Music: Composition (BA)
Program Description
Our BA in Music degree has been completely reimagined to encourage lifelong growth and talent development and to address a wide range of vocational skills as a reality of working musicians in the 21st century. We have created a student-driven and project-focused curriculum that reflects and engages with the professional music-making culture in Seattle and across the nation.
Entering and Completing the Major
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.
Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) as soon as you have determined it and are eligible to join it, especially by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major, follow these instructions.
- If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major in this department.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
- You must complete the major requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major.
Music: Composition (BA)
80 Credits Minimum, Including 30 Upper Division (UD)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| MUS 1051 | Aural Skills Fundamentals | 2 |
| MUS 1104 | Music Theory I: Diatonic Harmony | 3 |
| MUS 1105 | Music Theory II: Voice Leading | 3 |
| MUS 1113 | Aural Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 1114 | Aural Skills II | 2 |
| MUS 1810 | European Music History Timeline I | 3 |
| MUS 2116 | Aural Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 2117 | Aural Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 2118 | Music Theory III: Chromatic Harmony and Extended Tonality | 3 |
| MUS 2119 | Music Theory IV: Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS 2340 | Collaborative Ensemble 1 | 4 |
| or MUS 4340 | Collaborative Ensemble | |
| MUS 2570 | Music and Technology I: Editing and Recording | 2 |
| MUS 2810 | European Music History Timeline II | 3 |
| MUS 3103 | Introduction to Improvisation | 2 |
| MUS 3200 | Theory V: Songwriting and Arranging | 3 |
| MUS 3810 | Music in Cultural Context I | 3 |
| MUS 3820 | Music in Cultural Context II | 3 |
| MUS 3570 | Music and Technology II: MIDI and Video | 2 |
| MUS 4897 | Project Capstone 1 | 3 |
| Section Credits Required | 50 | |
| Ensemble Elective | ||
| Select three of the following: | 6 | |
| Treble Choir | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Orchestra | ||
| Treble Choir | ||
| Percussion Ensemble | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Orchestra | ||
| Section Credits Required | 6 | |
| Core: Individual Instruction | ||
| Select six credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Individual Instruction-Flute | ||
| Individual Instruction - Oboe | ||
| Individual Instruction - Clarinet | ||
| Individual Instruction - Bassoon | ||
| Individual Instruction - Trumpet | ||
| Individual Instruction - Horn | ||
| Individual Instruction - Trombone | ||
| Individual Instruction - Euphonium | ||
| Individual Instruction - Tuba | ||
| Individual Instruction - Percussion | ||
| Individual Instruction - Violin | ||
| Individual Instruction - Viola | ||
| Individual Instruction - Violoncello | ||
| Individual Instruction - Double Bass | ||
| Individual Instruction - Harp | ||
| Individual Instruction - Organ | ||
| Individual Instruction - Piano | ||
| Individual Instruction -Harpsichord | ||
| Individual Instruction - Voice | ||
| Individual Instruction - Classical Guitar | ||
| Individual Instruction - Saxophone | ||
| Individual Instruction - Jazz Guitar | ||
| Individual Instruction-Jazz Piano | ||
| Individual Instruction-Harpsichord | ||
| Individual Instruction - Flute | ||
| Individual Instruction - Oboe | ||
| Individual Instruction - Clarinet | ||
| Individual Instruction - Bassoon | ||
| Individual Instruction - Trumpet | ||
| Individual Instruction - Horn | ||
| Individual Instruction - Trombone | ||
| Individual Instruction - Euphonium | ||
| Individual Instruction - Tuba | ||
| Individual Instruction - Percussion | ||
| Individual Instruction - Violin | ||
| Individual Instruction - Viola | ||
| Individual Instruction - Violincello | ||
| Individual Instruction - Double Bass | ||
| Individual Instruction - Harp | ||
| Individual Instruction - Organ | ||
| Individual Instruction - Piano | ||
| Individual Instruction-Harpsichord | ||
| Individual Instruction - Voice | ||
| Individual Instruction - Classical Guitar | ||
| Individual Instruction - Saxophone | ||
| Individual Instruction - Jazz Guitar | ||
| Individual Instruction-Jazz Piano | ||
| Individual Instruction-Harpsichord | ||
| Section Credits Required | 6 | |
| Composition Project Requirements | ||
| MUS 3615 | Collaborative Artistry | 3 |
| MUS 3712 | Conducting | 3 |
| Section Credits Required | 6 | |
| Upper Division Individual Instruction | 6 | |
| Section Credits Required | 6 | |
| Upper Division Music Electives | ||
| Select six credits of the following: 2 | 6 | |
| Recording I | ||
| Live Sound | ||
| Jazz Improvisation Lab | ||
| Special Projects in Music | ||
| Section Credits Required | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 80 | |
- 1
Repeat to meet credit requirements.
- 2
May substitute up to 3 credits in approved related coursework.
Additional Requirements and Information
-
Participation in Music Practicum – meets weekly for 1 hour in a mixed format of studio, workshops, and student performances.
-
Pass Piano Proficiency Exam – may require MUS 1250 and MUS 1251 (repeatable) and up to 3 credits in MUS 2200 Piano Proficiency.