SCHOOL OF MUSIC D E GR E E HI GHL I GHTS This sheet shows the majors available in the School of Music and gives a snapshot of the courses students take in those majors. Refer to the University Catalog and Degree Checklists for complete course listings and full information.
BELL CORE*
MUSIC COMMON CORE
For Bachelor of Music (BM) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees.
For the BM degree. BFA and BA are similar but have fewer required
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) adds several additional courses, see back page.
hours in the music core.
You will choose classes in the following areas. There are several options for most subjects.
Applied Study (private lessons and seminars) Music Theory Theory I–IV
First-Year Seminar
Aural Skills I–IV
First-Year Writing
Plus at least one additional course based on major
Third-Year Writing
Music History
Religion (two courses)
Introduction to Music: History, Culture, and Style
Oral Communication
History of Western Music: 1700–Present
Social Science
Plus one additional course based on major
Humanities (may include foreign language study)
Piano Study (class or private study leading to proficiency)
Quantitative Reasoning (Math)
Introduction to Digital Musicianship
Lab Science
Basic Conducting
Wellness
At least one Ensemble each semester
Senior Capstone
Recital (Junior and/or Senior, based on major)
* BELL Core is the name for Belmont’s general education program.
Electives (music or non-music)
All music majors take classes in the BELL Core and the Music Common Core, as well as applied study on a principal instrument or voice.
P R I N C I PA L I N S T R U M E N T S / V O I C E A N D A P P L I E D S T U D Y Every music major has a primary instrument/voice. “Applied study” or “applied lesson” mean private training on your primary instrument/voice. Applied study is similar for all majors. Students meet once a week for one-on-one lessons with an instructor and also in a “seminar” with other students studying in the same area. Seminars provide a chance to perform for your colleagues and teachers, to hear your friends perform and to discuss common issues related to music performance. Students also take “support courses,” one-credit courses that focus on the music, technique and topics related to their specific instrument/voice or musical style.