Music

Degree Programs

General Studies

The General Studies requirements for Chadron State College are available on a separate page for easy reference. You may want to open the page in a new window or tab.

Mission

It is the mission of the Department of Music at Chadron State College to provide students a rich environment in which to pursue their musical interests and career goals.  With a broad-based curriculum, the undergraduate programs offered are designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in both the public and the private sectors.  The CSC Department of Music strives to set and maintain high standards of excellence in providing musical leadership to the campus and to the service region as the premier four-year institution of higher education in the Nebraska Panhandle.

The Degree of Bachelor of Arts with a Comprehensive Major in Music

A student must complete the core requirements, an option, graduation literacy and the General Studies requirements. No grade lower than "C" in any required music course will apply toward graduation.  Incoming students should plan to take theory and piano placement exams during the first week of classes.  Incoming students should plan to take the theory and piano placement exams during the first week of classes.

Core Requirements

Number Course Title Hours
MKTG 231 Principles of Marketing 3
MUS 101 Student Recital 0
MUS 115 Private Instruction 2
MUS 131/131L Theory I and Lab 4
MUS 132/132L Theory II and Lab 3
MUS 199 Admission to Candidacy 0
MUS 215 Private Music Instruction 2
MUS 231/231L Theory III and Lab 4
MUS 240 Principles of Conducting 2
MUS 299 Sophomore Qualifying Exam 0
MUS 315 Private Instruction 2
MUS 399 Solo Half-Recital 0
MUS 427 Music History II 3
Total hours 26

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Music Performance Option

Number Course Title Hours
Core Requirement 26
MUS 102/302

MUS 103/303		 Wind Ensemble
or
Concert Choir		 8

MUS 104/304
105/305
106/306
107/307
108/308
109/309
110/310
124/324
or 125/325

 Chamber Ensembles 4

MUS 220
OR
MUS 317

Functional Piano Skills
OR
Seminar in Accompanying Techniques

 2
MUS 232/232L Theory IV and Lab 4 
MUS 238
OR
MUS 315r
OR
MUS 319b		 Diction for Singers**
OR
Instrument Repair**
OR
Music Studio Operations**		 1-2

MUS 415

Private Instruction (addition to core)

 2
MUS 426 Music History I 3
MUS 428 Music of the 20th Century  3
MUS 499 Solo Full Recital 0
Electives Electives 3-4
Total hours 57

Electives to be chosen from the following: MUS 238, 315o, 315r, 319a, 321, 322, 335, 336, 413, 419, 423, 424, 430

*Students proficient in piano at time of enrollment may test out of the requirement.

**Vocal Majors must enroll in Diction for Singers

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Music Business Option

Number Course Title Hours
Core Requirement 26
MKTG 331 Sales Techniques 3

MKTG 335
OR
MKTG 336
OR 
MKTG 338

Entrepreneurial Business Start-Up
OR
Entre-Promotions and Advertising
OR
Buyer Behavior

 3
MUS 335 Recording Techniques 2
MUS 336 Jazz Improvisation I 2**
MUS 390 Internship 1***
MUS 413 Songwriting/Arr & MIDI I 2**
MUS 419 Music Business 3
     
Emphasis Instrumental/Vocal or Piano Studio Operations 15
Total hours 57

Instrumental/Vocal Emphasis: MUS 102/302 or MUS 103/303 (7 cr.); MUS 220*; MUS 420; BIS 332

Music Studio Operations Emphasis: MUS 102/302 or MUS 103/303 (4 cr.); MUS 317 or 220; MUS 319A and B; MUS 329, MUS 423 and MUS 424, or MUS 251 (2 cr.)

The following courses are recommended as supportive electives for the Music Business Option: MUS 104/304, 105/305, 106/306, 330, 335, 337, 414

NOTE: Non-classical literature may be added providing a satisfactory repertoire of classical literature can be performed at an acceptable level.

*Students proficient in piano at time of enrollment may test out of the requirement. Sophomore qualifying and senior recital requirements are required. Non-classical literature may be added providing a satisfactory repertoire of classical literature can be performed at an acceptable level.

**MUS 115x Private Improvisation may be substituted for MUS 336. MUS 115z, Private Songwriting Arranging, and MIDI I, may be substituted for MUS 413.

***A student may elect to enroll in 1-12 credit of MUS 390, or a substitution suggested by the advisor and approved by the faculty based on the student’s career goals.

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The Degree of Bachelor of Arts with a Subject Major In Music Studies

A Student must complete the following program in addition to the General Studies requirements, the graduation literacy requirement and a major or minor in another discipline. Recommended minors include Art, Communication Arts, English, History, Library Information Management, Psychology, and Theater.  No grade lower than "C" in any required course will apply toward graduation.  Incoming students should plan to take the theory and piano placement exams during the first week of classes.

Number Course Title Hours
 MUS 101  Student Recital 0 

 MUS 102/302
OR
MUS 103/303

 Wind Symphony
OR
Concert Choir

 6 

MUS 104/304
MUS 105/305
MUS 106/306
MUS 107/307
MUS 108/308
MUS 109/309
MUS 110/310
MUS 124/324
MUS 125/325

 Chamber Ensembles 2 
MUS 115  Private Instruction 2 
 MUS 131 & 131L  Theory I & Lab 4 
 MUS 132 & 132L  Theory II & Lab 4 
 MUS 199  Admission to Candidacy 0 
 MUS 215  Private Music Instruction 2 

 MUS 220
OR
MUS 317

 Functional Piano Skills
OR
Seminar in Accompanying Techniques

 2 
 MUS 240  Principles of Conducting 2 
 MUS 299  Sophomore Qualifying Exam 0 

 MUS 426
OR
MUS 428

 Music History I
OR
Music of the 20th Century

 3 
 MUS 427  Music History II 3 
   Electives 6 
Total hours 36
Electives to be chosen from the following: MUS 231, 231L, 232, 232L, 238, 315o (up to 3 cr.), 319a, 319b, 321, 322, 335, 336, 413, 423, 424, 426, 427, 430.

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The Degree of Bachelor of Science in Education with a Field Endorsement in Music (K-12)

This endorsement qualifies a person to teach instrumental and vocal music in grades K-12.  A student must complete the following program in addition to the General Studies, graduation literacy and Professional Education requirements, including successful completion of MUS 431a, Elementary Music Endorsement, and MUS 431b, Secondary Music Endorsement.  Incoming students should plan to take the theory and piano placement exams during the first week of classes.

Number Course Title Hours
MUS 101 Student Recital 0
MUS 102/302

MUS 103/303		 Wind Ensemble
or
Choir		 6*
MUS 114 Introduction to Music Education 2
MUS 115 Private Music Instruction 2
     
MUS 131 & 131L Theory I & Lab 4
MUS 132 & 132L Theory II & Lab 4
MUS 199 Admission to Candidacy 0
MUS 215 Private Music Instruction 2

MUS 220

OR

317

Functional Piano Skills

OR

Seminar in Accompanying Techniques

 2
MUS 221 Keyboard Skills for the Class Teacher 2
MUS 231 & 231L Theory III & Lab 4
MUS 232 & 232L Theory IV & Lab 4
MUS 238 Diction for Singers 1
MUS 240 Principles of Conducting 2
MUS 251 Music Education Practicum, K-12 2-4**
MUS 315 Private Instruction 2
MUS 321 Choral Conducting 2
MUS 322 Instrumental Conducting 2
MUS 351 Music Education Practicum, K-12 2
MUS 352 Music Education Practicum, K-12 1
MUS 399 Solo Half Recital 0
MUS 412 Tech. of Marching Band 1
MUS 426 Music History I 3
MUS 427 Music History II 3
     
     
Total hours 58-60

Electives in Jazz may be selected from among the following: MUS 104/304, 105/305, 106/306, or 336

*Students must complete at least one credit hour of both band and choir to meet state accreditation requirements.

**This is a one credit hour repeatable course. Students may move to the next course in the sequence based on the completion of student learning outcomes. Transfer students may be asked to complete performance assessment in order to substitute coursework from other institutions.

The following Classes are recommended as supportive classes: MUS 216, 315r, 329, 413, 421

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The Degree of Bachelor of Science in Education with a Subject Endorsement in Vocal Music (K-8)

This endorsement qualifies a person to teach vocal music in the elementary grades. It is strongly recommended that a student complete the following program in conjunction with a K-8 Elementary Education Endorsement program, in addition to the General Studies requirements, the Professional Education requirements, and MUS 431a, Elementary Music Endorsement. Students who pursue the K-8 endorsement are recommended to subsitute MUS 329 for MUS 333 (See Education degree requirements). Incoming students should plan to take theory and piano placement exams during the first week of classes.

Number Course Title Hours
MUS 101 Student Recital 0
MUS 103/303 Choir 4
MUS 115S Private Music instruction (Voice) 2
MUS 131/131L Theory I & Lab 4
MUS 132/132L Theory II & Lab 4
MUS 199 Admission to Candidacy 0
MUS 215S Private Music Instruction (Voice) 2
MUS 216 Guitar Class 1

MUS 220

OR

MUS 317

Functional Piano Skills

OR

Seminar in Accompanying Techniques

 2
MUS 221 Keyboard Skills for the Class Teacher 2
MUS 240 Principles of Conducting 2
MUS 250 Music Education Practicum, K-8 1
MUS 252 Music Education Practicum, K-8 1
     
     
     
     
Total hours 33
 

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Minors in Music

Music

A student must complete the following program in addition to the General Studies requirements and a major in another discipline.

Number Course Title Hours
MUS 101 Student Recital 0
MUS 115 Private Instruction 2
MUS 131/131L Theory I & Lab 4
MUS 199 Admission to Candidacy 0
MUS 215 Private Instruction 2
MUS 427 Music History II 3
Music Performance* 4
Music Electives** 7
Total hours 21
*Chosen from the following performance ensembles: MUS 102/302, 103/303, 104/304, 105/305, 106/306, 107/307, 108/308, 109/309, 110/310, 124/324, 125/325, 126/326

**Chosen from the following courses: MUS 132/132L, 216, 220, 230, 231, 240, 312, 315r, 319A, 319B, 321, 322, 336, 413, 419,420, 423, 424, 426, 428

Note: Entrance to many of the above ensembles is by audition.

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Music (K-8)

A student must complete the following program in addition to the General Studies and Professional Education, Elementary Education requirements, including MUS 431a, Special Methods in Elementary Education. Please note that music performance courses are one credit hour each. It takes 4 semesters to complete a 4 credit requirement for a performing ensemble.  Incoming students should plan to take the theory and piano placement exams during the first week of classes.

Number Course Title Hours
MUS 101 Student Recital 0
MUS 103/303 Choir 4
MUS 115S Private Music Instruction (Voice) 2
MUS 131 & 131L Theory I & Lab 4
MUS 199 Admission to Candidacy 0
MUS 215S Private Music Instruction (Voice) 1

MUS 220

OR

MUS 317

Functional Piano Skills

OR

Seminar in Accompanying Techniques

 2
MUS 250 Music Education Practicum, K-8 1
MUS 426 Music History I 3
     
Total hours 20
*Students proficient in piano at time of enrollment may test out of the requirement.

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Private Lessons

Private instruction is offered in every instrument and voice. A minimum of five hours of practice per week is required for each credit earned. A performance examination (Jury) in each private lesson course is required at the end of each semester. All private lessons must be taken for credit. Students must pass a sophomore qualifying examination before registering for MUS 315. Students should enroll in MUS 415 during the semester of their senior recital.

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Student Learning Outcomes

Requirements

  1. Music majors and minors are required to participate in a major performing ensemble directly related to their major performing instrument/voice each semester.
  2. Students in all degree programs (B.S.E. and B.A.) are required to pass a Piano Proficiency Examination before attempting the Sophomore Qualifying Exam (MUS 299) on their major instrument. Students in the Bachelor of Science in Education programs must complete this requirement before they can be approved by the Department of Music to enter the Professional Year.
  3. Students in all degree programs must audition to be admitted to candidacy at the end of one year of study.
  4. Students in all degree programs (except B.S.E. Vocal Music K-8) are required to present a qualifying solo recital for the music faculty at the end of the sophomore year, or at the end of the first semester in the case of an upper division transfer student. A student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on his/her major instrument voice to present the qualifying exam. This requirement must be met before a student is eligible to enroll for upper division credit in applied music.
  5. Students majoring in music performance will present a public half recital during the junior year as well as a public full recital during the senior year. The junior recital cannot be given until the student has completed at least four semesters as a music major at Chadron State College. The same GPA requirements apply for the sophomore qualifying exam and the senior recital.
  6. Each senior music major (except B.S.E. Vocal Music K-8 Endorsement) must present a solo recital during the senior year. A student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on his/her major instrument-voice to present the senior recital. At least three weeks prior to the scheduled recital date, the student will present a prerecital hearing for the music faculty. Upon the recommendation of the faculty following the hearing, the student will present a public recital or reschedule another hearing for the following semester.
  7. All students pursuing a B.S.E. with a Subject Endorsement Vocal Music (K-8) or a Field Endorsement in Music (K-12) must take EDUC 431K Special Methods in Music.
  8. The Department of Music requires that music majors and minors receive a grade of "C" or higher in all music coursework in order to receive departmental approval for graduation.
  9. Transfer students from a two (2) year institution must complete 50% of the required courses for the major from Chadron State College.