Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Composition
The B.A. in Music with a Concentration in Composition is a liberal arts degree with a practical emphasis on fundamental compositional techniques. Techniques learned are immediately applied in assignments that are critiqued in class. Every course in the composition program culminates in a performance of student work by a professional ensemble. The composition curriculum is designed to provide students from diverse backgrounds the skills necessary to compose in a variety of genres and idioms.
The curriculum includes three semesters of foundational composition classes and advanced courses in counterpoint, orchestration and composing for films. Beyond the mastery of techniques, students are encouraged to express themselves freely, with their own voice.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music requires the completion of 33 credit hours of core courses in the music department, 12 credit hours of specialized course work, 33 credit hours of electives and 42 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences classes, totaling 120 credit hours.
Bachelor of Music with a Concentration in Composition
The Bachelor of Music degree is the initial professional degree in music. Its primary emphasis is on the development of skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to professional musicianship.
The first two years of coursework for the Bachelor of Music degree are exactly the same as those for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. When a student reaches between 45 – 60 credit hours, the student may file an application for the Bachelor of Music degree program.
Upon acceptance, subsequent sequencing of classes in Composition, Orchestration, Counterpoint, Analysis, Electronic Music and Conducting deepens and refines the student’s proficiency as a professional musician.
The Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Composition requires the completion of 128 credit hours that include 36 credit hours of core requirements in the music department, 45 credit hours of specialization courses, 11 credit hours of electives, and 36 credit hours of general education.
Bachelor of Music with a Concentration in Contemporary, Urban & Popular Music
The B.M. in Music with a concentration in Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music (CUP) is a unique and innovative professional performance degree. The CUP degree is intended for instrumentalists, singers, and songwriters interested in performing and creating original music in the context of popular idioms, including classic and contemporary forms of rock, pop, R&B, and singer/songwriter-based repertoire. The program includes courses in music technology and music business, in addition to specialized courses in music history, music theory, and keyboard. CUP B.M. students form collaborative band projects for the purpose of developing, recording and performing original music at a level suitable for professional presentation.
The first two years of coursework for the Bachelor of Music degree are identical to those for the Bachelor of Arts degree in CUP. When students reach 45–60 credit hours, having built an applicable performance history and academic record, they then apply and audition for formal acceptance into the program. The number of students accepted into the B.M. CUP program each year is limited. Acceptance is based on a committee review of a candidate’s application and the quality of his/her audition. Auditions for the B.M. are held every spring semester. The Bachelor of Music degree requires the completion of 33 credit hours of core courses in the music department, 50 credit hours of specialized course work, 9 credit hours of electives, and 36 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences classes, totaling 128 credit hours.
Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music
The B.A. in Music with a concentration in Contemporary, Urban and Popular music is a liberal arts degree with a practical emphasis on fundamental skills as applied to popular music performance, songwriting, recording, and arranging. The program offers a strong foundation in instrumental and/or vocal technique, popular music history, theory, music creation, arranging, and performance. The curriculum includes performances with ensembles offering a wide variety of popular music styles and genres, including classic and contemporary rock, R&B, Latin styles/genres, and singer/songwriter-based repertoire. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music requires the completion of 33 credit hours of core courses in the music department, 12 credit hours of specialized course work, 33 credit hours of electives and 42 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences classes, totaling 120 credit hours for the degree.
Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Instrumental Performance
The B.A. in Music with a Concentration in Instrumental Performance is a liberal arts degree with with a practical emphasis on fundamental skills in performance and arranging. Practical procedures such as working on stage, solo techniques and ensemble techniques are emphasized. Qualified students are encouraged to audition for performances in Chicago’s professional music community.
The Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes popular forms of jazz, rock, blues, and music for theater, providing students with a firm foundation in instrumental performance. Faculty advisors guide students in choosing courses and ensembles appropriate to each performer's goals. Studies are structured to attain the highest performance level according to each student's needs and abilities.
Instrumental Performance studies in the Music Department of Columbia College Chicago include classes specific to your emphasis, general education courses and private instruction in contemporary music of many genres.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music requires the completion of 33 credit hours of core courses in the music department, 12 credit hours of specialized course work, 33 credit hours of electives, and 42 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences classes, totaling 120 credit hours.
Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Instrumental Jazz
The B.A. in Music with a Concentration in Instrumental Jazz is a liberal arts degree with with a practical emphasis on fundamental skills in jazz performance, composition, and arranging. The program offers a strong foundation in improvisation, jazz history, theory, composition and arranging, and performance. The performance curriculum includes foundational study in solo performance, as well as skills for performance in small and large ensembles.
Jazz ensembles perform music that encompasses virtually all styles and eras of jazz: classic repertory, contemporary, and new and exploratory styles. Auditions for jazz ensembles are held at the beginning of each semester.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music requires the completion of 33 credit hours of core courses in the music department, 12 credit hours of specialized course work, 33 credit hours of electives and 42 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences classes, totaling 120 credit hours.
Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Vocal Performance
The B.A. in Music with a Concentration in Vocal Performance is a liberal arts degree with with a practical emphasis on fundamental skills in performance and arranging. Practical procedures such as working on stage, solo techniques and ensemble techniques are emphasized. Qualified students are encouraged to audition for performances in Chicago’s professional music community.
The Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes popular forms of jazz, rock, blues, and music for theater, providing students with a firm foundation in vocal performance. Faculty advisors guide students in choosing courses and ensembles appropriate to each performer's goals. Studies are structured to attain the highest performance level according to each student's needs and abilities.
Vocal Performance studies in the Music Department of Columbia College Chicago include classes specific to your emphasis, general education courses and private instruction in classical or contemporary music of many genres.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music requires the completion of 33 credit hours of core courses in the music department, 12 credit hours of specialized course work, 33 credit hours of electives and 42 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences classes, totaling 120 credit hours.
