Music, B.A.

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Requirements for the Major:

Music Department Curriculum Beginning with the Class of 2026

Requirements for the Music Major:

Twelve Courses

FOUR HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT COURSES (HCC)

Chosen from two categories:

Historical Musicology
Global and Popular Musics

To be chosen from a list of approved courses.

At least one course must be outside of the primary area.

THREE COURSES IN MUSICAL LITERACY (ML)

ONE TECHNOLOGY COURSE

ONE CREATIVITY COURSE

ONE PERFORMANCE COURSE

Senior Project Guidelines

All Music majors must complete a two-term senior project (AMU 498-499) that serves as the culmination of their coursework and performance experience in the Music Department.

Music ID majors must complete a one-term senior project (AMU 497) OR A two-term senior project in conjunction with another ID major (IDM) may be approved in consultation with the Music Department Faculty.

Double majors are expected to complete a separate two-term senior project in Music OR A three-term senior project in conjunction with another major may be approved in consultation with the Music Department Faculty.

Senior Project Description

Students must develop an original project to work on with a Music Department faculty member during the senior year. The project may involve composition, performance, researching and writing a senior thesis, or completing a recording. All projects should incorporate a writing component to fulfill the goals of the senior writing experience. The amount of writing, however, varies depending on the nature of the project. For example, if the primary project is a composition, performance, or recording, the writing component will be significantly shorter than a written thesis. Please consult with individual Music Department faculty for help in developing your senior project ideas.

All projects must have a public presentation (exhibit, performance, Steinmetz presentation) or a defense with the advisor and a second reader.

Two years of practicum credit in faculty-led ensemble

Requirements for Honors in Music:

To be eligible for departmental honors, a student must fulfill the following requirements: (1) a minimum index of 3.3 in music; (2) for full Majors: a grade of “A minus” or better in a two-term senior project in composition, performance, research, or analysis (AMU 498 -AMU 499 ); for Interdepartmental Majors: a grade of “A minus” or better in a one-term senior project in composition, performance, research, or analysis (AMU 497 ). In addition, the student must satisfy College requirements for departmental honors.

Course Selection Guidelines:

Students should consult their music faculty advisors when choosing electives. Concentrations are available in composition, music history, music technology, performance, and global and popular musics. All students should plan to complete the 100- and 200-level music theory sequence early in their music studies. AMU 301 Music Theory: Materials and Design III is strongly recommended as a capstone theory course for students specializing in composition, performance, or music history. The department values performance as an essential component of musical training. The list of ensembles follows the music course descriptions.

In addition to regular coursework, students may work with individual faculty in independent studies on special topics. These could include conducting, composition, counterpoint, community-based internships, and technology. Please consult your advisor or the Chair of the Music Department for further information.

Cross-Registration with SUNY Schenectady

Students may also take advantage of Union College’s established cross-registration with SUNY Schenectady (hyperlink to college policy) to take courses not offered at Union College. For example, students interested in Music Education are highly encouraged to take Aural Skills at SUNY Schenectady. Please consult the Music Chair for additional information and pre-approval of any courses.