I am a prospective student who would like information on Hunter's music programs.
How long does it take to complete a music major at Hunter?
Can I complete a music major in the evening?
I am a recently accepted student or a current Hunter student who would like to declare a music major.
What if I do not pass the entrance exams?
I have studied music at another school. Will Hunter accept my transfer credits?
I would like to audition for the 60-cr. B.Mus. program. How do I do so?
I would like departmental permission to take MUSHL 205 (Music History 1), MUSTH 220 (Music Theory 1) or MUSTH 230 (Musicianship 1).
I would like to register for credit for private lessons. How do I do so?
Does Hunter offer concentrations in jazz, popular music, music technology, audio engineering, or music business?
What are the requirements for a music minor?

Q: I am a prospective student who would like information on Hunter’s music programs.

General information on Hunter’s programs can be found on this Web page. For concise, downloadable summaries of this information, click here. If you have further questions, you may email music@hunter.cuny.edu.

Q: How long does it take to complete a music major at Hunter?

Four semesters, beginning in the fall, from the time you begin major courses. Students who do not have the prerequisite knowledge and skills must take non-major courses before beginning the major (see nos. 3 and 4 below).

Q: Can I complete a music major in the evening?

Yes. All music majors can be completed in either the day or the evening.

Q: I am a recently accepted student or a current Hunter student who would like to declare a music major.

You must take entrance exams before declaring a major or discuss the details of your academic program with the adviser. For information about the content and scheduling of those exams, click here. If you have further questions, you may email music@hunter.cuny.edu.

Q: What if I do not pass the entrance exams?

MUSTH 101 (Basic Musicianship) covers the prerequisite information for MUSTH 220 (Music Theory 1) and MUSTH 230 (Musicianship 1); MUSHL 101 (Introduction to Music) covers the prerequisite information for MUSHL 205 (Music History 1); MUSPF 211-212 (Voice 1-2) and MUSPF 213-214 (Piano 1-2) prepare students for performance auditions in voice and piano. You may take these courses or study the required information on your own and repeat the exams. Students who wish to specialize in an instrument other than voice or piano, but do not pass the entrance audition on that instrument, must take private lessons at their own expense until they reach the required level of skill.

Q: I have studied music at another school. Will Hunter accept my transfer credits?

You must take placement exams in order to transfer credit in music history, music theory, or musicianship toward a music major. Performance credits are normally transferred without examination. All credits earned at other schools count automatically as electives, but credits may be used toward the major only if the student places out of Hunter’s requirements by examination. For information about the content of Hunter’s curriculum in music theory, music history, and musicianship, click here.

Q: I would like to audition for the 60-cr. B.Mus. program. How do I do so?

Students must perform 3-4 contrasting pieces on their instrument or voice. Audition dates will be announced early in each semester. For information on audition requirements, click here.

Q: I would like departmental permission to take MUSHL 205 (Music History 1), MUSTH 220 (Music Theory 1), or MUSTH 230 (Musicianship 1).

You must take entrance exams in order to take these courses, whether or not you are majoring in music (see no. 2 above).

Q: I would like to register for credit for private lessons. How do I do so?

You must be a declared music major or minor, audition with a faculty member, submit a teacher assignment form, and study with a Hunter faculty member or Performance Associate. Audition dates are the same as those for entrance exams (see no. 2 above). For further information on private lesson policies, the teacher assignment form and a list of Performance Associates, click here.

Q: Does Hunter offer concentrations in jazz, popular music, music technology, audio engineering, or music business?

No. We have two jazz performing groups, a regular course in jazz history, and occasional courses on other topics relating to the above subjects, but we do not offer degrees with a primary focus in any of these areas.

Q: What are the requirements for a music minor?

The minor requires 12 credits. For specific requirements, click here and read item #16 under Policies.