Beyond the specific area of study, all students majoring in music take courses in six areas: performance studies, ensembles, music theory, musicology, music media, and for some conducting.

Through the study of music, students develop an aural comprehension of tonal and non-tonal music, an understanding of the harmonic language and voice-leading principles, and an understanding of musical vocabulary, analytical systems, and structural and formal principles. Students develop the necessary skills to read musical scores and to write in standard musical notation for a variety of instruments and voices. Students develop the ability to understand a wide range of musical traditions and cultural practices, ranging from the western classical tradition to the music of selected non-western cultures to today?s popular music. Students will be able to discuss music critically and will be prepared to engage in meaningful research in musical fields. Student performers will develop an expressive interpretation of solo repertoire through an understanding of compositional process and historical style with the necessary technical proficiency. Students will demonstrate advanced ensemble skills and contextual understanding of repertoire by artistically performing music representing a variety of genres, stylistic periods and cultures.

Transfer students must:

• Take a theory placement test. This placement test should be taken at the beginning of the first semester of studies at UST. Review sheets and information on time and place of the placement test are available from the Music Department Office (651) 962-5850.
• File an Application for Major Field with the department chair.
• Take at least one semester of music history at UST.
• Pass the performance level audition.
• Take at least four semesters of performance level lessons at UST.
• Perform their final level recital at UST.
• Take a minimum of four semesters of an appropriate ensemble.
• Complete 32 of their last 36 credits at UST.

Students intending on majoring in music must pass a performance audition. Students majoring in music may not have a letter grade lower than C- in a required music course.

For information concerning the department?s current policies and procedures, consult the Handbook for Music Majors and Minors, which is available on the Music Department website.

The department offers minors for those students who have an interest in music, but do not wish to major in the field.

A variety of musical ensembles are available for instrumentalists and vocalists, regardless of major.

The department also offers a number of courses for non-majors that fulfill the Fine Arts, Writing Across the Curriculum and Human Diversity components of the core curriculum.