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Students singing in Choir.

Music

The process of learning music enhances the achievement level in other academic areas. Studies indicate that there is a significant relationship between a student’s music reading ability and their abilities in reading and math. Music students also tend to have a higher overall grade point average than the non-music student. Creativity is a major component of music and a musically artistic experience promotes creativity in other areas of study.

Department of Music
B46 Kleinpell Fine Arts
(715) 425-3183

Undergraduate Catalog

Goals and Objectives

  • to provide diverse educational opportunities in music and cultural enrichment programs for the university, its students and the community

The department provides unique and comprehensive classes designed to develop student expertise in theory, history, performance and teacher education. Many interesting and varied classes are available to music majors and minors while others are designed specifically for students majoring in other areas.

The music department’s many excellent large and small ensembles are open to all students on campus. While some ensembles require auditions at the beginning of each semester, most are open to all without an audition. All of the ensembles present numerous on-campus concerts throughout the year and many take an annual tour either locally or internationally.

Individual lessons are another important part of the music major and minor degree programs. These private lessons help the student achieve technical excellence while developing musicianship in their chosen area of study.

Teacher education is a primary focus of the music department. Courses are offered in this degree program which enable the student to develop both musicianship and the ability to teach music in elementary, middle school and senior high school programs. Music education classes, instrumental or vocal techniques and conducting provide essential elements which are needed to be an effective music teacher.

Program

  • Bachelor of Music Education (BME) - Students may elect either a Choral/General Music (K- 12) emphasis (includes a piano-vocal option) or an Instrumental/General Music emphasis. This degree is designed to train and certify public school music teachers and does not require a minor.
  • Broad Area Music Major (BS or BA) - The Broad Area Music Major includes 64 credits of music courses and does not require a minor. This degree program is often chosen by those students who plan a performance career or want to attend graduate school.
  • Liberal Arts Music Major (BS or BA) - The Liberal Arts Music Major includes 46 credits of music courses and requires a minor. Many students who choose this program double major in another area of interest such as business, math or physics.

Faculty

The UWRF music department is staffed with nine full-time and sixteen part-time faculty members. The diverse faculty provide expertise in the areas of brass, woodwinds, percussion, strings, guitar, piano, organ, voice and composition. Exceptional faculty leadership is also evident in the quality of the numerous student music ensembles. Three members of the faculty are music education specialists who oversee the student teaching experience and provide invaluable insights into the pedagogical process. When music majors enter UW-River Falls, they are assigned a faculty advisor who assists each student in developing a program of study and monitors their progress through its completion. The congenial faculty members are interested in and dedicated to all university students who become involved in the departmental activities.

 


Bachelor of Science Degree. Music Education - Choral. Academic Advising Plan.

Semester 1 (Fall)

MUS 130 Music Theory and Ear Training I ~ 4
MUS 247 Diction I: IPA and Italian ~ 1
MUSA 127 Applied Voice ~ 2
General education required courses ~ 9
Total semester credits ~ 16

Semester 5 (Fall)

MUS 333 20th Century Music ~ 3
MUS 342 Conducting ~ 2
MUS 341 Vocal and Choral Pedagogy ~ 3
MUSA 327 Applied Voice ~ 2
Upper level music course (200+) ~ 3
General education required course ~ 2
Total semester credits ~ 15

Semester 2 (Spring)

MUS 131 Music Theory and Ear Training II ~ 4
MUS 248 Diction II: German and French ~ 1
MUSA 127 Applied Voice ~ 2
TED 120 Introduction to Education and
Instructional Materials and Equipment ~ 3
General education required course ~ 6
Total semester credits ~ 16

Semester 6 (Spring)

MUS 344 Choral Conducting ~ 2
MUSA 327 Applied Voice ~ 2
Upper level music course (200+) ~ 3
General education required courses ~ 9
Total semester credits ~ 16

Semester 3 (Fall)

MUS 102 Class Guitar ~ 1
MUS 230 Music Theory and Ear Training III ~ 4
MUS 234 Music History and Literature I ~ 4
MUSA 127 Applied Voice ~ 2
TED 211 or 212 Educational Psychology ~ 5
Total semester credits ~ 16

Semester 7 (Fall)

MUS 351 Music Education I ~ 3
MUSA 327 Applied Voice ~ 2
PSYC 330 The Exceptional Child ~ 3
Upper level music course (200+) ~ 3
General education required course ~ 3
Total semester credits ~ 14

Semester 4 (Spring)

MUS 231 Music Theory and Ear Training IV ~ 4
MUS 235 Music History and Literature II ~ 4
MUSA 127 Applied Voice ~ 2
General education required courses ~ 6
Total semester credits ~ 16

Semester 8 (Spring)

MUS 352 Music Education II ~ 3
MUS 491 Senior Recital ~ 0
TED 420 School and Society ~ 3
TED 422 Content Area Literacy ~ 3
Upper level music course (200+) ~ 3
General education required course ~ 3
Total semester credits ~ 15

 

Semester 9 (Fall)

TED 475 Student Teaching ~ 12
Total semester credits ~ 12

Summary of Degree Requirements

General Education ~ 38 cr.
Core ~ 36 cr.
Required Supporting Courses ~ 33 cr.
Certification Requirements (not part of major) ~ 29 cr.
Credits to Degree ~ 136 cr.

MUS 140 Class Piano for Music Majors and Minors is offered to help prepare students for the Piano Proficiency Requirement.

MUS 240 Piano Proficiency - Examination must be passed to fulfill the degree requirements.

Students must be enrolled in Concert Choir (MUSE 108) each semester they are on campus.

PDF version

Updated January 2005

 

University of Wisconsin–River Falls
410 S. Third Street, River Falls WI 54022-5001 USA (715) 425-3911
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