Music

Concordia University's music major offers students an opportunity to develop their musical gifts and encourages leadership in the musical arts. The program strives to promote education in and through the musical arts, connecting students with aesthetics, creativity, church and community. In addition to completing the music core requirements, students choose one of three concentrations: 1) Music Education — preparing students to continue in an MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) program to receive a teaching licensure, 2) Church Music Ministry — preparing students to serve as a Music Minister in a church, or 3) Musicology, Theory and Performance — preparing students to continue in a music graduate school program. The extensive theoretical and practical education that students receive in the Bachelor of Arts in Music program will prepare them well for a career in the music profession or for graduate school.

Learn more.

BA General Education Requirements (44)

The following is an exception to the General Education requirements.

Performing and Visual Arts requirements are met through the major.

Music Core Requirements (23-28)

  • MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music (2)*
  • MUS 102 Music Theory I (2)
  • MUS 121 Music Appreciation (2)
  • MUS 142 Aural Skills I (1)
  • MUS 201 Music Theory II (2)
  • MUS 202 Music Theory III (2)
  • MUS 241 Aural Skills II (1)
  • MUS 242 Aural Skills III (1)
  • MUS 265 Music Technology (2)
  • MUS 351 Conducting I (2)
  • MUP 101 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 102 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 111 Class Piano I (1)*
  • MUP 112 Class Piano II (1)*
  • MUP 201 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 202 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 211 Class Piano III (1)*
  • Four credits from the following music ensembles (4):
    • MUP 216 / 416 Concert Choir (1)
    • MUP 231 / 431 Christi Crux Vocal Ensemble (1)
    • MUP 233 / 433 Handbell Ensemble (1)
    • MUP 239 / 439 Orchestra (1)
    • MUP 240 / 440 Symphonic Band (1)
    • MUP 238 / 438 Small String Ensemble (1)

*Proficiency exam taken during the freshman year may exempt the qualified student from one or more of these requirements.

Concentration Options

Music majors must complete one area of concentration.

Music Education (23)

  • MUS 324 Music History I (3)
  • MUS 325 Music History II (3)
  • MUS 365 Music for the Classroom Teacher (2)
  • MUS 452 Conducting II (2)
  • MUS 401 Arranging and Orchestration (2)
  • MUS 496 Practicum (3)
  • Four additional credits from the following music ensembles (4):
    • MUP 216 / 416 Concert Choir (1)
    • MUP 231 / 431 Christi Crux Vocal Ensemble (1)
    • MUP 233 / 433 Handbell Ensemble (1)
    • MUP 239 / 439 Orchestra (1)
    • MUP 240 / 440 Symphonic Band (1)
    • MUP 238 / 438 Small String Ensemble (1)
  • MUP 301 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 302 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 401 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 402 Private Instrument Instruction (1)

Church Music Ministry (23)

  • MUS 324 Music History I OR MUS 325 Music History II (3)
  • MUS 364 Christian Hymns and Liturgy (2)
  • MUS 365 Music for the Classroom Teacher (2)
  • MUS 422 Music, Worship, and Spirituality (2)
  • MUS 452 Conducting II (2)
  • MUS 496 Practicum (3)
  • REL 211/221 History and Literature of the New or Old Testament (3)*
  • REL 331 Christian Doctrine (3)
  • REL 431 Lutheran Confessional Theology (3)

*Both REL 211 and REL 221 must be taken. Choose the one that was not completed in the General Education Religion requirements.

School Prep. - Musicology, Theory and Performance (27)

  • MUS 301 Music Theory IV (2)
  • MUS 324 Music History I (3)
  • MUS 325 Music History II (3)
  • MUS 341 Aural Skills IV (1)
  • MUS 401 Arranging and Orchestration (2)
  • MUS 461 Composition (2)
  • MUS 492 Senior Thesis Prep (1)
  • MUS 493 Senior Thesis I (2)
  • MUS 494 Senior Thesis II (2)
  • Four additional credits from the following music ensembles (4):
    • MUP 216 / 416 Concert Choir (1)
    • MUP 231 / 431 Christi Crux Vocal Ensemble (1)
    • MUP 233 / 433 Handbell Ensemble (1)
    • MUP 239 / 439 Orchestra (1)
    • MUP 240 / 440 Symphonic Band (1)
    • MUP 238 / 438 Small String Ensemble (1)
  • MUP 301 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 302 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 401 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 402 Private Instrument Instruction (1)
  • MUP 495 Senior Recital (1)

Electives (25-34)

The student needs sufficient electives to meet the 124 hours required for graduation. At least 45 of the 124 hours must be in 300- or 400-level courses.