MusB Core Curriculum and Requirements

Core Curriculum and Degree Requirements

To attain the MusB, each student must meet the following requirements

  • Satisfactory completion of all courses in the chosen program of study as prescribed by the School of Music
  • Completion of at least 132 semester credits
  • Registration for eight semesters as a full-time student or the equivalent
  • Demonstration of proficiency satisfactory to the faculty in all technical or professional courses

Additionally, undergraduate students must fulfill the following core curriculum requirements

Applied music
Eight semesters of required private studio instruction. Students receiving private studio instruction are required to perform for a jury panel of faculty each semester.

Music organizations
Depending on major and degree program, all undergraduate students are required to complete eight semesters in music organizations (orchestras, wind, string, percussion ensembles, choruses, etc.).
Chamber music: a minimum of two semesters of the study, coaching, and performance of chamber music in various combinations (for applied music instrumental majors).

Liberal arts
A writing seminar followed by approximately 28 credits of electives from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Music theory and aural skills
A six-semester sequence of skill development in hearing, writing, analytical work, species counterpoint, and keyboard.

Keyboard proficiency
A two-semester introduction to piano performance. Emphasis on music reading, piano technique, and basic keyboard harmonization. Piano majors and students who demonstrate significant proficiency may waive this requirement.

Musicology
A four-semester course sequence consisting of a two-semester chronological survey of the history of Western music from the Middle Ages to the present, and two semesters of electives in Western classical music, popular music and music of non-Western traditions.

Orientation, concert music
Introduction to the cultural world of the College of Fine Arts. Guest lectures by CFA artist faculty and other members of the Boston arts community.

Recital
A satisfactory recital at the senior level for performance majors and a recital of original compositions for composition majors.