2026-2027 Course Catalog

Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/faa/music-composition-bmus/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition

In this major, emphasis may be placed on music composition or on the theory of music. Necessary course adjustments require approval of the composition-theory division and college undergraduate affairs office.

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition

Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

Students who wish to study voice or an instrument for credit are credit are required to satisfy the instrumental or vocal qualifying audition designed for students outside the School of Music.

A minimum of twelve hours of 400-level courses in Music must be taken on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

University Requirements

Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree.  Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Composition I | | 4-6 | | Advanced Composition | | 3 | | Humanities and the Arts (6 hours) | | 6 | | fulfilled by MUS 313 and MUS 314 | | | | Natural Sciences and Technology (6 hours) | | 6 | | Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | | 6 | | Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | | 6-10 | | Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | | 0-15 |

Orientation Requirements

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | MUS 100 | First-year Seminar for Music Majors | 0 | | FAA 101 | Arts at Illinois | 1 | | Total Hours | | 1 |

Music Core

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Music Theory and Musicianship | | | | MUS 101 | Music Theory and Practice I | 2 | | MUS 102 | Music Theory and Practice II | 2 | | MUS 201 | Music Theory and Practice III | 2 | | MUS 202 | Music Theory and Practice IV | 2 | | MUS 107 | Musicianship I | 2 | | MUS 108 | Musicianship II | 2 | | MUS 207 | Musicianship III | 2 | | MUS 208 | Musicianship IV | 2 | | Musicology | | | | MUS 110 | Introd Art Mus: Intl Perspect | 3 | | MUS 313 | The History of Music I | 3 | | MUS 314 | The History of Music II | 3 | | Keyboard Proficiency | | | | All students, except keyboard students, must demonstrate keyboard competency when they audition, by proficiency examination when they matriculate, or by enrolling in MUS 172 and/or MUS 173. | | | | MUS 172 | Grp Instr Pno for Mus Major I | 2 | | MUS 173 | Grp Instr Pno for Mus Maj II | 2 | | Total Hours | | 29 |

Music Composition Studies

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Music Lessons | | 8 | | Music Composition majors register for a minimum of 4 two-credit hour applied lessons. | | | | Applied Music Lessons (years 1 & 2) | | | | Students choose from: | | | | MUSC 101, MUSC 102, MUSC 103, MUSC 110, MUSC 111, MUSC 112, MUSC 113, MUSC 114, MUSC 115, MUSC 116, MUSC 117, MUSC 120, MUSC 121, MUSC 122, MUSC 123, MUSC 124, MUSC 125, MUSC 126, MUSC 127, MUSC 128, MUSC 129, MUSC 130 | | | | Ensemble | | 8 | | Music Composition majors must be in an ensemble each semester of residence; a maximum of 10 hours of ensemble may be applied to the BMUS degree. | | | | Students choose from: | | | | MUSC 460, MUSC 461, MUSC 462, MUSC 463, MUSC 464, MUSC 465, MUSC 467, MUSC 469, MUSC 473, MUSC 475, MUSC 476, MUSC 480, MUSC 481, MUSC 482, MUSC 483 | | | | MUS 106 | Beginning Composition (2 times) | 4 | | MUS 206 | Intermediate Composition (2 times) | 4 | | MUS 242 | Elements of Conducting | 2 | | MUS 406 | Advanced Composition (4 times) | 12 | | MUS 408 | Analysis of Musical Form (Section D or E) | 3 | | MUS 426 | Orchestration | 3 | | MUSC 400 | Senior Recital | 0 | | Advanced Musicology | | 6 | | MUS 410, MUS 411, MUS 412, MUS 413, MUS 414, MUS 415, MUS 416, MUS 418, MUS 421 | | | | Advanced Music Theory | | 6 | | MUS 400, MUS 404, MUS 407, MUS 408 (B, C, D, or E, in addition to whichever course is taken for the other MUS 408 requirement), MUS 409, and MUS 499 (with advisor approval). | | | | Music theory courses may not be used for more than one requirement. | | | | Total Hours | | 56 |

Summary of Credit for the Bachelor of Music in Music Composition

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | General Education | | | | Orientation | | 1 | | Music Core | | 29 | | Music Composition | | 56 | | Free electives to bring the total hours earned to 120 | | | | A minimum of 40 credits at the 300- or 400-level must be completed for this degree | | | | 8 of these hours are fulfilled by MUS 201, MUS 202, MUS 207, and MUS 208, each of which has at least 2 prerequisites and may count as advanced | | | | A maximum of 8 hours of upper level coursework may be earned through ensembles, MUSC 447 through MUSC 498 | | | | Total Hours | | 120 |

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition

Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. This sample curriculum plan makes the assumption that the foreign language graduation requirement has been satisfied by completing three years of study of a single foreign language in high school. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition

Bachelor of Music graduates will:

1. Understand, apply, and integrate foundational concepts of musical study in theory, aural skills, history, composition, improvisation, and keyboard competency, and do so independently and cooperatively.
2. Demonstrate the ability to learn independently, make inquiries, think critically, discover solutions, and integrate knowledge across both similar and varied areas of musical study.
3. Develop and demonstrate effective performance skills (technical and expressive) using critical thinking to inform historical and stylistic performance practices and artistic expression.
4. Develop and demonstrate effective communication skills, including artistic self-expression, with diverse audiences through multiple media.
5. Acquire a basic understanding of diverse musical systems and traditions across the world, and develop a sensitivity to and awareness of cultural and societal differences, and their contribution to an interdependent global consciousness.
6. Acquire an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility as musicians and citizens, and demonstrate the ability to work professionally and effectively as leaders and collaborators.
7. Acquire a basic understanding of technology and professional skills, along with knowledge of specific technological developments within area of specialization.
8. Appreciate how music interacts with communities to enhance and engage social and cultural identities and enrich lifelong learning.

for the degree of Bachelor of Music Major in Music Composition

School of Music

School of Music Website\ Music Faculty

College of Fine & Applied Arts

FAA College Website

Admissions

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