2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog

Music, Music Studies Concentration, B.A.


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Throughout the history of humanity, music has been one of the most universal, essential, and enduring of human endeavors.  Through the study of the art of music, individuals can be empowered to deeply explore, understand, and give form to their own intellectual, emotional, and creative energies and impulses.  The study of music is therefore both an appropriate and an indispensable component of the educational development of university students, serving the mission of Cal Poly Humboldt in unique and powerful ways.

The Cal Poly Humboldt Music Program immerses students in a hands-on exploration of diverse musical traditions and experiences, integrating musical performance, music scholarship, and the connections between music and technology. We cultivate musical skills, encourage musical expression, and nurture musical creativity to empower students to achieve their highest artistic, scholarly, and professional potential.

Students receive studio instruction in voice, piano, or instruments from highly qualified faculty who are active performers. Quality performance organizations (wind ensemble, symphony, chamber music ensembles, opera workshop, jazz band, vocal jazz ensemble, combos, percussion ensemble, and calypso band) allow study of the finest musical literature. The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) 11250 Roger Bacon Dr., Suite 21, Reston, VI, 20190-5248, 703- 437-0700.

All entering majors begin in the music studies concentration, which offers a broad view of the field of music. Once students are on campus, they may audition to enter the music education, performance, or composition concentrations. The music education concentration prepares students to teach in K-12 schools. The performance concentration provides opportunities and training for advanced musicians. The composition concentration gives a practice background in music composition with an emphasis on the use of music technology.  

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree


A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major does not include a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course. Students must take a GWAR certified writing intensive course to fulfill the requirement. 

Requirements for the Major (54 Units)


The music major with a concentration in music studies consists of a 43-unit core (providing foundation courses in music theory, music history, and music performance) and 11 units of concentration specific coursework.



Ensembles


Note:


* See separate list of specific ensemble requirements for each instrument, available from the Music Department.
 

Concentration Courses (11 Units)


Program Learning Outcomes and Vision


Program Learning Outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program.

  1. Demonstrate the ability to hear, identify, read, write, and work conceptually with the elements of music - rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure.
  2. Familiarity with, and an ability to perform a wide selection of musical literature representing principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
  3. Demonstrate ability in performing areas appropriate to the student’s needs, interests, and degree path.
  4. Demonstrate effective English writing skills

Vision

We commit to being a program where students from diverse backgrounds are able to thrive.  We equip students to understand how music has connections to issues of equity and inclusion, and how exploring music can enable us to develop more just societies.  

We support music for all: university and community, performers and listeners, beginners to advanced musicians, and music from many cultures.  We welcome musicians of all ages to participate in music-making and learning events on campus.  We also embrace opportunities to partner with schools and community arts organizations within our region.

We value excellence and teach our students how to effectively strive for constant improvement.  We endeavor to support each student’s interests, needs, and personal growth during their studies. 

We equip students to engage with music as a lifelong practice. Our students explore the role of music in today’s world and consider how music and musical skills can address the world’s challenges.  

We support explorations of music as it relates to diverse cultures, technology, and other disciplines.  We foster creativity to support musical growth, problem-solving, and the development of human potential.

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