Music as an academic discipline is the analysis, practice, and performance of sounds, songs, and musical compositions. Its aim is to use a theoretical understanding of musical styles and techniques to create new music, new takes on existing music, and criticisms of these. As such, it involves both theory and practice, and requires the student to learn a great deal about the history, philosophy, and culture of music.

The core topics introduce the field of music and give students the skills and understanding to choose and pursue their interests in the specialized topics. On completing the core, students will be able to independently read the historical and academic literature. The core topics are:

• Musical Analysis
• Critical Listening
• Psychology of Music
• Composition Techniques
• Keyboard Skills
• History and Philosophy of Music
• Study of Chosen Canon Work, Composer, or Musician
• Study of Chosen Non-Canon Work, Composer, or Musician
• Study of Chosen Contemporary Work, Composer, or Musician
• Study of Chosen Instrument, Genre, or Period

Specializations should be discussed with the Director of Studies. On completing specializations, students will be able to independently read advanced literature and conduct a final project in that topic. Some suggested specializations are:

• Music Ethnography
• Musical Criticism
• Musical Scholarship
• Choral Conducting
• Choral Performance
• Orchestration
• Performance
• Solo Performance
• Chamber Music Performance
• Music Recording and Production
• Film Music
• Genre Studies