The Minor

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

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)
  • MUSIC 330 Vocal Jazz Techniques (2) (vocal jazz minors only)
  • 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.

Admission

An audition is required for acceptance into the program.

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