Bachelor of Music, Commercial Music

Music consumption in the general populace is at an all time high. Music performers are needed in all musical genres. Music for media - movies, television, the internet, video games, corporate advertising and promotion, and education - is constantly required. Additionally, support industries require musically educated workings. These include music publishing, arranging, retail and the musical instrument industry. The degree in Commercial Music prepares students all these areas.
Marketable Skills
- Confidence: Be self-assured through appreciating your own talents, abilities, skills, and qualities
- Entrepreneurship: Develop, organize, and manage ideas and opportunities turning them into new products, services, firms, or industries
- Leadership: Step up, think, and act critically and creatively to bring others together to accomplish a common task
- Teamwork: Participate as an effective, efficient member of a group in order to meet a common goal
- Time management: Prioritize goals and organize time to be more productive and efficient.
Perform music professionally in a variety of genres. Arrange or compose music in a variety of genres. Utilize twenty-first century music technology in composition, arranging, notation and recording. Understand the in and outs of the music business.
Degree Plan
Required Credits: 120
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Designated Core | ||
MUSL 2321 | Music, Culture, and Society | 3 |
University Core Curriculum | ||
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
Commercial Music Major | ||
Theory Advancement Test required for all Bachelor of Music degrees | ||
Required Courses: | ||
MUSA 1165 | Chamber Music/Accompanying (Complete two semesters) | 2 |
MUSA 1195 | Individual Instruction (Complete four semesters) | 4 |
MUSA 3295 | Individual Instruction (Complete four semesters) | 8 |
MUSA 2217 | Improvisation I | 2 |
MUSA 3255 | Improvisation II | 2 |
MUSA 3256 | Improvisation III | 2 |
MUSL 3321 | Music History Survey I | 3 |
MUSL 3322 | Music History Survey II | 3 |
MUSL 3330 | History of Commercial Music | 3 |
MUST 1111 | Aural Skills I | 1 |
MUST 1112 | Aural Skills II | 1 |
MUST 1215 | Music Technology I | 2 |
MUST 1313 | Music Theory I | 3 |
MUST 1314 | Music Theory II | 3 |
MUST 2111 | Aural Skills III | 1 |
MUST 2112 | Aural Skills IV | 1 |
MUST 2313 | Music Theory III | 3 |
MUST 2314 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
MUST 3261 | Comm Arr/Anal/Comp I | 2 |
MUST 3262 | Comm Arr/Anal/Comp II | 2 |
MUST 3263 | Comm Arr/Anal/Comp III | 2 |
MUST 3315 | Music Technology II | 3 |
MUST 3341 | Intro to Recording Studio | 3 |
MUST 4315 | Intro to Music Business | 3 |
Ensemble | 8-16 | |
If brass, percussion, or wind, complete eight semesters of ensemble. This will be between 8 and 16 hours: | ||
MUSA 1137 | Special Focus Ensembles (up to two semesters) | 0-2 |
MUSA 1143 | Symphonic Band (up to six semesters) | 0-6 |
MUSA 1241 | Marching Band (up to four,semesters) | 0-8 |
MUSA 1244 | Wind Symphony (up to six semesters) | 0-12 |
If vocal, complete eight semesters of ensemble. This will be between 8 and 16 hours: | ||
MUSA 1151 | University Chorus (up to eight semesters) | 0-8 |
MUSA 1250 | University Chorale (up to eight semesters) | 0-16 |
If guitar or piano, complete eight semesters of ensemble. This will be between 8 and 16 hours: | ||
Up to eight semesters from the following: | ||
MUSA 1137 | Special Focus Ensembles (Up to 4 semesters is allowed) | 0-4 |
MUSA 1151 | University Chorus | 0-8 |
MUSA 1250 | University Chorale | 0-16 |
If orchestral string, complete eight semesters of ensemble: | ||
Up to eight semesters from the following: | ||
MUSA 1261 | Orchestra-Strings | 16 |
Piano Proficiency: | ||
Required: | ||
MUSA 1271 | Piano Class I | 2 |
MUSA 1272 | Piano Class II | 2 |
MUSA 2255 | Commercial Piano I | 2 |
MUSA 2256 | Commercial Piano II | 2 |
Senior Recital: | ||
Complete senior recital | ||
Total Hours | 120 |
- 1
Only one ensemble course per semester is accepted.
- 2
Or fulfill piano proficiency.
University Core Curriculum
The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.
All courses require a C or better
Communication (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the communication component is to enable the student to communicate effectively in clear and correct prose or orally in a style appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. | ||
Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
Written and Oral Communication | ||
Writing About Literature | ||
Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | ||
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | ||
Total Hours | 6 |
American History (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objectives of the history component are to expand students’ knowledge of the origin and history of the U.S., their comprehension of the past and current role of the U.S. in the world, and their ability to critically evaluate and analyze historical evidence. U.S. history courses (three hours must be Texas history) include: | ||
HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
Total Hours | 6 |
Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the humanities component is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students engage in critical analysis and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Intro-African Amer Studies | ||
Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
English Literature | ||
English Literature | ||
Intro to American Fiction | ||
Intro to American Drama | ||
Intro to American Poetry | ||
Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
World History to 1500 | ||
World History Since 1500 | ||
Introduction to Philosophy | ||
Ethics | ||
Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
Global Feminisms | ||
Total Hours | 3 |
Mathematics (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the mathematics component is to develop a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply basic mathematical tools in the solution of real-world problems. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
College Algebra | ||
Trigonometry and Conics | ||
Math in the Modern World | ||
Math for Social Sciences I | ||
Calculus I | ||
Precalculus 1,2 | ||
Math for Social Sciences II | ||
Statistical Literacy | ||
Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted. | ||
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement. | ||
Total Hours | 3 |
Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the study of the natural sciences is to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the natural sciences, and to enable the student to understand the bases for building and testing theories. The courses listed are for non-majors; the major courses in the discipline can be substituted for the non-major sequence. A minimum of two semesters of lecture and one semester of laboratory associated with one of the courses, or two semesters of combined (3 credit) lecture-laboratory courses (Only six hours apply toward the required 42.): | ||
Select one of the following: | 1-4 | |
Astronomy Lab I | ||
Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
Introductory Biology Lab | ||
Human Biology Laboratory | ||
Topics in Study of Life I | ||
Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
Introductory Biology | ||
Human Biology | ||
General Biology | ||
Organismal Biology | ||
Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
General Chemistry | ||
General Chemistry | ||
Intro to General Chemistry | ||
Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
Intro to Environment Science 2 | ||
Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
Physical Geography | ||
Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
Principles of Earth Science | ||
The Blue Planet | ||
Natural Hazards | ||
Intro to Physical Geology | ||
Intro to Historical Geol | ||
Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
Wellness Dynamics | ||
Microorganisms and Disease | ||
General Physics I | ||
General Physics II | ||
Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
Introductory Mechanics | ||
Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
Total Hours | 6 |
Political Science (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objectives of the political science component are to expand students’ knowledge of the origin and evolution of the U.S. and Texas political systems, focusing on the growth of political institutions, and on the constitutions of Texas and the United States; and to enhance their understanding of federalism, states rights, and individual civil liberties, rights, and responsibilities. | ||
Required Courses: | ||
POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
Total Hours | 6 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the social and behavioral science component is to increase students' knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Intro to Linguistics | ||
Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
Asian American Studies | ||
Interpersonal Communication | ||
Mass Media and Society | ||
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
Action Research in Classrooms | ||
Introduction to Linguistics | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Community Service | ||
An Intro. to Linguistics | ||
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
Introduction to Psychology | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Total Hours | 3 |
Creative Arts (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the visual and performing arts component is to expand students' knowledge and appreciation of the human imagination as expressed through works of visual art, dance, music, theatre and film. Through study in these disciplines, students will form aesthetic judgments and develop an appreciation of the arts as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Art Appreciation | ||
History of Art I | ||
History of Art II | ||
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
Dance Appreciation | ||
Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
Jazz to Rock | ||
Music, Culture, and Society | ||
Introduction to Theatre | ||
Total Hours | 3 |
Component Area Option (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the institutionally designated option component is to develop the critical thinking skills and academic tools required to be an effective learner. Special emphasis is placed on the use of technology in problem-solving, communications, and knowledge acquisition. | ||
Select two of the following: | 6 | |
Intro to Global Business | ||
Public Speaking | ||
Business/Profession Comm | ||
Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
Introduction to Leadership | ||
Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
Total Hours | 6 |
4-Year Sample Degree Plan
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
BACHELOR OF MUSIC, COMMERCIAL MUSIC | ||
FRESHMAN | ||
Fall | ||
Large Ensemble | 1-2 | |
MUST 1111 | Aural Skills I | 1 |
MUST 1313 | Music Theory I | 3 |
MUSA 1271 | Piano Class I | 2 |
MUSA 1195 | Individual Instruction | 1 |
MUST 1215 | Music Technology I | 2 |
UNIV 1301 | Seminar/Critical Inquiry | 3 |
MATH 1319 | Math in the Modern World | 3 |
or MATH 1320 | Math for Social Sciences I | |
Spring | ||
Large Ensemble | 1-2 | |
COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
MUST 1112 | Aural Skills II | 1 |
MUST 1314 | Music Theory II | 3 |
MUSA 1272 | Piano Class II | 2 |
MUSA 1195 | Individual Instruction | 1 |
MUSA 1165 | Chamber Music/Accompanying | 1 |
MUST 3315 | Music Technology II | 3 |
RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
SOPHOMORE | ||
Fall | ||
Large Ensemble | 1-2 | |
MUST 2111 | Aural Skills III | 1 |
MUST 2313 | Music Theory III | 3 |
MUSA 2255 | Commercial Piano I | 2 |
MUSA 1195 | Individual Instruction | 1 |
MUSL 3330 | History of Commercial Music | 3 |
MUST 3341 | Intro to Recording Studio | 3 |
RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
Spring | ||
Large Ensemble | 1-2 | |
MUST 2112 | Aural Skills IV | 1 |
MUST 2314 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
MUSA 2256 | Commercial Piano II | 2 |
MUSA 1195 | Individual Instruction | 1 |
MUSL 2321 | Music, Culture, and Society | 3 |
HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
JUNIOR | ||
Fall | ||
Large Ensemble | 1-2 | |
MUSA 3295 | Individual Instruction | 2 |
MUSA 2217 | Improvisation I | 2 |
MUSL 3321 | Music History Survey I | 3 |
MUST 3261 | Comm Arr/Anal/Comp I | 2 |
HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
2- or 3-hour Science Lecture | 3 | |
1-hour Science Lab | 1 | |
Spring | ||
Large Ensemble | 1-2 | |
MUSA 3295 | Individual Instruction | 2 |
MUSA 1165 | Chamber Music/Accompanying | 1 |
MUSA 3255 | Improvisation II | 2 |
MUSL 3322 | Music History Survey II | 3 |
MUST 3262 | Comm Arr/Anal/Comp II | 2 |
POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
3-hour Science Lecture | 3 | |
SENIOR | ||
Fall | ||
Large Ensemble | 1-2 | |
MUSA 3295 | Individual Instruction | 2 |
MUSA 3256 | Improvisation III | 2 |
or MUSA 3296 | Commercial Vocal Styles | |
MUST 3263 | Comm Arr/Anal/Comp III | 2 |
POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
PSYC 1301 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Spring | ||
Large Ensemble | 1-2 | |
MUSA 3295 | Individual Instruction | 2 |
MUST 4315 | Intro to Music Business | 3 |
PHIL 1301 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
3 hours of Electives | 3 | |
Perform a Senior Recital | ||
Total Hours | 124-132 |