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Music Majors

Degree Programs

Many career opportunities are available to graduates in the field of music. Opportunities for teaching music include instruction at the elementary, secondary and university levels. In addition, many musicians teach independently, establishing their own music studios and working with students of all ages.

Although opportunities in the area of full-time professional performance are limited, there are many musicians who perform on a part-time basis. Students who seek performance careers should consider continued studies in a graduate school of music. Beyond the fields of teaching and performing, career opportunities exist in many related areas such as music publishing, radio and television, arts management, recording engineering, music copying and various aspects of the music business.

Accomplished musicians are vital to and needed in all areas of the music profession.

At the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, student may choose from seven different music degree options under the Bachelor of Arts in Music:

  1. Music Degree
  2. Teacher Licensure, Instrumental Music (K-12)
  3. Teacher Licensure, Choral Music (6-12)
  4. Teacher Licensure, General Music (K-12)
  5. Jazz Studies
  6. Arts Management
  7. Piano Pedagogy and Literature
Students may also choose:
  1. Music Minor
  2. Certificate in Piano Pedagogy and Literature*
*Please note that a certificate in Piano Pedagogy and Literature is not a Bachelors Degree.

Option I: Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Music Department offers a 50-credit program leading to the bachelor of arts degree with a major in music. Students at UW-Parkside must complete a minimum of 15 credits in their major in courses numbered 300 or above. Each music major must pass a keyboard proficiency examination. This examination must be prefaced with Keyboard Musicianship IV. The following courses or their equivalent are required:

Core Courses:

Total: 50 credits

* Not required for students completing Option V.

For students whose primary instrument is voice or an orchestra or band instrument, enrollment in Chorale, Orchestra, or Wind Ensemble is required in every semester of full-time enrollment. For students whose primary instrument is classical guitar, four semesters of large ensemble (listed above) and four semesters of guitar ensemble enrollment are required. For students whose primary instrument is a keyboard instrument, ensemble enrollment is required every semester in which such students are registered as full-time students. At least four of these credits must be in a large ensemble. At least two of these credits must be in keyboard accompanying and chamber music performance. Students who pursue a music degree through part-time enrollment are required to participate in a large ensemble in at least six semesters.

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Option II: Teacher Licensure, Instrumental Music (K-12)

To obtain teacher licensure, students must complete all requirements under Option I as well as the following:

Enrollment in Wind Ensemble or Orchestra is required every semester that a student is enrolled as a full-time music major.

Students should consult the Music Student Handbook Web page and their academic adviser for the current requirements in professional education. All required music courses and proficiency requirements must be completed before student teaching. Students must apply for admission to the teacher education program and gain acceptance before taking most professional education courses. Application for student teaching must be made one full semester preceding enrollment. Consult the Music Department's teacher education liaison for details. Additional information about the teacher education program and licensure can be obtained from the teacher education adviser at (262) 595-2100.

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Option III: Teacher Licensure, Choral Music (6-12)

To obtain teacher licensure, students must complete all requirements under Option I as well as the following:

Enrollment in Chorale is required in every semester of full-time enrollment. Students whose major applied instrument is not voice must take Class Voice (180), followed by three semesters of applied voice.

Students should consult the Music Student Handbook Web page and their academic adviser for the current requirements in professional education. All required music courses and proficiency requirements must be completed before student teaching. Students must apply for admission to the teacher education program and gain acceptance before taking most professional education courses. Application for student teaching must be made one full semester preceding enrollment. Consult the Music Department's teacher education liaison for details. Additional information about the teacher education program and licensure can be obtained from the teacher education adviser at (262) 595-2100.

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Option IV: Teacher Licensure, General Music (K-12)

To obtain teacher licensure, students must complete all requirements under Option I as well as the following:

For students whose primary instrument is voice or an orchestra or band instrument, enrollment in Chorale, Orchestra, or Wind Ensemble is required in every semester of full time enrollment. Students whose major applied instrument is not voice must take Class Voice (180), followed by three semesters of applied voice.

Students should consult the Music Student Handbook Web page and their academic adviser for the current requirements in professional education. All required music courses and proficiency requirements must be completed before student teaching. Students must apply for admission to the teacher education program and gain acceptance before taking most professional education courses. Application for student teaching must be made one full semester preceding enrollment. Consult the Music Department's teacher education liaison for details. Additional information about the teacher education program and licensure can be obtained from the teacher education adviser at (262) 595-2100.

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Option V: Jazz Studies

The Jazz Studies Emphasis provides the expertise needed for the professional to function in an extremely competitive job market. With almost every high and middle school offering jazz ensemble, the Jazz Studies Emphasis prepares tomorrow's music educator for the challenges of teaching this contemporary art form. For the performer, the Jazz Studies Emphasis fosters an appreciation of the history and repertoire of this uniquely American art form and nurtures the development of essential skills necessary to be successful in the professional marketplace.

For this option, students must complete all requirements under Option I as well as the following:

Total: 15 credits

Enrollment in Jazz Ensemble is required every semester that a student is registered as a full-time student. In addition, four semesters of concurrent enrollment in a large ensemble are required.

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Option VI: Arts Management

Arts management is an interdisciplinary program providing basic preparation for a position in a cultural organization, an independent music business or corporate environment. This program provides students in music with a sound business framework to complement study in music. Students learn the duties and skills required of managers of visual and performing arts groups including the structure of organizations, planning, programming, staffing, budgeting and marketing as well as fundraising, board development and volunteer management. Material relevant to specific students' needs and interests is emphasized.

For this option, students must complete all requirements under Option I as well as the following:

Elective

Choose one of the following 3 credit courses:

An internship in arts management is required, allowing students to gain practical experience working in a campus or community arts organization or business.

Please visit the Arts Management site for more information on their program at UW-Parkside.

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Option VII: Piano Pedagogy and Literature

This concentration allows keyboard students the opportunity to prepare for a career in private piano teaching. Students planning to attend graduate school will have excellent preparation and will be strong candidates for teaching assistantships.

For this option, students must complete all requirements under Option I plus the following:

Music majors in the piano pedagogy and literature concentration will begin course work as second-year students, after completion of the music theory prerequisite course work. The six-semester sequence can be started in the fall semester of any year, resulting in a four-year degree plan.

(rev 11/08)

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Music Minor

The objective of the music minor is to provide students from any area of study with the opportunity to be introduced to the field of music through theoretical, historical and performance experiences. 20-22 credits consisting of the following courses or their equivalents must be completed. An audition is required.

Total: 20-22 credits

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Certificate in Piano Pedagogy and Literature

The UW-Parkside certificate in piano pedagogy and literature is for beginning and experienced piano teachers who want to improve their teaching skills and increase their ability to teach and perform piano music from all historical periods. The program includes studies in piano, accompanying piano pedagogy, and piano literature and performance practice. This program provides the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in the piano and piano teaching to renew and explore exciting new areas of knowledge.

The benefits of completing this program are numerous:

For degree-seeking students, this program can also be taken as a concentration within the music major. Consult the university catalog for more information.

Required Coursework:

(Prerequisite: Written and Aural Theory 1 and 2*)

At least one course in this program will be offered each semester. The program can be completed in six semesters of part-time enrollment. The sequence may be started in any Fall semester.

* A working knowledge of the theoretical foundations of music is essential for participants in this program. This may be accomplished by taking these courses at UW-Parkside, by transfer credits, or by exam. Transfer credits are evaluated for comparable course content.

The Certificate in Piano Pedagogy and Literature coursework is taught by James McKeever, professor of music, and Susan McKeever, associate lecturer.

(updated 11/08)

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