Jun 24, 2025  
University Catalog 2025-2026 
    
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University Catalog 2025-2026

Music, B.M.

Location(s): Main Campus

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Overview

The Bachelor of Music degree curriculum provides professional preparation for students seeking careers in music education, performance, composition, commercial music, or jazz studies. Students desiring entrance into this degree program should review the specific entrance procedures for each degree option listed below. Each option within this degree has been carefully structured to provide an education that encompasses the artistic and functional needs of the aspiring music professional. Within each of the degree options are opportunities for study to meet individual needs.

In the core music program, lower division courses emphasize music theory, literature and applied studies, while upper division courses explore advanced concepts in theory, music history, performance and specific career preparation in the chosen degree option. The Music Education option is offered for those who wish to pursue the California Single Subject Credential in Music. All degree options except Music Composition and Music Education include the required performance of a junior recital. All Bachelor of Music degree options include the required performance of a senior recital and required participation in performing ensembles concurrent with applied music instruction.

Note: Before being approved for graduation, all students are required to complete the Class Piano sequence (MUS 1031 , MUS 1032 ,  MUS 2031 , and MUS 2032 ) or demonstrate proficiency in some or all of this coursework by passing a piano proficiency examination (MUS 2033).

 

The program offers five options:

Option I - Composition -  this option prepares students for a career in music composition. Students must successfully complete a BM Senior Recital (MUS 4400 ).

Option II - Jazz Studies - this option prepares students in jazz performance production, composition, recording, and conducting. Students must successfully complete a BM Junior Recital (MUS 3400 ) and a BM Senior Recital (MUS 4400 ) .

Option III - Performance - this option prepares instrumentalists, pianists, and vocalists for careers in entertainment and the performing arts. Performance majors train in a wide variety of genres and styles to prepare for careers as soloists, ensemble musicians, teaching artists in the schools, arts organization members, indie artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the field of performance. Prior to graduation, students prepare and successfully perform a 30-minute BM Junior Recital (MUS 3400 ) and a 50-minute BM Senior recital (MUS 4400 ).

Option IV - Music Education (Pre-Credential) - this option which prepares students for careers in Vocal/Choral and Instrumental teaching. Prior to graduation, students prepare and successfully perform a 50-minute BM Senior Recital (MUS 4400 ).

Single Subject Credential Requirement: In addition to this option, one upper division course in music technology is required for the credential, is a prerequisite to directed teaching in music, and may be taken either for elective credit, for the degree outside the major, or in post baccalaureate standing. Refer to the College of Education  section in the Academic Programs: College-Based and University-Wide chapter of this catalog for regulations governing all teaching credential programs .

Option V - Commercial Music - this option prepares students for professional careers in popular music, focusing on critical aspects of the discipline such as performance, production, composition for media, songwriting, and audio technology. Students must successfully complete a BM Junior Recital or Recording Project (MUS 3400 ) and a BM Senior Recital or Recording Project (MUS 4400 ).

 Admission Criteria for UD Transfer    Learning Outcomes  Roadmap  

 

Requirements for the Major (80-87 units)

Core Requirements (44-45 units)

Common Core Courses (17 units)

Lower Division Core Courses (11 units)
Upper Division Core Courses (6 units)

Musicianship Courses (19 units)

Piano Proficiency Requirement (0-1 units)

All B.M. students are required to complete MUS 2032  or pass MUS 2033  before being approved for graduation.

Lower Division Applied Music Courses (4 units)

Complete 4 units in the one auditioned category (Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Commercial Music, Percussion, Voice, or Piano). Approval from adviser required.

Ensemble Performance Courses (4 units)

Placement in ensembles is based on the student’s option and instrument.

Options in Composition, Music Performance, and Music Education should take the following based on their primary instrument:

Option in Jazz Studies: MUS 4249  or MUS 4299 
Option in Commercial Music: MUS 4449  ​​​​​​​

 

Options Requirements (36 - 42 units)

Select one option.

Option I - Composition (40 units)

Required Courses (30 units)
Upper Division Electives (10 units)
Recital Requirement (0 unit)

Option II: Jazz Studies (36 units)

Required Courses (16 units)
Applied Music Courses (12 units)

Select one area of specialization and repeat each course for 4 units. Credits that have been taken to satisfy the core requirement cannot be double-counted to satisfy this option requirement.

Ensemble Courses (8 units)
Recital Requirement (0 units)

Option III: Performance (40 units)

Applied Music Courses (12 units)

Select one area of specialization. Credits completed to satisfy the core requirement cannot be double-counted to satisfy this requirement.

Ensemble Courses (8 units)

Select 8 units with advisor approval. At least four of these units must be the student’s primary ensemble, which is determined by what the student is studying in Applied Lessons.

 

Pedagogy Courses (2 units)

Select from the courses below for 2 units total.

Directed Electives (18 units)

With adviser approval, select 18 units from this list. Other upper division music courses may be considered with adviser approval.

Recital Requirement (0 units)

Option IV: Music Education (Pre-Credential) (42 units)

Required Courses (14 units)
Instrument Pedagogy Courses (4 units)

Select 4 units with advisor approval:

Applied Music Courses (12 units)

Select one area of specialization and repeat each course for 4 units. Credits completed to satisfy the core requirement cannot be double-counted to satisfy this option requirement.

Ensemble Courses (8 units)

Select 8 units with advisor approval. At least four of these units must be the student’s primary ensemble, which is determined by what the student is studying in Applied Lessons.

 

Directed Electives (4 units)

Select with adviser approval:

Requirements for the Single Subject Credential (2 units)

Select one of these courses to satisfy 2 units of the Directed Electives if interested in the Single Subject Credential:

Option V: Commercial Music (42 units)

Required Courses (17 units)
Directed Electives (5 units)

Select any 5 units with advisor approval. 

Applied Music Courses (12 units)

Select from any areas of specialization, repeat each course for 4 units. Units taken to satisfy the core requirement cannot be double-counted to satisfy this option requirement.

Ensemble Courses (8 units)

Select 8 units with advisor approval:

Recital Requirements (0 units)

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