B.M. in Music - Composition Concentration

This is a screened program. Please see the admission requirements for additional information.

Music Major Requirements

Students completing the Bachelor of Music degree in Music must earn a total of 83-86 units in the major. They must complete the required courses in Music (39 units) and one of the following concentrations: Composition (44 units), Guitar (44 units), Jazz/Commercial Music (Performance or Composition) (44 units), Keyboard (44 units), Voice (47 units), or Winds/Strings/Percussion (44 units). Music majors must complete minimum 24 upper-level (300-400) units in MUSC (Music), Music Applied (MUSA), and/or Music Education (MUED) courses toward the major at Towson University. 

Required Courses for All Concentrations in Music
MUSC 131MUSIC THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP I2
MUSC 132MUSIC THEORY II2
MUSC 134MUSICIANSHIP II2
MUSC 201MUSIC IN THE UNITED STATES3
or MUSC 202 MUSIC CULTURES OF THE WORLD
MUSC 231MUSIC THEORY III2
MUSC 233MUSICIANSHIP III2
MUSC 232MUSIC THEORY IV2
MUSC 234MUSICIANSHIP IV2
MUSC 287CREATIVE MUSIC TECHNOLOGY3
MUSC 303HISTORY OF MUSIC IN THE EUROPEAN CLASSICAL TRADITION3
MUSA xxxApplied lessons in the primary medium16
Total Units39

Composition Concentration Requirements

Additional Music Courses
MUSA 190PIANO CLASS I1
MUSA 194FUNCTIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT TECHNIQUES2
MUSC 331MATERIALS, TECHNIQUES, AND PRACTICES OF 20TH AND 21ST CENTURY MUSIC3
MUSC 335CHORAL AND INSTRUMENTAL ARRANGING3
MUSC 382RECORDING TECHNIQUES I3
MUSC 414COUNTERPOINT3
Select two of the following 400-level music history and culture courses 6
ADVANCED MUSIC HISTORY
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
SURVEY OF OPERA
SYMPHONIC LITERATURE
MUSIC IN THE U.S.
HISTORY OF MUSIC FOR FILM AND MEDIA
JAZZ HISTORY
SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC HISTORY AND CULTURE
Electives
MUSC xxxUpper-division MUSC electives 16
MUSA or MUSC xxxMusic Electives2
IDFA or MUSC xxxElectives3
Additional Lessons, Ensembles, and Recital
MUSA xxxLessons in secondary medium5
MUSA xxxEnsembles: Six terms in ensembles reflecting diverse sizes and styles, with a minimum of two different ensembles. One term must include World Music Ensemble unless the student has completed a 3-unit global perspectives in music (MUSC) course.6
MUSA 499SENIOR RECITAL FOR BACHELOR OF MUSIC DEGREE1
Total Units44
1

MUSC 493 may be taken for a maximum of 3 elective units only by successful petition to the department chair. 

 

Sample Four-Year Plan

The selected course sequence below is an example of the simplest path to degree completion. Based on course schedules, student needs, and student choice, individual plans may vary. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices and to ensure that they have completed the required number of units (120) to graduate.

Freshman
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
MUSA 1002MUSA 1002
MUSA 1901MUSA 1942
MUSA xxx: Applied Lesson in Primary Performance Area1MUSA xxx: Applied Lesson in Primary Performance Area1
MUSC 1312MUSA xxx: Ensemble1
Core 1 (or Core 2)3MUSC 1322
Core 33MUSC 1342
Core 53Core 2 (or Core 1)3
 Core 63
 15 16
Sophomore
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
MUSA 2002MUSA 2002
MUSA xxx: Applied Lesson in Primary Performance Area1MUSA xxx Applied Lesson in Primary Performance Area1
MUSA xxx: Ensemble1MUSA xxx: Ensemble1
MUSC 201 (Core 11)3MUSC 2322
Or
MUSC 2342
MUSC 202 (Core 12)
MUSC 3033
MUSC 2312Core 74
MUSC 2332 
MUSC 287 (Core 4)3 
 14 15
Junior
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
MUSA 3002MUSA 3002
MUSA xxx Applied Lesson in Primary Performance Area 1MUSA xxx: Ensemble 1
MUSA xxx: Ensemble 1MUSC 4143
MUSC 3313Core 84
MUSC 3353Elective (Upper-Level Music History / Culture) 3
MUSC 3823Elective (MUSC or COFAC IDFA) 3
Core 93 
 16 16
Senior
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
MUSA 4002MUSA 4002
MUSA xxx: Ensemble 1MUSA 4991
Core 12 (or Core 11) 3Core 103
Core 143Core 133
Elective (Upper-Level Music History / Culture)3Elective (MUSA or MUSC)2
Elective (MUSC or COFAC IDFA)3Elective (Upper-Level Music)3
 15 14
Total Units 121