U-MUS-AB - Music (AB)

Music is among the most ancient of human pursuits and has long been viewed as a crucial part of education. As a discipline, it has its own logic and grammar in the understanding of which the mind is stretched and tested. Students at Duke encounter a variety of approaches to music that encompass the many ways that we create, perform, and comprehend it.

Courses fall into three broad categories: theory and composition; literature, history, and ethnomusicology; and applied music (performance). Within these are included many kinds of instruction, such as lessons in performance and composition; theory; history and literature lectures and seminars; electronic music classes; ensembles; practical laboratory work (such as ear-training or Listening Lab), coaching sessions in chamber music; and classes in improvisation. Students’ musical activity can vary widely across the spectrum. Almost every student has some personal involvement with music, and the courses aim to further that involvement, whether it is a simple hobby or a compelling interest.

The requirements present a balanced selection of courses in music theory, history, literature, and performance, and are a means of preparing graduates for further professional training in the art of music. The music major can also be an attractive pursuit for the well-rounded undergraduate planning a career in another field. A sequence of three courses seeks to develop the student’s fluency in music theory and another four semesters offer a survey of Western music history. Students pick three further courses from a range of musical styles, including jazz, world music, rock, and other electives. As they progress through the major curriculum, students develop their practical musicianship and performance skills through music theory labs, applied lessons, and participation in music department ensembles.

Applied Music

Provided they qualify by audition, students may enroll in private instruction and participate in ensembles. Auditions must be arranged with the instructor prior to registration. For more audition details, visit music.duke.edu/lessons/auditions-schedule. Enrollment in an applied music course does not guarantee permission to enroll in the instructor’s class or ensemble the following semester; in some cases another audition may be required. Those students who wish to study privately but do not qualify for university-level instruction should consider group lessons or contact department faculty for recommendations for local instructors. All applied music courses may be repeated for credit, but no more than two ensembles may be taken concurrently.

Departmental Graduation with Distinction

https://music.duke.edu/undergraduate/graduation-with-distinction

Music Majors who have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA in music courses may undertake work leading to departmental Graduation with Distinction. The candidate must apply to the Director of Undergraduate Studies by March 20 of the junior year. The project is normally a yearlong endeavor involving an independent study (Music 393), two semesters of advanced study in performance or composition, or an appropriate graduate seminar each semester of the senior year. It must culminate in (a) a substantial paper (historical, analytical, or theoretical); or (b) a full-length recital with a shorter paper or composition; or (c) a major composition with a shorter paper or half-length recital. The final project must must be completed by March 31 of the senior year and be approved by a faculty committee.

Website: music.duke.edu/undergraduate/major