Music, B.S.

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The Washington and Lee University Department of Music provides exceptional experiences in music training in the context of an education in the liberal arts tradition by developing students’ abilities to perform, create, contextualize and analyze music. All W&L students have opportunities to pursue their musical interests through participation in the Department’s classes, ensembles, applied lessons and events. Furthermore, the Department contributes to the region’s cultural life through its diverse musical offerings.

Required Courses

100-Level

Complete all courses in the following list:

200 and 300-Level

Complete all courses in the following list:

Thesis Requirement

Choose one course from the following list:

Emphasis

Completion of one of the two following areas of emphasis:

Vocal Music Emphasis

Complete all the courses in the following list:

7 credits of applied study in voice;
8 credits of conducted choral ensemble (MUS 109A , MUS 109B , MUS 110 ). Students whose primary applied instrument is piano may substitute up to four credits of accompanying (MUS 108 );
MUS 116 - Bentley Musical Rehearsals
MUS 210 - Vocal Pedagogy
MUS 326 - Conducting and Methods II - Choral

Instrumental Music Emphasis

Complete all the courses in the following list:

7 credits of applied study on primary instrument (in addition to any applied piano courses that may be required in order to complete the piano proficiency requirement);
8 credits of conducted instrumental ensemble (MUS 113 , MUS 114 , MUS 115 ). Students whose primary applied instrument is piano may substitute up to four credits of accompanying MUS 108
MUS 327 - Conducting and Methods II - Instrumental
MUS 350 - Brass Techniques
MUS 351 - Percussion Techniques
MUS 352 - String Techniques
MUS 353 - Woodwind Techniques

Ensemble Courses

Enrollment in ensemble courses (MUS 108 - MUS 116 ) is required every fall and winter term after declaring the music major

Piano Proficiency

Students must demonstrate piano proficiency by the end of their junior year. Students with no prior piano experience must complete both MUS 100 and MUS 101 . Students with prior piano experience will be tested to determine proficiency. W&L’s specific standards for piano proficiency are listed at go.wlu.edu/piano-proficiency.

Recital Attendance

Successful completion of MUS 200 every fall and winter term after declaring the music major is required.

MUS 200 - Recital Attendance