Music BA
Total Units Required: 120
The Bachelor of Arts in Music comprises a core of courses intended to give students a comprehensive understanding of music theory, history, ear training, keyboard proficiencies, and technologies.
The option in applied music. Students, in consultation with their major advisor, develop a more wide-ranging course of study including music composition, jazz studies, performance, and more.
The option in music education. This is a comprehensive program for students planning careers in music education for grades K-12. This program is in preparation for the Single Subject Credential in Music. Through hands-on experiential learning students develop musicianship, conducting, and teaching skills in a variety of settings including general, elementary, choral, and instrumental. Students study a variety of instruments including how to play them and how to teach future students to play the instruments. They participate in ensembles (instrumental and choral) as well as private studio instruction. They learn about teaching through the application of pedagogical practices and theories that prepare them for their future career.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
For those courses taken for a letter grade, students must earn a grade of C- or higher.
Course Requirements for the Major: 63-70 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Core | ||
| MUSC 101 | Theory I | 3 |
| MUSC 102 | Theory II | 3 |
| MUSC 103 | Aural Musicianship I | 1 |
| MUSC 104 | Aural Musicianship II | 1 |
| MUSC 105 | Beginning Piano I | 1 |
| MUSC 106 | Beginning Piano II | 1 |
| MUSC 108 | Computer Software for Musicians | 3 |
| MUSC 222 | Fundamentals of Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 301 | Theory III | 3 |
| MUSC 302W | Music History (Antiquity to 1850) (W) | 3 |
| MUSC 303 | Music History (1850 to Present) | 3 |
| MUSC 304 | Music from a Global Perspective | 3 |
| MUSC 401 | Theory IV | 3 |
| Select four units from the following: | 4 | |
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Brass | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Guitar | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Keyboard | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Percussion | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Strings | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Woodwinds | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Brass | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Guitar | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Keyboard | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Percussion | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Strings | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Woodwinds | ||
| Select four units from the following: | 4 | |
| Music Performance Groups: A Cappella Choir | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Jazz Ensemble I | ||
| Major Option | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 25-32 | |
| Total Units | 63-70 | |
Major Option Course Requirements
Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.
The Option in Applied Music: 25 units
This option is a flexible program designed to serve students who wish to study music as the focus of a broadly based liberal arts education. Students interested in this option may pursue one or more areas of study, including: jazz studies, keyboard, vocal, instrumental performance, composition, ethnomusicology, and music history.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 220 | Pedagogy of Music | 3 |
| MUSC 309 | Music Industry Studies and Analysis | 3 |
| Select three units from the following: | 3 | |
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Brass | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Guitar | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Keyboard | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Percussion | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Strings | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Woodwinds | ||
| Music Performance Groups: A Cappella Choir | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Band | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Pep Band | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Orchestra | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Jazz Ensemble I | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Jazz Ensemble II | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Brass Choir | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Woodwind Quintet | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Guitar Ensemble | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Mixed Ensembles | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Opera Workshop | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Composition I | ||
| Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
| Songwriting | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Recital | ||
| Special Problems 1 | ||
| Select 12 units from the following: | 12 | |
| Select courses in consultation with an advisor 2 | ||
| Jazz and Commercial Music Pedagogy | ||
| Jazz Theory & Improvisation I | ||
| Keyboard Pedagogy I | ||
| Introduction to Accompanying | ||
| History of Jazz | ||
| African American Music | ||
| Music of Latin America | ||
| Choral Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques | ||
| Instrumental Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques | ||
| MIDI and Synthesis | ||
| Composition II | ||
| Vocal Pedagogy | ||
| Jazz Theory and Improvisation II | ||
| Vocal Accompanying Repertoire | ||
| Senior Recital | ||
| Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
| Songwriting | ||
| Total Units | 25 | |
- 1
MUSC 499 should be taken for one unit.
- 2
At least three units must be upper-division.
The Option in Music Education: 32 units
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 220 | Pedagogy of Music | 3 |
| MUSC 221 | Elementary General Music Methods | 3 |
| MUSC 223 | Jazz and Commercial Music Pedagogy | 3 |
| MUSC 316 | Recital | 1 |
| MUSC 322 | Choral Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques | 3 |
| MUSC 323 | Instrumental Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques | 3 |
| MUSC 331 | School Instrumental Techniques: Woodwinds | 1 |
| MUSC 332 | School Instrumental Techniques: Brass | 1 |
| MUSC 333 | School Instrumental Techniques: Strings | 1 |
| MUSC 334 | School Instrumental Techniques: Percussion | 1 |
| MUSC 335 | School Instrumental Techniques: Classroom Instruments | 1 |
| MUSC 337 | School Instrumental Techniques: Voice | 1 |
| MUSC 361 | Composition I | 3 |
| MUSC 420 | Synthesis of School Music Techniques | 2 |
| Select two units from the following: 1,2 | 2 | |
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Brass | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Guitar | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Keyboard | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Percussion | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Strings | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Woodwinds | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Brass | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Guitar | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Keyboard | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Percussion | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Strings | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice | ||
| Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Woodwinds | ||
| Select two units from the following: | 2 | |
| These courses may be repeated for credit. See No. 4 under "Special Music Requirements." | ||
| Music Performance Groups: A Cappella Choir | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Symphonic Wind Ensemble | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Jazz Ensemble I | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Music Performance Groups: Brass Choir | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Woodwind Quintet | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Guitar Ensemble | ||
| Music Performance Groups: Mixed Ensembles | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Total Units | 32 | |
- 1
Students wishing to do a recital must have completed two units of upper-division studio instruction.
- 2
MUSC 110 and MUSC 310 may be repeated for credit.
Special Music Requirements
- Advising is required each semester for all music students.
- Incoming students who wish to articulate units from another institution in theory, aural musicianship, or beginning piano classes must take the Placement Exam in those curriculum areas. Students who wish to receive units as “credit only” in the curricular areas listed above must take the Challenge Exam in those areas. (For students that believe they have the necessary skills and do not need to take the class in question). Students may only take the Challenge Exam for a class in a semester where they are already enrolled in that class. Consult with the department office with any questions.
- Students wishing to be enrolled as a music major should contact the advisor in the option in which they are interested. The advisor will help you determine if your choice of major/option is appropriate. Consult the department website to locate the advisor of the option or contact the department office with any questions.
- It is strongly suggested that students enrolled in studio instruction (MUSC 110/310) be concurrently enrolled in a performance ensemble (MUSC 411, 412, 413). Students who have completed their requirements in studio instruction MUST be concurrently enrolled in an ensemble to be qualified for additional studio instruction units.
Electives Requirement
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 48 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.
This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).
- MUSC 304 is an approved major course substitution for Arts (C1).
This modification applies to the option in music education only
- MUSC 302W is an approved major course substitution for Humanities (C2).
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.
- Any upper-division Writing (W) course.
The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (EO 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.
Special Music Requirements
- Advising is required each semester for all music students.
- Incoming students who wish to articulate units from another institution in theory, aural musicianship, or beginning piano courses must take the Placement Exam in those curriculum areas. Students who wish to receive units as “credit only” in the curricular areas listed above must take the Challenge Exam in those areas (for students who believe they have the necessary skills and do not need to take the course in question). Students may only take the Challenge Exam for a course in a semester where they are already enrolled in that course. Consult with the department office with any questions.
- Students wishing to be enrolled as a music major should contact the advisor in the option in which they are interested. The advisor will help you determine if your choice of major/option is appropriate. Consult the department website to locate the advisor of the option or contact the department office with any questions.
- It is strongly suggested that students enrolled in studio instruction (MUSC 110/MUSC 310) be concurrently enrolled in a performance ensemble (MUSC 411, MUSC 412, MUSC 413). Students who have completed their requirements in studio instruction MUST be concurrently enrolled in an ensemble to be qualified for additional studio instruction units.