Dec 26, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalog Home
  President’s Message
  Academic Calendar
  The California State University
  About the University
  Administration
  College of the Arts
  College of Business and Economics
  College of Communications
  College of Education
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
  College of Health and Human Development
  College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
  Degree Programs
  Course Descriptions
  University Requirements and Regulations
  Graduate Regulations
  Admissions
  Academic Advising
  Registration
  Academic Departments and Programs
  Special Academic Programs
  Academic Affairs Support
  Student Affairs Support
  Information Technology
  Faculty and Administration
  Emeriti
  About the Catalog
  Archived Catalogs
  My Portfolio
HELP
2024-2025 University Catalog

Music, Voice Concentration, B.M.

Facebook this Page (opens a new window)
Tweet this Page (opens a new window)

(132 UNITS)

Bachelor of Music

The Bachelor of Music prepares students for careers in music, music education and/or further graduate study. The program focuses on performance (voice or instrumental), composition or pedagogy, while also grounding students thoroughly in musicology and theory. It offers seven concentrations: accompanying, composition, instrumental, jazz-commercial, keyboard, piano pedagogy and voice.

In addition to the requirements for the major described below, students must meet all other university requirements for the Bachelor of Music 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. 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)

Music Theory (14 units)

Music History and Literature (14 units)

Principal Performance: Applied Instruction (6 units)

B.M. students are eligible for a maximum of 14 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 your adviser for additional information.

Capstone (1 unit)

Voice Concentration (31 units)

The Voice concentration offers students a specialized yet comprehensive education while preparing them for careers as performers, teachers and candidates for master’s and doctoral programs. Private voice lessons are at the core of each study program and are taught by world-class faculty. Classical Singer magazine has recognized the opera theater and vocal programs for excellence in training young singers for professional careers. Graduates sing lead roles in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, such as the Metropolitan Opera, Royal London Opera, La Scala and Los Angeles Opera. Others are teaching in music conservatories, colleges and universities nationally and internationally. Students  enjoy numerous performance opportunities, including opera productions, recitals, solos in ensembles and participation in master classes with renowned singers, coaches and faculty.

Music Theory (2 units)

Music History and Literature (4-5 units)

Recital (1 unit)

Principal Performance: Applied Instruction (6 units)

Performance Techniques (2 units)

Students are encouraged to complete MUS 484 prior to MUS 406D

Opera Theatre (2 units)

Diction (3 units)

Conducting (2 units)

Pedagogy (2 units)

Electives (6-7 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.

Notes:

* Recommended for Jazz/Commercial majors.

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

Language Requirement

Voice majors (B.M.) are required to gain basic competence in foreign languages by completing three semesters of French, German or Italian. Language classes may be taken in any combination (e.g., two semesters of one language and one of another, or one semester of three languages), as long as at least two languages are studied. Classes may be taken at CSUF or at a community college. Those who have taken four years of a given language at a secondary school level or pass an examination given by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures are exempt from the requirement. Consult your faculty adviser to determine completion of this requirement.

Graduation Requirement (3 units)

Total (132 units)

Facebook this Page (opens a new window)
Tweet this Page (opens a new window)