Music Bachelor of Arts majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you for these courses:
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses:
- MUPI 4XX Private Instruction
- MUS 121 Ear Training I (see below for placement)
- MUS 123 Harmony I (see below for placement)
- MUS 183 Class Piano I
- MUS 4xx, Major Ensemble (Choir MUS 470b, Orchestra MUS 480, Wind Ens. MUS 480b)
- Optionally, a liberal arts foundations course; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective.
Music Theory Placement
Incoming music students will receive a letter from the School of Music, Drama, and Art with information on how and when to take the Theory Evaluation Test to determine what level of harmony and ear training is appropriate for you. The test is accessed through blackboard. On Blackboard, the test can be found under a special Organization called Music Theory, History, and Composition testing (we will enroll you in this organization in June). Once you have logged in, navigate to the bottom left corner of the blackboard homepage, and under Organizations, click Music Theory, History, and Composition testing. Clicking the organization should take you directly to the test page, where you should see a listing for the Theory Evaluation Test in red.
The Theory Evaluation Test can only be taken once. Please note that if you are placed into Fundamentals of Music and your program requires class piano, you are highly advised to forego Class Piano until your second year.
If you have taken the AP music theory exam, placement can be determined by the results of that exam; this information is included in the letter from the school.
About Your First Semester Courses
Studying music at Catholic University will allow you to develop technically and artistically while also improving your ability to think critically, write and speak eloquently, and solve problems creatively. Students taking a Bachelor of Arts in Music may choose an emphasis in performance, music history and literature, or a general program that allows them the greatest freedom to pursue a course of study that suits their specific interests.
Rigorous musical training is accomplished within a broader liberal arts curriculum. Courses in theology, philosophy, literature, and English composition round out your musical education. As you develop your ear, tune your voice, and polish your movement, you'll also study great works of literature, theology, and philosophy, allowing you to experience beauty in other forms, refine your critical faculties, and develop the cultural knowledge necessary to fully appreciate the music you study or perform.
In addition to your LCs, you will take the following courses:
Music Theory: All music majors are placed into the appropriate level of harmony and ear training based on the online theory evaluation test. Any student who does not pass into Harmony I or Ear Training level 1 will not take any music theory in their first semester. Instead, they will take Fundamentals of Music (MUS 101) in the Spring of their first year and start on the Theory level 1 track in their sophomore year.
Private Instruction: You will take private lessons (MUPI) on your primary instrument. MUPI sections are specific to the instrument/instructor, so students need to contact the music office for the correct section assignment. If it is not your primary instrument, you will also take piano: either Class Piano (MUS 183) for those with no prior piano training, or private instruction if you have experience on the piano.
Performing Ensemble: All music students are part of a performing ensemble each semester they are a student. Enroll in University Singers (MUS 470b), Orchestra (MUS 480), or Wind Ensemble (MUS 480b) as appropriate. Piano primaries usually enroll in University Singers.
You may also want to take an additional, non-music course. You can take a liberal arts elective or a free elective course in a subject of your interest. Or, you may wish to begin study in a secondary subject area, perhaps for a minor or certificate.
To learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Music majors, consult the Music BA Program's website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.