Earn your Minor in Music
The minor in music is self-declarable and requires a minimum of 15 semester hours in music (MUS) courses; of which 8 semester hours must be earned at the University of Iowa.
Students must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 in all courses. Course work for the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass.
Work for the minor must include one music theory course, one music history course, and 3 semester hours of performance courses (applied instruction or ensembles). Admission to the theory courses is determined by results on the theory placement exam.
Requirements and program planning
Music theory
Students gain admission to theory courses via one of two alternatives:
- The theory placement exam, which is administered online, upon registering for MUS:1200 Fundamentals of Music
- Completion of MUS:1200
| Course Number | Name | Semester hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS:1201 | Musicianship and Theory I | 4 |
| MUS:1202 | Musicianship and Theory II | 4 |
| MUS:1203 | Musicianship and Theory III | 4 |
| MUS:1204 | Musicianship and Theory IV | 4 |
Music history
| Course Number | Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS:1310 | World Music | 3 |
| MUS:1720 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS:2301 | History of Western Music I | 3 |
| MUS:2302 | History of Western Music II | 3 |
| MUS:2311 | Music of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
Music performance
Choose 3 semester hours from the following options:
| Course Number | Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS:1020 | Performance Instruction for Non-Majors | 1 |
| MUS:2020-MUS:2038 | Lower-level lessons for music majors* | 2 |
| MUS:3020-MUS:2037 | Upper-level lessons for music majors* | 2 |
*Faculty permission required
| Course number | Name | Semester hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS:3001 | Introduction to Improvisation | 2 |
| MUS:3710 | Intermediate Jazz Improvisation | 2 |
| MUS:4750 | Transcription | 2 |
| Course Number | Name | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS:1160 | University Band | 1 |
| MUS:1165 | Hawkeye Marching Band | 1 |
| MUS:1176 | Voxman Chorale | 1 |
| MUS:1180 | Campus Symphony Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS:3150 | Percussion Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS:3160 | Symphony Band/Concert Band | 1 |
| MUS:3170 | Kantorei | 1 |
| MUS:3172 | Camerata Singers | 1 |
| MUS:3174 | University Choir | 1 |
| MUS:3180 | Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS:3480 | Piano Accompaniment | 1 |
| MUS:3482 | String Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS:3485 | Wind Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS:3730 | Jazz Band | 1 |
| MUS:3740 | Small jazz ensembles | 1 |
Other 1 semester hour music performance courses, as approved by the Associate Director for Undergraduate Studies.
Electives
Suggested courses include, but are not limited to the following:
| Course number | Name | Semester hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUS:1001 | Group Piano for Non-Music Majors I | 1 |
| MUS:1002 | Group Piano for Non-Music Majors II | 1 |
| MUS:1009 | Jazz Cultures in America and Abroad | 3 |
| MUS:1010 | Recital Attendance for Non-Majors | 1 |
| MUS:1012 | Creativity in Music | 3 |
| MUS:1020 | Performance Instruction for Non-Majors | 3 |
| MUS:1066 | Introduction to Film Music | 3 |
| MUS:1160 | University Band | 1 |
| MUS:1165 | Hawkeye Marching Band | 1 |
| MUS:1176 | Voxman Chorale | 1 |
| MUS:1200 | Fundamentals of Music for Majors | 3 |
| MUS:1201 | Musicianship and Theory I | 4 |
| MUS:1202 | Musicianship and Theory II | 4 |
| MUS:1301 | Concepts and Contexts of Western Music | 3 |
| MUS:1302 | Great Musicians | 3 |
| MUS:1303 | Roots, Rock, and Rap: A History of Popular Music | 3 |
| MUS:1310 | World Music | 3 |
| MUS:1720 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS:2020-MUS:2038 | All lower-level applied instruction courses for majors | |
| MUS:2203 | Musicianship and Theory III | 4 |
| MUS:2204 | Musicianship and Theory IV | 4 |
| MUS:2301 | History of Western Music I | 3 |
| MUS:2302 | History of Western Music II | 3 |
| MUS:2311 | Music of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
Transfer credit
Transfer credit of up to 7 semester hours satisfying music theory, music history, and elective requirements may be granted.
No transfer credit is granted to satisfy music performance requirements.
Create your academic path
You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.
Practice and perform
Need to book a music room, request an accompanist, check out audition information, rent a locker, or use a recording studio? Visit the Music Callboard for all scheduling and policy information.