Music - Liberal Arts Major

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts/Science in Music at Illinois State University offers a comprehensive liberal arts education in music, emphasizing theory, history, performance, and music education. Students develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills while specializing in areas such as music education, music therapy, or performance. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in the music industry and beyond, including professional musicianship, music education, and music-related fields.

Program Outline

Analysis of Music - Liberal Arts Major at Illinois State University:

Degree Overview:

• **This is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree offered by the School of Music at Illinois State University.

• **It is an alternative to the professional B.M.
(Bachelor of Music) degree and provides a broader-based liberal arts education.

• **The B.A./B.S.
in Music focuses on the theoretical and historical aspects of music, as well as performance and music education.

• **It is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in music, while also developing their critical thinking, communication, and research skills.

Outline:

• **Courses in the B.A./B.S.
in Music cover a wide range of topics, including music theory, history, appreciation, literature, performance, and technology.

• **Students can choose to specialize in areas such as music education, music therapy, or performance.

• **The program also offers opportunities for ensemble participation, private lessons, and music industry internships.

• Here are some examples of courses included in the program:
• Music Theory I and II
• Music History (Western and Non-Western)
• Music Literature
• Music Appreciation
• Introduction to Music Technology
• Musicianship (ear training and sight singing)
• Performance Ensemble (band, orchestra, choir, or jazz ensemble)
• Private Music Lessons in an instrument or voice
• Music Education Methods
• Music Therapy

Assessment:

• **Assessment methods in the B.A./B.S.
in Music vary depending on the course and instructor.

• **Traditional methods like exams, quizzes, and written assignments are common.

• **Some courses may also use performance-based assessments, research papers, or portfolio submissions.

• **The overall goal of assessment is to evaluate students' understanding of the material, their musical skills, and their ability to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

Teaching:

• **Courses in the B.A./B.S.
in Music are taught by a team of professional musicians and music educators with extensive experience in performance, teaching, and research.

• **Classes are typically small, allowing for personalized attention and interaction with the instructor.

• **The School of Music encourages active learning and critical thinking in the classroom setting.

• **Students are encouraged to participate in discussions, share their ideas, and engage in collaborative projects.

• **The program also offers student mentoring opportunities and other resources to support students' academic success.

Careers:

• **The B.A./B.S.
in Music prepares students for a wide range of careers in the music industry and beyond.

• **Career options related to musicianship include professional performer, private music instructor, composer, arranger, conductor, etc.

• **Career options in the field of music education include music teacher (K-12), university music professor, curriculum developer, music therapist, educational researcher, etc.

• **Other potential career paths for music majors involve music therapy, music journalism, arts administration, music librarian, music critic, sound engineer, film scorer, video game music composer, etc.

• **The program also prepares students for graduate studies in music-related fields.

Other:

• **The College of Fine Arts in Illinois State University promotes a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment for its students.

• **Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including professional performance spaces, recording studios, computer labs, and music practice rooms.

• **The School of Music hosts numerous concerts, guest artist performances, workshops, and other events throughout the year.

• **Students are encouraged to participate in these events and engage with the larger music community.

• **The program also collaborates with other arts organizations in the area to provide students with additional learning and networking opportunities.

• **The School of Music actively supports its students' career development goals through guidance, career counseling, and internship opportunities.