Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate courses at Case Western Reserve University are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both theoretical and practical aspects of music. Here’s what these courses typically offer:

Courses for Music Majors

  • Music Theory: Students learn the foundational elements of music, including harmony, counterpoint, and form, which are essential for analyzing and creating music.
  • Music History: Courses cover the evolution of music across different historical periods, helping students understand various styles, genres, and the cultural context of music.
  • Performance Studies: Students receive instruction on their chosen instrument or voice, participating in individual lessons, ensembles, and recitals to develop technical skills and artistry.
  • Music Composition and Arranging: These courses teach students how to create and arrange music, providing them with skills to compose original works and adapt existing pieces.
  • Music Technology: Students explore the use of technology in music production, including digital audio workstations, recording techniques, and sound design.
  • Music Pedagogy: For those interested in teaching, these courses cover methods and approaches for effectively teaching music to various age groups and skill levels.

Courses for Music Education Majors

  • Educational Theory and Pedagogy: Students study different teaching methods and educational philosophies, learning how to develop and implement effective music curricula.
  • Assessment and Evaluation: Courses focus on techniques for evaluating student progress and assessing the effectiveness of music programs.
  • Curriculum Development: Students learn to design music education programs and lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs and educational standards.
  • Fieldwork and Practicum: Students gain hands-on teaching experience through supervised placements in schools and community settings, applying theoretical knowledge in real-world environments.
  • Music Education Research: Students engage in research related to music education practices, contributing to the field’s knowledge base and staying informed about current trends and issues.
  • Conducting and Ensemble Leadership: These courses focus on leading musical ensembles, including conducting techniques and ensemble management.

Overall, undergraduate students benefit from a broad and enriching curriculum that lays a strong foundation for future studies and careers. 

Browse Courses in the CWRU General Bulletin

Courses for Music Minors or Non-Majors

Undergraduate students pursuing a major outside of music are invited to add a minor in music to their studies or take any of the recommended courses designed for music minors or non-majors: 

Music Theory (MUTH)

  • MUTH 103: Music Theory I
  • MUTH 104: Music Theory II
  • MUTH 319: Jazz Skills (pre-req MUTH 102, MUTH 104 or permission of instructor)

Music History (MUHI) and General Musicianship (MUGN)

  • MUGN 201: Intro to Music I: Listening Experience I
  • MUGN 212: History of Rock & Roll
  • MUGN 308 Digital Music:  Composition & Production
  • MUGN 310: Russian Song
  • MUHI courses at 300 level (by permission of instructor)
  • SAGES USSO and USSY courses in Music

Music Education (MUED)

  • MUED 305: World Music in Education
  • MUED courses at 200 level (by permission of instructor)

Performance Opportunities and Private Study

  • Music Ensembles (MUEN): The Department of Music is pleased to offer a variety of traditional and contemporary music ensembles to undergraduate/graduate students across all academic disciplines, as well as qualified community members.
  • Lessons (MUAP 131) and Group Classes (MUSP 100 + MUSP 130)Applied music lessons and group classes for beginners are available to current CWRU students through our Joint Music Program with the Cleveland Institute of Music.