Apr 18, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Music Major, B.A. (Performance Concentration)


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Department Information


Department of Music
PO Box 70661
Phone (423) 439-4270
Web Address: www.etsu.edu/cas/music

The Department of Music at East Tennessee State University was established in 1946. The University is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Department offers the Bachelor of Music with concentrations in performance and music education and the Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in Commercial Music, Composition, Music History, and Performance. The Department of Music is a vibrant community of students and faculty committed to the highest level of musical artistry and academic achievement.

Admission Requirements

Any student applying to major or minor in music at both the undergraduate and graduate levels must first meet the general university admission requirements. Once admitted to the university, the student must audition for admission to the music degree program. Auditions are held on announced dates during the academic year and may also be scheduled by appointment. Undergraduate auditions may be performed via recording if the student lives more than 150 miles from campus. 

Students will be notified of their acceptance or denial to be a music major in the Department of Music within ten business days of the audition. If accepted, an academic advisor will assist the student in determining courses to be taken to begin the program of study. Students who are denied acceptance may still register for applied music lessons and for ensembles. Students who are denied acceptance may audition again, but no more than once per calendar year. A student who is denied acceptance three times is no longer eligible to audition.

Students who are accepted for admission to the music or jazz studies minor programs must declare that minor prior to reaching 60 credits of coursework to ensure that the program of study can be completed before graduation.

For complete information about auditions see the department web page: www.etsu.edu/cas/music

Undergraduate Music Theory and Aural Skills Diagnostic Exam

Before a student begins a music degree, they will take the Music Theory and Aural Skills Diagnostic Exam. Students must score a minimum of 85% on the exam, or they must take MUSC 1100 - Music Fundamentals  prior to enrollment in MUSC 1300 - Theory & Aural Skills I . Students who meet or exceed the 85% minimum are clear to enroll directly in MUSC 1300 

Progression Policy: Applied Music

Music majors must register for applied music courses (private instruction) in their major area of performance as part of their degree programs. Students may advance in applied music course levels (1, 2, 3) through the successful completion of the level advancement process assigned by faculty as part of the courses. Students must spend a minimum of two semesters of study at each level before attempting level advancement. Students may not exceed four semesters at level 1 and six semesters at level 2. Students who advance to level 3 may continue to enroll indefinitely. Additional course fees will apply for Applied Music courses.

Transfer Students
Students transferring to East Tennessee State University from another college or university are required to take an audition. Student transcripts will be reviewed prior to acceptance into the Department of Music.

Advising
Students wishing more information regarding the Department of Music or wanting to be advised, can contact us at:
(423) 439-4270
or email us at music@etsu.edu
or visit www.etsu.edu/music

Degree Requirements: 120 credits


Compass Core Curriculum

40-43 credits
Major Total Requirements 71 credits
     Major Core    26 credits
     Concentration    45 credits
     Cumulative Recital   
     Recital Attendance  
     Piano Proficiency  
     Sight Reading  
     Program Notes  
       
Foreign Language 3 credits
Free Electives 3-6 credits
TOTAL 120 credits

Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: MUSC-BA (APMU)  

Grade Requirements: Students must achieve C- or higher in all Bachelor of Arts music core classes.

College of Arts and Sciences : Visit link to view the complete list of B.A. degree requirements.

  • Completion of a foreign language course numbered 2020 or above with a grade of C- or better. Students may be required to take courses numbered 1010, 1020 and/or 2010 based on a placement test or equivalent.

 

Compass Core Curriculum  

These requirements include earning 40-43 credits in Strengthening Foundations, Understanding Natural and Social Worlds, Exploring Connections, Cultivate Artistic Awareness, and Growing as an Individual and Global Citizen categories.

Major Specific courses listed in Compass Core Curriculum Requirements:

Total Requirements for Music Major: 67 credits


Performance Concentration Requirements: 41 credits


Major Ensemble (4 credits)


Take 1 credit per semester for 4 semesters. 

Non-Course Requirements


Piano Proficiency
Students in the B.A. Performance concentration are required to meet a standard proficiency level on piano. This is assessed through a Piano Proficiency Examination that is a graduation requirement for the degree program. Students enrolled in MUSC 1020 Class Piano II must attempt the required Piano Proficiency Exam at the end of the semester. Failure to pass the Piano Proficiency Exam requires enrollment in MUSC 1801 Applied Piano Level I in all future semesters until the Piano Proficiency Exam is successfully passed.
Students who matriculate with prior piano training may request to take the Piano Proficiency Examination when they begin the degree program. If the student passes the exam, they will be exempt from the Class Piano courses in the curriculum and they have fulfilled the Piano Proficiency Examination graduation requirement. If the student does not pass the Piano Proficiency Examination, they must take the Class Piano courses as prescribed in the program of study.

Sight Reading
Students in the B.A. Performance concentration must successfully pass a sight reading proficiency examination. The examination will be administered by the applied faculty as a part of the requirements for applied level advancement from applied level I to II. The examination may be administered at the time of the level advancement performance jury or scheduled separately.

Cumulative Recital
Students in the B.A. Performance concentration must demonstrate their performance skills through a Cumulative Recital. The recital must be a minimum of 60 minutes and will typically be presented in the final semester of study. Students must be enrolled in applied lessons level III to present the cumulative recital. Repertoire performed must be approved by the applied teacher. A recital hearing is required prior to the recital presentation as per department policies. The recital will be evaluated by a faculty committee.

Program Notes
Students presenting their cumulative recital are required to write and submit program notes to the Department of Music faculty program committee. These notes must meet the requirements for B.A. Performance program notes (provided by the applied faculty). If the submitted program notes are not of the quality necessary for publication, students are required to revise the program notes as requested by the faculty program committee until the program notes meet the required standard.

Recital Attendance
As a music major it is important to experience a variety of musical performances in different genres, styles, and forces. In order to ensure this occurs during the student’s program of study, the ETSU Department of Music requires all music majors to attend the following music recitals (concerts/performances). This is a standard requirement for universities accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. To track attendance at these events, music majors are required to enroll in  MUSC 1111 - Recital Attendance  every semester. This is a zero credit class graded as pass/fail.

Free Electives: 7-10 credits


No Minor Required


Major Field Test


A major field test is required for graduating students. Please see advisor for more information.

Additional Information


Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements  for all ETSU students.

CSCI 1100  or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements. CSCI 1100  has a required lab course, CSCI 1150 .

Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.

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