A checklist is the list of requirements to complete this program and receive the award, as the college publishes it in its catalog. It is the same for everyone. It does not say what you have completed; that comes from applying your own record.
Program
- Award
- Music - Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
- Credential class
- ceterms:BachelorDegree
- Total credits (published)
- 23.75
- Catalog edition
- 2026-2027 Catalog
- Checklist type
- degree-program
- Description
- The St. Olaf Music Department creates inspiring musical experiences grounded in an inclusive liberal arts environment, challenging students to excel artistically and engage globally for lives within and beyond the professional music world.
Identifiers
- IPEDS UNITID
- 174844
- CourseShelf checklist
- CK_174844_ab9de66a_1
- CollegeTransfer.Net
- Institution Transfer Profile
- Source
- CourseShelf publish 61
Requirements to complete
Every course or condition the catalog lists, in the catalog's order.
Major Requirements
major core · 0 items
OLE Core Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Degree 1
major core · 0 items
General graduation requirements for all B.M. degrees 2
0 items
Core Music Courses
major core · 10 items
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1.00
- 1.00
- As published: “Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- Select one upper-level musicology elective (MUSIC 34x)Not resolved to a course1
- Select 1 additional courses from Level II or Level III music electives (can include secondary performance studies)Not resolved to a course1
Performance Studies
0 items
Once accepted into the B.M. Performance program, students must register for a minimum of 6 semesters of 1.0 credit lessons (4 at Level I, subsequent at Level II)
0 items
Required Performances 3
0 items
2 solo performances on a St. Olaf Student Recital (may include Entrance and Continuance)
0 items
Entrance examination
0 items
Continuance examination
0 items
Junior half recital
0 items
Senior full recital
0 items
Official Ensemble Participation
0 items
Every semester in an official ensemble
0 items
Required Recital Attendance 4
0 items
10 recitals per semester on campus, with a minimum of 60
0 items
S/U Policy
0 items
No required course in the major can be taken S/U
major core · 0 items
Additional Requirements for Emphasis in Voice
10 items
- As published: “Piano Class I (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class II (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class III (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class IV (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Lyric Diction I (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Lyric Diction II (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Vocal Solo Literature I (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Vocal Solo Literature II (0.25)”0.25
- 0.25
- 0.25
Select one of the following:
Choose 1 of the following · Select one of the following: · 4 items
- Select 0.50 additional course from Level II or Level III music electives (can include secondary performance studies). Please see note below regarding the possibility of 1.50 credits being required. 1Not resolved to a course0.50
Required world languages:
0 items
Students are required to do two semesters of either French or German (or proficiency exam) plus two semesters of a second world language (or proficiency exam)
0 items
Additional Requirements for Emphasis in Strings
6 items
- As published: “Piano Class I (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class II (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class III (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Instrumental Chamber Music (0.25) (2 semesters at 0.25 each)”0.50
- As published: “String Literature and Pedagogy (0.50)”0.50
- Select 2.25 additional courses from Level II or Level III music electives (can include secondary performance studies). Please see note below regarding the possibility of 3.00 credits being required.Not resolved to a course2.25
Additional Requirements for Emphasis in Piano
6 items
- As published: “Advanced Keyboard Skills (minimum grade of B-)”0.25
- As published: “Piano Literature (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Keyboard Pedagogy (0.50)”0.50
- Select 2.25 additional courses from Level II or Level II music electives (can include secondary performance studies)Not resolved to a course2.25
- As published: “Instrumental Chamber Music (0.25)”0.25
- 1 semester of MUSPF 106, Collaborative Keyboard (0.25)Not resolved to a course.25
Additional Requirements for Emphasis in Winds, Brass, Percussion
6 items
- As published: “Piano Class I (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class II (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class III (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 1”0.25
- As published: “Instrumental Chamber Music (0.25) (2 semesters)”0.50
- As published: “Independent Study (Pedagogy and Literature)”1
- Select 1.75 additional courses from Level II or Level II music electives (can include secondary performance studies). Please see note below regarding the possibility of 2.50 credits being required. 1Not resolved to a course1.75
Additional Requirements for Emphasis in Organ
4 items
- As published: “Advanced Keyboard Skills (minimum grade of B-)”0.25
- As published: “Keyboard Pedagogy (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Independent Study (Organ Literature)”1
- Select 2.25 additional courses from Level II or Level II music electives (can include secondary performance studies)Not resolved to a course2.25
Additional Requirements for Emphasis in Voice with Musical Theater
9 items
- 0.25
- As published: “Piano Class I (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class II (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Musical Theater Lit (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class III (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class IV (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Lyric Diction I (0.25)”0.25
- 0.25
- 0.25
Select one of the following Music Elective Courses:
Choose 1 of the following · Select one of the following Music Elective Courses: · electives · 6 items
Musical Theater Courses:
Choose 1 of the following · Select one of the following Theater Elective Courses: · 24 items
- 1.00
- Select one acting course:Not resolved to a course1.00
- As published: “Movement for the Musical Theater (0.5)”0.50
- THEAT 272 - Musical Theater History (proposal coming 2027-28)Not resolved to a course1.00
- Select one of the following Theater Elective Courses:Not resolved to a course1.00
- 1.00
- Select three from the following suggested Dance Elective Courses:Not resolved to a course0.75
- As published: “Ballroom I (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Topics in Rhythm in Dance (0.25)”0.25
- 0.25
- 0.25
- As published: “Topics in Movement Studies in Dance (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Ballroom II (0.25)”0.25
- 0.25
- As published: “Hip Hop II (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Ballet III (0.25)”0.25
Productions (at least 3)
0 items
Can be taken for credit or as 0 credit.
0 items
The following can count with approval: Theater Department productions, Lyric Theater productions, Musical Theater Lab productions, St. Olaf Stock productions.
0 items
Required World Language
0 items
Depending on placement, incoming students must complete at least one course and a maximum of two world language courses at St. Olaf.
0 items
Additional Requirements for Emphasis in Collaborative Keyboard
0 items
Additional Music Courses
13 items
- As published: “Instrumental Chamber Music (0.25) (2 semesters)”0.5
- As published: “Vocal Solo Literature I (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Vocal Solo Literature II (0.25)”0.25
- MUSPF 106 Performance Studies: Collaborative KeyboardNot resolved to a course1.0
- Select 1.0 credit from the following:Not resolved to a course1
- As published: “Choral Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Instrumental Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Lyric Diction I (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Lyric Diction II (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Instrumental Chamber Music (0.25) (additional semesters)”0.25
MUSPF 106 Additional semester of collaborative keyboard performance study
0 items
Major Requirements
major core · 0 items
OLE Core Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Degree 1
major core · 0 items
General graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Music degrees 2
0 items
Core Music Courses
major core · 21 items
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 0.50
- 1
- 1.00
- 1.00
- As published: “Conducting (0.50)”0.5
- As published: “Choral Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Piano Class IV (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Lyric Diction I (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Lyric Diction II (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Choral Literature I (0.50)”0.50
- 0.25
- 0.25
- As published: “Advanced Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- Select one upper-level musicology elective (MUSIC 34x)Not resolved to a course1
- Select one additional course from Level II or Level III music electivesNot resolved to a course1
- 1
Voice Performance Studies Lessons
1 item
- 6 semesters (0.50 credit following admission to the major)Not resolved to a course3
Keyboard Performance Studies Lessons
1 item
- 5 semesters in addition to MUSIC 262 (any combination of 0.25-credit piano lessons, organ lessons, or piano classes: MUSIC 161, MUSIC 162, MUSIC 261)Not resolved to a course1.25
Required Performances 3
0 items
2 solo performances on a St. Olaf Student Recital (may include Entrance/Continuance)
0 items
Entrance examination
0 items
Continuance examination
0 items
Junior or Senior Half Voice Recital
1 item
- MUSPF 330 Capstone Performance Project/Conducting LessonsNot resolved to a course.5
Official Ensemble Participation
0 items
Every semester in an official choral ensemble
0 items
Required Recital Attendance 4
0 items
10 recitals per semester on campus, with a minimum of 60
0 items
Major Requirements
major core · 0 items
OLE Core Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Degree 1
major core · 0 items
General graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree 2
0 items
Core Music Courses
Choose 1 of the following · Select one of the following: · major core · 20 items
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 0.5
- 1
- 1.00
- 1.00
- As published: “Conducting (0.50)”0.5
- As published: “Choral Conducting (0.50)”0.5
- As published: “Advanced Keyboard Skills (minimum grade of B-)”0.25
- 0.5
- Select one of the following:Not resolved to a course0.5
- As published: “Instrumental Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Advanced Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- Select one upper-level musicology elective (MUSIC 34x)Not resolved to a course1
- Select 2 additional courses from Level II or Level III music electivesNot resolved to a course2
- MUSPF 128 Organ Performance StudiesNot resolved to a course4
- MUSPF 228 Organ Performance StudiesNot resolved to a course2
Once accepted into the B.M. in Church Music program, students must register for a minimum of 6 semesters of 1.0 credit organ lessons (4 at Level I, subsequent at Level II)
1 item
- MUSPF 152 Voice Performance Studies: 1 semesterNot resolved to a course.25
Required Performances 3
0 items
2 solo performances on a St. Olaf Student Recital (may include Entrance and Continuance)
0 items
Entrance examination
0 items
Continuance examination
0 items
Junior Half Recital
0 items
Senior Full Recital
0 items
Official Ensemble Participation
0 items
Every semester in an official choral ensemble
0 items
Required Recital Attendance: 4
0 items
10 recitals per semester on campus, with a minimum of 60
0 items
Major Requirements
major core · 0 items
OLE Core requirements for all B.M. degrees 1
major core · 0 items
General graduation requirements for all B.M. degrees 2
0 items
Core courses
major core · 27 items
- 1
- 1
- As published: “Piano Class I (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 3”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class II (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 3”0.25
- As published: “Brass Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Percussion Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “String Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Woodwind Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1.00
- 1.00
- As published: “Conducting (0.50)”0.5
- As published: “Piano Class III (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 3”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class IV (0.25) (minimum grade of B-) 3”0.25
- 1
- 1
- MUSPF 326 Composition Lesson (4 semesters) (0.25 each)Not resolved to a course1
- Select one of:Not resolved to a course0.5
- As published: “Choral Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Instrumental Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- Select one upper-level musicology elective (MUSIC 34x)Not resolved to a course1
- Select 2 additional courses from Level II or Level III music electivesNot resolved to a course2
- 1
Performance Studies
1 item
- 6 semesters (0.25 each); 4 in the same instrument/voiceNot resolved to a course1.5
Official Ensemble Participation
0 items
Every semester in an official ensemble
0 items
Required Performances 4
0 items
2 solo performances on a St. Olaf Student Recital
0 items
Required Recital Attendance 5
0 items
10 recitals per semester on campus, with a minimum of 60
0 items
Continuance examination must be completed before senior recital
0 items
Required Portfolio
0 items
With approval of the composition faculty, the student submits a portfolio of at least 3 compositions previously submitted for Level III composition courses to the music office by May 1 of the senior year
0 items
Senior recital of original works
0 items
Major Requirements
major core · 0 items
OLE Core requirements for all B.M. degrees 1
major core · 0 items
General graduation requirements for all B.M. degrees 2
0 items
Core Music Courses
Choose 1 of the following · Select one of the following: · major core · 23 items
- 1
- 1
- As published: “Piano Class I (0.25) (with grade of B-) 3”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class II (0.25) (with grade of B-) 3”0.25
- As published: “Guitar Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Brass Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Percussion Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “String Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- As published: “Woodwind Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- 1
- 1
- 0.50
- 1
- 1.00
- 1.00
- As published: “Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Instrumental Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Piano Class III (0.25) (with grade of B-) 4”0.25
- 0.50
- Select one of the following:Not resolved to a course0.50
- As published: “Choral Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Advanced Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- Select one upper-level musicology elective (MUSIC 34x)Not resolved to a course1
Performance Studies
0 items
6 semesters. Prior to entrance into the B.M. Music Education program, lessons on licensure instrument will be 0.25 credits; following entrance, typically spring of sophomore year, lessons will be 0.50 credits.
3 items
- 1
- As published: “Teaching of Music in the Middle and High School (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Teaching of Instrumental Music (0.50)”0.50
Official Ensemble Participation
0 items
Every semester in an official instrumental ensemble
0 items
1 semester in an official choral ensemble
0 items
Required Performances 5
0 items
2 solo performances on a St. Olaf Student Recital
0 items
2 chamber music performances
0 items
Senior Half Recital
0 items
Required Recital Attendance 6
0 items
10 recitals per semester on campus, with a minimum of 60
0 items
Education Courses
8 items
- Required elective in Art History, Studio Art, Theater, or Lyric TheaterNot resolved to a course1
- As published: “Understanding Substance Abuse (0 credit)”0
- As published: “Counseling and Communication in Schools (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Instructional Technology (0 credit)”0
- 1
- 1
- As published: “Reading in the Content Area (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Differentiated Instruction for Exceptional Learners (0.50)”0.50
Required Elective Education Course: Select One of the Following:
electives · 3 items
Professional Semester Education Courses
4 items
- As published: “Senior Seminar (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Human Relations (0 Cr)”0
- As published: “Issues in Education (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Student Teaching (3.0)”3
Major Requirements
major core · 0 items
OLE Core Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Degree 1
major core · 0 items
General graduation requirements for all B.M. degrees 2
0 items
Core Music Courses
Choose 1 of the following · Select one of the following: · major core · 22 items
- 1
- 1
- As published: “Piano Class I (0.25) (with a grade of B-) 3”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class II (0.25) (with a grade of B-) 3”0.25
- As published: “Guitar Techniques (0.25)”0.25
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1.00
- 1.00
- As published: “Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Choral Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- Select one of the following:Not resolved to a course0.50
- As published: “Instrumental Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Advanced Conducting (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Piano Class III (0.25) (with a grade of B-) 4”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class IV (0.25) (with a grade of B-)”0.25
- As published: “Choral Literature I (0.50)”0.50
- 0.25
- 0.25
- Select one upper-level musicology elective (MUSIC 34x)Not resolved to a course1
- Select 0.75 additional courses from Level II or Level III music electivesNot resolved to a course0.75
Performance Studies
0 items
6 semesters. Prior to entrance into the B.M. Music Education program, voice lessons will be 0.25 credits; following entrance, typically spring of sophomore year, lessons will be 0.50 credits.
3 items
- 1
- As published: “Teaching of Music in the Middle and High School (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Teaching of Vocal Music in the Secondary School (0.50)”0.50
Official Ensemble Participation
0 items
Every semester in an official choral ensemble
0 items
Required Performances 5
0 items
2 solo performances on a St. Olaf Student Recital
0 items
2 vocal chamber music performances
0 items
Senior Half Recital
0 items
Required Recital Attendance 6
0 items
10 recitals per semester on campus, with a minimum of 60
0 items
Professional Education
7 items
- Required elective in Art History, Studio Art, Theater, or Lyric TheaterNot resolved to a course1
- As published: “Understanding Substance Abuse (0 credit)”0
- As published: “Instructional Technology (0 credit)”0
- 1
- 1
- As published: “Reading in the Content Area (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Differentiated Instruction for Exceptional Learners (0.50)”0.50
Required Elective Education Course: Select One of the Following:
electives · 3 items
Professional Semester Education Courses
4 items
- As published: “Senior Seminar (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Human Relations (0 Cr)”0
- As published: “Issues in Education (0.50)”0.50
- As published: “Student Teaching (3.0)”3
Major Requirements
major core · 0 items
OLE Core Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Degree 1
major core · 0 items
General graduation requirements for all B.M. degrees 2
0 items
Core Music Courses
major core · 12 items
- 1
- 1
- As published: “Piano Class I (0.25) (with a grade of B-) 3”0.25
- As published: “Piano Class II (0.25) (with a grade of B-) 3”0.25
- 1
- 1
- 1
- As published: “Conducting (0.50)”0.5
- As published: “Piano Class III (0.25) (with a grade of B-) 4”0.25
- As published: “Independent Study (Synthesis Project: Capstone project that combines Music with the second discipline)”1
- Select 3 courses from Level III music electives, including at least one upper-level musicology elective (MUSIC 34x)Not resolved to a course3
- Select 5 additional courses from Level II and Level III music electivesNot resolved to a course5
Performance Studies Lessons
1 item
- 6 semesters (0.25 credit prior to admission into BM Elective Studies and 0.5 credit after admission, with a minimum of 4 semesters of 0.5 credit lessons)Not resolved to a course2.5
Official Ensemble Participation
0 items
Every semester in an official ensemble
0 items
Required Performances 5
0 items
2 solo performances on a St. Olaf Student Recital
0 items
Required Application Process
0 items
Entrance examination as outlined in the catalog
0 items
Continuance examination as outlined in the catalog
0 items
Required Recital Attendance 6
0 items
10 recitals per semester, with a minimum of 60
0 items
Electives in secondary field of study
electives · 0 items
Source. St Olaf College, catalog 2026-2027 Catalog — https://catalog.stolaf.edu/bmmusic/. Captured page pages/0106.html.gz. Assembled from the institution's published catalog as captured; every record names its captured page and source URL. Assembled, not asserted.