jazz Combos, Rock Bands, Contemporary Christian Ensembles, etc. Contact Dr. Wilborn at 979-458-2735 or wilborn@tamu.edu
- TAMU Symphony Orchestra: Prof. Paul Sikes, Director. Membership is comprised of university students who perform on orchestral string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Contact Professors Travis Almany or Paul Sikes at 979-845-3529. You can also visit http://tamubands.tamu.edu/ for more information.
- University Concert Bands: Dr. Timothy Rhea, Director of Bands. The university concert bands include the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Concert Band. Contact Professor Travis Almany or Dr. Timothy Rhea at 979-845-3529. You can also visit http://tamubands.tamu.edu/ for more information.
- Brazos Valley Symphony: Dr. Marcello Bussiki, Director. Membership includes students and professional musicians from the Bryan/College Station community. Contact Penny Zent at 979-845-5670. You can also visit http://bvso.org/ for more information.
- University Choirs: Professor Jess Wade, Director. The university choirs include the Century Singers, Mixed Concert Choir and the Brazos Valley Chorale. Contact Professor Wade at 979-862-7109. You can also visit http://studentactivities.tamu.edu/choralgroups for more information.
- Jazz Bands: Chris Hollar, Director. The jazz ensembles are comprised of two bands: Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II. Contact Prof. Hollar at 979-845-3529. You can also visit http://tamubands.tamu.edu/ for more information.
