Music Major

This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2026-27.

Major Requirements

The requirements for the major are as follows:

Music Theory

All of the following:

Music History

All of the following:

Composition

Music History

One of the following:

Music Elective

One elective course above the 100 level, excluding performance (PF) courses. However,  may serve as an elective.

Performance Ensemble

All music majors must participate in one of the following performance ensembles beginning the semester following declaration of the concentration through graduation: Colgate University Chamber Players, Colgate University Choirs, Colgate University Jazz Ensemble, Colgate University Orchestra. A minimum of four semesters is required, no exceptions for off-campus study.

GPA Requirement

A music major must have a GPA of at least 2.00 in the above courses to graduate.

Honors and High Honors

Candidates for honors in music must

  1. have or exceed, by the time of graduation, a major GPA of 3.50 and an overall GPA of 3.20.
  2. Complete an honors project (MUSI 470) with a grade of at least A–.
  3. Pass a general examination in music history and theory.

Candidates for high honors in music must

  1. Have or exceed, by the time of graduation, a major GPA of 3.80 and an overall GPA of 3.20.
  2. Complete an honors project () with a grade of at least A–.
  3. Pass with distinction a general examination in music history and theory.

To elect , the candidate must provide the department chair with a written proposal for the project by April 15 for a fall-semester project or December 1 for a spring-semester project. The project should have as its outcome a thesis, a composition, or a recital. It is both approved in advance and graded by the entire department.

Music Department

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the  catalog page.