All students must complete a set of core courses in history, theory, and performance. 

The History core explores music from global as well as Western art music perspectives. Introduction to Music & Society (HMU111H1) locates music as a social phenomenon and explores its contexts and meanings throughout the world. Two Historical Survey courses trace the evolution of Western music from the Medieval period to the present. Examples representing various repertoires and styles are given, but the emphasis in these courses is just as much on the research techniques and critical writing skills needed to explore the repertoire as a whole and communicate ideas about it effectively. Lastly, students must choose one more HMU elective from the varied offerings to complete this portion of the core requirements.

The Theory core comprises a sequence of courses that develop students’ understanding of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form through analysis and the development of aural skills. In particular, Materials courses chart the language of the Common Practice Period and trace its evolution from simple diatonic harmony through chromatic harmony and on to twentieth-century works displaying atonality and serialism. Students in the Jazz Performance program complete a comparable comprehensive study of melody and harmony as it applies to jazz composition, arranging, and improvisation.

The Performance core requires participation in major vocal or instrumental ensembles and individual vocal or instrumental instruction. While the performance core varies between programs, the underlying philosophy is to enhance the growth of the student both musically and technically with extensive exposure to both solo and ensemble repertoire.