Music BA
Total Units Required: 120
The Bachelor of Arts in Music comprises a core of classes intended to give students a comprehensive understanding of music theory, history, ear training, keyboard proficiencies, and technologies.
The option in general 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.
The option in music industry. Students are prepared for the many challenging opportunities in the vast music industry. Courses in business and music are designed to give students the knowledge and skills needed in the commercial music industry, entrepreneurial development, and positions in the public art sector.
The option in recording arts. This program is designed to offer enhanced career opportunities in the recording, sound reinforcement, performance audio, and entertainment industries. Students in this option receive intensive hands-on instruction and experience utilizing state-of-the-art electronic equipment and labs.
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: 50-102 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 201 | Theory III | 3 |
Major Option | ||
Select one of the following options: | 37-89 | |
Total Units | 50-102 |
Major Option Course Requirements
Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.
The Option in General Music: 37-40 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 108 | Computer Literacy for Musicians | 1 |
MUSC 202 | Theory IV | 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 |
Select four units from the following: | 4 | |
Introduction to Accompanying | ||
Vocal Accompanying Repertoire | ||
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 four units from the following: | 4 | |
Students who want to do recital must do at least two units of studio instruction at the 310 level. | ||
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 | ||
Composition | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Introduction to Music Technology | ||
Music Industry Studies and Analysis | ||
Select one of the following: | 2-3 | |
Jazz Theory & Improvisation I | ||
Keyboard Pedagogy I | ||
Keyboard Pedagogy II | ||
Studies in Instrumentation and Arranging | ||
Composition I | ||
Vocal Pedagogy | ||
Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
Songwriting | ||
Select one of the following: | 1-3 | |
Recital | ||
Special Problems | ||
Select 10 units from the following: | 10 | |
Select courses in consultation with an advisor | ||
Introduction to Music Technology | ||
Studio Class | ||
Beginning Voice | ||
Fundamentals of Conducting | ||
Intermediate Piano | ||
Advanced Piano | ||
Keyboard Pedagogy I | ||
Keyboard Pedagogy II | ||
Introduction to Accompanying | ||
World Music | ||
American Music: Its History and International Influence | ||
History of Jazz | ||
History of Rock Music | ||
African American Music | ||
Music Industry Studies and Analysis | ||
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 Class | ||
Choral Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques | ||
Instrumental Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques | ||
Fundamentals of Digital Audio | ||
MIDI and Synthesis | ||
Studies in Instrumentation and Arranging | ||
Composition I | ||
Composition II | ||
Seminar in Music History and Literature: Vocal | ||
Vocal Diction and Literature I | ||
Vocal Diction and Literature II | ||
Vocal Pedagogy | ||
Jazz Theory and Improvisation II | ||
Keyboard Pedagogy Project | ||
Vocal Accompanying Repertoire | ||
Advanced Functional Keyboard Studies | ||
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 | ||
Senior Recital | ||
Sampling and Sound Design | ||
Advanced Electronic Media | ||
Composition | ||
Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
Songwriting | ||
Total Units | 37-40 |
The Option in Music Education: 89 units
The Option in Music Education prepares pre-credential students for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in Music, a subject matter competency requirement for secondary teacher preparation programs.
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Foundation | ||
MUSC 202 | Theory IV | 3 |
MUSC 220 | Pedagogy of Music | 3 |
MUSC 221 | Elementary General Music Methods | 3 |
MUSC 222 | Fundamentals of Conducting | 2 |
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 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 420 | Synthesis of School Music Techniques | 2 |
Select six units from the following: 1,2 | 6 | |
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 | ||
Select four units from the following: | 4 | |
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: Orchestra | ||
Select one of the following: | 1 | |
Music Performance Groups: Brass Choir | ||
Music Performance Groups: Woodwind Quintet | ||
Music Performance Groups: Guitar Ensemble | ||
Chamber Singers | ||
Credential Courses | ||
Education | ||
EDTE 530 | Fundamentals of Teaching Practice for Secondary Teachers | 3 |
EDTE 534 | Teaching Special Populations | 2 |
EDTE 580 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
Must be taken concurrently: | ||
EDTE 533 | Subject Area Pedagogy I | 3 |
EDTE 535 | Teaching Practicum I | 6 |
EDTE 632 | Literacy Development | 3 |
Must be taken concurrently: | ||
EDTE 536 | Subject Area Pedagogy II | 3 |
EDTE 537 | Applications for Democratic Education | 3 |
EDTE 538 | Teaching Practicum II | 9 |
Additional Requirements | ||
EDTE 302 | Access and Equity in Education | 3 |
EDTE 451 | Health Education for Secondary School Teachers | 3 |
ENGL 471 | Intensive Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
Total Units | 89 |
- 1
At least two units must be at the 310 level.
- 2
MUSC 110 and MUSC 310 may be repeated for credit.
The Option in Music Industry: 45 units
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ACCT 201 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 3 |
MGMT 303 | Survey of Management | 3 |
MKTG 305 | Survey of Marketing | 3 |
MUSC 108 | Computer Literacy for Musicians | 1 |
MUSC 109 | Introduction to Music Technology | 3 |
MUSC 292 | The Appreciation of Music | 3 |
MUSC 294 | History of Rock Music | 3 |
MUSC 309 | Music Industry Studies and Analysis | 3 |
MUSC 350 | School of the Arts Production I | 3 |
MUSC 351 | School of the Arts Production II | 3 |
MUSC 452W | Legal Issues in Music (W) | 3 |
MUSC 489 | Dir Field Proj in Music 1 | 1-5 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Theory IV | ||
Studies in Instrumentation and Arranging | ||
Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
Songwriting | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
American Music: Its History and International Influence | ||
History of Jazz | ||
African American Music | ||
Music from a Global Perspective | ||
The Literature of Musical Theatre | ||
Select two of the following: | 2 | |
These courses may be repeated for credit. See No. 4 of "Special Music Requirements" under the BA in Music. | ||
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 | ||
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 | |
School of the Arts Production III | ||
Dir Field Proj in Music 1 | ||
Total Units | 43-47 |
- 1
Must be taken for three units.
The Option in Recording Arts: 41 units
Notice to Prospective Applicants:
In recent years there has been high student demand for the Option in Recording Arts. Students interested in this program should apply to the University during the initial filing period of the admissions cycle (October 1-November 30 for any fall semester; August for any spring semester). A supplemental Recording Arts application must be submitted in April of the spring semester. Information on any current enrollment restrictions is available from the Admissions Office and from the department office sponsoring the major.
Studio instruction is available to students in the Option in Recording Arts who can qualify by audition.
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EECE 110 | Basic Electricity and Instruments | 3 |
MUSC 109 | Introduction to Music Technology | 3 |
MUSC 292 | The Appreciation of Music | 3 |
MUSC 294 | History of Rock Music | 3 |
MUSC 309 | Music Industry Studies and Analysis | 3 |
MUSC 341 | Fundamentals of Digital Audio | 3 |
MUSC 342 | MIDI and Synthesis | 3 |
MUSC 344 | Audio Recording I | 3 |
MUSC 345W | Audio Recording II (W) | 3 |
MUSC 441 | Sampling and Sound Design | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Theory IV | ||
Studies in Instrumentation and Arranging | ||
Jazz Composition and Arranging | ||
Songwriting | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
History of Jazz | ||
African American Music | ||
Music from a Global Perspective | ||
The Literature of Musical Theatre | ||
Select two of the following: | 2 | |
These courses may be repeated for credit. See No. 4 of "Special Music Requirements" under the BA in Music. | ||
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 | ||
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 | |
Advanced Electronic Media | ||
Audio Seminar | ||
Audio for Visual Media | ||
Remote Audio Recording | ||
Dir Field Proj in Music 1 | ||
Total Units | 41 |
- 1
Must be taken for three units.
Special Music Requirements
- Advising is required each semester for all Music students.
- All entering Music majors, freshmen and transfer students, must take the diagnostic examination in theory and ear training to determine placement.
- Before gaining acceptance as a Music major, each student (including transfer students) must be interviewed and/or auditioned by an appropriate faculty committee. Consult with the Music and Theatre Department office for details. A Music major wishing to change option or emphasis must also be interviewed and/or auditioned by an appropriate faculty committee.
- Students must participate in a least one ensemble using their performing medium when enrolled in Studio Instruction. Ensembles are chosen in consultation with the option advisor. Substitutions may be made with departmental approval. Consult the option advisor or the Music and Theatre Department office for details.
- Before gaining admittance to upper-division status in Studio Instruction, students must demonstrate appropriate competence in their major performing medium before a faculty committee. Standards are available in the Music and Theatre Department Office.
- Admission procedures for the Option in Recording Arts include applying to the University during the initial filing period, being placed in a Pre-Recording Arts option, and passing supplemental Recording Arts criteria. Consult with the Music and Theatre Department office for details.
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).
These modifications apply to The Option in Music Education only.
- MUSC 302W is an approved major course substitution for Humanities (C2).
- EDTE 451 is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- ENGL 471 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts and Humanities (UD-C).
- EDTE 302 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences (UD-D).
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.
Notice to Prospective Applicants
In recent years there has been high student demand for the option in recording arts. Students interested in this program should apply to the University during the initial filing period of the admissions cycle (October 1-November 30 for any fall semester; August for any spring semester). A supplemental recording arts application must be submitted in April of the spring semester. Information on any current enrollment restrictions is available from the Admissions Office and from the department office sponsoring the major.
Special Music Requirements
- Advising is required each semester for all music students.
- All entering music majors, freshmen and transfer students, must take the diagnostic examination in theory and ear training to determine placement.
- Before gaining acceptance as a music major, each student (including transfer students) must be interviewed and/or auditioned by an appropriate faculty committee. Consult with the Music and Theatre Department office for details. A music major wishing to change option or emphasis must also be interviewed and/or auditioned by an appropriate faculty committee.
- Students must participate in at least one ensemble using their performing medium when enrolled in Studio Instruction. Ensembles are chosen in consultation with the option advisor. Substitutions may be made with departmental approval. Consult the option advisor or the Music and Theatre Department office for details.
- Before gaining admittance to upper-division status in Studio Instruction, students must demonstrate appropriate competence in their major performing medium before a faculty committee. Standards are available in the Music and Theatre Department Office.
- Admission procedures for the option in recording arts include applying to the University during the initial filing period, being placed in a pre-recording arts option, and passing supplemental recording arts criteria. Consult with the Music and Theatre Department office for details.