Undergraduate courses at Case Western Reserve University are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both theoretical and practical aspects of music.
Search Current OfferingsOverview of Courses for Music Majors
Core Music Courses (BA and BS)
- Music Theory: Study of harmony, counterpoint, and form to support musical analysis and composition.
- Music History: Exploration of music across historical periods, styles, genres, and cultural contexts.
- Performance Studies: Individual instruction in voice or instrument, ensemble participation, and recital preparation to develop technical and artistic skills.
- Music Composition and Arranging: Techniques for composing original works and adapting existing pieces for various ensembles or media.
- Music Technology: Training in digital audio workstations, recording methods, and sound design used in contemporary music production.
- Conducting and Ensemble Leadership: Development of conducting techniques and leadership skills for directing instrumental and vocal ensembles.
Courses Emphasizing Music Education (Primarily BS)
- Educational Theory and Pedagogy: Study of teaching methods and educational philosophies to support effective music instruction.
- Assessment and Evaluation: Techniques for measuring student learning and evaluating program effectiveness.
- Curriculum Development: Design of music programs and lesson plans that address diverse student needs and align with educational standards.
- Fieldwork and Practicum: Supervised teaching experiences in schools and community settings to apply pedagogical knowledge.
- Music Education Research: Engagement with scholarly research in music education, examining current trends, practices, and innovations.
- Music Pedagogy: Methods for teaching music to students of different ages and skill levels in a variety of settings.
Recommended Courses for Music Minors or Non-Majors
Music Theory
- MUTH 111: Music Theory I
- MUTH 161: Elements of Musicianship I
- MUTH 112: Music Theory II
- MUTH 162: Elements of Musicianship II
- MUTH 211: Elements of Music Theory III
- MUTH 261: Elements of Musicianship III
- MUTH 319: Jazz Skills (pre-req MUTH 111, MUTH 112 or permission of instructor)
Music History or General Appreciation
- MUGN 201: Intro to Music - Listening Experience I
- MUGN 308: Digital Music - Composition and Production
- MUGN 310: Folk Music of Eastern Europe
- MUHI 212: History of Rock and Roll
- MUHI 217: Liturgy, Music, and Art in Medieval and Renaissance Europe
- MUHI courses at 200 or 300 level by permission of instructor
Music Education
- MUED 305: World Music in Education
- MUED courses at 200 level by permission of instructor
Music Ensembles
The Department of Music offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary music ensembles (MUEN) open to undergraduate and graduate students from all academic disciplines—as well as qualified community members.
- Most ensembles require auditions and may have prerequisites
- Participation Information
- Ensembles List
Group Class for Beginners
No prior experience? Start here!
- MUSP 100 + MUSP 130
- Beginner group classes in piano, voice, or guitar
- Two-part sequence required before enrolling in private lessons (MUAP 131)
- Focuses on fundamental skills for solo and ensemble performance
Applied Music Lessons
Take private instruction through the Joint Music Program with the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM).
- MUAP 131: Secondary Performance
- $750 per semester for 30-minute weekly lessons (1.00 credit unit)
- $1,500 per semester for 60-minute weekly lessons (2.00 credit units)
- Requires completion of the Secondary Lessons Policies and Pre-Registration Form