The Minor

The Minor in Music Performance 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: as specified for instrument, 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 (AT), offered Fall and Spring, 1 semester/4 credits
• Jazz minor may substitute MUSIC 102, MUSIC 103 or MUSIC 295J for MUSIC 101
• Elective Courses: 3 credits minimum, to be chosen from the following list:
  • MUSIC 102 African American Music & Jazz (4, ATDU)
  • MUSIC 103 History of Jazz (4, ATDU)
  • MUSIC 106 World Music (4, ATDG) (when offered)
  • MUSIC 113 Music Theory II (3)
  • MUSIC 160 American Popular Music (4, AT) (when offered)
  • MUSIC 170 or 170H Film Music (4, AT) (when offered)
  • MUSIC 190M Culture, Society, & the Broadway Musical (4, ATDU) (when offered)
  • MUSIC 195J Jazz Theory and Improv I (2) / MUSIC 195K Jazz Theory and Improv II (2)
  • MUSIC 295J Seminar Historical Survey of Jazz (3)
  • MUSIC 300 Music History I (3)
  • MUSIC 301 Music History II (3)
  • ARTS-EXT 500 Introduction to Arts Management (3)
  • ARTS-EXT 391A Foundations in Arts Entrepreneurship (3)
  • Any course approved by the Undergraduate Program Committee (Independent studies practicums, or ensembles may not be substituted for electives.)
• Total number of credits: 23-24

Grade Requirements

• No Pass/Fail courses accepted.
• Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in minor courses; may count only one grade below a C toward the minor.

Students must concurrently enroll in an approved ensemble during each semester of applied lessons.

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