About
Sonoma State University is ranked among the Most Wired, Top Green and Best Value Schools in America (Princeton Review). The Department of Music is housed at the Green Music Center — ranked No. 3 on College Degree Search's 25 Most Amazing Campus Arts Centers. The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Sonoma State University is situated an hour north of San Francisco in the heart of California’s wine country. The Green Music Center is home to Weill Hall, a breathtaking acoustical space that attracts internationally renowned artists, and Schroeder Hall, a state-of-the- art recital venue.
Programs
Music, BA
Music, BM
- Music BM, Composition Concentration
- Music BM, Jazz Studies Concentration
- Music BM, Music Education Concentration
- Music BM, Performance Concentration
Music, Minor
Audio and Recording and Production Certificate
Philosophy
At Sonoma State University, developing artists cultivate their individuality in an environment that emphasizes personalized instruction. Academic music classes are typically small, making faculty approachable and accessible. Music majors receive weekly private instruction by faculty who are professional performers with prominent Bay Area organizations such as the San Francisco Symphony, Ballet and Opera orchestras, the Santa Rosa Symphony, and Clerestory. The Department houses a number of large and small ensembles, thus providing students a wide variety of performance experiences.
Curriculum
The core curriculum for music majors provides a thorough foundation in such essential skills as keyboard facility, theoretical understanding, aural perception, and analysis of a wide range of music literature. All majors gain experience with both the intuitive and the intellectual processes of the art. The curriculum is designed to place the specialized study of music in the setting of a liberal arts education and to serve as a firm basis for careers in a wide variety of professions in music and those related to music. Private voice/instrument instruction is required of all music majors. All students attend a weekly repertoire class.
History
Sonoma State College was established by the California State Legislature in 1960 to be part of the California State College system, with significant involvement of the faculty from San Francisco State University. Sonoma opened for the first time in 1961, with an initial enrollment of 250 students. With the completion of Stevenson Hall and Darwin Hall, the college moved to its permanent campus in 1966 where the first graduating class received their degrees. In 1978, Sonoma State College became Sonoma State University when the school officially gained university status.
Department of Music Timeline
- 1967: Ives Hall opens as home of Performing Arts department
- 1972: Department of Music accredited by National Association of Schools of Music
- 1989: Evert B. Person Theatre constructed
- 2008: Music Department moves classes to the Green Music Center. Performances continue in Ives Hall
- 2010: Music Department gives Collage Concert in Weill Hall, still under construction
- 2010: GMC 1028 and 1029 open
- 2012: Weill Hall opens
- 2014: Schroeder Hall opens