Double Major
Double Degree
"The Arts" Requirement Options

Pursuing a Double Major in music and another area

Among the many options available to IWU students who wish to complete a double major is the option of combining music with another discipline.  We recommend that these students choose the BA in Music as their music curriculum, as this plan allows the most flexibility in class choices, while still delivering a course of study in music that is both rich and rigorous.  While it is possible to finish a double major in music and another discipline within four years, this outcome is not guaranteed.  Your ability to finish in four years will be influenced by several factors, some of which might include: when you begin the music major; what other discipline you select; and involvement in study abroad or internship programs.  You should plan to work with a faculty mentor in both disciplines, although only one of these mentors will function as your official advisor.

Pursuing a Double Degree program in music and another area

Students who wish to pursue the BM or BME degree along with a major in another discipline (resulting in a double degree) should plan to work closely with faculty mentors in both disciplines from the very beginning of their IWU experience.  Careful planning several semesters in advance is necessary in order to avoid scheduling conflicts that may delay the completion of one of the programs.  It is possible, but challenging, to complete the BM degree along with another degree program within four years, although this outcome is not guaranteed.  It is not possible, under normal circumstances, to complete the BME degree and another degree program within four years.  Students who may need a ninth semester in order to complete the BME degree are guaranteed access to financial aid.

General Education requirement in “The Arts”

In addition to specific traditional music courses approved for credit in the General Education category “The Arts” (listed below), the School of Music offers students several additional ways in which they may fulfill this requirement.  Students with an interest in pursuing applied study in voice, piano, or on a string, wind, or percussion instrument may choose from the following options:

• four semesters of piano lessons (Music 100)
• four semesters of voice lessons (Music 100)
• two semesters of voice lessons (Music 100) taken concurrently with either University Choir (Music 26) or Collegiate Choir (Music 23).
• Two semester of lessons on a string, wind, or percussion instrument (Music 100) taken concurrently with either Orchestra (Music 21), Wind Ensemble (Music 22), Symphonic Winds (Music 24), Jazz Ensemble (Music 34-1), or Jazz Lab Band (Music 34-1).

Disclaimer:  Participation in all the ensembles listed above, with exception of Jazz Lab Band, is by audition only.  There is an additional charge for lessons for students who are not participating the Jennings Scholarship Program.

Class Options:

• MUS 164: Gourmet Listener
          Designed for the liberal arts students, this course is an introduction to the numerous genres of Western concert music.  Emphasis will be placed on identifying different styles and forms of music.  Features live performances.  Offered each May Term
  
• MUS 264: Jazz History (also fulfills U.S. Diversity flag)
          The origins, evolution, and emergence of jazz as an art form.  Lectures, reading, and listening to recorded and live performances illustrate various styles in the development of jazz.  An emphasis is placed on individual styles important to the periods of jazz.  Open to all students.  Offered each spring
  
• MUS 268: Latin American Music (also fulfills Global Diversity flag)
          Folk, popular, and concert music of Hispanic America, from their roots on three continents to their most contemporary forms.  Emphasis on cultural understanding and critical approaches to listening and writing about music.  No previous background in music is required.  Offered occasionally
  
• MUS 350: Special Topics in Music
          Intensive study in a selected topic in music.  Topics vary from semester to semester.  Open to all students.  May be repeated for credit if the topic is not duplicated.  See current Program of Classes to determine if this course fulfills general education requirements.  Offered occasionally