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Music

Music studies go beyond just practicing your craft, they also involve service to the community, a union of faith and music, and creative inspiration.

Why Music at Valpo?

You can feel the strength of the community that’s built every day in our Department of Music. The collaborative environment is intentionally designed to bring out the best in every musician. As a music student at Valpo, you benefit from faculty who know you personally and push you to achieve your best — in lessons, ensembles, and the classroom. You will join a rich tradition of artistic expression while developing the skills to leave your own mark on the music world.

About Our Music Degree

The bachelor of arts in music, the traditional liberal arts music track, allows time for a second major or a minor, if carefully planned. An international or urban semester is also possible.

General Information

Bachelor of arts (B.A.) students in music at Valpo must complete the general education requirements for the B.A. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing global cultures and traditions.

Music, B.A. (Minimum 40 Credits)
Musicianship: 29 Cr.
MUS 109Musicianship I 2 Cr.
MUS 110 Musicianship II 2 Cr.
MUS 163Music Theory I 3 Cr.
MUS 164 Music Theory II 3 Cr.
MUS 201 Comparative Music: Elements and Expressions 2 Cr.
MUS 209Musicianship III 2 Cr.
MUS 213 Basic Conducting 2 Cr.
MUS 263Music Theory III 3 Cr.
MUS 264 Music Theory Iv: Post-Tonal 3 Cr.
MUS 300Keyboard Proficiency 0 Cr.
MUS 318Music/Baroque,classical, E Rom Eras, Early Romantic Eras3 Cr.
MUS 319Music of the Late Romantic and Modern Eras 3 Cr.
MUS 400Concert Attendance 0 Cr.
MUS 499 Music Colloquium 0 Cr. (six semesters)
MUAP 275Performance Level Proficiency II 0 Cr.
Select one of the following capstones:
MUS 404Recital 1 Cr.
MUS 486Internship 1 Cr.
MUS 495 Independent Study in Music1 Cr.
Music Performance: 11 Cr.
Six credits of principal performing medium
MUAP
6 Cr.
Five credits of ensemble participation
MUEN
5 Cr.

Specialization Options

Performance
MUS 423Pro-Seminar in the Pedagogy of Music Cr. 3
Select any two semesters of MUEN 357 and/or MUEN 358 Chamber Music: 0.5+0.5=1 Cr.
Take 2 additional credits of performance electives to be selected from any MUAP or any MUEN course or any diction course (MUS 220, MUS 221, MUS 222, MUS 223).
Six additional credits of principal performing medium: 6 Cr.

During the final 4 semesters, students would take 2-credit lessons instead of 1-credit lessons. This results in an additional 6 credits of lessons for those electing the Performance Option.

Church Music
MUS 240Worship Leadership Methods Cr. 3
MUS 313Intermediate Conducting Cr. 2
MUS 337 Topics in Christian Liturgy Cr. 3
Organ/Voice: Take 4 additional credits of performance study in organ or voice

Music Industry
MUS 115 Introduction to Music Technology Cr. 3
MUS 285 Introduction to the Music IndustryCr. 3
MUS 405Arts and Entertainment Administration Cr. 3
Choose one of the following courses:
BUS 100The Business Experience Cr. 3
ENT 100Introduction to Entrepreneurship Cr. 3

Composition
MUS 107 Introduction to Electronic Music Cr. 1
MUS 115Introduction to Music Technology Cr. 3
Six credits of composition lessons: Cr. 6
MUS 312 Scoring and Arranging Cr. 2

music

Alumni Highlights

Alumni of Valpo Music have engaged in a variety of careers, a few of which include: music education (100% placement into teaching or graduate school for the past 30 years), performance (for example in the U.S. Army “Pershing’s Own” Band), and management/administration in the arts (such as Carnegie Hall Administration). Our music degree programs are designed for musicians of all levels and career interests.

College of Arts and Sciences

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

Ready to Connect?

Have questions about deadlines, aid, or what it’s like to be a Beacon? We’re here to help.

You Belong Here.