Bachelor of Music, Composition Concentration

Advising Checklist - Bachelor of Music, Composition Concentration (PDF)

The Bachelor of Music Composition Concentration is designed for students whose primary focus is creating original music. In addition to core music courses in theory, musicianship, history, literature, applied skills, ensembles, and instrumental/vocal private instruction and related repertory classes, composition students study privately with composition faculty and undertake additional coursework related specifically to music creation including music technology. 

Upon graduation, Composition graduates will have produced a unique and diverse portfolio of works for various instrumental, vocal, and electronic media. The degree prepares students for a career involving music creation and/or graduate work in composition.

Private Instruction, Repertory Class, Juries and Ensemble Requirements

Students in the Composition Concentration enroll in private instruction on their major instrument or voice for six (6) semesters, and in composition for six (6) semesters. In addition, students take six (6) semesters of a Repertory Class (Vocal, Instrumental, or Jazz) in conjunction with their private lessons, and at least one (1) semester of MUS 425 Composition Seminar.

Students must pass a juried performance demonstration(s) each semester they take private instruction and/or composition lessons, with a minimum score of 75%. For the composition jury, students are required to submit notated scores of any compositions finished during the semester under the guidance of their instructor in PDF format.  Each score should be accompanied by a written description of the composition highlighting both the inspiration and construction of the piece. While not required, students are also encouraged to submit a midi mock-up of their composition(s) as well.

Composition majors are required to enroll in a minimum of one (1) major ensemble on their major instrument/voice every semester in residence for a total of eight (8) semesters. 

Capstone Experience

Students enrolled in the Composition degree program must complete MUS 490 Senior Project (2 units). The senior project is determined in consultation with the Composition Program Director. For more information about the Senior Project, please visit the Student Resources menu on the Department of Music website.

Core Music Course Requirements

Preparatory

• MUS 106 - Fundamentals of Music Theory Unit(s): 3

• MUS 109 - Intensive Keyboard Lab I Unit(s): 2

• MUS 209 - Intensive Keyboard Lab II Unit(s): 2

Theory/Musicianship

• MUS 110 - Theory I: Diatonicism Unit(s): 3

• MUS 210 - Theory II: Chromaticism Unit(s): 3

• MUS 310 - Theory III: Form and Analysis Unit(s): 3

• MUS 410 - Theory IV: 20th-Century Techniques Unit(s): 3

• MUS 120 - Musicianship I Unit(s): 2

• MUS 220 - Musicianship II Unit(s): 2

• MUS 320 - Musicianship III Unit(s): 2

• MUS 420 - Musicianship IV Unit(s): 2

History/Literature

Choose one of the following:

• MUS 150 - Survey of U.S. Music Unit(s): 3

• MUS 343 - Studies in Musical Genres Unit(s): 3

Choose MUS 160A & 160B or MUS 350:

• MUS 160A - Musicking 101 Unit(s): 4

• MUS 160B - Musicking 101 Unit(s): 4

• MUS 350 - Survey of World Music Unit(s): 3

And these courses:

• MUS 300 - Seminar Unit(s): 3 (various topics)

• MUS 251 - History of Western Music, Ancient World to 1750 Unit(s): 3

• MUS 351 - History of Western Music, 1750-present Unit(s): 3

Applied Skills

• MUS 309A - Keyboard Proficiency Lab Unit(s): 1

• MUS 309B - Keyboard Proficiency Lab Unit(s): 1

Applied Music Studies (Private Lessons)

6 units total. Transfer students take every semester in residence.

• MUS 147 - Applied Music Studies Unit(s): 1 (take 4 units)

• MUS 447 - Applied Music Studies Unit(s): 1 (take 2 units)

Repertory Class

6 units total. Transfer students take every semester in residence.

• MUS 151 - Repertory Class Unit(s): 1 (take 4 units)

• MUS 451 - Repertory Class Unit(s): 1 (take 2 units)

Performing Ensembles

8 units total, or every semester in residence.

Ensemble Options for Vocalists

• MUS 323 - Concert Choir Unit(s): 1
• MUS 325 - Symphonic Chorus Unit(s): 1
• MUS 340 - Opera/Musical Theater Scenes Workshop Unit(s): 1

Ensemble Options for Instrumentalists

• MUS 227 - Concert Band Unit(s): 1
• MUS 326 - Guitar Ensemble Unit(s): 1
• MUS 327 - Symphonic Wind Ensemble Unit(s): 1
• MUS 328 - Symphony Orchestra Unit(s): 1
• MUS 329 - Chamber Music Ensembles Unit(s): 1
• MUS 390 - Jazz Orchestra Unit(s): 1

Minor Ensemble Options

• MUS 331 - Rock Collegium Unit(s): 1
• MUS 377 - Brass Ensemble Unit(s): 1
• MUS 378 - Percussion Ensemble Unit(s): 1
• MUS 379 - Latin Jazz Band Unit(s): 1
• MUS 391 - Concert Jazz Ensemble Unit(s): 1

Concentration Course Requirements

• MUS 159 - Audio and Recording Production I Unit(s): 1
• MUS 259 - Music Technology: Tools and Applications Unit(s): 2
• MUS 314 - Orchestration Unit(s): 2
• MUS 359 - Audio and Recording Production II Unit(s): 1
• MUS 401 - Conducting Technique Unit(s): 2
• MUS 425 - Composition Seminar Unit(s): 2

Capstone Experience

Consult with Faculty Advisor.

• MUS 490 - Senior Project Unit(s): 2

Applied Music Studies (Composition)

6 units total. Transfer students take every semester in residence.

MUS 447 - Applied Music Studies Unit(s): 1

Music Electives

6 units total. Consult with Program Director.

Program Roadmaps

Sample Four-Year Plan: BM, Composition

Sample Two-Year Plan: BM, Composition