The Minor

The Minor in Music is an option for focused music study while majoring in another subject.  The emphasis is on performance on your instrument/voice, and an audition is required for acceptance into the program. The Minor can be focused on either classical or jazz studies.

Requirements 

• Ensembles (conducted), 4 semesters/4 credits
• Applied Lessons, 4 semesters/8 credits
• Theory I (MUSIC 112, Fall only), 1 semester/3 credits
• Aural Skills I (MUSIC 114, Fall only), 1 semester/1 credit
• Music Literature (MUSIC 101, an AT Gen Ed offered in Fall or Spring), 1 semester/4 credits
• Elective (at least 3 credits) to be chosen from the following list:
  • ARTS-EXT 500 Introduction to Arts Management (3)
  • ARTS-EXT 391A Foundations in Arts Entrepreneurship (3)
  • MUSIC 102 African American Music & Jazz (4, ATDU)
  • MUSIC 113 Music Theory II (3)
  • MUSIC 160 American Popular Music (4, AT)
  • MUSIC 170 or 170H Film Music (4, AT) (when offered)
  • MUSIC 195J Jazz Theory and Improv I (2) / MUSIC 195K Jazz Theory and Improv II (2)
  • MUSIC 295J History of Jazz (Major) (3)
  • MUSIC 300 Music History (3)
  • MUSIC 301 Music History II (3)
  • MUSIC 290W: World Music (4, ATDG) (when offered)
  • MUSIC 190M Culture, Society, & the Broadway Musical (4, ATDU) (when offered)
  • Any courses approved by the Undergraduate Program Committee
• Total number of credits: 23-24

NOTES:

• Jazz minor may substitute MUSIC 102, MUSIC 103 or MUSIC 295J for MUSIC 101.
• Independent studies, practica, or ensembles may not be substituted for electives.
• No Pass/Fail courses

Students must register concurrently for a conducted ensemble during each semester of applied lessons.

Contact the Music Admissions Director for further information: (413) 545-6048 or musicadmissions@umass.edu.