The attainment of honors in music requires work that is, and has been consistently throughout the major, of the highest distinction. Demonstrating that distinction includes completing successfully an honors project, achieving high marks in one's course work, being a vital member of department ensembles, and attending regularly the concerts, recitals, and lectures sponsored by the department.

To be considered for honors, a student must be nominated by a member of the music faculty, typically the student's  advisor, in the Spring semester of the student's junior year. 

Applying for Honors

Students applying for honors must satisfy the following requirements:

1. A 3.2 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA in the major earned by the Fall semester of the senior year and sustained to graduation.
2. Two courses above MUS 202, to be completed in addition to the ten required for the music major. One of these courses may be MUS 355.
3. An honors project
   (a) The honors project consists typically of a full solo recital, a thesis, a composition, or a composition portfolio. 
   (b) The candidate for honors will work on his or her project under the direction of a project advisor in an Independent Study (MUS 395) or Applied Music, Advanced (MUS 355).
   (c) All honors projects (thesis, composition, or recital) are due no later than the last Thursday of March.
   (d) Honors recitals may not be given on Fridays or Saturdays.
4. Juding of the honors project
   (a) All honors projects will be judged by a panel of three music faculty, one of whom will be the project advisor. The panel will convey to the music faculty whether the project was completed successfully and is worthy of honors.
   (b) Students whose honors project consists of a recital must secure the attendance of three music faculty, one of whom will be the project advisor. 

Honors in Music will be granted following the recommendation of the music faculty. Students should be aware that simply fulfilling the requirements above (GPA, a successful honors project, and additional courses) does not insure the conferral of honors.