Minor in Music History

Wells School of Music

This program is designed primarily for students currently enrolled in a music degree program. Students in other degree programs will be admitted if they qualify. Students must have the permission of both their major adviser and the chairperson of the Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition.

Students must complete a minimum of six credits of advanced standing coursework in their minor.*

The Minor in Music History is available to all university students with an interest in music history. To be enrolled, students must have the permission of both their major advisor and the Wells School of Music minor advisor. The Minor in Music History is not available to Music History majors. Sample degree plans are available from the department chair of Music Theory, History, and Composition that outline appropriate pathways for students from different backgrounds, including those not majoring in music, those enrolled in a music major, and those who can and cannot read music notation.

Core Courses
Select 6 credits in MHL at the 100 or 200 level from the following: 6
Music in Film
Perspectives in Jazz
Sounds of Philadelphia and its Surroundings
Global Soundscapes: Music, History, and Society
Western Art Music I 1
Select 6 credits in MHL at the 300 level from the following: 6
Music and the Related Arts 2
Collegium Musicum 1,2
Women in Music 2
History of Rock 2
Western Art Music II 1,2,3
Electives Courses
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Music in Culture and History
Music in Film
Perspectives in Jazz
Sounds of Philadelphia and its Surroundings
Western Art Music I 1
Music and the Related Arts 2
Collegium Musicum 1,2
Women in Music 2
History of Rock 2
Western Art Music II 1,2,3
World Music 2
History of Jazz 1,2
History of Opera 1,2
History of Orchestral Music 1,2
Topics in American Music 1,2
Music Analysis 1,2
Any other MHL course at the 100 or 200 level
Any other MHL or MTC course at the 300 or 400 level 2
Total Minimum Credits Required18
1

These courses have prerequisites and/or require the ability to read music. Note that none of these courses are required to complete the minor.

2

These are “advanced standing” courses. Six (6) credits of advanced standing courses are required for the Minor in Music History.

3

MHL 380 does not count towards the Minor in Music History for music majors. 

*Advanced standing coursework is defined as any 300-level course or above and specific 200-level courses identified by the department.