- General Education Requirements for Basic, Performance, and Jazz Studies Concentrations
- Degree Requirements—Basic Concentration
- Sample Course Schedule—Basic Concentration
- Degree Requirements—Performance Concentration
- Sample Course Schedule—Performance Concentration
- Degree Requirements—Jazz Studies Concentration
- Sample Course Schedule—Jazz Studies Concentration
BA in Theatre and BFA in Performance (Theatre) BA in Theatre
- Degree Requirements—Performance Concentration and Directing/Design Concentration
- Sample Course Schedule—Performance Concentration
- Sample Course Schedule—Directing/Design Concentration
L017/L018 Education, Performing Arts,
and Social Work Building (EPASW)
(312) 996-2977
http://www.uic.edu/depts/adpa/
Administration: Chairperson, Gene J. Collerd
The Department of Theatre and Music offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Music with Basic, Performance, and Jazz Studies Concentrations; the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with Performance and Directing/Design Concentrations; and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance (Theatre).
BA in Music
Because the music profession is so diverse, the major curriculum at the University of Illinois at Chicago emphasizes skills and knowledge that are fundamental to the entire discipline: music theory, music history, performance, aural and keyboard training, orchestration, composition, conducting, and ensemble participation. Core course requirements for all majors include two years of work in theory, aural skills, and piano, five semesters of history and literature, and courses analysis and ethnomusicology. Beyond these, each of the three concentrations adds requirements particular its focus. Majors should also plan on at least two years of participation in one of the program’s performing organizations, which include concert band, jazz ensembles, string orchestra, and three choral groups.
For those who qualify for the Performance Concentration, the program offers opportunities for private study in piano, voice, and orchestral and band instruments with some of Chicago’s most outstanding artist-teachers. For those who qualify for Jazz Studies, the program provides private study and small ensemble work with leading Chicago jazz artists. An audition is required for both the Performance and Jazz Studies concentrations.
Many of the program’s graduates pursue advanced degrees in music. Others find employment as performers, teachers, or composers in a wide variety of settings. A minimum of 120 semester hours is required for graduation. Students choose the Basic Concentration, the Performance Concentration, or the Jazz Studies Concentration.
General Education Requirements for Basic, Performance, and Jazz Studies Concentrations
| Courses | Hours |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| Analyzing the Natural World coursea | 3–5 |
| Understanding the Individual and Society coursea | 3 |
| Understanding the Past coursea | 3 |
| Understanding U.S. Society coursea | 3 |
| Additional General Education Core courses from any categoriesab | 4–6b |
| Total Hours—General Education Requirementsc | 24 |
a Students should consult the General Education section of the catalog for a list of approved courses in this category.
b Students in the Basic, Performance, and Jazz Studies Concentrations take two additional courses from any General Education categories for a total of 4–6 hours to reach the required 24 hours in the General Education Core.
c The Understanding the Creative Arts and Exploring World Cultures General Education requirements are met by courses within the major.
Degree Requirements—Basic Concentration
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music—Basic Concentration degree from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department degree requirements. The Department of Theatre and Music degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Architecture and the Arts section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
| BA in Music—Basic Concentration Degree Requirements | Hours |
| General Education Requirements | 24 |
| Major Course Requirements | 58–66 |
| Electives | 30–38 |
| Total Hours—BA in Music—Basic Concentration | 120 |
General Education Requirements
See previous section General Education Requirements for Basic, Performance, and Jazz Studies Concentrations for a list of courses to meet this requirement.
Basic Concentration Major Course Requirements
For the Basic Concentration, 58–66 semester hours distributed as follows:
| Courses | Hours |
| MUS 101—Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 102—Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 103—Ear Training I | 1 |
| MUS 104—Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation/Recitala | 0 |
| MUS 201—Theory of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 202—Theory of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 203—Ear Training III | 1 |
| MUS 204—Ear Training IV | 1 |
| MUS 170—Keyboard Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 171—Keyboard Skills II | 2 |
| MUS 270—Keyboard Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 271—Keyboard Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 230—Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 231—Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 232—Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 300—Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 301—Analytic Techniques | 3 |
| MUS 227—Music Cultures of the Worldbc | 3 |
| Six hours of music electives chosen from the following: | 6 |
| MUS 113—Art Song (3)b | |
| MUS 114—Jazz History (3)bf | |
| MUS 115—Opera (3)b | |
| MUS 117—Music for Symphony Orchestra (3)b | |
| MUS 119—Music for the Piano (3)b | |
| Six hours of music electives chosen from the following: | 6 |
| MUS 302—Composition I (3) | |
| MUS 303—Composition II (3) | |
| MUS 304—Conducting (3) | |
| MUS 306—Orchestration and Arranging I (3) | |
| MUS 307—Orchestration and Arranging II (3) | |
| Four hours of musicd chosen from the following: | 4 |
| MUS 151—Concert Band (1) | |
| MUS 152—Instrumental Ensembles (1) | |
| MUS 153—University Choir (1) | |
| MUS 154—Chamber Choir (1) | |
| MUS 155—Women’s Choral Ensemble (1) | |
| MUS 157—String Ensemble (1) | |
| MUS 159—Jazz Ensemble (1) | |
| Foreign languagee | 0–8 |
| Total Hours—Basic Concentration Major Course Requirements |
58–66 |
a Students must register for MUS 110 for four terms.
b This course is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
c This course is approved for the Exploring World Cultures General Education category.
d No more than one hour of credit earned in any term may apply towards this four-hour requirement.
e Usually one year of French, German, or Italian at the college level. With consent of the department, students may substitute other languages. Two years of foreign language study is strongly recommended.
f This course is approved for the Understanding the Past General Education category. Students who apply MUS 114 to the Understanding the Past category need to fulfill the Understanding the Creative Arts category with another course.
Electives
| Courses | Hours |
| Total Hours—Electives | 30–38 |
Sample Course Schedule—Basic Concentration
| Freshman Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 101—Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 103—Ear Training I | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 170—Keyboard Skills I | 2 |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| Foreign language | 4 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 102—Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 104—Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 171—Keyboard Skills II | 2 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| Foreign language | 4 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 201—Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS 203—Ear Training III | 1 |
| MUS 270—Keyboard Skills III | 2 |
| General Education Core course | 5 |
| Elective | 4 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 202—Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS 204—Ear Training IV | 1 |
| MUS 271—Keyboard Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 230—Music History I | 3 |
| Art Song, Jazz, Opera, Music for Symphony Orchestra, or Music for the Piano (MUS 113, 114, 115, 117, or 119) | 3 |
| Ensemble (MUS 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 157, or 159) | 1 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 231—Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 300—Counterpoint | 3 |
| One additional course chosen from MUS 113, 114, 115, 117, or 119 | 3 |
| Ensemble (see above) | 1 |
| Composition, Conducting, or Orchestration (MUS 302, 304, or 306) | 3 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 232—Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 301—Analytic Techniques | 3 |
| Ensemble (see above) | 1 |
| One additional course chosen from Composition, Conducting, or Orchestration | 3 |
| Electives | 5 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Ensemble (see above) | 1 |
| MUS 227—Music Cultures of the World | 3 |
| Electives | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Degree Requirements—Performance Concentration
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music—Performance Concentration degree from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department degree requirements. An audition is also required to enter the concentration. The Department of Theatre and Music degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Architecture and the Arts section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
| BA in Music—Performance Concentration Degree Requirements |
Hours |
| General Education Requirements | 24 |
| Major Course Requirements | 72–74 |
| Electives | 22–24 |
| Total Hours—BA in Music—Performance Concentration |
120 |
General Education Requirements
See previous section General Education Requirements for Basic, Performance, and Jazz Studies Concentrations for a list of courses to meet this requirement.
Performance Concentration Major Course Requirements
For the Performance Concentration, 72–74 semester hours distributed as follows:
| Courses | Hours |
| MUS 101—Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 102—Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 103—Ear Training I | 1 |
| MUS 104—Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation/Recitala | 0 |
| MUS 201—Theory of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 202—Theory of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 203—Ear Training III | 1 |
| MUS 204—Ear Training IV | 1 |
| MUS 170—Keyboard Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 171—Keyboard Skills II | 2 |
| MUS 270—Keyboard Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 271—Keyboard Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 230—Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 231—Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 232—Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 300—Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 301—Analytic Techniques | 3 |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performanceb | 0 |
| MUS 227—Music Cultures of the Worldcd | 3 |
| Six hours of music electives chosen from the following: | 6 |
| MUS 113—Art Song (3)c | |
| MUS 114—Jazz History (3)ch | |
| MUS 115—Opera (3)c | |
| MUS 117—Music for Symphony Orchestra (3)c | |
| MUS 119—Music for the Piano (3)c | |
| Six hours of music electives chosen from the following: | 6 |
| MUS 302—Composition I (3) | |
| MUS 303—Composition II (3) | |
| MUS 304—Conducting (3) | |
| MUS 306—Orchestration and Arranging I (3) | |
| MUS 307—Orchestration and Arranging II (3) | |
| Two to four hours of musice chosen from the following: | 2–4 |
| MUS 151—Concert Band (1) | |
| MUS 153—University Choir (1) | |
| MUS 157—String Ensemble (1) | |
| MUS 159—Jazz Ensemble (1) | |
| Two hours of musice chosen from the following: | 2 |
| MUS 152—Instrumental Ensembles (1) | |
| MUS 154—Chamber Choir (1) | |
| MUS 155—Women’s Choral Ensemble (1) | |
| MUS 160—Small Jazz Ensemble (1) | |
| Eight hours chosen from the following: | 8 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons (2)f | |
| MUS 182—Private Voice Lessons (2)f | |
| Six hours chosen from the following: | 6 |
| MUS 280—Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons (3)g | |
| MUS 282—Advanced Private Voice Lessons (3)g | |
| Total Hours—Performance Concentration Major Course Requirements | 72–74 |
a Students must register for MUS 110 for four terms.
b Students must register for MUS 111 for four terms and perform in one master class in two of those terms.
c This course is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
d This course is approved for the Exploring World Cultures General Education category.
e Vocalists must choose four hours of 153 and two hours of 154 or 155; wind and percussion students must choose four hours between 151 and 159, and two hours between 152 and 160; piano, classical guitar, and organ students must complete two hours from 152, and two hours of a large ensemble; string students must choose four hours of 157 and two hours of 152.
f Students must register for MUS 180 or 182 for at least four terms. Both courses require juries or half-recitals; a minimum grade of B is required to remain in the concentration.
g Students must register for MUS 280 or 282 for two terms. Both courses require one jury and one full recital. A minimum grade of B in the first term is required to remain in the concentration.
h This course is approved for the Understanding the Past General Education category. Students who apply MUS 114 to the Understanding the Past category need to fulfill the Understanding the Creative Arts category with another course.
| Courses | Hours |
| Total Hours—Electives | 22–24 |
Sample Course Schedule—Performance Concentration
| Freshman Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons | 2 |
| MUS 101—Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 103—Ear Training I | 1 |
| Ensemble (MUS 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 157, or 159) | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 170—Keyboard Skills I | 2 |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons | 2 |
| MUS 102—Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 104—Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| Ensemble (see above) | 1 |
| MUS 171—Keyboard Skills II | 2 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons | 2 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 201—Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS 203—Ear Training III | 1 |
| MUS 270—Keyboard Skills III | 2 |
| General Education Core course | 5 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons | 2 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 202—Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS 204—Ear Training IV | 1 |
| MUS 271—Keyboard Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 230—Music History I | 3 |
| Ensemble (see above) | 1 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performance | 0 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons | 2 |
| MUS 231—Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 300—Counterpoint | 3 |
| One course chosen from MUS 113, 114, 115, 117, or 119 | 3 |
| Ensemble (see above) | 1 |
| Composition, Conducting, or Orchestration (MUS 302, 304, or 306) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performance | 0 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons | 2 |
| MUS 232—Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 301—Analytic Techniques | 3 |
| Ensemble (see above) | 1 |
| One additional course chosen from Composition, Conducting, or Orchestration |
3 |
| Electives | 2 |
| Total Hours | 14 |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performance | 0 |
| MUS 280—Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 4 |
| MUS 227—Music Cultures of the World | 3 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performance | 0 |
| MUS 280—Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Degree Requirements— Jazz Studies Concentration
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music—Jazz Studies Concentration degree from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department degree requirements. An audition is also required to enter the Jazz Studies concentration. The Department of Theatre and Music degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Architecture and the Arts section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
| BA in Music—Jazz Studies Concentration | Hours |
| General Education Requirements | 24 |
| Major Course Requirements | 93 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Total Hours—BA in Music—Jazz Studies Concentration | 120 |
General Education Requirements
See previous section General Education Requirements for Basic, Performance, and Jazz Studies Concentrations for a list of courses to meet this requirement.
Jazz Studies Concentration Major Course Requirements
For the Jazz Studies Concentration, 93 semester hours distributed as follows:
| Courses | Hours |
| MUS 101—Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 102—Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 103—Ear Training I | 1 |
| MUS 104—Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation/Recitala | 0 |
| MUS 201—Theory of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 202—Theory of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 203—Ear Training III | 1 |
| MUS 204—Ear Training IV | 1 |
| MUS 170—Keyboard Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 171—Keyboard Skills II | 2 |
| MUS 270—Keyboard Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 271—Keyboard Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 230—Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 231—Music History II | 3 |
| MUS 232—Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 301—Analytic Techniques | 3 |
| MUS 114—Jazz Historybh | 3 |
| MUS 120—Jazz Improvisation I | 3 |
| MUS 227—Music Cultures of the Worldbc | 3 |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performanced | 0 |
| MUS 220—Jazz Aesthetics | 3 |
| MUS 221—Jazz Improvisation II | 3 |
| MUS 222—Musical Notation/Copying | 1 |
| MUS 310—Jazz Theory and Keyboard I | 3 |
| MUS 311—Jazz Theory and Keyboard II | 3 |
| MUS 306—Orchestration and Arranging I | 3 |
| MUS 312—Jazz Arranging I | 3 |
| MUS 160—Small Jazz Ensemble (1)g (for at least two semesters) |
2–3 |
| Choose one of the following for at least two semesters: | 2–3 |
| MUS 150—Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)g | |
| MUS 159—Jazz Ensemble (1)g | |
| Three hours of music electives chosen from the following: | 3 |
| MUS 113—Art Song (3)b | |
| MUS 115—Opera (3)b | |
| MUS 117—Music for Symphony Orchestra (3)b | |
| MUS 119—Music for the Piano (3)b | |
| Three hours of music electives chosen from the following: | 3 |
| MUS 302—Composition I (3) | |
| MUS 303—Composition II (3) | |
| MUS 304—Conducting (3) | |
| MUS 307—Orchestration and Arranging II (3) | |
| MUS 313—Jazz Arranging II (3) | |
| Twelve hours chosen from the following: | 12 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons(2)e | |
| MUS 182—Private Voice Lessons(2)e | |
| Six hours chosen from the following: | 6 |
| MUS 280—Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons(3)f | |
| MUS 282—Advanced Private Voice Lessons(3)f | |
| Total Hours—Jazz Studies Concentration Major Course Requirements | 93 |
a Students must register for MUS 110 for four terms.
b This course is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
c This course is approved for the Exploring World Cultures General Education category.
d Students must register for MUS 111 for four terms and perform in one master class in two of those terms.
e Students must register for MUS 180 or 182 for at least six terms. Both courses require juries or half-recitals; a minimum grade of B is required to remain in the concentration.
f Students must register for MUS 280 or 282 for two terms.
Both courses require one jury and one full recital. A minimum grade of B in the first term is required to remain in the concentration.
g MUS 150 is required for singers; MUS 159 is required for instrumentalists. Students must enroll for a total of 5 hours in a combination of MUS 150/160 (for singers) or MUS 159/160 (for instrumentalists). A minimum of two hours is required in any one of these courses.
h This course is approved for the Understanding the Past General Education category. Students who apply MUS 114 to the Understanding the Past category need to fulfill the Understanding the Creative Arts category with another course.
Electives
| Courses | Hours |
| Total Hours—Electives | 3 |
Sample Course Schedule—Jazz Studies Concentration
| Freshman Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 101—Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 103—Ear Training I | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 170—Keyboard Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons OR MUS 182—Private Voice Lessons |
2 |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 102—Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 104—Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 171—Keyboard Skills II | 2 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons OR MUS 182—Private Voice Lessons |
2 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 120—Jazz Improvisation | 3 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons OR MUS 182—Private Voice Lessons |
2 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 201—Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS 203—Ear Training III | 1 |
| MUS 270—Keyboard Skills III | 2 |
| General Education Core course | 5 |
| Total Hours | 16 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 114—Jazz History | 3 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons OR MUS 182—Private Voice Lessons |
2 |
| MUS 110—Convocation | 0 |
| MUS 202—Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS 204—Ear Training IV | 1 |
| MUS 222—Musical Notation and Copying | 1 |
| MUS 271—Keyboard Skills IV | 2 |
| MUS 230—Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 150—Vocal Jazz Ensemble OR MUS 159—Jazz Ensemble |
1 |
| Total Hours | 16 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performance | 0 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons OR MUS 182—Private Voice Lessons |
2 |
| MUS 231—Music History II | 3 |
| One course chosen from MUS 113, 115, 117, or 119 | 3 |
| MUS 306—Orchestration and Arranging I | 3 |
| MUS 150—Vocal Jazz Ensemble OR MUS 159—Jazz Ensemble |
1 |
| MUS 310—Jazz Therory and Keyboard I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performance | 0 |
| MUS 180—Private Instrumental Lessons OR MUS 182—Private Voice Lessons |
2 |
| MUS 221—Jazz improvisation II | 3 |
| MUS 232—Music History III | 3 |
| MUS 301—Analytic Techniques | 3 |
| MUS 160—Small Jazz Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 312—Jazz Arranging | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performance | 0 |
| MUS 150—Vocal Jazz Ensemble OR MUS 159—Jazz Ensemble |
1 |
| MUS 160—Small Jazz Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 220—Jazz Aesthetics | 3 |
| Composition I or II, Conducting, Orchestration II, or Jazz Arranging II (MUS 302, 303, 304, 307, or 313) | 3 |
| MUS 280—Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons OR MUS 282—Advanced Private Voice Lessons |
3 |
| General Education Core course | 4 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| MUS 111—Master Class in Performance | 0 |
| MUS 280—Advanced Private Instrumental Lessons OR MUS 282—Advanced Private Voice Lessons |
3 |
| MUS 311—Jazz Theory and Keyboard II | 3 |
| MUS 227—Music Cultures of the World | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Required Courses | Hours |
| MUS 101—Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 102—Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 103—Ear Training I | 1 |
| MUS 104—Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUS 170—Keyboard Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 171—Keyboard Skills II | 2 |
| MUS 230—Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 231—Music History II | 3 |
| Any three hours of music electives at the 100-level, excluding MUS 100, 107, and 156. | 3 |
| Total Hours—Minor in Music | 21 |
Programs in Theatre
BA in Theatre and BFA in Performance (Theatre)
Both the BA and the BFA combine the study of acting, directing, and design with the study of dramatic texts in their theatrical and cultural contexts. In the BA, two concentrations are offered: the Performance Concentration and the Directing/Design Concentration.
Since theatre is studied and experienced as a present-tense event, majors must actively participate in the production program. A total of 120 semester hours is required for graduation. Some theatre courses require grades of B or higher in courses listed as prerequisites. Please check the Course Descriptions in the catalog for more information.
General Education Requirements for BA and BFA Programs
| Courses | Hours |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| Exploring World Cultures coursea | 3 |
| Analyzing the Natural World coursea | 3–5 |
| Understanding the Individual and Society coursea | 3 |
| Understanding U.S. Society coursea | 3 |
| Additional General Education Core courses from any categorya | 4–6 |
| Total Hours—General Education Requirementsb | 24 |
a Students should consult the General Education section of the catalog for a list of approved courses in this category.
b The Understanding the Past and Understanding the Creative Arts General Education requirements are met by courses within the major.
Degree Requirements—Performance Concentration and Directing/Design Concentration
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department degree requirements. The Department of Theatre and Music degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Architecture and the Arts section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
Admission to the performance concentration is by audition, and admission to the directing/design concentration is by interview.
| BA in Theatre Degree Requirements | Hours |
| General Education Requirements | 24 |
| Major Course Requirements | 45 |
| Electives | 51 |
| Total Hours—BA in Theatre | 120 |
General Education Requirements
See previous section General Education Requirements for BA and BFA Programs for a list of courses to meet this requirement.
Performance Concentration Major Course Requirements
| Courses | Hours |
| THTR 109—Introduction to Theatrea | 3 |
| THTR 161—Introduction to Acting I | 3 |
| THTR 209—Modern Dramab | 3 |
| THTR 210—Movement for Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 260—Voice for the Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 261—Voice for the Stage II | 3 |
| THTR 262—Acting II: Scene Study | 3 |
| THTR 263—Acting II: Adaptations | 3 |
| THTR 280—Practicum in Performance | 3 |
| THTR 452—Advanced Acting: Shakespeare | 3 |
| THTR 475—Advanced Acting: Audition | 3 |
| One course from the following: | 3 |
| THTR 470—Contemporary Performance Techniques (3) | |
| THTR 472—Investigative Collaboration (3) | |
| One course from the following: THTR 423—Playwriting (3) |
3 |
| THTR 465—Stage Direction (3) | |
| One of the following two-course sequences: | 6 |
| THTR 150—Technical Theatre (3) THTR 250—Set Design I (3) |
|
| OR | |
| THTR 151—Fundamentals in Costume
Construction (3) THTR 257—Costume Design I (3) |
|
| Total Hours—Performance Concentration Major Course Requirements | 45 |
a This course is approved for the Understanding the Past General Education category or the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
b This course is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
Directing/Design Concentration Major Course Requirements
| Courses | Hours |
| THTR 109—Introduction to Theatrea | 3 |
| THTR 161—Introduction to Acting I | 3 |
| THTR 209—Modern Dramab | 3 |
| THTR 210—Movement for Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 260—Voice for the Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 262—Acting II: Scene Study | 3 |
| THTR 423—Playwriting | 3 |
| THTR 465—Stage Direction | 3 |
| AH 100—Introduction to Art and Art Historyb | 3 |
| One course from the following: | 3 |
| THTR 470—Contemporary Performance Techniques (3) | |
| THTR 472—Investigative Collaboration (3) | |
| One of the following two-course sequences: | 6 |
| THTR 150—Technical Theatre (3) | |
| THTR 250—Set Design I (3) | |
| OR | |
| THTR 151—Fundamentals in Costume Construction (3) | |
| THTR 257—Costume Design I (3) |
|
| One course from the following: | 3 |
| THTR 256—Lighting Design (3) |
|
| THTR 259—Makeup Design (3) | |
| One course from the following: | 3 |
| THTR 255—Set Design II (3) |
|
| THTR 258—Costume Design II (3) | |
| One course from the following: | 3 |
| THTR 282—Practicum in Costuming (3) | |
| THTR 283—Practicum in Technical Theatre (3) | |
| Total Hours—Directing/Design Concentration Major Course Requirements | 45 |
a This course is approved for the Understanding the Past General Education category or the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
b This course is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
Electives
| Courses | Hours |
| Total Hours—Electives | 51 |
Sample Course Schedule—Performance Concentration
Semesters in which required courses are offered may vary from those listed below.
* THTR 280—Practicum in Performance requires permission of instructor to register. This is given for semesters when student is cast in a mainstage production.
** General Education Core courses can be taken in any semester. Some courses carry more than 3 credit hours; thus, the total credit hours for a semester may be between 15 and 17. This is listed below only once; thereafter, General Education Core courses are listed as 3 credit hours and 15 credit hours given as the total for the semester.
| Freshman Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 109—Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| THTR 161—Introduction to Acting I | 3 |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| General Education Core course** | 3 |
| General Education Core course** | 3–5 |
| Total Hours | 15–17 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 210—Movement for Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 260—Voice for the Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 263—Adaptations | 3 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 150—Technical Theatre OR THTR 151—Costume Construction |
3 |
| THTR 261—Voice for the Stage II | 3 |
| THTR 280—Practicum in Performance* | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 262—Acting: Scene Study | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 209—Modern Drama I | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 250—Set Design I OR THTR 257—Costume Design I |
3 |
| THTR 452—Acting: Shakespeare | 3 |
| THTR 470—Contemporary Performance Techniques OR THTR 472—Investigative Collaboration |
3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 423—Playwriting OR THTR 465—Stage Direction |
3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 475—Advanced Acting: Audition | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Sample Course Schedule—Directing/Design Concentration
Semesters in which required courses are offered may vary from those listed below.
* General Education Core courses can be taken in any semester. Some courses carry more than 3 credit hours; thus, the total credit hours for a semester may be between 15 and 17.
| Freshman Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 109—Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| THTR 161—Introduction to Acting I | 3 |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| General Education Core course* | 3 |
| General Education Core course* | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 210—Movement for Stage I | 3 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 150—Technical Theatre OR THTR 151—Costume Construction |
3 |
| General Education Core course | 3–5 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15–17 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 250—Set Design I OR THTR 257—Costume Design I |
3 |
| THTR 260—Voice for the Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 262—Acting: Scene Study | 3 |
| THTR 282—Practicum in Costuming OR THTR 283—Practicum in Technical Theatre |
3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 255—Set Design II OR THTR 258—Costume Design II |
3 |
| THTR 256—Lighting Design OR THTR 259—Makeup Design |
3 |
| THTR 209—Modern Drama | 3 |
| AH 100—Introduction to Art and Art History | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 465—Stage Direction | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 423—Playwriting | 3 |
| THTR 470—Contemporary Performance Techniques OR THTR 472—Investigative Collaboration |
3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
To earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department degree requirements. The Department of Theatre and Music degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Architecture and the Arts section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
| BFA in Performance Degree Requirements | Hours |
| General Education Requirements | 24 |
| Major Course Requirements | 66 |
| Electives | 30 |
| Total Hours—BFA in Performance | 120 |
General Education Requirements
See previous section General Education Requirements for BA and BFA Programs for a list of courses to meet this requirement.
BFA Major Course Requirements
| Courses | Hours |
| THTR 109—Introduction to Theatrea | 3 |
| THTR 161—Introduction to Acting I | 3 |
| THTR 209—Modern Dramab | 3 |
| THTR 210—Movement for Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 260—Voice for the Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 261—Voice for the Stage II | 3 |
| THTR 263—Acting II: Adaptations | 3 |
| THTR 280—Practicum in Performance | 3 |
| THTR 310—Movement for Stage II | 3 |
| THTR 410—Movement for Stage III | 3 |
| THTR 451—Advanced Acting: American Drama | 3 |
| THTR 452—Advanced Acting: Shakespeare | 3 |
| THTR 458—Advanced Acting: Chekhov | 3 |
| THTR 459—Advanced Acting: Ensemble | 3 |
| THTR 462—Voice for the Stage III | 3 |
| THTR 465—Stage Direction | 3 |
| THTR 467—Advanced Acting: Brecht, Beckett, Pinter | 3 |
| THTR 475—Advanced Acting: Audition | 3 |
| One of the following two-course sequences: | 6 |
| THTR 150—Technical Theatre (3) | |
| THTR 250—Set Design I (3) | |
| OR | |
| THTR 151—Fundamentals in Costume Construction (3) | |
| THTR 257—Costume Design I (3) | |
| One of the following courses: | 3 |
| THTR 255—Set Design II (3) | |
| THTR 256—Lighting Design (3) | |
| THTR 258—Costume Design II (3) | |
| THTR 259—Makeup Design (3) | |
| One of the following courses: | 3 |
| THTR 470—Contemporary Performance Techniques (3) | |
| THTR 472—Investigative Collaboration (3) | |
| Total Hours—BFA Major Course Requirements | 66 |
a This course is approved for the Understanding the Past General Education category or the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
b This course is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
Electives
| Courses | Hours |
| Total Hours—Electives | 30 |
Sample Course Schedule—BFA in Performance (Theatre)
Semesters in which required courses are offered may vary from those listed below.
* THTR 280—Practicum in Performance, requires permission of instructor to register. This is given for semesters when student is cast in a mainstage production.
** General Education Core courses can be taken in any semester. Some science courses carry more than three credit hours; thus, the total credit hours for a semester may be between 15 and 17. This is listed below only once; thereafter, General Education Core courses are listed as 3 credit hours and 15 credit hours given as the total for the semester.
| Freshman Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 109—Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| THTR 161—Introduction to Acting I | 3 |
| THTR 210—Movement for the Stage I | 3 |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| General Education Core course** | 3–5 |
| Total Hours | 15–17 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 150—Technical Theatre OR THTR 151—Costume Construction |
3 |
| THTR 260—Voice for the Stage I | 3 |
| THTR 263—Acting: Adaptations | 3 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 261—Voice for the Stage II | 3 |
| THTR 310—Movement for Stage II | 3 |
| THTR 451—Advanced Acting: American Drama | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
THTR 250—Set Design I |
3 |
| THTR 452—Advanced Acting: Shakespeare | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 255—Set Design II OR THTR 256—Lighting Design OR THTR 258—Costume Design II OR THTR 259—Makeup Design |
3 |
| THTR 209—Modern Drama | 3 |
| THTR 458—Advanced Acting: Chekhov | 3 |
| THTR 462—Voice for the Stage III | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 410—Movement for Stage III | 3 |
| THTR 459—Advanced Acting: Ensemble | 3 |
| THTR 470—Contemporary Performance Techniques OR THTR 472—Investigative Collaboration |
3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| THTR 280—Practicum in Performance | 3 |
| THTR 467—Advanced Acting: Brecht, Beckett, Pinter | 3 |
| THTR 465—Stage Direction | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Spring Semester | Hours |
| THTR 475—Advanced Acting: Audition | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Students from other disciplines who want to minor in theatre must complete at least 18 hours in theatre. At least 12 of the 18 hours must be at the upper-division level.
Distinction is based on (a) grade point average of 3.50/4.00, and (b) superior commitment to the production program.