Music, Performance Concentration, B.A.

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 (61-65 Units)

The music major with a concentration in performance requires a 43-unit core (providing foundation courses in music theory, music history, and music performance) and the selection of a performing emphasis area (voice, piano, orchestral instrument, guitar) and a successful audition. A senior recital is required in all areas of emphasis. For students in the piano emphasis and guitar emphasis, a junior recital is also required. The vocal and piano emphases requires 22 units beyond the core, yielding a total of 65 units for the major. The instrumental emphasis and guitar emphasis both require 18 units beyond the core, yielding a total of 61 units for the major.

Performance Concentration (18-22 Units)

Listed below are the four emphasis areas within the performance concentration.

Program Learning Outcomes

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.