Requirements for a Concentration or Minor in Music

A concentration in music comprises 10 courses: 210 or 211, 220, 221, 214 or 254 or 259 or 260, 310, the Senior Project (452), and
(1) 100 and three full-credit electives at the 200-level or above (including at least one at the 300-level), or
(2) four full-credit electives at the 200-level or above (including at least one at the 300-level).

Concentrators must also pass proficiency exams in aural and keyboard skills, and demonstrate basic skills in music technology. They are also expected to participate in department ensembles in each semester. Students who need to prepare for the proficiency exams should consider taking Music 180 and 181.

Students contemplating graduate work in music should consult with a member of the department at an early date. Department honors can be earned by students who have at least a 3.5 average in their coursework that counts toward the concentration as well as through distinguished achievement in Mus 550-551 (Honors Senior Project I-II). 

A minor in music comprises five courses: one theory course (110, 210, or 211) and four others from among these possibilities:
1) Music 100
2) one course credit in group performance, applied music, or solo performance
3) full-credit courses at the 200-level or above

Sample 4-Year Plans for Music Concentration

The following is only a suggestion of how a student might schedule their courses for the concentration. Depending on the Music Theory Placement Exam results, a student may begin music theory studies with Mus 110, 210, or 211. The department strongly recommends that students enroll in Mus 180, 181, 280, and 281 (aural skills and keyboard skills) when they begin music theory classes. Mus 180, 181, 280, and 281 may be repeated for credit as necessary in order to pass proficiency requirements. Students are also expected to participate in department ensembles in each semester.

*Only one of these two courses are required.  Each is offered every other year, one each year.

Advising

Music concentrators should consult the department chair at the time they declare the concentration. The department chair will provide updated information about the structure of the concentration and the tentative schedule of course offerings for subsequent academic terms. Also, the chair will discuss with each new concentrator their preference for an advisor from among the full-time faculty of the department. To the extent possible, the chair will honor that preference.

Advice Regarding Study Abroad

Music concentrators who choose to study abroad during their junior year should plan their course work in music carefully and with the advice of a member of the music faculty. Since advanced courses required for the concentration have several prerequisites, students should begin their study of music history, music theory, and aural/keyboard skills as early as possible. The department administers a placement exam each summer, and students wishing to concentrate in music are strongly encouraged to take the exam for possible advanced placement. Students who plan to be abroad their entire junior year should have completed the following courses by the end of their sophomore year: Mus 210, 310, 220, 221, either 214, 254, 259, or 260, and 280 and 281. 

Students who wish to complete a senior project in solo or jazz performance should be aware of the performance prerequisites for these projects; all senior projects have deadlines during the junior year which must still be met even if the student is abroad.

Finally, students should be aware that very few study abroad programs offer courses in music theory, history, or performance that will count for the concentration at Hamilton College; thus, students should plan on completing their concentration through courses taken at Hamilton.

Department Honors

Honors in music will be awarded on the basis of a cumulative average of 90 or above in all courses required for the major, as well as distinguished achievement on an Honors Senior Project.

Department Scholarships

The Madeleine Wild Bristol Prize Scholarship in Music, established in memory of Madeleine Wild Bristol, is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior music student who is an outstanding performer, composer, scholar or leader in music and who also actively participates in athletics.

The Nelson Clark Dale, Jr. Prize in Music was established in memory of Captain Nelson Clark Dale, Jr., USMC, Class of 1942, by his parents, and is awarded to a student who has shown exceptional ability in music as a composer, interpreter or leader, or who has contributed most to the musical life of the College.

Other Scholarships and Fellowships

Students should be aware of a number of undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships and fellowships for which they can apply. The earlier the student begins this process, the better. Information sessions are scheduled early in the Fall by the Student Fellowship Coordinator, who should be contacted for further information and a list of the fellowships. A list of fellowships, prizes, and scholarships can be found in the College Bulletin.