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(312)996-2939

UIC Department of Performing Arts
College of Architecture and the Arts
EPASW Bldg. 1040 W. Harrison St. MC-255
Chicago, IL 60607
phone 312-996-2977 | fax 312-996-0954

Overview

Because the music profession is so diverse, the major curriculum at the University of Illinois at Chicago emphasizes skills and knowledge that are fundamental to the entire discipline: music theory, music history, performance, aural and keyboard training, orchestration, composition, conducting, and ensemble participation. Music study at UIC includes two years of work in theory, aural skills, and piano, five semesters of history and literature, and courses in counterpoint and analysis. Majors should also plan on at least two years of participation in one of the program's performing organizations, which include concert band, jazz ensemble, and three choral groups.

For those who wish to specialize in performance, the program offers opportunities for private study in voice, piano, orchestral, and jazz instruments with some of Chicago's most outstanding artist-teachers.

A large number of the program's graduates have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in music. Others have found employment as performers, teachers, or composers in a wide variety of settings. A total of 130 semester hours is required for graduation. Students choose either the Basic Option or the Performance Option. For more information, write to dpa@uic.edu.

Music Major Requirements

Basic Option

For the Bachelor of Arts, 55-63 semester hours, distributed as follows:

  • Mus 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 203, 204 (16 hrs)
  • Mus 170, 171, 270, 271 (8 hrs)
  • Mus 230, 231, 232 (9 hrs)
  • Mus 300, 301 (6 hrs)
  • Six hours of music electives chosen from Mus 114, 115, 117, 119 (6 hrs)
  • Six hours of music electives chosen from Mus 302, 303, 304, 306, 307 (6 hrs)
  • Four hours chosen from Mus 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 159 (4 hrs)
    (No more than one hour of credit earned in any term may apply towards this four-hour requirement.)
  • Mus 110-- Convocation/Recital (0 hrs), Students must register for Mus 110 for 4 terms.
  • Foreign Language: usually one year of French, German, or Italian at the college level or its equivalent (0-8 hrs) With the consent of the department, students may substitute other languages. Two years of foreign language study is strongly recommended.

Total: (55–63 hrs)

Performance Option

Admission Requirements
For admission to the performance track, students are required to audition. The audition should include the performance of two pieces in contrasting styles, as well as scales, and sight reading.

Major Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts, 64-68 semester hours distributed as follows:

  • Mus 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 203, 204 (16 hrs)
  • Mus 170, 171, 270, 271 (8 hrs)
  • Mus 230, 231, 232 (9 hrs)
  • Mus 300, 301 (6 hrs)
  • Three hours of music electives chosen from Mus 114, 115, 117, 119 (3 hrs)
  • Six hours of music electives chosen from Mus 302, 303, 304, 306, 307 (6 hrs)
  • One to four hours chosen from Mus 151, 153, 159 a (1-4 hrs)
  • One or two hours chosen from Mus 152, 154, 155, 158 a (1-2 hrs)
  • One of the following: (8 hrs)
  • Mus 180--Private Instrumental Lessons (8 hrs) Students must register for
  • Mus 180 for 4 terms. Requires three juries and one half-recital; a minimum grade of "B" is required to remain in the option.
  • Mus 182--Private Voice Lessons (8 hrs) Students must register for Mus 182 for 4 terms. Requires three juries and one half-recital; a minimum grade of "B" is required to remain in the option.
  • One of the following: (6 hrs)
    • Mus 280--Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons (6 hrs) Students must register for Mus 280 for 2 terms. Requires one full recital.
    • Mus 282--Advanced Private Voice Lessons (6 hrs) Students must register for Mus 282 for 2 terms. Requires one jury and one full recital.
    • Mus 110-- Convocation/Recital (0 hrs) Students must register for Mus 110 for 4 terms

Total: (64--68 hrs)

Note: Vocalists must choose four hours of 153 and one hour of 154 or 155; wind and percussion students must choose four hours between 151 and 159, and one hour of 152 or 158; pianists, organists, and string students must complete two hours from 152 or 158 and one hour of a large ensemble.

Minor in Music

  • Mus 101, 102, 103, 104 (8 hrs)
  • Mus 170, 171, (4 hrs)
  • Mus 230, 231 (6 hrs)
  • Three hours of music electives at the 200 level (3 hrs)

Total: 21 hrs