Music - Programs

College of the Arts

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Music (code MUS_BA01) (120 units)

A non-performance-focused degree that sets music within the broader context of interdisciplinary studies, diversity, and contemporary thought. This humanistic degree has a basic music core, upper-division elective music units focused on popular, world, and film music as well as art music, an individualized track of non-music elective studies that focuses in at least two other disciplines (one major area and one or more minor areas), and a final research project culminating in a comprehensive senior paper.

Audition required prior to entrance to major to assess performance standard and for advising purposes.

Requirements
1. Music Theory: MUS 141A/B, 142A/B, 341; select one course from: MUS 372A or 342;
2. Music History and Literature: MUS 190 (section by advisement, double-counts as GE – C.1), 290, 490 (double-counts as GE – C.1); select three classes from MUS 160, 360, 374, 363I and/or 364I;
3. Performance Organizations: MUS 100, 200, 201 and/or 300, 400, 401 for a minimum of 6 units (the performance ensemble must be approved by the department);
4. Applied Music: MUS 129/329 or X129/X329 for 6 units and successful completion of departmental UDSE;
5. Keyboard Proficiency: successful completion of the piano proficiency exam (equivalent to MUS 220B);
6. Music Forum: Music Forum: MUS 11 each semester in residence to a total of 5 units (does not count toward degree units), MUS 210A, 210B;
7. Music Electives: select 9 units from MUS 393, 468I, 467, 471 and/or HIST 404I
8. Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies: select 6 units from one major discipline area and an additional 6 units in one or more areas. The areas can be, but are not limited, to: Anthropology, Black Studies, Asian and Asian-American Studies, Comparative World Literature and Classics, English and Literature, Film Studies, Geography, History, International Studies, Journalism, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Romance, German, Russian Languages and Women’s Studies;
9. Final Exit Requirement: MUS 496 (must be taken by penultimate semester prior to graduation) and MUS 423C or D (proposal from MUS 496 required, faculty adviser approval).

Bachelor of Music

The Bachelor of Music degree is a high-unit professional degree and requires 132 units for graduation. Music units include the core requirements and one area of specialization called an option. Options include Instrumental Music (Music Education), Choral-Vocal Music (Music Education), Performance (including concentrations in Winds, Strings, Piano, Percussion, Voice, Opera and Jazz Studies), Composition, and Music History and Literature. Admission to the option is determined by audition and approval of the chair of the department. Application for admission to the option should be submitted no later than the beginning of the junior year, and significant progress must be demonstrated during the remaining years.

Music Education: Instrumental Music and Choral-Vocal Music Options –

Core Requirements
1. Music History and Literature: MUS 190 (section by advisement, double-counts as GE - C.1), 160, 360, 374, 490 (double-counts as GE – C.1);
2. Music Theory: MUS 141 A-B, 142 A-B, 240, 241, 341, 342;
3. Major Performance Organization: MUS 100/300, one unit each semester in residence;
4. Music Forum: MUS 11 each semester in residence to a total of 5 units (does not count toward degree units), MUS 210A, 210B;
5. Senior Recital: MUS 423A;
6. Keyboard Proficiency: successful completion of departmental piano proficiency examination (equivalent to MUS 220B).
7. Chamber music: Select two units from the following: MUS 200/400 and/or 201/401.

Option in Instrumental Music (code MUS_BM04) (132 units)

Completion of this option meets the subject matter competence requirement for the Single Subject Preliminary Credential in Music (code 170). In addition to meeting the subject matter competence requirement for the Preliminary Credential, prospective Music teachers are also required to complete 44 units of professional preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program, including student teaching. Students may begin the professional preparation courses as early as the junior year. With careful planning, it is possible to complete all of the credential program courses, except for student teaching, as an undergraduate. Courses may also be completed as post-baccalaureate student. Refer to the Single Subject Teacher Education section of this Catalog or the Single Subject Credential Program website (www.ced.csulb.edu/single-subject) for a description of the professional preparation requirements, courses, and application procedures. Prospective students should consult the department's Music Education Advisor early to plan their program.

The Music Subject Matter Program is being revised to meet new state standards. When the revised program has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the new course requirements will be in effect and supersede current requirements.

Requirements

MUS 129/329 or X129/329 (must be taken for 8 units), 122A, 326, 125T, 382A, 382B, 386, 419, 425, 480, 482, 484, 485, elect 5 additional courses from MUS 125A, B, C, D, E and/or F.

Option in Choral-Vocal Music (code MUS_BM01) (132 units)

Completion of this option meets the subject matter competence requirement for the Single Subject Preliminary Credential in Music (code 170). In addition to meeting the subject matter competence requirement for the Preliminary Credential, prospective Music teachers are also required to complete 44 units of professional preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program, including student teaching. Students may begin the professional preparation courses as early as the junior year. With careful planning, it is possible to complete all of the credential program courses, except for student teaching, as an undergraduate. Courses may also be completed as post-baccalaureate student. Refer to the Single Subject Teacher Education section of this Catalog or the Single Subject Credential Program website (www.ced.csulb.edu/single-subject) for a description of the professional preparation requirements, courses, and application procedures. Prospective students should consult the department's Music Education Advisor early to plan their program.

The Music Subject Matter Program is being revised to meet new state standards. When the revised program has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the new course requirements will be in effect and supersede current requirements.

Requirements

MUS 129/329 or X129/X329 (must be taken for 8 units); 125F, 125T, 326, 327, 386, 419, 484, 485; elect 3 additional courses from MUS 125A, B, C, D, and/or E; 273A, 273B, 273C, 422, 426, 483A, and 483B.

Performance, Composition and History and Literature Options –

Core Requirements
1. Music History and Literature: MUS 190 (section by advisement, double-counts as GE - C.1), 160, 360, 374, 490 (double-counts as GE – C.1);
2. Music Theory: MUS 141A-B, 142A-B, 240, 241, 341, 342;
3. Major Performance Organization: MUS 100/300, one unit each semester in residence (keyboard majors only take maximum 4 semesters);
4. Music Forum : MUS 11 each semester in residence to a total of 5 units (does not count toward degree units), MUS 210A, 210B;
5. Keyboard Proficiency: successful completion of departmental piano proficiency examination (equivalent to MUS 220B) (piano majors excepted).

Option in Performance (code MUS_BM05) (132 units)

Requirements

Core: (MUS 129, 229/429, or X129, X229/X429) required each semester in residence with an achievement of senior level on major performance medium. Junior Recital (MUS 323) and Senior Recital (MUS 423A) is required of all students.
Piano: MUS 200/400 or 201/401 (5 units); 277, 427, 477A-B, 492A-B. Electives: five units chosen from the following courses: 273A, 273B, 273C, 326, 428, 434A-B, 436, 460 and 467.
String Instruments: MUS 200/400 or 201/401 (4 units); MUS 326, 425; choose six units from: 428, 460, 467, 471, and 493.
Wind Instruments: MUS 200/400 or 201/401 (4 units, 2 of which must be either woodwind or brass chamber music); MUS 326, 424 (4 units), 425; choose six units from: 428, 460, 467, 471, and 493.
Percussion: MUS 200/400 or 201/401 (4 units, 2 of which must be percussion ensemble); 326, 425; choose six units from: 428, 460, 467, 471, and 493.
Voice: MUS 273A, 273B, 273C, 326, 426, and 434A or 434B; choose one class from 428, 460, 467, 469, and 471; Choose an additional two units from MUS 436, 434A or 434B. Completion of Department of Music Foreign Language Examination in French, German or Italian (may be waived by completion of 101B level course in French, German or Italian).
Opera: MUS 273A, 273B, 273C, 326, 436, 473, and THEA 262; two units of MUS 330 or 331 required as part of eight-unit activity requirement; choose two courses from the following: MUS 469, 3-unit theatre elective, 2-unit dance elective (DANC 111A or 113A). Completion of Department of Music Foreign Language Examination in French, German or Italian (may be waived by completion of 101B level course in French, German or Italian).
Jazz Studies: MUS 200/201/400/401 (4 units); 271; 371; 372A-B; 393; 416; 474A; Jazz Piano Proficiency: successful completion of departmental Jazz piano proficiency examination (equivalent to MUS 221B); choose 4 units by advisement from the following: 329Y, 370, 411, 417, 442, 455, 456, 457, 474B and/or 497A/D.

Option in Composition (code MUS_BM02) (132 units)

Requirements

MUS 129 or 129X to be taken each semester in residence until successful completion of the departmental upper-division screening examination in applied music (a minimum of 4 units is required). MUS 244A-B, 344 (must be taken concurrently with 329X), 444 (must be taken concurrently with 329X), 423B, and 24 units to be chosen under departmental advisement as follows: 21 units to be selected from MUS 271, 329X (may be repeated multiple times), 370, 371, 372, 411, 441, 442, 443, 444, 446, 455, 456, 457, 495F, 497A-F, and THEA 449 (at least 3 of the 21 units must be selected from MUS 370, 455, 456 or 457); and three units to be selected from MUS 200B, 326, 375, 393, 400B, 415, 422, 425, 447, and 474.

Option in History and Literature (code MUS_BM03) (132 units)

Requirements

Completion of Department of Music Foreign Language Examination in French, German or Italian (may be waived by completion of 101B level course in French, German or Italian).  MUS 129 or 129X to be taken each semester in residence until successful completion of the departmental upper-division screening examination in applied music (a minimum of 4 units is required). MUS 496 (Research Methods); 423C; elect 6 units from: MUS 363I, 364I, 375, 393, 468I; elect 15 units from: MUS 428, 441, 460, 467, 469, 471 (may be repeated up to 6 units), 478, 492A, 492B, 493 (may be repeated up to 6 units), 400R, 400S (Collegium Musicum may be repeated up to 3 units); elect 3 units of upper division coursework outside music, under advisement, to be related to Senior Thesis topic or include foreign language literature classes.

Minor in Music (code MUS_UM01)

Requirements

A minimum of 18 units, 9 of which must be upper division (300- and 400-level courses). Specific courses are required. A degree plan must be prepared in conference with the department advisor prior to beginning this program.

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Music (code MUS_MA01)

The Master of Arts degree in Music provides academic concentrations in Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Education.

Prerequisites

1. A Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music, a Bachelor of Music degree, or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 24 units of upper division courses in music comparable to those required of a major in music at this University;
2. The student must request all institutions of higher learning attended to send official copies of transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions and Records and another set to the Department of Music Graduate Advisor. Transcripts presented to the Admissions Office by the student are not acceptable. Graduates of California State University, Long Beach must follow these same procedures when making application to the Master of Arts in music program;
3. All applicants are required to complete the Department of Music Graduate Placement Examination before they register for courses applicable to the Master of Arts degree. (Under special circumstances, a student may take the examination during the first semester in which he or she is registered in courses applicable to the degree.) Applicants for all options of the M.A. degree must present samples of their scholarly writings in music for review by the Graduate faculty. Applicants for the musicology concentration must show evidence of reading and translation ability in one foreign language (French or German);
4. A GPA of 3.00 or better in upper division Music courses. Students who do not meet the 3.00 GPA requirement or specified balance within the required 24 units of upper division music but who possess outstanding or unusual qualifications that promise a significant contribution to the Master of Arts program may petition for a special review from the Department Graduate Committee.

Advancement to Candidacy

The prerequisites for advancement to candidacy are the same as those for the Master of Music.

Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 30 units of approved upper division and graduate courses with at least 24 units in the major. (The program may not include more than six units of transfer graduate credit);
2. Core Courses required by all Master of Arts students.13-15 units; MUS 696 (should be taken the first time it is offered during the student’s residency); MUS 541; one course from MUS 561, 562, 563, 564, 565; MUS 698 (for 4-6 units, dependent upon concentration).
3. Additional courses for Musicology concentration: 3 units from MUS 561, 562, 563, 564, 565 (other than one taken in core); 6 units elected from MUS 547, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 569, 571, 576, 578, 592, 593 (not taken in core); 6 units of music electives (students in this concentration are strongly encouraged to elect theory as well as performance classes, especially Collegium Musicum and New Music Ensemble). Thesis is taken for 6 units in this concentration.
4. Additional courses for Music Theory concentration: MUS 540; 6 units from 541 (may be repeated), 547, 640 (may be repeated); 6 units of electives (students in this concentration are strongly encouraged to elect additional history, composition, and performance classes, especially New Music Ensemble and Collegium Musicum). Thesis is taken for 6 units in this concentration.
5. Additional courses for Music Education Concentration: MUS 581, 588; 4 units chosen from MUS 526, 554, 575, 580, 582, 585, 587, 594, 595, 680; 5-7 units of electives (students in this concentration are encouraged to elect performance and conducting classes). Thesis is taken for 4-6 units in this concentration, dependent upon project.
6. An oral defense of the thesis, recital, or project (MUS 698).

Master of Music Degree (code MUS_MM01)

The Master of Music degree program provides professional concentrations in Composition, Conducting-Instrumental, Conducting-Choral, Jazz Studies, Opera Performance and Instrumental/Vocal Performance.

Prerequisites

1. A Bachelor of Music degree, or a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Music or a bachelor's degree, from an accredited institution, with a minimum of 24 upper division units of music comparable to those required at this University;
2. The student must request all institutions of higher learning attended to send official copies of transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions and Records and another set to the Department of Music Graduate Advisor. Transcripts presented to the Admissions Office by the student are not acceptable. Graduates of California State University, Long Beach must follow these same procedures when making application to the Master of Music in music program;
3. All applicants are required to complete the Department of Music Graduate Placement Examination before they register for courses applicable to the Master of Music degree. (Under special circumstances, a student may take the examination during the first semester in which he or she is registered in courses applicable to the degree);
4. Criteria according to concentration:
A. Composition: submission and approval of a portfolio of representative original scores and evidence of baccalaureate-level competency as required in the Bachelor of Music Composition Option;
B. Conducting: successful completion of a conducting examination and approval by the conducting faculty;
C. Performance/Jazz Studies: Performance-Opera; Jazz Studies; and Instrumental/Vocal: an audition both at a performance level and with a repertory on an instrument or in voice acceptable to the faculty of the specific performance medium.
5. A GPA of 3.00 or better in upper division Music courses. Students who do not meet the 3.00 GPA requirement or specified balance within the required 24 units of upper division music but who possess outstanding or unusual qualifications that promise a significant contribution to the Master of Music program may petition for a special review from the Department Graduate Advisory Council.

Advancement to Candidacy
1. Satisfy all the general University requirements, including fulfillment of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR);
2. Remove all undergraduate deficiencies, which were determined by the departmental Graduate Placement Examination and/or the Dean of the College of the Arts;
3. Pass the Department of Music Qualifying Examinations;
4. Submit an approved project or thesis proposal, and a graduate degree program approved by the student’s Thesis Committee, the Graduate Advisor, Department Chair, and the Dean of the College of the Arts;
5. GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Requirements
1. General requirements for all majors: Completion of a minimum of 30 units of approved upper division and graduate courses with at least 24 units in the major. (The program may not include more than six units of transfer graduate credit);
2. Core curriculum (13 units) MUS 541 (MUS 515 - Jazz Studies concentration only); one course from MUS 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566 (MUS 513 - Jazz Studies concentration only); MUS 696 (should be taken the first time it is offered during student’s residency); MUS 698.
3. An oral defense of the thesis, recital, or project (MUS 698).

Master of Music Concentrations

Composition: MUS 544 and MUS 545; 2 units of MUS 529X or 629X (taken concurrently with MUS 544 and MUS 545); 3 units selected from MUS 555, 556, 557; 6 units selected under advisement from MUS 510, 511, 512, 515, 516, 520, 522, 525, 529X, 540, 543, 545, 547, 555, 556, 557, 597, and 640; 2 units of electives selected under advisement.
Conducting – Instrumental: 2 units of MUS 500, 600, or 601; 4 units of 529W or 629W; select by advisement two courses from MUS 520, 525, 680; 5 – 6 units of electives selected by advisement.
Conducting – Choral: 2 units of MUS 500, 600 or 601; 4 units of 529W or 629W; 519 (must be taken twice); 573, 575; 4 units of music electives by advisement.
Jazz Studies: MUS 510, 512, 516, 601 (2 units); 7 units selected by advisement from MUS 511, 514, 517, 529Y, 629, 543, 555, 556, 557 and/or 597A/D.
Opera Performance: 4 units for MUS 529Q or 629Q; 2 units of MUS 530; 526, 536, 573; THEA 490; and 2 units of electives chosen by advisement. Students in this concentration are strongly encouraged to take MUS 569.
Instrumental Performance: 4 units of MUS 500, 530, 600 or 601; 4 units of MUS 529 or 629 (section by advisement). Keyboard Specialization: 4 units of MUS 592A-B; 5 units of electives selected by advisement (MUS 577A-B, 600G, 600U strongly encouraged.) Other instrumental specializations: 9 units of electives chosen by advisement.
Vocal Performance: 2 units of MUS 500, 530, 600, or 601; 4 units of MUS 529 or 629 (section by advisement); MUS 573; choose 4 units from MUS 526, 534A, 534B under advisement; 5 units of electives chosen by advisement.
Teaching Credentials

Students seeking a degree in Music Education refer to the Instrumental Music and Choral-Vocal Music options under B.M. degree. All students entering the credential program after August 31, 2003 will be following the SB2042 credential program and should consult the Single Subject Credential Program requirements in this catalog. For further information consult with the Department of Music credential advisor.

Music Performance

Opportunities to participate in various instrumental and vocal ensembles are available to all students regardless of major. Before enrolling in a performing group, students should apply to the director of the organization in which they wish to participate. Music performance courses may be repeated; up to 8 units of credit in MUS 100 or 300 may be counted toward a bachelor’s degree. Simultaneous enrollment in more than one organization is permitted.