Each music emphasis contains several broad components which combine to form a complete Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music. All emphases contain the components of the interdisciplinary studies core, musicianship core, applied studio instruction, and a music specialization. Students emphasizing in teacher education complete a professional education core. Additionally, assessment milestones continually review student progress and allow for timely advisor intervention.

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS)

USAO is distinctive in offering an interdisciplinary, liberal arts core that spans all four years of its students’ academic careers. The Interdisciplinary Studies core includes two types of classes. There are skills courses that teach students to express themselves clearly in both speech and writing and to master skills in areas such as mathematics and critical thinking. In addition, there are also concept courses that emphasize the complexity and interconnections of the human world. The interdisciplinary nature of these courses means that they examine topics from multiple academic perspectives and not just from the view point of a single field or specialization. To emphasize the broad, multi-faceted nature of the interdisciplinary approach, the concept courses are team-taught. All students at Science & Arts complete 44 hours of IDS coursework.

Musician Core

Regardless of area of emphasis, all music majors must complete 24 hours of a required musicianship core. The core consists of courses in music theory, aural skills, music history, and conducting.

Applied Instruction

Regardless of area of emphasis, all music majors complete a specific number of hours of applied studio instruction on their area of primary specialization. The total number of hours required changes depending on the emphasis. This component requires preparation and participation in weekly lessons, performance and attendance at student recitals, performance of a jury exam each fall , and performance of a progress and skills exam each spring. For each emphasis, a senior recital or senior project is required.

Professional Education Core

For students choosing the emphasis in teacher education, a core of 28 hours of coursework in professional education must be completed. This core is listed on the music education emphasis checksheet.

Specialization

All music majors must select and complete coursework for a given specialization. For students emphasizing in teacher education, the specializations are instrumental or vocal music education. Students emphasizing in performance select an area of primary specialization from the broader specializations of brass/guitar/percussion/woodwinds, composition, piano, or voice.