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Music
Why pursue a music degree at North Central College?
With a degree in music, you won’t have to choose between performance or music education – you can be involved in a variety of ways! Music majors work closely with faculty to carve out their own niche, studying music performance, music composition and improvisation, and music technology. Music majors are equipped for several different pathways when they graduate, including becoming a performer, music journalist, music therapist or attending graduate school. At North Central College you will strengthen many aspects of your musicianship and creative expression. Music majors are passionate, creative, collaborative and above all, love their instrument and voice. In this program, you’ll gain a solid liberal arts foundation and one-to-one attention working on your craft.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Putting extensive time and effort into honing your musical craft
- Exploring performance, education and administrative aspects of music
- Performing live in orchestras, operas or bands
then a degree in MUSIC might be for you.
Why study music at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Arranging and Orchestration
- Aural Skills
- Class Piano
- Computer and Electronic music
- Doing Music History
- Doing Ethnomusicology
- Elements of Conducting
- Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
- Music Now
- Music Technology
- Music Theory
- Piano Pedagogy
- Piano Literature
Beyond the Classroom
As a music major, you can:
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Cater your lessons and performances around areas of interest like jazz, musical theatre, opera or classical.
- Get involved in an acapella group like No Control A Capella, One Note Stand, Sonata Problem and Tonacity.
- Hone your jazz skills and knowledge with Jazz Club or Vocal Jazz Ensemble
- Share composition ideas at the North Central College Composer’s Consortium.
- Perform in a variety of campus venues and ensembles—our more than 20 student groups range from small to large instrumental ensembles and choral ensembles.
Music, B.A.
The B.A. in music is designed for the student interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences without focusing on performance or music education. The concentration includes a global perspective and technological perspective with an emphasis on research and writing.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
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MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
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MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
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MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
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MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
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MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
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MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
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MUSI 258 - Music Now
MUSI 258 - Music Now
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MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
Electives
Eight credit hours from the following:
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MUSI 334 - Piano Pedagogy
MUSI 334 - Piano Pedagogy
-
MUSI 335 - Piano Literature
MUSI 335 - Piano Literature
-
MUSI 342 - Arranging and Orchestration
MUSI 342 - Arranging and Orchestration
-
MUSI 344 - Elements of Conducting
MUSI 344 - Elements of Conducting
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MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
-
MUSI 385 - Computer and Electronic Music
MUSI 385 - Computer and Electronic Music
Performing Ensemble
One credit hour (2 semesters of .5 credit hours) of a performing ensemble (MUEN prefix)
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Jazz Studies, B.A.
The B.A. in Jazz Studies is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on jazz performance or composition. Entrance into the Jazz Studies performance track is determined by audition with the jazz faculty.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see .
Core Music Courses
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MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
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MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
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MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
Jazz Courses
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MUSI 260 - Jazz Harmony I
MUSI 260 - Jazz Harmony I
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MUSI 261 - Jazz Harmony II
MUSI 261 - Jazz Harmony II
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MUSI 281 - Jazz Improvisation I
MUSI 281 - Jazz Improvisation I
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MUSI 282 - Jazz Improvisation II
MUSI 282 - Jazz Improvisation II
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MUSI 305 - Jazz History I
MUSI 305 - Jazz History I
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MUSI 360 - Jazz Arranging and Composition I
MUSI 360 - Jazz Arranging and Composition I
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MUSI 401 - Senior Jazz Project
MUSI 401 - Senior Jazz Project
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MUEN 121 - Jazz Combo
MUEN 121 - Jazz Combo
Applied Jazz Lessons
- Applied Jazz lessons on primary instrument/voice each semester
- Two credit hours at the 100-level
- Four credit hours at the 300-level
Applied Jazz Piano
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MUAL 111 - Jazz Piano
MUAL 111 - Jazz Piano
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- participation required each semester.
- Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad.
Note:
*See department or music guidebook for additional details.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
Music Performance, Vocal Track, B.A.
The B.A. Music Performance, Vocal Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on voice performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
-
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
-
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
-
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
-
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
-
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
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MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
Vocal Track Courses
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MUEN 105 - Opera Workshop
MUEN 105 - Opera Workshop
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MUSI 228 - Diction for Singers
MUSI 228 - Diction for Singers
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MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
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MUSI 329 - Vocal Pedagogy
MUSI 329 - Vocal Pedagogy
Applied Vocal Lessons
Eight credit hours from the following:
-
MUAL 100 - Voice
MUAL 100 - Voice
-
MUAL 300 - Advanced Voice
MUAL 300 - Advanced Voice
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Complete the Junior and Senior full recital. (Composition majors may opt for an instrumental or vocal Junior recital.
- Minimum of four credit hours in an approved instrumental ensemble (MUEN prefix).
- Successful completion of the entrance and continuation auditions.
Note:
*Students must consult the North Central College catalog for other degree requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Performance, Piano Track, B.A.
The B.A. Music Performance, Piano Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on piano performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
-
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
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MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
-
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
Piano Track Courses
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MUSI 334 - Piano Pedagogy
MUSI 334 - Piano Pedagogy
-
MUSI 335 - Piano Literature
MUSI 335 - Piano Literature
-
MUSI 336 - Collaborative Piano
MUSI 336 - Collaborative Piano
Applied Piano Lessons
Six credit hours from the following with two credit hours taken at the 100-level and four credit hours taken at the 300-level:
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MUAL 110 - Piano
MUAL 110 - Piano
-
MUAL 310 - Advanced Piano
MUAL 310 - Advanced Piano
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Complete the Junior and Senior full recital.
- Successful completion of the entrance and continuation auditions.
Note:
*Students must consult the North Central College catalog for other degree requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Performance, Instrumental Track, B.A.
The B.A. Music Performance, Instrumental Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on instrumental performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
-
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
-
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
-
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
-
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
-
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
-
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
-
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
Instrumental Track Courses
-
MUSI 344 - Elements of Conducting
MUSI 344 - Elements of Conducting
Applied Instrumental Lessons
- Two credit hours at the 100-level
- Four credit hours at the 300-level
Instrumental Ensemble
- Minimum of four credit hours in an approved instrumental ensemble (MUEN prefix)
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Successful completion of the entrance and continuation auditions.
Note:
*Students must consult the North Central College catalog for other degree requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Composition, B.A.
The B.A. with a major in Music Composition is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on composition. Entrance is determined by audition with the music department.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
-
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
-
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
-
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
-
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
-
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
-
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
Composition Courses
-
MUSI 342 - Arranging and Orchestration
MUSI 342 - Arranging and Orchestration
-
MUSI 385 - Computer and Electronic Music
MUSI 385 - Computer and Electronic Music
Applied Composition Lessons
Six credit hours from the following with two credit hours taken at the 100-level and four credit hours taken at the 300-level:
-
MUAL 105 - Composition
MUAL 105 - Composition
-
MUAL 305 - Advanced Composition
MUAL 305 - Advanced Composition
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Complete the Senior full recital.
- Successful completion of the entrance and continuation auditions.
Note:
*Students must consult the North Central College catalog for other degree requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
A minimum of 22 credit hours, including:
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
-
MUSI 156 - The World of Music
MUSI 156 - The World of Music
-
MUSI 258 - Music Now
MUSI 258 - Music Now
Elective
One of the following:
-
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
- A 300- or 400-level Music course (non-performance based)
Applied Lessons
Four semesters of Applied Lessons (MUAL) totaling a minimum of two credit hours.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Three concerts per semester while enrolled as a music minor, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Students must register in order to be eligible to participate in ensembles. Students must register for credit unless they have already reached the 18.0 credit limit.
Explore our Music Education and Musical Theatre programs!
Music Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Graduate Schools
Recent graduates in music have been accepted at:
- Indiana University
- Boston Conservatory
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Missouri
- Northeastern University
- Vandercook College of Music
- Washington University
- Illinois State University
Careers
Recent graduates of music include:
- Performance (vocal, instrumental, jazz, musical theatre)
- Composition and arranging
- Private studio teaching
- Music library science
- Arts management
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