Undergraduate Studies

The School of Music and Dance offers four professional degrees in music:

• Bachelor of Music in Composition
• Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
• Bachelor of Music in Music Education
• Bachelor of Music in Performance

and one general degree in music:

• Bachelor of Arts in Music
• Emphasis in General Studies
• Emphasis in Music Technology

Professional degree programs lead to careers in performance, composition, jazz studies, and music education including a fifth year credential program. We highlight core courses in our curriculum that include experience in performance, music systems (theory), technology and improvisation. Beyond the core courses, individual contracts or concentrations within the BA and BM degree address professional opportunities that include:

1. Credentialed school instruction
2. Private school instruction
3. Vocalists or instrumentalists for the concert stage, opera, musical theater, jazz
4. Composers and/or arrangers for film, television, multimedia
5. Sound engineering and music technology
6. Conductors in all performance areas
7. Arts and education administration
8. Writer/scholar in Music or Dance

BM – Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Composition

Private composition lessons are at the heart of this degree program, with many opportunities for students to hear their own works performed by other students and faculty members. Composition students also meet regularly as a group with the faculty coordinator to hear and discuss their compositions. Students in this program must complete both junior and senior projects in addition to the regular course of study.

BM – Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Jazz Studies

The BM concentration in Jazz Studies is a degree tailored for the student intent on pursuing an active career as a professional jazz musician. Emphasis is placed on jazz improvisation, jazz performance styles, jazz arranging/composition, and jazz pedagogy. Students receive in-depth private instruction and there are numerous opportunities for live performances. Students are expected to complete a senior project in addition to the regular course of study.

BM – Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Performance

The BM in Performance is designed for the student with a career goal as a professional singer or instrumentalist and teacher. In addition to the core courses, specific courses include weekly private lessons with outstanding professors, participation in choral ensembles, opera theater, symphonic band, symphony orchestra along with small ensemble and solo performance opportunities. Students are expected to present both a junior and senior recital.

BM – Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Music Education

The BM in Music Education has two areas of emphasis: instrumental music and vocal/general music. The program prepares students to teach in public schools and succeed in attaining their California teaching certificate in music for K-12, while still allowing students to choose an area of emphasis that caters to their individual interests and better prepares them for success in teaching.

BA – Music

This is a flexible program of general studies with minimum performance requirements that allows students to combine studies in music with other fields of interest. An entrance audition is required. All students must complete the core classes and then select electives from at least three categories, in consultation with the Music Advisor, and directed toward a specific Capstone. Ensemble participation is a co-requisite of applied lessons at all times.