Sonoma State University
Symphonic Wind Ensemble on stage

Advising for Freshmen

Freshman music majors should take a total of 15-16 units in the first semester: 12 units in Music and English (GE Area 1) or Math/Science (GE Area 2 or 5)

Core Course Requirements

Core Courses (9 units)

  • MUS 106 Fundamentals of Music Theory
  • MUS 109 Intensive Keyboard Lab I (not required for piano majors)
  • MUS 160A Musicking 101 (fall semester) & MUS 160B Musicking 101 (spring semester)
    MUS 160 satisfies GE A3 & C2. Registration is required for students in the Bachelor of Music degree programs, and optional for students in the Bachelor of Arts. 

CHOOSE ONE of the following Repertory Classes (1 unit)

  • MUS 151 Repertory Class (Performance majors only)
  • MUS 426 Jazz Forum (Jazz majors only)

CHOOSE ONE or TWO of the following based on major instrument or voice 

  • Students must be enrolled in at least one major ensemble every semester in residence (1-2 units).  Ensemble placement auditions take place during the first week of classes. 

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  • MUS 227 Concert Band. T/TH 5:00-6:30 pm. Wind, Brass, Percussion majors - Open to all students - No audition. 
  • MUS 323 Concert Choir. T/TH 1:00-2:30 pm. Vocal majors - Open to all students - Audition required
  • MUS 325 Symphonic Chorus. T 7:00-9:40 pm. Vocal majors - Open to all students - Audition required
  • MUS 326 Guitar Ensemble. T 4:00-5:50 pm.  Open to all students - Audition required
  • MUS 327 Wind Ensemble. T/TH 3:00-4:50 pm. Wind, Brass, Percussion majors - Open to all students - Audition required
  • MUS 328 Symphony Orchestra. M/W 4:00-5:50 pm. String, WW, Brass, Percussion majors - Open to all students - Audition required
  • MUS 329 Chamber Music. F 12:00-1:50 pm. Piano and Instrumental Performance majors - Audition required
  • MUS 340 Music Theater Scenes. M/W 6:00-7:50 pm. Vocal Performance majors - Audition required
  • MUS 379 Latin Band. TH 6:00-8:40 pm. Jazz majors - Open to all students - Audition required
  • MUS 390 Jazz Orchestra. M 6:00-8:40 pm. Jazz majors - Open to all students - Audition required
  • MUS 391 Concert Jazz Ensemble. T 6:00-8:40 pm. Jazz majors - Open to all students - Audition required

Diction (1 unit) Voice majors only

  • MUS 315 Diction I (English & Italian)

Private Instruction Courses (1 unit)

  • CHOOSE ONE private instruction course based on your major instrument or voice (every semester in residence).  

  • A list of private instruction courses can be found on the Fall Private Instruction and Spring Private Instruction pages.

  • Contact Brooke Tester in the music department office for a permission code to add private instruction courses. 

  • MUS 147 Private Instruction. BM majors (permission code required)
  • MUS 133-143 Private Instruction. BA majors (variable course numbers depending on instrument/voice; permission code required)