University Catalog 2024-2025

Music Performance (Minor)

The Music Performance minor is a 18-credit hour curriculum designed for undergraduate students who wish to develop their artistry and musicianship on their instrument. The Music Performance minor culminates in a final recital and prepares students for a lifelong exploration of music by developing their capacity for further musical training and self--instruction.

Students take four required courses (8 credit hours) in music theory, aural skills, class piano, and Western music history, and an additional 12 credit hours of required courses and electives in their area of specialization.

Admissions

Application for admission to any University minor program is now available via MyPack Portal. Admission will be based upon the student’s academic record and completion of a preliminary audition. Go to the Add a Minor page to apply.

Students who have not already auditioned for the appropriate music faculty member (typically an ensemble director), will be contacted about scheduling the audition. Upon recommendation, students who have not already done so should enroll in MUS 193 Applied Music Lessons I. The jury exam at the end of their first semester of MUS 193 Applied Music Lessons I determines eligibility for continuation in the minor.

Certification

The Music Department Head or their designee will certify the Music Minor prior to graduation. The minor must be completed no later than the semester in which the student expects to graduate from his or her degree program. Paperwork for certification should be completed no later than the registration period prior to the student’s final semester at NC State.

Contact Person/Music Minor Advisor

Dr. Kirsten Paige
Music Minors Coordinator
Department of Performing Arts & Technology
kspaige2@ncsu.edu

SIS Code:  24MUMPERF

Plan Requirements

  • A total of 18 hours is required for the Minor in Music Performance.
  • A maximum of 6 transfer credit hours may be applied to the minor, as approved by the Music Minor Advisor and Department Head.
  • A grade of C- or better is required in each course used toward the minor.
  • No course in the minor may be taken for S/U credit.

MUS 103Theory and Musicianship I3
or MUS 153 Theory and Musicianship II
MUS 104Theory and Musicianship Lab I (or credit by exam)1
MUS 107Keyboard Skills I (or credit by exam) 11
MUS 193Applied Music Lessons I 21
MUS 193Applied Music Lessons I 21
MUS 293Applied Music Lessons II 21
MUS 293Applied Music Lessons II 21
MUS 393Recital 21
Ensemble electives (5 cr), selected from the course list below 2,35
Musical Culture elective (3 cr), selected from the course list below3
Total Hours18

Ensemble Electives 

University Singers
Tenor-Bass Choir
Women's Choir
Chamber SIngers
State Chorale
Raleigh Civic Symphony
Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra
Wind Ensemble
Symphonic Band
Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Combo II
Jazz Lab Band
Jazz Combo I
Jazz Orchestra
Piano Pedagogy
Chamber Music Performance

 Musical Culture Electives

Understanding Music: Global Perspectives
Introduction to Music Literature I
Introduction to Music Literature II
America's Music
Introduction to Popular Music: 1950s-1970s
Introduction to Popular Music: 1980s-Present
Introduction to African-American Music
History of Jazz
Music of the 17th and 18th Centuries
Music of the 19th Century
Music of the 20th-21st Centuries
Survey of Musical Theater
Music of Asia
Women In Music
1

MUS 107 has a prerequisite of MUS 103 or theory placement test.

2

Each semester of MUS 193, MUS 293, and MUS 393 requires a co-requisite of an approved ensemble in student’s area of applied study.

3

Piano performance minors fulfill this requirement by taking MUS 208 (2 cr) and 3 credits of approved ensembles.