Bachelor of Music, Performance Concentration

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

The Bachelor of Music Performance Concentration is designed for students who exhibit exceptional talent and musical aptitude, preparing them for careers as performers or for continued graduate-level study. The program consists of core music courses in music theory, musicianship, music history, keyboard, lessons and additional courses in performance, repertory classes, conducting and two solo recitals.

Lower-division students are admitted to the performance concentration on the basis of audition. Admission to the upper-division is by jury. 

Private Instruction, Juries and Ensemble Requirement

Students in the BM Performance degree program are required to enroll in private instruction on their major instrument or voice every semester in residence. Students must pass a juried performance at the end of each semester with a minimum score of 75%.

Students are required to enroll in a minimum of two (2) ensembles every semester in residence, or for a total of sixteen (16) ensembles. For more specific requirements regarding ensembles for the B.M. Voice and Instrumental concentrations, refer to the “Ensemble Requirement” clause in the University Catalog.

Capstone Experience

Students enrolled in the BM Performance degree program must complete a Junior Recital (MUS 397, 1 unit) and a Senior Recital (MUS 491, 2 units). The Junior Recital comprises approximately 30 minutes of music, and should take place during the second semester of the junior year. The Senior Recital comprises approximately 55 minutes of music, and should take place during the student’s final semester in the program. For more information about Recitals, 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)

8 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 4 units)

Repertory Class

8 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 4 units)

Performing Ensembles

Vocal

16 units total, or every semester in residence. At least half must be in choral ensembles.

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

Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion

16 units total, or every semester in residence. 12 major ensembles and 4 minor ensembles required.

• MUS 227 - Concert Band Unit(s): 1
• MUS 327 - Symphonic Wind Ensemble Unit(s): 1
• MUS 328 - Symphony Orchestra Unit(s): 1

Piano

16 units total, or every semester in residence. Ensemble requirements for pianists will be determined in consultation with the department chair and the area coordinator, and must include at least 8 semesters of:

• MUS 329 - Chamber Music Ensembles Unit(s): 1

Guitar

16 units total, or every semester in residence. Ensemble requirements for guitarists will be determined in consultation with the department chair and the area coordinator, and must include at least 8 semesters of:

• MUS 326 - Guitar Ensemble Unit(s): 1

Minor Ensemble Options

• MUS 329 - Chamber Music Ensembles Unit(s): 1
• 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 315 - Diction - English/Italian Unit(s): 1-2 (Vocalists only)
• MUS 316 - Diction - French and German Unit(s): 1-2 (Vocalists only)
• MUS 397 - Junior Recital Unit(s): 1
• MUS 401 - Conducting Technique Unit(s): 2

Capstone Experience

 Must be complete during the final semester of study.

• MUS 491 - Senior Recital Unit(s): 2

Program Road Maps

Sample Four-Year Plan: BM, Performance Concentration

Sample Two-Year Plan: BM, Performance Concentration