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CONTACT INFORMATION: 101 Music Building
Box 42033, Lubbock, TX 79409-2033
T 806.742.2270, F 806.742.2294, www.depts.ttu.edu/music

About the Program

The school supervises the following degree programs and certificates:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Music
  • Bachelor of Music in Music
    Fields of Specialization: Music (leading toward teacher certification), Composition, Performance, Theory
  • Master of Music Education
  • Master of Music in Music
    Fields of Specialization: Composition, Conducting (pending NASM Plan Approval), Music Theory, Musicology, Pedagogy, Performance
  • Doctor of Musical Arts
    Fields of Specialization: Composition, Conducting, Performance, Piano Pedagogy
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Arts
    Field of Specialization: Music
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Jazz Studies
  • Undergraduate Certificate in World Music
  • Graduate Certificate in Early Music Performance Practice
  • Graduate Certificate in Piano Pedagogy

The school also participates in the ethnic studies and humanities minor programs. The school’s degree programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

 

Undergraduate Program

Courses for Nonmajors

Nonmusic majors may elect class or private instruction in voice or in any instrument subject to the availability of faculty. Students enrolled in applied music are carried at their maximum level of achievement, and the nonmusic major is not examined in competition with the music major. In addition to the above, courses designed to serve all students enrolled in the university include all major ensembles such as Marching Band (fall only—MUEN 1103, 3103, 3203); Symphonic, Concert, and University Bands (MUEN 3103, 3203); Orchestra (MUEN 3104, 3204); University Choir (MUEN 3101, 3201); University Singers, Women’s Chorus and Matador Singers (MUEN 3101); Music Theatre (MUEN 3102, 3202); Jazz Ensembles (MUEN 3105); and Small/Medium Ensembles (MUEN 3106, 3110). Auditions are required for most of these ensembles; contact the ensembles office at 806.742.2272 for information about auditions.

The following courses are designed specifically for nonmajors:

MUAP 1113, Voice. Open to both majors and nonmajors. Correct posture and studies for breath control, development of resonance, study of vowel formation, vocalization.

MUAP 1123, 1124, Group Keyboard Instruction I and II. Consent of instructor required. Beginning instruction in piano and electronic keyboards. Sight reading, harmonization and transposition, solo and ensemble repertoire, and playing techniques. Fulfills core Visual and Performing Arts credit.

MUHL 1308, Music in Western Civilization. Introductory course for non-music majors in the history of music and its role in western civilization from the Middle Ages through the 20th century and beyond. Fulfills core Visual and Performing Arts credit.

MUHL 3304, History of Jazz. Historical and analytical survey of jazz from its beginning through “Rock”—its form, style, literature, and influence on 20th century music. Fulfills core Visual and Performing Arts credit.

MUHL 3310, History of Rock and Roll. Focuses on hearing, understanding, and contextualizing Anglo-American rock and roll, a popular idiom rooted in the music of African Americans and rural whites. Fulfills core Visual and Performing Arts credit.

MUTH 1300, Songwriting. A beginning course for nonmusic majors. A practical approach to music theory through songwriting. Includes aural training, notation, textual setting, melodic writing, and chord assignment. Fulfills core Visual and Performing Arts credit.

 

Music Degree Programs

The performance field of specialization includes concentrations in piano (pedagogy is also available), organ, voice, brass, woodwind, percussion, and stringed instruments. Fields of specializations are also offered in both composition and theory. The Bachelor of Music (leading toward teacher certification) field of specialization replaces that formerly known as the Bachelor of Music Education.

A minimum of 42 hours of music courses, 18 hours of which must be junior or senior level, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a music major, including MUSI 1200, MUHL 2301, 2302, 2303, MUTH 1103 and 1203, 1104 and 1204, 2103 and 2203, 2104 and 2204, and 3303. Bachelor of Arts students are required to enroll in four semesters of ensemble and lessons. Bachelor of Arts students also take a minor and complete the general degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree. A minimum total of 120 hours is required for this degree.

Minors/Concentrations in Music. A student may seek a minor in music by completing 18 hours selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor in the School of Music.

Residency Requirements. Students working toward a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music (leading toward teacher certification), or a Bachelor of Arts in Music must complete a minimum of 24 hours of music in residence at Texas Tech. Minors in music require minimum of 9 hours in residence at Texas Tech. Information is available in the School of Music office.

Admission and Assessment Requirements. Students applying to the School of Music will be admitted as “music audition required” (MUAR) until their audition. Acceptance to Texas Tech University does not ensure admission as a music major. Music majors must audition in their declared principle applied area with the appropriate faculty for acceptance into any music program. After acceptance into the School of Music, music majors will participate in applied and academic assessment during each semester of enrollment. Students must maintain a grade of C or above in every course designated as part of the major area music curriculum. Students not receiving a grade of C in such course(s), will be allowed to repeat the course(s) twice to achieve the minimum grade of C. University policy states that a student may repeat a course for credit only one time at the normal tuition rate; those repeating a course more than once must pay an additional cost-of-education fee. Students who do not receive a minimum grade of C in a major area course after repeating it twice will no longer be able to continue their status as a music major and must declare a major other than music. See the academic advisor in the School of Music for specific details regarding courses constituting the major area music curriculum.

To qualify for advancement, students must earn a minimum grade of C during each semester of freshman and sophomore theory and aural skills.

Students wishing to change their field of specialization to performance after having been accepted into another field of specialization in music must proceed through a formal acceptance process for performance in the appropriate applied and ensemble areas. Additional information about applied music is available from the School of Music. Graduation requirements in applied music vary according to the student’s degree and field of specialization.

Entering freshmen may receive credit for college-level work in music accomplished prior to entering the university. This may be done through advanced standing examinations administered by the faculty of the School of Music during the first semester of the freshman year after the student has obtained permission from the Academic Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Advanced standing examinations will be administered only in the fields of applied music and music theory. To receive credit by an advanced standing examination, the student must achieve a grade of not less than a B on such examination.

All students whose principal instrument is not keyboard must demonstrate keyboard proficiency as determined by the school.

Refer to the curriculum tables that follow and consult with an advisor for specific ensemble requirements pertaining to particular degree plans.

Recital Requirements. Performance students are required to present a half-length junior recital and a full-length senior recital. Piano performance students with pedagogy emphasis are required to present a three-quarter length recital, and candidates for music with teacher certification or performance must present a half-length recital. The recital program must be approved by the appropriate area faculty or applied faculty member and submitted to the Publicity Office at least two weeks prior to the recital for processing. Piano performance students with chamber music and accompanying emphasis are required to present four recitals of standard accompaniment and chamber music repertoire. Permission to present each recital must be obtained from an examining jury at least two weeks prior to the recital.

Music composition students are required to present a recital of their original compositions during the senior year. Permission to present the recital must be obtained from the composition faculty one semester prior to the recital.

Postponement or cancellation of a scheduled recital (without penalty) is allowed only with good reason such as illness or death in the family. Failure to pass a hearing or failure of preparation are not valid reasons. The appropriate applied faculty member must verify any reason for postponement or cancellation. If a recital is postponed for verified good reason, the student may reschedule in the same or subsequent semester. If a scheduled recital is postponed or canceled without verified good reason, the student may not reschedule during the same semester in which postponement or cancellation occurs.

All School of Music undergraduate music majors enrolled in applied lessons are expected to experience a broad range of repertory through attendance each semester at such performance events as recitals, guest artist concerts, ensemble concerts, chamber music concerts, opera and music theatre productions, Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, and Presidential Lecture and Performance Series events.

All tracks have the same core curriculum and professional education courses.

Semester Hours
Written Communication (ENGL 1301 and 1302)
6
Oral Communication
3
Mathematics and Logical Reasoning
6
Natural Laboratory Science
8
U.S. History
6
Political Science
6
Individual or Group Behavior (See an advisor)
3
Humanities
3
Visual and Performing Arts
3
TOTAL HOURS

Students who will graduate under a catalog previous to 2012-2013 must meet the Technology and Applied Science requirement of the core.
44
      Advanced Bachelors-to-Masters Degree. Advanced music education undergraduates may apply for admission to the B.M.+M.M.Ed. program. Admission allows qualified students to count 9 hours toward both an undergraduate degree and a Master of Music Education degree (either the 30-hour thesis track or 36-hour non-thesis track). Application should be made during the first semester of the junior year following procedures available from School of Music graduate or undergraduate academic advisors. The program is designed for exceptional undergraduate music education majors who wish to complete the M.M.Ed. degree in full- or part-time graduate study during Texas Tech’s summers-only program or in some combination of the two. This allows educators to maintain a full-time teaching position while pursuing an advanced degree.

Bachelor of Music Curriculum

The curriculum tables that follow are provided as a recommended sequence to students and advisors. All music majors must plan their individual courses of study in consultation with the School of Music advisor.

Professional Education
Students should contact the College of Education concerning professional education course requirements for all-level certification.

Semester Hours
EDSE 4310
3
EDSE 4322
3
EDLL 4382
3
MUED 3311
3
MUED 3312
3
Student Teaching
6
TOTAL HOURS
21

All Level, Vocal Track

Principal Instrument: MUAP 1001, 1002, 2001, 2002, 3001 (2 credit hours each); 3002 (1), 3190
Diction I: MUAP 1303
Vocal Pedagogy: MUAP 4205
Conducting: MUAP 3206, and 3207
Piano: Must pass proficiency level equivalent to MUAP 2124 if not piano principal.
Music: MUSI 1101, 1200, 3216, 3237, and either MUSI 3238 or 3217
Music History and Literature: MUHL 2301, 2302, 2303
Music Theory: MUTH 1103 and 1203, 1104 and 1204, 2103 and 2203, 2104 and 2204, 3303
Major Ensemble: 7 semesters
Instrumental Ensemble: MUEN 2101 (1 semester)
Total Track Hours: 62
 Total Program Hours: 124

All Level, Instrumental Track

Principal Instrument: MUAP 1001, 1002, 2001, 2002, 3001 (2 credit hours each); 3002 (1), 3190
Secondary Instrument: MUAP 1103, 1104, 2103, 2104, 3103, 3104, 4103, 4104 (select 5)
Conducting: MUAP 3206 and 3208
Piano: Must pass proficiency level equivalent to MUAP 2124 if not piano principal.
Music: MUSI 1101, 1200, 3237; either 3218 or 3325; take one of MUSI 3226, 3238, and 3219
Music History and Literature: MUHL 2301, 2302, 2303
Music Theory: MUTH 1103 and 1203, 1104 and 1204, 2103 and 2203, 2104 and 2204, 3303
Major Ensemble: 7 semesters
Vocal Ensemble: 1 hour
Total Track Hours: 62
Total Program Hours: 124

All Level, Keyboard Track

Principal Instrument: MUAP 1001 (2), 1105, 1002 (2), 1106, 2001 (2), 2002 (2), 3001 (2), 3002 (1), 3190
Vocal Pedagogy: MUAP 4205
Conducting: MUAP 3206 and 3207 or 3208
Music: MUSI 1101, 1200, 3216, 3237, and either MUSI 3238 or 3217
Music History and Literature: MUHL 2301, 2302, 2303
Music Theory: MUTH 1103 and 1203, 1104 and 1204, 2103 and 2203, 2104 and 2204, 3303
Major Ensemble: 7 semesters
Ensemble: 1 semester of choir or MUEN 2101
Total Track Hours: 61
Total Program Hours: 123

Undergraduate Certificates

Certificate In Jazz Studies

The School of Music offers a 17-hour Undergraduate Certificate in Jazz Studies to provide students with a foundation in the skills necessary to be a successful performer in the jazz idiom. The certificate program combines lecture and laboratory courses (performance ensembles) with private study, much like the mentor/apprentice tradition seen throughout the history of jazz music.

Music education students are often required to teach jazz music and direct jazz ensembles after entering the workforce as professional music educators. Successful completion of this certificate program will make students more competitive in this job market.

The certificate requires the following courses: MUEN 3105 and 3106, MUTH 3205 (may substitute MUSI 4000–Jazz/Commercial Arranging with permission of program coordinator), MUAP 1001 and 3205, and MUHL 3304.

Contact information: Stephen Jones, School of Music, 806.742.2270 Ext. 260, stephen.jones@ttu.edu

Certificate in World Music

The School of Music offers a 15-hour Undergraduate Certificate in World Music. For most scholars involved in teaching or research, there is an expectation of familiarity with global music styles. Those interested in advanced degrees will find material advantage in this undergraduate certificate study. Those involved in K-12 education will be greatly facilitated in meeting global music and cultural diversity requirements. This certificate complements programs in music education, music composition, performance, and the Bachelor of Arts in Music.

The required courses for the certificate are MUHL 4300 (6 hours, requires topic approval), DAN 4301, MUEN 3110 (3 hours). Students can select one 3-hour elective from MUHL 4300, ANTH 4305, MUSI 3341, or MUSI 4000.

Contact information: Dr. Christopher J. Smith, School of Music, 806.742.2270, Ext. 266, christopher.smith@ttu.edu; Dr. Thomas M. Cimarusti, School of Music, 806.742.2270 Ext. 249, thomas.cimarusti@ttu.edu

Curriculum Tables.

 

Graduate Program

The School of Music offers six Master of Music degrees, a Doctor of Philosophy degree, and four Doctor of Musical Arts degrees.

 

Master’s Programs

Master of Music. The Master of Music degree consists of a minimum of 30 hours of graduate work, including recitals for the performance student, thesis for the musicology or music theory student, and an original composition for the composition student. The Master of Music degree in string pedagogy or keyboard pedagogy may be attained with a 36-hour program without thesis or recitals. For the performance or the accompanying/chamber music student, two public performances are required. Both performances must be judged satisfactory by the student’s applied music faculty committee. The conducting student may present either two performances or one with a paper in support of the performance.

Master of Music Education. The Master of Music Education degree may be attained with a 30-hour program that includes a thesis or a 36-hour program without a thesis.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Musical Arts. The Doctor of Musical Arts degree is a 45-hour program oriented toward professional practice in music emphasizing the creation or performance of musical works and the application and transmission of knowledge about musical works. Fields of specialization are in performance, conducting, composition, and piano pedagogy. A nondissertation program, the degree culminates in four doctoral performance projects which are designed to suit the professional interests and aspirations of the student. Of singular importance is the inclusion of 9 credit hours of fine arts courses drawn from visual arts, theatre, aesthetics, and other related areas of study. Additional information may be obtained from the School of Music.

Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Arts. The music field of specialization in the Ph.D. in Fine Arts consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours, which includes fine arts requirements and electives, an individualized music curriculum, and a dissertation. Concentrations are in composition, music history, theory, conducting, music education, administration, performance, and pedagogy. The residence requirement for the fine arts doctoral program is fulfilled by satisfactory completion of 18 semester hours of graduate coursework during one 12-month period. This program is explained in the introductory catalog section to the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The musicology concentration in the doctoral program requires one foreign language. Other concentrations may or may not have this requirement, depending on the dissertation area. Except for the musicology concentration (one foreign language), no foreign language requirement exists for the Master of Music degrees or for the Master of Music Education degree; however, vocal performance students must demonstrate singing proficiency in French, German, and Italian.

Graduate Certificate Program

Graduate Certificate in Early Music Performance Practice. The 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Early Music Performance Practice provides graduate music majors with the option of tailoring their coursework and medium ensemble participation to focus on the research and performance of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music. This resume-enhancing certificate is especially recommended for musicology, theory, choral, or vocal/instrumental students who wish to obtain the in-demand skills required of specialists in the dynamic area of early music scholarship and performance.

The Graduate Certificate in Piano Pedagogy. This graduate certificate is designed for the professional piano teacher. The 13- to 17-hour curriculum, with flexible scheduling, provides enrichment and skill development both musically and pedagogically. It can also assist participants in qualifying as Nationally Certified Teachers of Music through Music Teachers National Association.

Admission

Some applicants for admission to graduate programs in music are required to submit scores for the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination. Students applying for the Master of Music in a performance concentration or the Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs do not need to submit these scores. Students beginning a graduate degree program take placement tests in music history and music theory, as well as in applied music if the major is performance or in music education if the major is music education. Texas Tech graduates with a bachelor’s degree in music or music education are required to take the placement examinations. All placement and preliminary examinations are administered by the School of Music during the registration period of each semester. Deficiencies, if any, may be removed by appropriate leveling work. The prospective graduate student should also consult the Graduate School section of this catalog for admissions requirements.Back to Top

 

Course Descriptions

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Faculty

Click here to view alphabetical listing of all TTU faculty and their academic credentials.

William L. Ballenger, M.A., Director

Horn Professors: Westney
Professors: Ballenger, Barber, Bjella, Brumfield, Deahl, Dent, Dolter, Gilbert, Henry, Killian, Meek, Rogers, L. Santa, Shinn, Stoune, Strieder
Associate Professors: Anderson, Decker, D. Dees, Dye, Fischer, Fried, George, Hughes, Jocoy, Martens, McKoin, McNeil, M. Santa, Shea, Skerik, A. Smith, C.J. Smith, C.M. Smith, Wass, Wood
Assistant Professors: Ankrum, Boyle, Cash, Cimarusti, Cruse, Hill, Hollins, Jones, Lastrapes, Lin, M. O. Matzen, Morton
Adjunct Instructors: Barrick, Brandon, J. Dees, M. MatzenBack to Top

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