To find out, ask yourself: Do I enjoy singing or playing an instrument? Am I interested in a variety of music? Do I enjoy performing for others? Do the music experiences I've already had make me want to learn and do more? Am I willing to accept the challenge of spending hours practicing and rehearsing to perfect my skills? Would I like to teach music? Do I dream of being a performer or a composer?
The Department of Music and Dance in the School of Fine Arts offers several degrees. You can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in performance in voice, piano, organ, or any orchestral instrument; in music history; and in music theory. You can earn a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in music theory, composition, music history, or music performance in piano, voice, organ and church music, and any orchestral instrument — woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings.
You also can earn a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) in music education and in music therapy. The Department of Music and Dance, in cooperation with the Department of Theatre and Film, also offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in theatre and voice.
You should consider a Bachelor of Music if you intend to make music your career as a performer, composer, or teacher, or if you intend to go on for advanced studies in music performance, theory, composition, or music history.
If you want a broad liberal arts education with an emphasis in music, you should choose a Bachelor of Arts degree. The B.A. offers more courses in the humanities and social sciences, requires a laboratory science course, and in many cases requires more hours in a foreign language.
Students who are interested in theatre and voice and want to work as actors and singers should pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre and voice. This dual-major degree requires substantial course work in theatre and in music.
If you are interested in a career as a music educator or music therapist, you should consider a Bachelor of Music Education degree.
If you would like more information on any of the degree programs, write or call the University of Kansas, Department of Music and Dance, 1530 Naismith Drive, room 452, Lawrence, KS 66045-3102, (785) 864-3436.
Each degree has specific requirements, but if you're earning a Bachelor of Music, your first year's schedule will look something like this:
First semester |
Hours |
|
MTHC 105 Theory I (fall only) |
4 |
|
REC 100 Recitals |
0.5 |
|
ENGL 101 Composition |
3 |
|
224 Lessons |
4 |
|
Major Ensemble |
1 |
|
MEMT 116 Performance Media: Microcomputers/Synthesizers/Electronics |
1 |
|
PIAN Piano |
1 |
|
Music Elective |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
15.5 |
|
Second semester |
Hours |
|
MTHC 115 Theory II (spring only) |
4 |
|
REC 100 Recitals |
0.5 |
|
ENGL 102 Composition and Literature |
3 |
|
224 Lessons |
4 |
|
Major Ensemble |
1 |
|
PIAN Piano |
1 |
|
Non-Music Elective |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
16.5 |
The workload of a music student varies depending on the degree program. Most B.M. and B.A. students average 16 hours, or eight classes, a semester. Music education and music therapy students average about 17 hours, or 10 classes, a semester. Students also are expected to put in time practicing every day.
Entering first-year students are admitted based on their high school records, music auditions, and ACT scores. All performers, majors and non-majors, must audition for the department's music performance groups.
Professionally active, KU's music faculty members have earned national and international respect. You will study with widely published composers, concert and chamber musicians, and soloists who have taken bows on international stages. The faculty includes recording artists, music educators and music therapists, musicologists, and theorists who study and research the history and theory of music.
Scholarships are available to talented music students. Non-music majors in some music performance areas also may qualify. To receive a scholarship, you must apply and audition. Auditions are held in the spring for the next academic year. For information, write or call: Scholarship Chair, 1530 Naismith Drive, room 452, Lawrence, KS 66045-3102, (785) 864-3436, e-mail: music@ku.edu.
For information about scholarships based on academic merit, diversity, major, and residence, write or call the University of Kansas, Office of Admissions and Scholarships, KU Visitor Center, 1502 Iowa Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7576, (785) 864-3911 (www.admissions.ku.edu).
For information about grants, loans, and other need-based financial aid, write or call KU's Office of Student Financial Aid, 50 Strong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045-7535, (785) 864-4700.
Many KU graduates are conductors, opera singers, orchestral musicians, K-12 music educators, and music therapists. You're studying during a time when more music is being produced than ever before. In addition to a performing career, you could become a recording engineer, composer, arranger, church musician, arts manager, or music librarian. You could conduct ensembles, teach, or work with advanced technology using computers for music notation, composition, and many other music applications.
A music degree will give you a solid education and a sophisticated, goal-oriented approach to problem solving. These skills will give you an edge in any career.
For more information about the Department of Music and Dance or answers to questions about scholarships, auditions, advising, and careers, write or call the University of Kansas, Department of Music and Dance, 1530 Naismith Drive, room 400, Lawrence, KS 66045-3102, (785) 864-3436, e-mail: music@ku.edu.
You may decide you can't see yourself performing as a musician, or teaching, or studying music theory or composition. Perhaps you would like to satisfy your need for musical creativity by taking private lessons from a faculty member or by participating in one of KU's performance groups.
Remember, you don't have to be a music major to participate in music at KU.
As a music major at KU, you will work with professional specialists in your area of interest. You will encounter a variety of guest artists, lecturers, and special events. Internationally known musicians visit each year and work with students in clinics and master classes.
The Department of Music and Dance offers many performance opportunities to prepare you for the challenges you will face on the professional stage. You will choose from ensemble experiences in band, choir, orchestra, jazz, chamber music, early music, and oratorio; stage experiences in opera, opera workshops, and musical theatre; and solo experiences in concerto, aria, and recital performance.
Concerts and shows in KU's Lied Center Series bring outstanding performers to campus each year. The annual KU Jazz Festival is the largest in the Midwest. Thousands of musicians from the region come for adjudication and to hear performances by today's finest traditional and progressive jazz musicians. The Symposium of Contemporary Music brings world-famous composers to campus to give lectures and performances.
Between 1998 and 2000, a major construction project
expanded and remodeled Murphy Hall, the music program's
home. Including the expanded facility houses four large rehearsal
rooms, a Black Box Theatre, Swarthout Recital Hall, and several
chamber music rehearsal rooms. Murphy's new state-of-the-art
music technology center and the Thomas Gorton Music and Dance
Library serve music majors as well as students across the university.
The Lied Center of Kansas is a 2,020-seat performing arts hall
with state-of-the-art production capabilities. The new Bales
Organ Recital Hall houses a 45-stop mechanical action organ
built by Helmuth Wolff et Associés.
KU's faculty and variety of courses have attracted national attention. International students and teachers bring cultural richness and diverse viewpoints to campus. The overall quality and breadth of your education is a great reason for coming to KU.
Department-Specific Requirements:
Department of Art Admissions
Department of Design Admissions
Department of Music & Dance Admissions
|
The University of Kansas School of Fine Arts Lawrence, KS 66045 785/864-3421 |
Copyright © 2008 by The University of Kansas |
