Looking to experience more with your degree by adding a track in the study of music? Let us tell you more.
Boston University School of Music offers two minors for interested undergraduate students at Boston University, including Music and Music Performance. Find details about the programs and declaring your minor below.
Minor in Music Performance
This minor will provide Boston University undergraduates with high-level training in instrumental or vocal performance. Concentrated individual study will be required, in addition to multiple semesters of ensemble participation and required coursework in music theory and music history. This minor is intended for student musicians with previously substantive music experiences—those who wish to expand upon established musical skills. It is not a viable option for those students wishing to experience an introduction to music study.
Music Performance Minor Curriculum
The Minor in Music Performance consists of 24 credits.
Admission to the minor in Performance is contingent upon the successful completion of a performance audition for members of the appropriate School of Music Performance department (Piano, Strings, Voice, or Woodwinds/Brass/Percussion). This audition will take place at the end of a semester of private lessons taken for credit, with repertoire to be determined by the lesson instructor and department chair. No one will be admitted to the minor prior to the end of their first semester of study at Boston University.
An additional placement audition is required for enrollment in Boston University ensembles. Audition information (dates and requirements) is established by the Ensembles office, and auditions are held the first week of the fall semester. Find more information regarding ensembles auditions here.
The basic structure of this minor’s curriculum is as follows:
| Course Type |
Credits |
| Music Theory* |
3 credits |
| Aural Skills* |
1 credit |
| Musicology and Ethnomusicology |
8 credits |
| Private Music Instruction |
4 credits (4 semesters @ 1 credit each) |
| Ensemble Participation |
6 credits |
| Approved electives |
2 credits |
| Total |
24 credits |
Advisor: James Demler
Declare a Minor in Music Performance
Minor in Music
Music Minor Curriculum
The minor in Music (non-performance) consists of 20 credits.
Required Courses
Eight credits in music theory/aural skills:
- CFA MT 101 Music Theory 1 (3 cr)
- CFA MT 102 Music Theory 2 (3 cr)
- CFA MT 111 Aural Skills 1 (1 cr)
- CFA MT 112 Aural Skills 2 (1 cr)
Music theory and aural skills placement exams are required before registering for the above courses; contact Barbara Raney at braney@bu.edu for more information. Based on the results of this exam these courses may be waived, but must be replaced by other courses in music as approved by the advisor for Music minors.
A supplemental 12 credits in music are chosen with the approval of the advisor for Music minors. Applied music and composition courses require an audition or departmental approval.
No credit toward the completion of the non-performance Music minor will be given for the following courses: CFA MH 105, MH 106, MT 105, and MT 106. Additionally, AP Music Theory credits do not count toward the minor.
Advisor: David Kopp
Intra University Transfer
Students who desire study in the visual arts beyond what is offered through the minor may be able to apply for an Intra University Transfer (IUT) to major in the BA in Art or a BFA in Art Education, Graphic Design, Painting, Printmaking, or Sculpture. Pursuing an IUT later than the fall of Sophomore year may lengthen a student’s course of study. Students considering this should consult with Visual Arts Academic Advising on their plan.
CFA Intra University Transfer
