Music, Composition Concentration, B.M.

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. Students majoring in piano/keyboard/organ meet the requirement by passing MUS 285  with a “C” (2.0) or better or an equivalent jury exam.
• Principal performance (instrument or voice): 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 enrolling in MUS 278 . Other documentation may also be accepted.

Core Requirements (39 units)

Notes:

* Recommended for Jazz/Commercial majors.

** Required of all violin majors for a total of 2 units.