2024-2025 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog

Music, Music Studies Concentration, B.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors

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 (Pre-Credential) or Applied Music (Performance/Composition) concentrations. The Music Education (Pre-Credential) concentration prepares students to teach in K-12 schools. The Applied Music (Performance/Composition) concentration provides opportunities and training for advanced performers and composers.

Music Program Vision


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.

Music Program Learning Outcomes


Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate the ability to hear, identify, read, write, and work conceptually with the elements of music - rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure.
  2. Students will demonstrate understanding of a wide selection of musical literature representing principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
  3. Students will demonstrate ability to perform a wide variety of musical styles in areas appropriate to the student’s needs, interests, and degree path.
  4. Students will demonstrate the ability to write clearly and effectively.

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. 

Major Academic Plan, Music Studies Concentration, B.A.


Program MAPs represent recommended or possible pathways toward degree completion in four years (or two years for transfer students). Please see an advisor and use the DARS planner to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.

Music, Music Studies Concentration, B.A. MAP  

Music, Music Studies Concentration, B.A. Transfer MAP  

Requirements for the Major (50-52 Units)


The music major with a concentration in music studies consists of a 45-46 unit core (providing foundation courses in music theory, music history, and music performance) and 5-6 units of concentration specific coursework.



Core Courses (45-46 Units)


The following core courses are required for all majors.

Music History and Repertoire (12-13 Units)


Applied Instruction (4 Units)


  • Four semesters of group or individual applied instruction chosen from MUS 220-238. Students may substitute MUS 108 or 109 classes by advisement.  Units: 4

OR

Ensembles (8 Units)


  • MUS 106/MUS 107 Ensembles
  • MUS 406/MUS 407 Ensembles OR MUS 353  

Note:


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

Concentration Courses (5-6 Units)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors