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. 

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Overview 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.

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).