If you have a background and interest in the performing arts and a strong desire to increase your music knowledge and skills, then the Music minor will serve you well. The core curriculum provides a foundation in such essential skills as instrumental or vocal facility, theoretical understanding, aural perception and analysis of a range of music literature and music genres. All students in the minor gain experience with the intuitive and intellectual processes of the arts. The curriculum places the specialized study of music in the setting of a liberal arts education and serves as a firm basis for careers in a wide variety of professions related to music.

The Music minor augments major fields of study and supports students pursuing any career in which a documented background in music is desirable. It fits particularly well for majors in Liberal Studies in pursuit of a teaching profession; Cinematic Arts and Technology in pursuit of film or performing arts opportunities; or Information Technology and Communications Design in pursuit of a multimedia career.

Having a strong background in music is particularly relevant if you plan to seek employment in the arts, or pursue an elementary teaching credential or graduate degree in education. This minor will serve you particularly well if you have an interest in going on to graduate school in music, dance, musical theater, or drama, or if you plan to pursue opportunities as a recording technician, composer, songwriter, performance musician or copyist.

Required Courses

Complete all of the following:

  • MPA 335: Reflections on America
  • MPA 360: Survey of World Music ONLINE

Complete one of the following:

  • MPA 101: Musicianship and Theory I
  • MPA 102: Musicianship and Theory II

Complete one of the following:

Complete one of the following:

Complete one of the following:

  • MPA 310: Gospel Choir
  • MPA 320: Chorale
  • MPA 330: Voice Training
  • MPA 332: Voice Training II
  • MPA 340: Music Prod & Artistic Dev (taken in two sequential semesters)
  • MPA 350: Advanced Performing Band (taken in four sequential semesters)
  • MPA 420: Advanced Voice Ensemble (taken in four sequential semesters)

Learning Outcomes

Historical and Theoretical Analysis

Students identify music genres from different periods and integrate historical and theoretical perspectives in analyzing contemporary styles,

Comparative Analysis

Students analyze music in a social, historical, and cultural context, and compare and contrast music of at least three different cultural traditions, including non-Eurocentric traditions,

Performance/Production Skills

Students express themselves with an intermediate to advanced level of instrumental, technological, and/or vocal competency.