Musical Studies Major

The major consists of a minimum of 10 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.

View the catalog page for the musical studies program.

The musical studies major is designed for College of Arts and Sciences students with serious preparation for and interest in the study of music within a liberal arts context. The major emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and communications skills grounded in practical musical experience. Students in the major build musical foundations in applied study, musicianship skills, and music history, and continue more advanced work in the major with a selection of courses chosen to contextualize their consideration of music.

Note: Students interested in intensive pre-professional training are advised to apply for the Bachelor of Music program in the Conservatory of Music.

Summary of Requirements

MUTH 101 - Aural Skills I
MUTH 102 - Aural Skills II
MUTH 131 - Music Theory I
MUTH 132 - Music Theory II
One Ethnomusicology Course
One Music History Course
Two Ensembles
One 300- or 400-level Conservatory or Music-Focused Course
Three Musical Studies Major Elective Courses

Course of Study

Students interested in pursuing graduate work in music are advised to take additional courses beyond the minimum major requirements and to pursue the honors program.

Honors in Musical Studies

Students may apply for the Honors Program in Musical Studies in the second semester of the junior year. Entry to the honors program is contingent on approval of the honors proposal by both the student’s honors advisor and the musical studies committee. Detailed application information is available from the co-chairs of the committee.

See more information about the Honors Program in Musical Studies and submission deadlines.

Detailed Major Requirements

Musical Studies Course Lists

Qualified students in the College of Arts and Sciences may be accepted for membership in Musical Union, Oberlin College Choir, Oberlin College Women’s Chorale, Oberlin Orchestra, Oberlin Chamber Orchestra, Oberlin Sinfonietta, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Collegium Musicum, Javanese Gamelan, Performance & Improvisation Ensembles, Oberlin Jazz Ensemble, Opera Theater, and various other ensembles under the direction of members of the Conservatory faculty. Ensembles are offered as half-courses (for 2 credits) per semester and may be repeated for credit. For further details consult the Conservatory of Music section of this catalog.

300- and 400-level Conservatory or Music-Focused Courses

Return to the summary of requirements.

Any 300- or 400-level Conservatory course or a 300-level Arts and Sciences course with substantial musical content. Arts and Sciences courses must be approved by the program director.

Musical Studies Major Elective Courses

Return to the summary of requirements.

Students can take elective courses in Ethnomusicology, Music History, up to four credits of Private Studies, as well as the areas listed below.

Lessons

In addition to the courses below, students can take private lessons (typically secondary lessons) on an instrument or voice. Signups and auditions take place each semester during the first week of classes.

View more information about Secondary Lessons here.