Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Minor *

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General Program Information

The Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music minor is a 21-hour program consisting of an 18-hour core and 3 credit hours of guided electives chosen in consultation with the Bluegrass advisor. The program is designed for those who wish to work toward a full-time or part-time career in music and also for those with other career ambitions but who seek to enrich their lives through music. A student wishing to pursue a minor in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music needs to declare his or her intention at the earliest opportunity in order to facilitate planning.

Admission to the Minor

Any student seeking admission to the minor must be advised by a bluegrass, old time, and country music program advisor, who will assist the student in planning a course of study. Minors must follow procedures for band classes, individual instruction, and progression standards, as outlined below.

Core Requirements: 18 Credit Hours

Select from the following blocks:

Traditional Didactic Courses: 6 Credit Hours

BLUE 2150 - American Folk Music (3 credits)
BLUE 3110 - Introduction to Bluegrass Music (3 credits)
BLUE 3120 - Country Music Then and Now (3 credits)
BLUE 4130 - Survey of Contemporary Bluegrass (3 credits)
BLUE 4147 - Bluegrass and America’s Music (3 credits)
BLUE 4150 - Roots of Bluegrass and Country Music (3 credits)
BLUE 4167 - Bluegrass – The First Generation (3 credits) *

Practical Skills I: 3 Credit Hours

BLUE 4210 - Music Theory for Acoustic Players (3 credits) *
BLUE 4220 - Bluegrass Harmony Part Singing (3 credits) *
MUSC 1410 - Theory I (2 credits)
MUSC 1411 - Aural Skills I (1 credit)

Practical Skills II: 3 Credit Hours

BLUE 2240 - Bluegrass Seminar I (1 credit)
BLUE 3240 - Bluegrass Seminar II (1 credit)
BLUE 4230 - Songwriting (1 credit) *
BLUE 4240 - Bluegrass Seminar III (1 credit)

Instrumental Skills: 3 Credit Hours

BLUE 2310 - Guitar I (Introductory) (1 credit)
BLUE 3320 - Guitar II (Intermediate) (1 credit)
BLUE 2400, 3400, 4400 Bluegrass Instrument Series

Performing Groups: 3 Credit Hours

BLUE 2500, 3500, 4500 Band Class Series (1 credit)

Guided Electives: 3 Credit Hours

Any BLUE undergraduate course not counted in the 18-hour core (1-3 credits)

SPCH 2300 - Public Speaking (3 credits)
READ 4147- Basic Storytelling (1 credit)

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Prerequisites for Bluegrass Harmony Part Singing:

BLUE 4210 - Music Theory for Acoustic Players (3 credits) or
MUSC 1400 - Music Fundamentals (2 credits) or
MUSC 1410 - Theory I (2 credits) and
MUSC 1411 - Aural Skills I (1 credit)

Corequisites : ALL students enrolled in a bluegrass band course are required to also enroll in the following:

Individual instruction on at least one (1) instrument during each semester of band.
Vocalists must also take “Bluegrass Harmony Part Singing” at their earliest opportunity.*
Bluegrass Seminar at least one semester each year while enrolled in a band.

*The Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Minor is under revision; students should see a bluegrass advisor before registering for classes.