Independent Study – Department of Music

Independent Study (I.S.) requirements vary by degree and emphasis. Double majors should also consult the Double Majors section below.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music

In these degrees, the form of I.S. depends on area of emphasis.

Performance Emphasis (B.A. and B.M.)

Your I.S. consists of recitals:

Junior I.S. (MUSC 40100)
- Hour lessons weekly
- Half recital (25–30 minutes of music)
  - Repertoire determined with advisor
  - Requires pre-recital jury approval
  - See “Student Recitals” for scheduling and jury information
- Letter grade from advisor
Senior I.S. (MUSC 45100 in fall, MUSC 45200 in spring)
- Hour lessons weekly
- Full recital (45+ minutes of music)
  - Repertoire determined with advisor
  - Requires pre-recital jury approval
  - See “Student Recitals” for scheduling and jury information
- I.S. grade (Honors, Good, Satisfactory, or No Credit) from faculty committee: advisor (40%), two others (30% each)

B.A. students must also write a paper

Advised by I.S. advisor
10+ page paper, topic determined with advisor
- Research paper on a musicological and/or theoretical aspect of recital repertoire
- Thorough program notes for the recital
- Extended reflection on the process of preparing the recital and what was learned
- A week-by-week reflective practice log compiled over the course of the year
I.S. grade (Honors, Good, Satisfactory, or No Credit) from faculty committee: advisor (40%), two others (30% each)
- Paper counts 20% of total I.S. grade, which is calculated by Chair
- Must earn Satisfactory on paper needed for I.S. Honors
Submit digital copy to Administrative Coordinator
- Optional: submit copy to the Libraries’ Open Works website (see additional instructions here)

Composition Emphasis (B.A. and B.M.)

Your I.S. is a continuation of composition studies:

Junior I.S. (MUSC 40100)
- Hour lessons weekly
- Compose two smaller works
  - Length and medium determined with advisor
- Letter grade from advisor
Senior I.S. (MUSC 45100 in fall, MUSC 45200 in spring)
- Hour lessons weekly
- Compose at least one large-scale work
  - Length, medium, and project timeline determined with advisor
  - Acoustic compositions require professional-quality notation
- I.S. grade (Honors, Good, Satisfactory, or No Credit) from faculty committee: advisor (60%), one other (40%)
- Public performance in Department is encouraged and typical
  - A valuable experience for both you and performers
  - Requires pre-recital jury approval
  - See “Student Recitals” for scheduling and jury information

Musicology or Music Theory Emphasis (B.A.)

Your I.S. consists of a thesis paper.

Junior I.S. (MUSC 40100)
- Choose an advisor 4+ weeks before the semester preceding Junior I.S. ends
  - The Chair can help recommend advisors.
- Weekly meetings with advisor
- Write a 30+ page thesis paper under the guidance of your advisor
- Letter grade from advisor
- Submit a copy to the Administrative Coordinator
Senior I.S. (MUSC 45100 in fall, MUSC 45200 in spring)
- Weekly meetings with advisor
- Write a 60+ page thesis under the guidance of your advisor
- I.S. grade (Honors, Good, Satisfactory, or No Credit) from faculty committee: advisor (60%), one other (40%)
- Submit copies to both:
  - The Administrative Coordinator
  - To the Libraries’ Open Works website (see additional instructions here)

Music Technology, Recording/Production, or Interdisciplinary Emphasis (B.A.)

Your I.S. can take many forms.

Junior I.S. (MUSC 40100)
- Choose an advisor 4+ weeks before the semester preceding Junior I.S. ends
  - The Chair can help recommend advisors.
- Weekly meetings with advisor
- Project designed with advisor and Chair
  - A written description of the project and its parameters will be placed in your Music file.
- Letter grade from advisor.
Senior I.S. (MUSC 45100 in fall, MUSC 45200 in spring)
- Weekly meetings with your advisor
- Project designed with advisor and Chair
  - A written description of the project and its parameters will be placed in your Music file.
- I.S. grade (Honors, Good, Satisfactory, or No Credit) from faculty committee: advisor (60%), one other (40%)
- Public performance in Department is encouraged and typical
  - Requires pre-recital jury approval
  - See “Student Recitals” for scheduling and jury information

Bachelor of Music Education

Your I.S. consists of student teaching (MUSC 49600, MUSC 49700, MUSC 49800)

Typically second semester senior year
12 weeks full-time in public school, placement determined by advisor
I.S. grade (Honors, Good, Satisfactory, or No Credit) by your advisor in consultation with your supervising teacher(s).

Bachelor of Music Therapy

Your I.S. consists of a clinical internship (MUSC 41000)

Takes place after commencement
6 months full-time at a facility approved by the American Music Therapy Association
Honors determined by Practicum grades

Double Majors

Your I.S. requirements as a double major depend on your music degree.

B.A. in Music plus another B.A. Major

Complete Junior I.S. in both majors. See the description of Junior I.S. for your area of emphasis.

For Senior I.S., you have three options:

Option 1: Double I.S.
- Complete two separate I.S. projects.
- Register for Senior I.S. Thesis in both majors both semesters.
- See the description of Senior I.S. in your area of emphasis.
Option 2: Joint I.S.
- Complete one interdisciplinary project that fulfills the requirements of both departments.
  - Must submit the Double Major I.S. Agreement before beginning.
- Register for Senior I.S. in one major fall semester, the other major spring semester.
Option 3: Single I.S. (if departments permit)
- Complete I.S. in one major.
- Substitute a course for I.S. in the other major.
- If this option interests you, talk to the Chair of both departments/programs to see if it is a possibility.

Dual-Degree Double Majors (B.M./B.M.E./B.M.T. plus B.A. Major)

You must complete Junior I.S. in both majors and two separate Senior I.S. projects. In addition, all liberal arts core requirements for the B.A. must be completed. Due to the large number of credits required to fulfill both degrees, dual-degree double majors typically need frequent credit overloads and a few summer credits to graduate in 4 years.