Orchestral Instruments 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 (catalog & section number depend on instrument/instructor)
- MUS 121 Ear Training I (see below for placement)
- MUS 123 Harmony I (see below for placement)
- MUS 183 Class Piano I
- Violin, Viola, and Cello only: MUS 402 Chamber Music
- Guitar only: MUS 480i Guitar Ensemble
- MUS 4xx, Major Ensemble (MUS 480 Orchestra or MUS 480b Wind Ensemble)
- Optionally, a liberal arts foundations course or 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 orchestral instruments 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.
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 for a practicing musician and a thoughtful human being.
Most of your music classes progress sequentially. It's important, therefore, to get and stay on track. Courses you take this semester will lay the foundation for much of the work you will do here.
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.
Major Courses: All instrument majors take private lessons in their instrument (MUPI 4xx). Since the catalog and section number of private instruction depends on the instrument and instructor, you should contact your program head to be assigned an instructor. Violin, Viola, and Cello majors will also take Chamber Music (MUS 402) and Guitar majors will also take Guitar Ensemble (MUS 480i)
Performing Ensemble: All music students are part of a performing ensemble each semester they are a student. Depending on your instrument, you will take Orchestra, MUS 480, or Wind Ensemble, MUS 480b.
Orchestral Instrument majors also have the option of taking an additional, non-music academic elective, such as a required liberal arts foundation course or a free elective.
To learn more about the Orchestral Instruments majors, consult the Department of Orchestral Instruments and Conducting's website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.