Singers and Musicians at Holiday Gala

Music Major and Minor

Music majors, guided by their adviser, will choose six electives to create a path through the major.

A path allows majors to focus on a specific area of their choice, for example, instrumental or vocal performance, theory and composition, history and literature, or digital music studies.

The major culminates with Senior Seminar (MUS 401). A major may also apply for Honors in Music.

Three introductory courses, reflecting a breadth of musical study, forms the basis of a music minor. You can choose up to three electives numbered MUS 200 or above. 

Music majors and minors participate in both large and small ensembles, benefit from an active Concert Series, and have the opportunity to receive private instrumental or voice instruction from the best teachers in the Charlotte region.

No Auditions to Major or Minor in Music

桃瘾社区 does not require auditions for acceptance into the college or to become a music major or minor. However, all students must meet the academic admissions criteria of the college.

A music major, like any other major, is declared by the student at the end of the sophomore year. Music minors are declared by the student no later than October 1 of the student's senior year.

Applied Music Lessons

While not required for the major, all music majors are encouraged to take applied music lessons. The college covers the fee for applied music lessons in one instrument or voice for music majors, but there are separate charges for additional instruction.

Concert & Lecture Attendance

Music majors and minors are expected to regularly attend the concerts, recitals, and lectures presented by the music department.

Courses You Might Take

MUS 142

This course charts the development of the distinctly American styles produced by the combination of African and European characteristics. The music is approached from a historical standpoint, beginning with the musical forms, styles and instruments in African culture and ending with current trends in the music of both cultures.

MUS 228

This course is a historical, stylistic, and analytic study of film music from the origins of cinema in the 1890s to the present, focusing on fictional Hollywood narratives while also considering music鈥檚 function in documentary and avant-garde filmmaking. Emphasizes close reading of music in relation to film, and vice versa. The course includes weekly screenings.

MUS 241 | MUS 341

This course is an introduction to the music of Hispanic and Luso American countries and cultures from colonial times to the present. Topics include sacred and secular colonial music, son, marimba music, vieja guardia music, tonada, milonga, tango, Latin jazz, samba, and bossa nova. Course is cross-listed for MUS 241 and MUS 341.

Related Academic Programs

Interested in Studying Music at 桃瘾社区?