Music, Liberal Arts Concentration, B.A.

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(120 UNITS)

Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music prepares students for careers in music, music education and/or further graduate study. The overall emphasis is on performance (voice or instrumental), combined with a thorough grounding in musicology and theory. The degree offers three concentrations: history and theory, liberal arts and music education.

In addition to the requirements for the major described below, students must meet all other university requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree section in this catalog for complete information. All courses in the major require a “C” (2.0) or better.

Admission Requirements

When students first apply to the music major, they are considered “pre-music” and must audition in two areas:

Piano placement: determines the level of class piano a student should take. Students meet the piano requirement by passing MUS 282B with a “C” (2.0) or better or an equivalent jury exam.
Principal performance: determines if a student can be placed into the appropriate concentration in either the B.A. or B.M. degree programs. Incoming freshmen who do not pass this audition are automatically changed to “undeclared” majors. They may select a different major or audition again for the next semester. Transfer students who do not pass the audition are required to change their majors. They may audition again for the next semester. Students who pass the audition and are accepted into the major may audition later to change to a different degree or concentration.

Degree Requirements

To remain music majors in good standing, students must take a minimum of 6 units of music each semester, including an applied lesson, a major performance ensemble and other coursework. Students should consult their TDAs and advisers each semester.

All music majors are required to accumulate a minimum 60 hours of performance-related activities: 30 hours during each of the first two semesters or 15 hours during each of the first four semesters of matriculation. Activities include attending and crewing concerts and recitals, learning about and participating in house and stage management, publicity, public relations, lighting, audio and video operations, and/or sound set-up, mixing, recording and editing. One method of documenting these hours is enrollng in MUS 278 . Other documentation may also be accepted.

Core Requirements (37 units)

Music Theory/Musicianship (14 units)

Music History and Literature (14 units)

Principal Performance: Applied Instruction (4 units)

B.A. students are eligilble for a maximum 8 units of state-funded individual instruction. Students may not take more than three semesters of applied music at the same performance level.

Major Performance Ensemble (4 units)

Select one major ensemble course per semester. Consult with adviser for additional information.

Capstone (1 unit)

Liberal Arts Concentration (13 units)

The Liberal Arts concentration offers a broad perspective of the diverse traditions in the field of music, including the development of fundamental musical competencies.

Music theory (4 units)

Conducting (2 units)

Music History and Literature (2 or 3 units)

Electives (5 units)

Choose from the Music Electives below.

Music Electives

Select in consultation with an adviser. Courses may not satisfy more than one area unless repeatable for credit.