Undergraduate Catalog

MUSIC (MUSC)

College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise

Brady Education Center (BEC) 112, (651) 962-5850

Johnson(chair), Cole, Cornett-Murtada, Gleason, George, Howard, Kachian, Orzolek, Pinsonneault, Schmalenberger; Arons, Auerbach, Barker, Bauder, Berget, Capener, Carmack, Casey, Ellingson, Eschedor, Gerth, Gonella, Hauser, Hoolihan, Itkin, James, Jorstad, Kemperman, Kreitzer, LeJeune, Linnihan,  Mann, Melin Nelson, Mensah, Mitchell, Moore, Ostrander, Parker, Rinear, Schons, Schulz, Schulz, Schwalbach, Skaar, Snapko, Solachau-Chamutouski, Thomsen, Tietz, Volpe, Zimmerman, Zocchi

Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise Department Web Site

The Mission of the University of St. Thomas Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise is to provide outstanding instruction in music, film, and creative enterprise through our progressive curriculum; enable students to realize their full potential in the development of their artistic and career goals; and instill ethical professional behavior. Our accomplished faculty offers musical and academic excellence while mentoring students in a creative environment, which enhances the cultural, spiritual and intellectual life of the university and community.

Beyond the specific area of study, all students majoring in music take courses in six areas: performance studies, ensembles, music theory, musicology, music media, and for some conducting.  There is also a keyboard studies component.

Through the study of music, students develop an aural comprehension of tonal and non-tonal music, an understanding of harmonic language and voice-leading principles, and an understanding of musical vocabulary, analytical systems, and structural and formal principles. Students develop the necessary skills to read musical scores and to write in standard musical notation for a variety of instruments and voices. Students develop the ability to understand a wide range of musical traditions and cultural practices, ranging from the western classical tradition to the music of selected non-western cultures to today’s popular music. Students will be able to discuss music critically and will be prepared to engage in meaningful research in musical fields. Student performers will develop an expressive interpretation of solo repertoire through an understanding of compositional process and historical style with the necessary technical proficiency. Students will demonstrate advanced ensemble skills and contextual understanding of repertoire by artistically performing music representing a variety of genres, stylistic periods and cultures.

Transfer students must:
  • Take a theory placement test. This placement test should be taken at the beginning of the first semester of studies at UST. Review sheets and information on time and place of the placement test are available from the Music Department Office (651) 962-5850.
  • File an Application for Major Field with the department chair.
  • Take at least one semester of music history at UST.
  • Pass the performance level audition and/or present a portfolio of compositions/digital music as outlined on the Music Department website.
  • Take at least four semesters of lessons at UST.
  • Take at least four semesters of Student Convocation Hour - MUSC 001
  • Perform their final level recital at UST.
  • Take a minimum of four semesters of an appropriate ensemble.
  • Complete 32 of their last 36 credits at UST.

Students intending on majoring in music must pass a performance/portfolio audition. Students majoring in music may not have a letter grade lower than C- in a required music course.

For information concerning the department’s current policies and procedures, consult the Handbook for Music Majors and Minors, which is available on the Music Department website.

The department offers minors for those students who have an interest in music, but do not wish to major in the field. A Performer’s Certificate is available to students who wish to document their engagement in music lessons and ensembles.

A variety of ensembles and individual lessons are available to composers, producers, instrumentalists and vocalists, regardless of major.

The department also offers a number of courses for non-majors that fulfill the Fine Arts, Writing Across the Curriculum, First-year Experience, DISJ, IH, and Global Perspectives components of the core curriculum.

The University of St. Thomas is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Major in Music – Performance (B.M.)

  • MUSC 001 Student Convocation Hour (0 credits) (6 semesters)
  • MUSC 101 Piano Skills I* (1 credit)
  • MUSC 102 Piano Skills II* (1 credit)
  • MUSC 113 Music Theory and Aural Skills I (4 credits)
  • MUSC 114 Music Theory and Aural Skills II (4 credits)
  • MUSC 117 Historical Survey of Music in Western Culture (2 credits)
  • MUSC 230 Music of the United States(4 credits)
  • MUSC 140 Music Media (2 credits)
  • MUSC 201 Piano Skills III* (1 credit)
  • MUSC 202 Piano Skills IV* (1 credit)
*Students for whom piano or organ is the primary instrument will take the following courses in lieu of MUSC 101, 102, 201, and 202:
    • MUSC 192 Technical Skills for Keyboard Majors (1 credit)
    • MUSC 292 Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors I (1 credit)
    • MUSC 293 Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors II (1 credit)
    • MUSC xxx Piano Elective (1 credit) to be chosen from the following: MUSP 121, 131 (organ majors only), 135 (piano majors only), 153, MUSN 171, 172, 182, or MUSW 501. 
  • MUSC 213 Music Theory and Aural Skills III (4 credits)
  • MUSC 214 Music Theory and Aural Skills IV (4 credits)
  • MUSC 231 Introduction to Conducting I (1 credit)
  • MUSC 233 Music of the World: Aural and Written Traditions (4 credits)
  • MUSC 263 Entrepreneurial Careers in Music & Professional Practice (1 credit)
  • MUSC 412 Music History and Literature of the Western European Concert Tradition, Classical to Current Era (4 credits)
  • MUSN 1xx Eight semesters of Ensemble participation (0 credits)

Guidelines for choosing an ensemble:

If principal instrument is:

  • Piano - at least two semesters in MUSN 171: at least two semesters in MUSN 172; at least two semesters in one of: MUSN 140, 142, 143, 160, 181, 185, 186, 190: two semesters may be in 161, 182, 183.
  • Voice - voice majors must participate in a minimum of eight semesters in MUSN 140, 142, 143, or 160.
  • Woodwind, Brass or Percussion - at least eight semesters in MUSN 185 or 186.
  • Orchestral String - at least eight semesters in MUSN 181.
  • Guitar - at least six semesters in MUSN 173; at least two semesters in MUSN 174.
  • Other Instruments - at least eight semesters chosen from: MUSN 140, 142, 143, 160, 171, 172, 181, 185, 186, 190.
  • MUSP 3xx Eight semesters of performance studies in the same performance medium (2 credits per semester)
  • Aural-Skills Proficiency
  • Piano Proficiency
  • Aural-Skills Proficiency
  • Level I Recital
  • Level II Recital
  • Level III Recital
Plus:
  • EDUC 308 Pedagogy and Literature for Music Performers I (2 credits)
  • EDUC 309 Pedagogy and Literature for Music Performers II (2 credits) 

Allied Requirements:

  • PHYS 105 Musical Acoustics (4 credit hours)

Music Education – Instrumental Music Education (K-12) (B.M.)

See Education

 

Music Education – Vocal Music Education (K-12) (B.M.)

See Education

 

Major in Music (B.A.)

  • MUSC 001 Student Convocation Hour (0 credits) (6 semesters)
  • MUSC 101 Piano Skills I* (1 credit)
  • MUSC 102 Piano Skills II* (1 credit)
  • MUSC 113 Music Theory and Aural Skills I (4 credits)
  • MUSC 114 Music Theory and Aural Skills II (4 credits)
  • MUSC 140 Music Media (2 credits)
  • CHOOSE One
    • MUSC 230 Music of the United States (4 credits)
    • MUSC 233 Music of the World (4 credits)
  • MUSC 201 Piano Skills III* (1 credit)
  • MUSC 202 Piano Skills IV* (1 credit)

*Students for whom piano or organ is the primary instrument will take the following courses in lieu of MUSC 101, 102, 201, and 202:

  • MUSC 192 Technical Skills for Keyboard Majors (1 credit)
  • MUSC 292 Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors I (1 credit)
  • MUSC 293 Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors II (1 credit)
  • MUSX xxx Piano Elective (1 credit) to be chosen from the following: MUSP 121, 131 (organ majors only), 135 (piano majors only), 153, MUSN 171, 172, 182, or MUSW 501. 
  • MUSC 213 Music Theory and Aural Skills III (4 credits)
  • MUSC 214 Music Theory and Aural Skills IV (4 credits)
  • MUSC 231 Introduction to Conducting (1 credit)
  • MUSC 263 Entrepreneurial Careers in Music, & Professional Practice (1 credit)
  • MUSC 412 Music History and Literature of the Western European Concert Tradition, Classical to Current Era (4 credits)
  • MUSN 1xx Six semesters of Ensemble participation (0 credits)

Guidelines for choosing an ensemble:

If principal instrument or concentration is:

    • Piano - two of the six semesters in MUSN 171: two semesters in MUSN 172; and two semesters in one of: MUSN 140, 142, 143, 160, 161, 181, 182, 183, 185, 186
    • Voice - a minimum of six semesters in MUSN 140, 142, 143, or 160.
    • Woodwind, Brass or Percussion - at least six semesters in MUSN 185 or 186
    • Orchestral String - at least six semesters in MUSN 181.
    • Guitar - at least four semesters in MUSN 173; at least two semesters in MUSN 174.
    • Composition - consult with the chair/advisor
  • MUSP 2xx Six semesters of composition studies, digital music lessons, or performance studies in the same performance medium (1 credit per semester)
  • Aural-Skills Proficiency
  • Piano Proficiency
  • Aural-Skills Proficiency
  • Level I Recital or Level 1 Composition Recital
  • Level II Recital

Allied requirements

  • PHYS 105 Musical Acoustics (4 credits)

Major in Music Business (B.A.)

All students take the following

Music Theory & History

  • MUSC 001 Student Convocation Hour (0 cr.) (6 semesters)
  • MUSC 112 How Music Works (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 117 Survey of Music in Western Culture (2 cr.)

Music Business

  • MUSC 160 Introduction to Music Business (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 263 Entrepreneurial Careers in Music, & Prof. Practice (1 cr.)
  • MUSC 363 Emerging Models in Music Industry (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 480 Music Business Seminar (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 476 Experiential Learning (0 cr.)

Business & Entrepreneurship

  • BUSN 100 Business for the Common Good (2 cr.)
  • ENTR 100 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation (2 cr.)

Allied Requirements

  • PHYS105 Musical Acoustics (4cr)

 

Management and Creative Leadership Track

Music Technology

  • MUSC 140 Music Media (2 cr.)

Business and Entrepreneurship

  • MGMT 200 Working Skillfully in Organizations (2 cr.)
  • MKTG 200 Principles of Marketing (2 cr.)
  • BUID301 Emerging Tech in Business (2 cr.)

Choose 6 cr.

  • BLAW 300 Law for Business Leaders (2 cr.)
  • BETH 300 Ethical Principles in Business (2 cr.)
  • ENTR 250 Fundamentals of Innovation (4 cr.)
  • ENTR 370 ENTR/Financial Resource Management (4 cr.)
  • MKTG 488 Multicultural and Inclusive Mktg (2 cr.)
  • MKTG 383 Effective Teams (2 cr.)
  • MGMT 385 Inclusive Leadership (2 cr.)
  • MGMT 391 Elements of Global Business (2 cr.)
  • MKTG 380 Digital Marketing (4 cr.)
  • ECON110 Data Visualization to Explore Economic and Social Problems (2 cr.)
  • ECON120 Data Management for Economic Analysis (2 cr.)

Performance Study

  • MUSP 1XX Four semesters of performance studies (1 cr. per semester)
  • MUSN 1XX Six Semesters of Ensemble Participation (1 cr. per semester)

Choose 4 cr. from Music Context

  • MUSC 115 Understanding Music and Culture (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 162 Roots of Blues, Rock, Country (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 170 Music of Film (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 216 USA Jazz (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 233 Music of the World (4 cr.)

Choose 8 cr. from Music and Creative Practice

  • MUSC113 Theory I (4cr.)
  • MUSC114 Theory II (4cr.)
  • MUSC 101 Keyboard Skills I (1 cr.)
  • MUSC 102 Keyboard Skills II (1 cr.)
  • MUSP 1xx Performance Studies (1 cr.) *Maximum of 2 semesters
  • MUSC 204 Music and the Creative Process (2 cr.)
  • MUSC 224 Songwriting (2 cr.)
  • MUSC 260 Fundamentals of Popular Music (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 205 Advanced Recording (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 305 Mixing and Post Production (2 cr.)
  • MUSC 221 Synthesis for Music Production (2 cr.)
  • MUSC 330 Music Composition and Production for Film, TV & Games (4 cr.)

 

Sound Arts and Music Production Track 

Performance Study

  • MUSP 210 Four semesters of performance studies in Digital Music (1 cr. per semester)
  • MUSN 1XX Four Semesters of Ensemble Participation (1 cr. per semester)

Sound Arts and Music Production

  • MUSC 205 Advanced Recording** (2 cr.)
  • MUSC 305 Mixing and Post Production (2 cr.)
  • MUSC 221 Synthesis for Music Production (2 cr.)
  • MUSC 330 Music Composition and Production for Film, TV & Games (4 cr.)

Choose 6 cr. from Music and Creative Practice

  • MUSC114 Theory I (4 cr.)
  • MUSC115 Theory II (4 cr.)
  • MUSC 101 Keyboard Skills I (1 cr.)
  • MUSC 102 Keyboard Skills II (1 cr.)
  • MUSN 1XX Ensemble (1 cr.) *Maximum of 2 semesters
  • MUSP 1xx Performance Studies (1 cr.) *Maximum of 2 semesters
  • MUSC 204 Music and the Creative Process (2 cr.)
  • MUSC 224 Songwriting (2 cr.)
  • MUSC233 Music of the World (4)
  • MUSC260 Fundamentals of Popular Music (4 cr.)
  • Other courses in consultation with advisor

Minor in Music

Select from one of these tracks:

  • Classic Track: Instrumental/Vocal Performance or Composition (Focus on Art Music, Musical Theater, and other styles)
  • Contemporary Track: Pop, Electronic Music Performance (Focus on Blues, Rock, Country, R&B/Hip Hop, Jazz, Electronic Dance Music, House, Techno and other popular styles)

Performance Studies:

4 credits. Four Semesters in same medium.

  • Classic Track (instruments/voice/composition): MUSP 1xx Performance Studies (1 credit per semester)
  • Contemporary Track (voice, guitar, piano, drums, digital music production, etc): MUSP 1xx Performance Studies (1 credit per semester)
  • Level 1 Recital

Ensemble Experiences:

(both tracks). 4 credits.

  • MUSN 1xx Four semesters of appropriate Ensemble for principal instrument, voice, or electronic production (1 credit per semester)

Music Fundamentals:

(both tracks). 8 credits.

  • Classic Track: MUSC 113 Music Theory and Aural Skills I (4 credits) and MUSC 114 Music Theory and Aural Skills II (4 credits)
  • Contemporary Track: MUSC 112 Introduction to Music or MUSC 113 Music Theory and Aural Skills (4 credits) and MUSC 260 Fundamentals of Popular Music (4 credits)

Music History:

(both tracks). 4 credits.

  • MUSC 115 Understanding Music and Culture (4 credits)
  • MUSC 130 Introduction to World Music (4 credits)
  • MUSC 162 Roots of Blues, Rock and Country (4 credits)
  • MUSC 170 The Music of Film (4 credits)
  • MUSC 216 Jazz in America (4 credits)
  • MUSC 230 Music of the United States (4 credits)
  • MUSC 233 Music of the World (4 credits)

Elective:

(both tracks). 2 credits. Select from the following:

  • MUSC 117 Music History Survey (2 credits)
  • MUSC 140 Music Media (2 credits)
  • MUSC 204 Music and the Creative Process (2 credits)
  • MUSC 224 Songwriting (2 credits)

At least eight credits must be taken at the 2xx-level or above

Minor in Recording Arts

18 credits

  • MUSC 140 Music Media (2 credits)
  • MUSC 160 Introduction to Music Business (4 credits)
  • MUSC 162 Roots of Blues, Rock, and Country Music (4 credits)
  • MUSC 205 Advanced Studio Recording (2 credits)
  • MUSC 224 Songwriting/Composition (2 credits)
  • MUSC 305 The Art of Mixing (2 credits)
  • MUSC 221 Sound Design and Synthesis (2 credits)

At least eight credits must be taken at the 2xx-level or above

Minor in Music Composition

  • MUSC 113 Music Theory and Aural Skills I (4 credits)
  • MUSC 114 Music Theory and Aural Skills II (4 credits)
  • MUSC 140 Music Media (2 credits)
  • MUSC 231 Intro to Conducting I (1 credit)
  • MUSN 1xx Four semesters of Ensemble (1 credit per semester)
  • MUSP 265 Four semesters of Composition Studies (50 minute lessons) (1 credit per semester)
  • Level 1 Composition Recital
Plus four credits from the following, two of which need to be at the 200 level or above:
  • MUSC 101 Piano Skills I (1 credit)
  • MUSC 102 Piano Skills II (1 credit)
  • MUSC 201 Piano Skills III (1 credit)
  • MUSC 202 Piano Skills IV (1 credit)
  • MUSC 213 Music Theory and Aural Skills III (4 credits)
  • MUSC 224 Songwriting (2 credits)
  • MUSC 260 Fundamentals of Musicianship in Popular Music (4 credits)
  • MUSC 340 Music Theory Elective: Topics (2 credits)
  • MUSC 354 Advanced Conducting and Materials: Instrumental Concentration (2 credits)
  • MUSC 355 Advanced Conducting and Materials: Vocal Concentration (2 credits)

At least eight credits must be taken at the 2xx-level or above

Minor in Music Industry

Required Courses

  • MUSC 160 Introduction to Music Business (4 credits)
  • MUSC 363 Emerging Models in Music Industry (4 credits)
Allied Requirement
  • BUSN 100 Business for the Common Good (2 cr.)
Choose Four Credits in Music Context
  • MUSC 130 Music of the World (4 credits)
  • MUSC 162 Roots of Blues, Rock & Country Music (4 credits)
  • MUSC 170 The Music of Film (4 credits)
  • MUSC 216 Jazz in America (4 credits)
Choose 6 Credits in Business/Entrepreneurship
  • ENTR 100 Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Innovation (2 cr.)
  • ENTR 250 Fundamentals of Innovation (4 cr.)
  • BLAW 300 Law for Business Leaders I (2 cr.)
  • BETH 300 Ethical Principles in Business (2 cr.)
  • MGMT 200 Working Skillfully in Organizations (2 cr.)
  • MGMT 382 Management and Leadership (4 cr.)
  • MKTG 200 Introduction to Marketing (2 cr.)
  • MKTG 380 Digital Marketing (4 cr.)
  • ACCT 100 Principles of Accounting I (4 cr.)
  • ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II (2 cr.)

 At least eight credits must be taken at the 2xx-level or above

 

Minor in Music in Faith

Required Courses

  • MUSC 101 Piano Skills I (1 credit)* 
  • MUSC 102 Piano Skills II (1 credit)* 
  • MUSP 108 Class Voice (1 credit)* 
  • MUSC 231 Intro to Conducting (1 credit) 
  • MUSC 113 Music Theory and Aural Skills I (4 credits) 
Plus 4 credits from the following**: 
  • MUSC 115 Understanding Music and Culture (4 credits)  
  • MUSC 233 Music of the World: Aural and Written Trad. (4 credits) 
Plus 4 credits from the following**: 
  • THEO 240 Protestant and Catholic Reformation (4 credits) 
  • THEO 251 Global Christianity (4 credits) 
  • THEO 310 Christian Worship (4 credits) 
  • THEO 314 Christian Spirituality (4 credits) 
  • THEO 357: Sacred Music of the Catholic heritage (4 credits) 
  • THEO 424 Christianity and World Religions (4 credits) 
  • THEO 425 Judaism (4 credits) 
  • THEO 426 Islam (4 credits) 
  • THEO 432 Black Religious Experience (4 credits) 
  • THEO 440 Hinduism and Buddhism (4 credits) 
  • THEO 452 Theology and Beauty (4 credits) 
  • THEO 466 The Qur’an and the Bible (4 credits) 
  • THEO 467 Muslim Christian Dialogue (4 credits) 
Plus 2 credits from the following (may be repeated):
  • MUSN 143 Liturgical Choir (1 credit) 
  • MUSN 1xx Ensemble (1 credit) 
  • MUSP 131 Piano: Elective (1 credit) 
  • MUSP 133 Voice: Elective (1 credit) 
  • MUSP 135 Organ: Elective (1 credit) 
  • MUSP 158 Guitar: Elective (1 credit)  
  • MUSP 1xx Performance Studies: Elective (1 credit) 
Plus 2-4 credits from the following:
  • IDSC 476 Experiential Learning (2 credits)  
  • THEO 417 Internship in Ministry (2 credits) 

At least eight credits must be taken at the 2xx-level or above

No more than 8 credits may apply to another degree. 

*Proficient keyboard players and/or vocalists can audition to substitute MUSP 131, 133, and/or 135 (may be repeated).  

**Other courses may be substituted with approval from the chair. 

Music Performer's Certificate

UST Music Performer’s Certificate is intended to provide recognition to the many students who participate in our program, but do not wish to major or minor. Ther requirements include:

  • Minimum of 4 Semesters of Large Ensemble (1 cr. Each) – Using Guidelines for Instrument found in UST Catalog.
  • Minimum of 4 Semesters of Lessons (1 cr. Each) – All on Same Instrument
  • Select MUSC Course with Music Advisor (4 cr.) or PHYS 105 Musical Acoustics (4 cr.)

Music Undergraduate Courses

Course Number Title Credits
MUSC  001 Student Convocation Hour 0
MUSC  101 Piano Skills I 1
MUSC  102 Piano Skills II 1
MUSC  112 How Music Works 4
MUSC  113 Music Theory & Aural Skills I 4
MUSC  114 Music Theory & Aural Skills II 4
MUSC  115 Understanding Music&Culture 4
MUSC  117 Survey Music in West Culture 2
MUSC  130 Introduction to World Music 4
MUSC  140 Music Media 2
MUSC  160 Introduction to Music Business 4
MUSC  162 Roots of Blues, Rock, Country 4
MUSC  170 The Music of Film 4
MUSC  192 Techn. Skills for Keyboard Maj 1
MUSC  201 Piano Skills III 1
MUSC  202 Piano Skills IV 1
MUSC  204 Music and the Creative Process 4
MUSC  205 Advanced Studio Recording 2
MUSC  213 Music Theory & Aural Skill III 4
MUSC  214 Music Theory & Aural Skill IV 4
MUSC  216 Jazz in America 4
MUSC  221 Synthesis for Music Production 2
MUSC  224 Songwriting/Composition 2
MUSC  230 Music of the United States 4
MUSC  231 Intro to Conducting I 1
MUSC  233 Music of the Wrld: Aural/Writt 4
MUSC  242 Children's Artistic Culture 4
MUSC  243 Individual Study 2 OR 4
MUSC  260 Fund-Musicianship in Popul Mus 4
MUSC  263 Entrepreneurial Careers Music 1
MUSC  269 Research 2 OR 4
MUSC  292 Functl Skills Keyboard Maj I 1
MUSC  293 Funct Skills Keyboard Majr II 1
MUSC  295 Topics 2
MUSC  296 Topics 2
MUSC  297 Topics 4
MUSC  302 Intro to Liturgical Music 2
MUSC  305 Mixing and Post Production 2
MUSC  308 Pedagogy & Lit for Musc Perf I 2
MUSC  309 Pedagogy & Lit for Musc Per II 2
MUSC  330 Comp/Prod for Film/TV/Games 4
MUSC  340 Theory Elective: Topics 2
MUSC  354 Adv Conducting & Materials 2
MUSC  355 Adv Conducting & Mat: Vocal 2
MUSC  363 Emerging Models in Music Indus 4
MUSC  389 Research 2 OR 4
MUSC  393 Individual Study 2 OR 4
MUSC  411 History & Lit Music I 4
MUSC  412 Hist&Lit of West European 4
MUSC  420 Senior Research Paper 2
MUSC  476 Experiential Learning 1 TO 4
MUSC  479 Internship 2
MUSC  480 Music Business Seminar 4
MUSC  495 Individual Study 2 OR 4
MUSC  497 Individual Study 4