Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Music, BA
What Is the Study of Music?
The Music BA consists of a basic core of study in Music Theory and History along with private instruction and ensemble performance. The Bachelor of Arts is the liberal arts degree program in music which allows for individual preferences in intensifying studies in certain aspects of music and broadening the scope of academic pursuits.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
This program is designed for the liberal arts student who may wish to complete minors or an additional major in another field in addition to completing a major in Music. Students in the Music BA program frequently complete studies in such fields as Theatre, Business, Mathematics or one of the languages.
How to Declare:
Pre-major
Available. Auditioned, approved entering freshmen will be declared as Music pre-majors until such time as the appropriate area faculty members approve the intended degree program. At this time the student may formally declare the intended major.
Admissions
The prerequisite for all Music degrees is the entrance audition on the primary instrument/voice.
Application Deadlines
The audition must be complete prior to the quarter in which the student intends to enroll. The audition deadline for each fall quarter is the end of the previous May. Due to the sequential nature of the music curriculum, midyear applications are not recommended. Students seeking admission to the program other than fall quarter will be required to meet prerequisites in all course sequences (MUS 121/122 through 225/226; 341 through 343; and 351 through 354) as a condition of admission.
Advising Tips
The Department of Music provides individual advisement and program planning for all students majoring in music. This takes place during the registration period and by appointment. Many students prefer to spend a day on campus prior to transfer, at which time they may receive advisement and visit the various departmental performance groups and classes and meet with instructors. Interested students should follow the guidelines set forth in the Music section of this catalog prior to contacting the department. Write or phone the Department of Music, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98225-9107, phone 360-650-3130 or visit the Website, www.wwu.edu/music/.
Coursework
- MUS 099 - Concert Attendance Required for every quarter in residence. Minimum 8 concert programs or ticket stubs required.
- MUS 101 - Fundamentals of Music
- MUS 121 - Aural and Keyboard Skills I
- MUS 122 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills I
- MUS 123 - Aural and Keyboard Skills I
- MUS 124 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills I
- MUS 125 - Aural and Keyboard Skills I
- MUS 126 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills I
- MUS 221 - Aural and Keyboard Skills II
- MUS 222 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills II
- MUS 223 - Aural and Keyboard Skills II
- MUS 224 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills II
- MUS 225 - Aural and Keyboard Skills II
- MUS 341 - History of Music to 1600
- MUS 342 - History of Music 1600-1830
- MUS 343 - History of Music 1830-Present
- Nine credits from:
- MUS 105 - Survey of Popular and Rock Music
- MUS 205 - Survey of Non-Western Musical Cultures
- MUS 231 - Elementary Composition
- MUS 322 - Form and Analysis: Music to 1900
- MUS 324A - Modal Counterpoint
- MUS 324B - Tonal Counterpoint
- MUS 326 - Orchestration/Arranging
- MUS 328A - Midi Notation and Sequencing for Music Education
- MUS 328B - Midi Notation and Sequencing for Composition
- MUS 331 - Composition
- MUS 334 - Jazz Improvisation I
- MUS 335 - Jazz Improvisation II
- MUS 336 - Jazz Improvisation III
- MUS 422 - Analytical Techniques: 20th-Century Music
- MUS 431 - Composition
- MUS 434 - Jazz Arranging I
- MUS 435 - Jazz Arranging II
- MUS 436 - Jazz Arranging III
- MUS 442 - Seminar in Music History
- MUS 443A - History of Musical Genres: Choral Music
- MUS 443B - History of Musical Genres: Solo Song
- MUS 443C - History of Musical Genres: Opera
- MUS 443D - History of Musical Genres: Keyboard Music
- MUS 443E - History of Musical Genres: Chamber Music
- MUS 443F - History of Musical Genres: Symphonic Music
- MUS 443G - History of Musical Genres: Concerto
- MUS 443H - History of Musical Genres: Symphonic Music in the 20th Century
- MUS 443I - History of Musical Genres: Opera I
- MUS 443J - History of Musical Genres: Opera II
- Applied music on major instrument or voice: 6 credits minimum. Additional course credits in applied music instruction beyond the required minimum of 6 may be obtained under the advisement of the appropriate area coordinator.
- MUS 212 - Applied Instruction: Piano
- MUS 213 - Applied Instruction: Strings
- MUS 214 - Applied Instruction: Winds and Percussion
- MUS 215 - Applied Instruction: Voice
- MUS 216 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar
- MUS 312 - Applied Instruction: Piano
- MUS 313 - Applied Instruction: Strings
- MUS 314 - Winds and Percussion
- MUS 315 - Applied Instruction: Voice
- MUS 316 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar
- MUS 412 - Applied Instruction: Piano
- MUS 413 - Applied Instruction: Strings
- MUS 414 - Applied Instruction: Winds and Percussion
- MUS 415 - Applied Instruction: Voice
- MUS 416 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar
- Major Ensemble Requirement: 12 credits minimum**
- MUS 271 - University Choir
- MUS 272 - Symphonic Band
- MUS 471 - Concert Choir
- MUS 472 - Wind Symphony
- MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra
**Pianists will take three quarters of major performing ensemble and three quarters of Mus 276 and/or 476 (piano accompanying).
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- HUM: MUS 105
- ACGM: MUS 205
Notable Alumni
Sample Careers
- Disc Jockey
- Arts Administration Manager
- Music Reporter
- Recreation Director
- Publicist
- Music Promoter
- Church Music Director
- Music Critic
Department
Contact
Undergraduate Advisor:
Julie Hall
PA 263
360-650-4091
julie.hall@wwu.edu
Department Chair:
Lesly Sommer
360-650-3130
PA 273
Lesley.Sommer@wwu.edu