Faulkner University provides a learning environment based on Christian values. And our music students are an important conduit for the expression of that faith for the entire community. In music classes and performances, students find a focus on the development of strong character traits, such as integrity, confidence, and creativity. Learn more about our program in Montgomery, Alabama.
Music Degree (Instrumental) Curriculum
The instrumental track curriculum at Faulkner University provides a thorough introduction to all aspects of orchestral and band performance. Our in-depth, comprehensive music courses provide a learning environment where students can explore their musical talents and interests. There are 124 course hours required for graduation. Students work one-on-one with dedicated faculty in the Department of Music, including 12 hours of private instruction (eight of which are upper-division hours). Ensemble and band courses are required in the program.
Core Curriculum (50 hours)
- Christian Literacy: 18 hours
- Biblical Worldview I: 3 hours
- Biblical Worldview II: 3 hours
- Understanding Biblical Literature: 3 hours
- Christian Ethics: 3 hours
- Marriage & Family Relations: 3 hours
- Christian Cultural Heritage: 3 hours
- Cultural Heritage Literacy: 9 hours
- Western Tradition I: 3 hours
- Western Tradition II: 3 hours
- American Cultural Heritage: 3 hours
- Mathematical and Scientific Literacy: 7 hours
- Finite Math or higher: 3 hours
- Science and Accompanying Lab: 4 hours
- Information and Communication Literacy: 9 hours
- English Composition I: 3 hours
- English Composition II: 3 hours
- English/American Literature: 3 hours
- Personal and Social Literacy: 7 hours
- Personal Literacy
- Lifetime Fitness: 3 hours
- Faulkner Foundations or Faulkner Foundations Transfer: 1 hour
- Social Literacy
- Choose from several departments in conversation with advisor: 3 hours
- Foreign Language Literacy: 6 hours
- Two courses in the same language: 3 hours each
- Professional Literacy (Disciplined Required Courses): 57 hours
- Sight-Singing and Ear-Training I: 1 hour
- Sight-Singing and Ear-Training II: 1 hour
- Class Piano I: 1 hour
- Class Piano II: 1 hour
- Sight-Singing and Ear-Training III: 1 hour
- Sight-Singing and Ear-Training IV: 1 hour
- Music Literature: 2 hours
- Music Theory I: 3 hours
- Music Theory II: 3 hours
- Piano Proficiency Exam: 0 hour
- Orchestration and Arranging: 2 hours
- Music History I: 3 hours
- Music History II: 3 hours
- Music Theory III: 3 hours
- Music Theory IV: 3 hours
- Instrumental Conducting: 3 hours
- Senior Recital: 0 hour
- Christian Aesthetics and Philosophies of Fine Arts: 3 hours
- Music Internship: 3 hours
- Lower-Level Private Applied Lessons: 4 hours
- Upper-Level Private Applied Lessons: 8 hours
- Lower-Level Ensemble University Band 2: 4 hours
- Upper-Level Ensemble University Band: 4 hours
- General Electives: 11 hours
- Personal Literacy
Please note: Credit earned through membership in ensembles not sanctioned by the Department of Music will not be counted toward graduation.
Requirements for Music Degree (Instrumental) and Minor
All students applying to this program must meet music candidate requirements, which include an audition with their primary instrument and a Music Theory Entrance Exam. In addition, music majors must:
- Attend concerts and student recitals
- Perform in student recitals
- Pass the Piano Proficiency Exam
- Serve on juries for student recitals
- During senior year:
- Take the ETS Major Field Test in Music
- Perform a senior recital
- Complete a 96-hour internship in a music-related field
Students who apply for a music minor must also audition for the program. In addition, they will take a minimum of 18 course hours, including six hours in upper-level courses.
Music Degree (Instrumental or Choral) Minor Requirements
- Professional Literacy: 18 hours
- Sight-Singing and Ear-Training I: 1 hour
- Sight-Singing and Ear-Training II: 1 hour
- Music Literature: 2 hours
- Music Theory I: 3 hours
- Music Theory II: 3 hours
- Choose two of the following additional courses: 6 hours
- Music History I: 3 hours
- Music History II: 3 hours
- Music Theory III: 3 hours
- Choral Conducting: 3 hours
- Instrumental Conducting: 3 hours
- Christian Aesthetics/Philosophy of Fine Arts: 3 hours
- Choose two sessions of the following: 2 hours
- Private Applied Lesson: 1 hour
- Private Applied Lesson: 1 hour
- Choose two sessions among the following ensemble courses: 0/2 hours
- University Chorus
- Faulkner Singers
- University Band
- Jazz Ensemble
Please note: Registering for these courses requires the permission of the director and may or may not be taken for music degree credit. If these courses are taken for credit, the total number of hours required for the minor in music is 20. If not taken for credit, the total number of hours required for the minor in music is 18.
Apply for B.A. Music Degree (Instrumental) at Faulkner University
Enhance and develop your musical talents by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music – Instrumental Track. Participate in the cultural life of Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, as well as your local church community. Graduates are prepared for careers in both performance and teaching. Request information about the degree or apply to the program today!