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Department of Music
MUSI 4700 BA Thesis Project Options

MUSI 4700 – BA Thesis/Project Options

Option 1: Non-Performance-Based Project

Four to six semesters of regular applied study and one semester of project (not applied study). Applied lessons beyond Performance IV are possible but replace two academic music electives. The project may be completed at any point during their junior or senior year, but completion immediately following applied lessons is recommended. There is no performance associated with this option. Project may be advised by either the student's applied teacher or a faculty mentor subject to chair approval.

MUAP Course Progressions – Option 1: Non-Performance-Based. Course sequence by academic year and semester.
Semester Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year
Fall MUAP 1520 MUAP 2520 MUAP 3520 or MUSI 4700 MUSI 4700
Spring MUAP 1620 MUAP 2620 MUAP 3620 or MUSI 4700 N/A

Non-Performance-Based Project Examples:

Research paper on approved topic, development of an app, website/entrepreneurial enterprise, composition, or other practical project involving music. Must include informal presentation to an audience (studio class, faculty committee, etc.) no longer than 25 minutes.

Option 2: Performance-Based Project

Four to five semesters of regular applied study and one semester of project (comprised of additional applied study, accompanying research project and performance). 5th semester of lessons would replace one academic elective. Performance-based projects involving applied study should be taken in sequence (no gap between lesson semesters). Written component is smaller in this option due to the performance. Project must be advised by the applied teacher.

MUAP Course Progressions – Option 2: Performance-Based. Course sequence by academic year and semester.
Semester Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year
Fall MUAP 1520 MUAP 2520 MUAP 3520 or MUSI 4700 N/A
Spring MUAP 1620 MUAP 2620 MUSI 4700 N/A

Performance-Based Project Examples:

Applied lessons with research element resulting in 25-minute lecture recital, applied lessons with brief accompanying written project (program notes, or other appropriate research) resulting in an informal performance no longer than 25 minutes.

General Information

  • Grades for MUSI 4700 are S/U only. Assignments and preliminary grades determining the final grade are at the discretion of the instructor.
  • The performance-based project is a project, not a recital, and therefore does not require a recital jury. Readiness to perform is determined by the applied teacher.
  • In either option, applied study beyond Performance IV is optional and will be counted as a music elective.
  • Maximum applied study in either option does not extend beyond the 6th semester.