Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Music (B.M.)


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Emphases are offered in three areas: Music Education, Performance, and Composition.

Emphasis 1. Music Education


Requirements in School (84-90)


Core Requirements in School (22-25)


Music Education Emphasis Core Requirements (25)


One of the two following areas of study (37-40)


Option 1. Instrumental Music (38-40)


Instrumental Ensembles (8-9)

Course work from the following (7) 

All instrumental music education students must also participate in one of three options (1-2): 

Option 1. Marching Band 

Option 2. Jazz Ensemble 

Coursework from the following (1)  

Option 3. World Music Ensemble 

Coursework from the following or consent of School (2):

Option 2. Vocal Music (37-38)


Vocal Ensembles (7)

Course work from the following (5)

Requirements outside School (18-19)


Special requirements


Students must earn a C or better in all courses required for licensure. A minimum NIU cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required for enrollment in MUED 150, MUED 250, MUED 251, MUED 350, MUED 351, MUED 352, MUED 353, MUED 490, and MUED 495. Enrollment in said courses is by request and must be approved by the Music Education faculty. Students may be asked to update their TB tests and criminal background checks for each clinical placement; criminal background checks are not processed through NIU. Students are required to exhibit and maintain appropriate dispositions for licensure as assessed by the Music Education faculty. Concerns will be brought to students’ attention and interventions may be required in order for students to continue in the program. 

To be considered for full admission into the Music Education licensure program, students must have at least an NIU cumulative GPA of 2.50; pass MUTC 101, MUTC 102, MUTC 103, MUTC 104, MUTC 201, MUTC 202, MUTC 203, MUTC 204 with a C or better; earn a C or better in MUED 150, MUED 250, MUED 251; and pass the Admission to Teacher Licensure in Music Functional Musicianship Exam and Content Interview at the end of MUED 250.

Following full admission into the Music Education licensure program, students whose NIU cumulative GPA falls below the required 2.50 or students who have not successfully completed prerequisites may not be allowed to continue in the program. Students may appeal in writing for one probationary semester to the Coordinator of Music Education. Students must apply for student teaching placements by the Friday of finals week one year before the requested semester (spring for spring, fall for fall). Final approval for student teaching includes a review of student records, a passing score on the Illinois Music Content Exam, and the completion of all other major requirements including required course work and student recital. Questions regarding requirements for music education should be directed to the Coordinator of Music Education.

Total Required Degree Hours for Emphasis 1, Music Education: 102-109


Emphasis 2. Performance


Requirements in School (78-81)


Core Requirements in School (20-21)


One of the four following areas of study (58-60)


Option 1. Keyboard Music (58-60)


Special requirements

Before the senior year, all students in the keyboard area of study must either complete  keyboard skills classes (MUSP 232) with a grade of C or better or pass a keyboard skills proficiency examination. Requirements for students whose primary keyboard instrument is harpsichord are MUHL 437, Piano Literature I (2), and other music courses (9).

Option 2. Vocal Music (58-60)


Course work from the following (6)

Special requirements

Before graduation, all students in the vocal area of study must demonstrate a foreign language proficiency equivalent to one year of college instruction in French, Italian, or German. The student can fulfill this requirement by presenting documented proof of at least two years of high school foreign language instruction in French, Italian, or German with an average grade of C or better; demonstrating competency through a proficiency examination; or completing a one-year foreign language sequence (i.e., FLFR 101-FLFR 102, FLIT 103-FLIT 104, or FLGE 101-FLGE 102) in the Department of World Languages and Cultures.

Option 3. Instrumental Music (58-60)


Course work from the following (7)

  • Instrumental Ensemble (1)
  • University Bands (1)
  • Orchestra (1)
  • Other ensemble courses (4)
Note

Requirements for students whose primary interest is guitar are

Option 4. Jazz Studies (58-60)


Ensembles

Course work from the following (6)

Other ensembles (2)

Note

Ensemble requirements for students whose primary instrument is keyboard are MUSE 324, Instrumental Ensemble: Jazz Combo, OR MUSE 350, Jazz Ensemble (6); MUSE 342, University Chorus, OR MUSE 345, Concert Choir (2); and one or two of the following: MUSE 370, MUSE 371, or MUSE 372 (2); ensemble electives (2). Credits earned in fulfilling the ensemble requirements may not be used to fulfill the world music requirement.

Requirements for students whose primary instrument is guitar are MUSP 107, Guitar Skills I (2); MUSP 108, Guitar Improvisation I (2); MUSP 207, Guitar Skills II (2); MUSP 208, Guitar Improvisation II (2); MUSP 319, Guitar: Primary (6), MUSE 319, Guitar Ensemble (4); MUSE 324, Jazz Combo, OR MUSE 350, Jazz Ensemble (6); MUSE 342, University Chorus, OR MUSE 345, Concert Choir (2).

Total Required Degree Hours for Emphasis 2, Performance: 78-81


Emphasis 3. Composition


Requirements in School (78-80)


Core Requirements in School (20-21)


And the following:


  • Approved courses in consultation with faculty advisor (36-37)
  • 200-level private keyboard, instrumental, or voice study (8)
  • 300-level private keyboard, instrumental, or voice study (4)
  • Ensembles (6)
  • Other music courses (4)
  • Credits: 0

Special requirement


Before the senior year, all students in this emphasis must either complete at least two semesters of keyboard study or pass a keyboard proficiency examination at the intermediate level.

Total Required Degree Hours for Emphasis 3, Composition: 78-80


TOTAL GRADUATION HOURS FOR A MAJOR IN MUSIC (B.M.): 120


Emphasis 1. Music Education


Requirements in School of Music: (84-90)


Requirements outside School of Music: (18-19)


Requirements remaining in General Education: (0)


Requirements in Electives: (11-18)


Emphasis 2. Performance


Requirements in School of Music: (78-81)


Requirements outside School of Music: (0)


Requirements remaining in General Education: (0)


Requirements in Electives: (39-42)


Emphasis 3. Composition


Requirements in School of Music: (78-80)


Requirements outside School of Music: (0)


Requirements remaining in General Education: (0)


Requirements in Electives: (40-42)


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