Degree Programs and Requirements:
The Bachelor of Music in Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Composition
The Bachelor of Music Education
The Bachelor of Music in Music History-Literature
The Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field
The Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in a Music-Related Field
The Bachelor of Arts in Music
Music Minor
Course requirements for each of these degree programs can be found in the Wheaton College Catalog. When a degree program is selected, all requirements must be met prior to graduation. Normally, students complete the catalog requirements of the academic year in which they entered Wheaton College; if choosing a catalog from another academic year, it must be a later one with the exception of transfer students who may select the catalog one year prior to their entry year..
Requests for exceptions to degree requirements should be addressed to your advisor and then to the appropriate Director. Requests must be submitted on the Departmental Recommendation Regarding Graduation Requirement form available in the Conservatory Academic and Advising Center..
Academic Advisors
Freshman students are assigned an academic advisor from the music faculty who will guide them through their first year at Wheaton. Once they officially declare a major during the spring semester of the freshman year, a permanent advisor will be assigned.
Bulletin Boards
Current information on performance and academic studies is posted on the bulletin boards opposite McAlister 139. It is the responsibility of all students to consult this information on a regular basis.
Declaration of Majors
During their Spring advising appointment, freshmen should, 1) complete a Freshmen Planning Questionnaire; 2) officially declare their major on a Major Change Application; 3) select courses for Sophomore year registration.
Students should take music courses in numerical sequence as much as possible, since many of the courses in the major are offered with prerequisite(s). Private lesson requirements at the 100- and 200-level should normally be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
Changing Majors and Degrees
Following freshman year, students can change their major by completing the Major Change Application form with the approval of their advisor.
Changing from the Bachelor of Music degree to the Bachelor of Music Education degree
Bachelor of Music majors who want to change to the Bachelor of Music Education degree should consult with their advisor and request the approval of the Director of Music Education.
Changing from a Bachelor of Arts degree to Bachelor of Music or Music Education degree
Admission to a music degree program is based on a successful audition or portfolio of compositions or scholarly work. To change from any liberal arts degree to a Bachelor of Music or Music Education degree, students need to inquire at the Academic and Advising Center. Both the Request for Change of Program and the Major Change Application forms need to be submitted to the Academic and Advising Center.
Changing from Bachelor of Music or Music Education degree to Bachelor of Arts degree
To change from a Bachelor of Music or Music Education degree to any liberal arts degree students need to consult with their advisor. Both the Request for Change of Program and the Major Change Application forms need to be submitted to the Conservatory Academic and Advising Center.
Changing Principal Instrument
Bachelor of Music Performance majors who want to change their principal instrument (including voice), need to request the approval of their current private lesson teacher, consult with their adviser and arrange for an audition on the proposed instrument.