The information on this page pertains to program requirements for students who matriculated in the 2024-2025 academic year. View requirements for previous catalog years here.
Drake University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The requirements for entrance and for graduation are in accordance with the published regulations of this association.
For more information regarding specific policies, procedures, regulations, ensembles, recitals, competitions, student organizations, and other resources, consult the Music Department web site.
Candidates for the B.A. degree in music are prepared for graduate studies in music (particularly in musicology, music theory, ethnomusicology or music therapy) or interdisciplinary fields that emphasize musical knowledge or related skills (such as music criticism or library science). This degree is particularly well suited for students wishing to pursue a double major in music and another field, for those interested in pursuing academic research in music, or for those looking for a wide-ranging liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes studies in music.
The completion of a senior thesis on a topic in music of the candidate’s choice is required during the senior year. The B.A. degree is not intended to be a substitute for any of the professional degrees offered by the Department of Music.
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 001 - Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 002 - Materials of Music I | 1 |
| MUS 003 - Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 004 - Materials of Music II | 1 |
| MUS 021 - Recitals | 8 semesters |
| MUS 051 - Materials of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 052 - Materials of Music III | 1 |
| MUS 053 - Materials of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 054 - Materials of Music IV | 1 |
| MUS 081 - World Music | 3 |
| MUS 085 - Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 095 - Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 105 - Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 107 - Analysis of Post-Tonal Music | 3 |
| Ensemble - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 8 credits is required. | |
| MUS 148 - Band | 1 |
| MUS 149 - Choir | 1 |
| MUS 150 - Orchestra | 1 |
| Music Literature/Theory Electives - Select 5-6 credits from the following. | 5-6 |
| MUS 010—Jazz History | 2 |
| MUS 012—Jazz Theory/Keyboard | 2 |
| MUS 101—Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 102—Structure and Design | 3 |
| MUS 104—Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS 106—Symphonic Literature | 2 |
| MUS 108—Composition | 1-2 |
| MUS 109—Piano Literature to 1800 | 2 |
| MUS 110—Piano Literature after 1800 | 2 |
| MUS 116—String Literature | 1-3 |
| MUS 119/HONR 178—Music and Politics | 3 |
| MUS 120—Shape Notes and Sacred Harps | 3 |
| MUS 133—Jazz Arranging and Composition | 2 |
| MUS 140—Vocal Literature | 2 |
| MUS 167 - Junior Research Seminar | 1 |
| MUS 168 - Senior Thesis | 2 |
| Applied Instrument - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 16 credits, all from the same instrument/voice, is required. | |
| MUS 170 - Piano | 1-6 |
| MUS 171 - Voice | 1-6 |
| MUS 173 - Violin | 1-6 |
| MUS 174 - Cello | 1-6 |
| MUS 175 - Trumpet | 1-6 |
| MUS 176 - Flute | 1-6 |
| MUS 177 - Percussion | 1-6 |
| MUS 178 - Clarinet | 1-6 |
| MUS 179 - Oboe | 1-6 |
| MUS 182 - Viola | 1-6 |
| MUS 185 - Bassoon | 1-6 |
| MUS 186 - Saxophone | 1-6 |
| MUS 187 - French Horn | 1-6 |
| MUS 188 - Trombone | 1-6 |
| MUS 189 - Euphonium | 1-6 |
| MUS 191 - Tuba | 1-6 |
| MUS 193 - String Bass | 1-6 |
| MUS 194 - Classical Guitar | 1-6 |
| TOTAL | 63-64 |
Candidates for the B.M. degree with a major in applied music are prepared for full-time or part-time work as performers, as leaders of community choral or instrumental groups, as studio teachers or as teachers of applied music in private schools or colleges. The candidate must complete a minimum of 124 credit hours.
An acceptable senior recital of approximately one hour’s duration in the student’s major applied music field is required.
The wind and percussion track takes 39 to 40 hours in the applied major and minor, 31 to 34 hours in music theory and history-literature and eight hours of ensemble, plus the Drake Curriculum and free electives. (Hours vary according to each instrument; students should consult with advisers for specific number of hours.)
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 001 - Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 002 - Materials of Music I | 1 |
| MUS 003 - Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 004 - Materials of Music II | 1 |
| MUS 006 - Piano Laboratory I (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 007 - Piano Laboratory II (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 021 - Recitals | 8 semesters |
| MUS 049 - Piano Laboratory III (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 050 - Piano Laboratory IV (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 051 - Materials of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 052 - Materials of Music III | 1 |
| MUS 053 - Materials of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 054 - Materials of Music IV | 1 |
| MUS 081 - World Music | 3 |
| MUS 085 - Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 095 - Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 105 - Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 106 - Symphonic Literature | 2 |
| MUS 107 - Analysis of Post-Tonal Music | 3 |
| MUS 114 - Studio Teaching Techniques | 2 |
| Ensemble - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 8 credits is required. | |
| MUS 148 - Band | 1 |
| MUS 150 - Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS 151 - Instrumental Conducting | 2 |
| Applied Instrument - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 32 credits is required. | |
| MUS 175 - Trumpet | 1-6 |
| MUS 176 - Flute | 1-6 |
| MUS 177 - Percussion | 1-6 |
| MUS 178 - Clarinet | 1-6 |
| MUS 179 - Oboe | 1-6 |
| MUS 185 - Bassoon | 1-9 |
| MUS 186 - Saxophone | 1-6 |
| MUS 187 - Horn | 1-6 |
| MUS 188 - Trombone | 1-6 |
| MUS 189 - Euphonium | 1-6 |
| MUS 191 - Tuba | 1-6 |
| MUS 181 - Chamber Ensemble | 1-3 |
| Senior Recital |
The piano track takes 39 to 40 hours in the applied major and minor, 31 to 34 hours in music theory and history-literature and eight hours of ensemble, plus the Drake Curriculum and free electives. (Hours vary according to each instrument; students should consult with advisers for specific number of hours.)
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 001 - Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 002 - Materials of Music I | 1 |
| MUS 003 - Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 004 - Materials of Music II | 1 |
| MUS 021 - Recitals | 8 semesters |
| MUS 051 - Materials of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 052 - Materials of Music III | 1 |
| MUS 053 - Materials of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 054 - Materials of Music IV | 1 |
| MUS 081 - World Music | 3 |
| MUS 085 - Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 092 - Advanced Keyboard Skills | 1 |
| MUS 095 - Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 105 - Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 107 - Analysis of Post-Tonal Music | 3 |
| MUS 109 - Piano Literature to 1800 | 2 |
| MUS 110 - Piano Literature 1800-Present | 2 |
| MUS 113 - Piano Studio Teaching Techniques and Materials | 3 |
| Ensemble - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 8 credits is required. | |
| MUS 148 - Band | 1 |
| MUS 149 - Choir | 1 |
| MUS 150 - Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS 151 - Instrumental Conducting, or MUS 163 - Choral Conducting |
2 |
| MUS 170 - Piano - A minimum of 32 credits of MUS 170 is required. | 32 |
| Senior Recital |
The string track takes 39 to 40 hours in the applied major and minor, 31 to 34 hours in music theory and history-literature and eight hours of ensemble, plus the Drake Curriculum and free electives. (Hours vary according to each instrument; students should consult with advisers for specific number of hours.)
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 001 - Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 002 - Materials of Music I | 1 |
| MUS 003 - Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 004 - Materials of Music II | 1 |
| MUS 006 - Piano Laboratory I (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 007 - Piano Laboratory II (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 021 - Recitals | 8 semesters |
| MUS 049 - Piano Laboratory III (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 050 - Piano Laboratory IV (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 051 - Materials of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 052 - Materials of Music III | 1 |
| MUS 053 - Materials of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 054 - Materials of Music IV | 1 |
| MUS 059 - Orchestral Excerpts | 2 |
| MUS 081 - World Music | 3 |
| MUS 085 - Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 095 - Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 105 - Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 107 - Analysis of Post-Tonal Music | 3 |
| Upper division music courses | |
| MUS 106 - Symphonic Literature | 2 |
| MUS 114 - Studio Teaching Techniques | 2 |
| MUS 116 - String Literature | 2 |
| MUS 151 - Instrumental Conducting | 2 |
| MUS 150 - Orchestra - A minimum of 8 credits is required. | 8 |
| Applied Instrument - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 32 credits is required. | |
| MUS 173 - Violin | 1-6 |
| MUS 174 - Cello | 1-6 |
| MUS 182 - Viola | 1-6 |
| MUS 193 - String Bass | 1-6 |
| MUS 194 - Classical Guitar | 1-6 |
| MUS 181 - Chamber Ensemble | 1-3 |
| Senior Recital |
The vocal track takes 43 hours in applied music, 33 hours in music theory and history-literature, and eight hours of ensemble, plus the Drake Curriculum and free electives. [*Fulfillment of the foreign language requirement for the vocal major is to be approved by the student’s adviser.*]
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 001 - Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 002 - Materials of Music I | 1 |
| MUS 003 - Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 004 - Materials of Music II | 1 |
| MUS 006 - Piano Laboratory I (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 007 - Piano Laboratory II (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 021 - Recitals | 8 semesters |
| MUS 049 - Piano Laboratory III (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 050 - Piano Laboratory IV (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 051 - Materials of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 052 - Materials of Music III | 1 |
| MUS 053 - Materials of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 054 - Materials of Music IV | 1 |
| MUS 075 - Diction for Singers I | 2 |
| MUS 076 - Diction for Singers II | 2 |
| MUS 081 - World Music | 3 |
| MUS 085 - Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 095 - Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 105 - Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 107 - Analysis of Post-Tonal Music | 3 |
| MUS 140 - Vocal Literature | 2 |
| MUS 154 - Vocal Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUS 163 - Choral Conducting | 2 |
| MUS 149 - Choir - A minimum of 8 credits is required. | 8 |
| MUS 171 - Voice - A minimum of 32 credits is required. | 32 |
| Foreign Language | 6 |
| Senior Recital |
The Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business prepares students to pursue career opportunities in which the arts and business intersect. This includes performing arts management, support staff for large non-profit organizations, facilities management, and more. In addition to coursework undertaken in the Department of Music and the completion of a minor in Drake’s Zimpleman College of Business, students take part in an internship program working with local arts organizations. The result is a comprehensive and diverse program that takes advantage of Des Moines’ thriving music scene.
| Course | Credits |
| ACCT 041 - Introduction to Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BLAW 060 - Business Law I | 3 |
| ECON 010 - Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| IS 044 - Microsoft Office Tools for Business Analysis | 2 |
| LIBR 099 – Copyright Issues in the United States | 3 |
| MKTG 101 - Marketing Principles | 3 |
| MGMT 110 - Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| Business Electives - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 12 credits is required. | |
| ACCT 042 – Introduction to Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| BUS 073 – Business and Professional Communication | 3 |
| BUS 074 – Professional Written Communication | 3 |
| ECON 010 – Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| FIN 095 – Managing Individual Finances | 3 |
| FIN 101 – Corporate Finance | 3 |
| JMC 055 – Digital Media Strategies | 3 |
| STAT 071 – Statistics I | 3 |
| MUS 001 - Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 002 - Materials of Music I | 1 |
| MUS 003 - Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 004 - Materials of Music II | 1 |
| MUS 006 - Piano Laboratory I (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 007 - Piano Laboratory II (or equivalent private lessons in MUS 170) | 1 |
| MUS 021 - Recitals | 8 semesters |
| MUS 051 - Materials of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 052 - Materials of Music III | 1 |
| MUS 053 - Materials of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 054 - Materials of Music IV | 1 |
| MUS 081 - World Music | 3 |
| MUS 085 - Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 091 - Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| MUS 095 - Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 105 - Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 107 - Analysis of Post-Tonal Music | 3 |
| MUS 144 – Studio Recording Techniques | 2 |
| Ensemble - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 8 credits is required. | |
| MUS 148 - Band | 1 |
| MUS 149 - Choir | 1 |
| MUS 150 - Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS 165 - Professional Internship in Music | 3 |
| Applied Instrument - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 16 credits is required. | |
| MUS 170 - Piano | 1-6 |
| MUS 171 - Voice | 1-6 |
| MUS 172 - Organ | 1-6 |
| MUS 173 - Violin | 1-6 |
| MUS 174 - Cello | 1-6 |
| MUS 175 - Trumpet | 1-6 |
| MUS 176 - Flute | 1-6 |
| MUS 177 - Percussion | 1-6 |
| MUS 178 - Clarinet | 1-6 |
| MUS 179 - Oboe | 1-6 |
| MUS 180 - Harpsichord | 1-6 |
| MUS 182 - Viola | 1-6 |
| MUS 185 - Bassoon | 1-6 |
| MUS 186 - Saxophone | 1-6 |
| MUS 187 - Horn | 1-6 |
| MUS 188 - Trombone | 1-6 |
| MUS 189 - Euphonium | 1-6 |
| MUS 190 - Harp | 1-6 |
| MUS 191 - Tuba | 1-6 |
| MUS 193 - String Bass | 1-6 |
| MUS 194 - Classical Guitar | 1-6 |
| TOTAL | 94 |
The minor in music is intended for students with musical skills who do not wish to pursue careers in music. This program does not satisfy the requirement for certification in a minor teaching area. The minimum requirement for the minor is 22 credit hours. Music history/literature and music electives must be chosen in consultation with a designated music faculty adviser. An audition is required in the applied music area.
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 001 - Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 002 - Materials of Music I | 1 |
| MUS 003 - Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 004 - Materials of Music II | 1 |
| MUS 080 - Music in Western Culture | 3 |
| Music history/literature electives - Select 2-3 credits from the following, subject to advisor approval. | |
| MUS 010 - Jazz History | 2 |
| MUS 012—Jazz Theory/Keyboard | 2 |
| MUS 101—Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 102—Structure and Design | 3 |
| MUS 104—Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS 106—Symphonic Literature | 2 |
| MUS 109—Piano Literature to 1800 | 2 |
| MUS 110—Piano Literature after 1800 | 2 |
| MUS 116—String Literature | 1-3 |
| MUS 119/HONR 178—Music and Politics | 3 |
| MUS 120—Shape Notes and Sacred Harps | 3 |
| MUS 133—Jazz Arranging and Composition | 2 |
| MUS 140—Vocal Literature | 2 |
| Other music electives - Select 5-6 MUS credits, subject to advisor approval. | |
| Applied Instrument - Select from the following, depending on candidate's chosen path. A minimum of 4 credits, all from the same instrument/voice, is required. | |
| MUS 170 - Piano | 1-6 |
| MUS 171 - Voice | 1-6 |
| MUS 172 - Organ | 1-6 |
| MUS 173 - Violin | 1-6 |
| MUS 174 - Cello | 1-6 |
| MUS 175 - Trumpet | 1-6 |
| MUS 176 - Flute | 1-6 |
| MUS 177 - Percussion | 1-6 |
| MUS 178 - Clarinet | 1-6 |
| MUS 179 - Oboe | 1-6 |
| MUS 180 - Harpsichord | 1-6 |
| MUS 182 - Viola | 1-6 |
| MUS 185 - Bassoon | 1-6 |
| MUS 186 - Saxophone | 1-6 |
| MUS 187 - French Horn | 1-6 |
| MUS 188 - Trombone | 1-6 |
| MUS 189 - Euphonium | 1-6 |
| MUS 190 - Harp | 1-6 |
| MUS 191 - Tuba | 1-6 |
| MUS 193 - String Bass | 1-6 |
| MUS 194 - Classical Guitar | 1-6 |
| TOTAL | 22 |
The Concentration in Musical Theatre is intended for students pursuing a BM in Vocal Performance who seek to further develop their versatility as an artist by taking additional courses in acting, movement, musical theatre history and dance. The classical discipline, which is the primary focus for the BM in Vocal Performance major, continues to embrace singing-actors with the ability to cross over into the musical theatre genre. Operatic singers must also have the ability to move freely, dance, and apply the craft of acting to their performances. Both artforms are constantly growing and require performers who are skilled in many aspects of music and theatre. Producers, directors, and conductors seek well-rounded musicians with the ability to learn music quickly and efficiently on their own.
Prior to registration, students desiring a Concentration in Musical Theatre must have successfully completed two semesters of study as a BM Vocal Performance major. Interested applicants should email the Head of the Musical Theatre BFA, Erin Degner, to arrange for an audition or to obtain permission to submit an audio or video recording in lieu of an on-campus audition. The cap for acceptance is two students per year. Applicants must receive the approval of the Theatre and Music Departments following the required audition.
Note: Students pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre degree (Theatre Department) who are interested in a Concentration in Vocal Music should review the requirements here.
| Course | Credits |
| THEA 003 - Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 012 - Voice & Movement for the Actor | 3 |
| THEA 060 - Musical Theatre I | 3 |
| THEA 123 - Musical Theatre History | 3 |
| THEA 165 - Project in Theatre* | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | |
| THEA 015 - Movement II | 2 |
| THEA 056 - Jazz | 2 |
| THEA 058 - Ballet | 2 |
| THEA 059 - Musical Theatre Dance | 2 |
| TOTAL | 17 |
* Project in Theatre includes performing in a role in a musical/play or performing a musical theatre cabaret with Musical Theatre faculty guidance.
The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.