The Bachelor of Arts in Music

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor or view it and other current advising information on the CSU, Chico Web.

General Education Requirements: 48 units

See "General Education Requirements" in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings. The course requirements marked below with an asterisk (*) may also be applied toward General Education.

Cultural Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See "Cultural Diversity" in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.

American Institutions Requirement: 6 units

See the "American Institutions Requirement" under "Bachelor's Degree Requirements." This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155. Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education.

Literacy Requirement:

See "Mathematics and Writing Requirements" in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or better to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or better before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 49-66 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option or advising pattern, are outlined following the degree core program requirements.

Major Core Program: 29 units

13 courses required:

MUSC 101 Theory I 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: Knowledge of the fundamentals of music and its notation to be determined by diagnostic exam. Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 103. Required for majors, recommended for minors: keyboard proficiency or concurrent enrollment in MUSC 105.
MUSC 102 Theory II 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 101 with a minimum grade of C-. Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 104. Required for majors, recommended for minors: keyboard proficiency or concurrent enrollment in MUSC 106.
MUSC 103 Aural Musicianship I 1.0 FA
Corequisites: MUSC 101.
MUSC 104 Aural Musicianship II 1.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 103 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisites: MUSC 102.
MUSC 105 Beginning Piano I 1.0 FA
Corequisites: MUSC 101.
MUSC 106 Beginning Piano II 1.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 105 with a minimum grade of C-, faculty permission. Corequisites: MUSC 102.
MUSC 108 Computer Lit for Musicians 1.0 FS
MUSC 201 Theory III 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: MUSC 102 with a minimum grade of C-.
MUSC 202 Theory IV 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 201 with a minimum grade of C-.
MUSC 203 Music History (Antiquity-1750) 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: MUSC 101.
MUSC 302 Music History (1750-1900) 3.0 SP WP
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
MUSC 303 Music Hist (1900-the Present) 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: MUSC 202, MUSC 302, and faculty permission.
MUSC 304 Music From a Global Perspec 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 102.

Major Option Course Requirements: 20-37 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.

The Option in General Music: 20 units

1 course selected from:

MUSC 291 American Music 3.0 FS *
MUSC 293 History of Jazz 3.0 SP
MUSC 294 History of Rock Music 3.0 FA
MUSC 296 African American Music 3.0 FS * Eth

This course is also offered as AFAM 296.

6 units selected from:

MUSC 176 Jazz Improvisation 1.0 FS
Prerequisites: A basic technique and facility on any band, orchestral, or show band instrument. Must be able to read music with some knowledge of scale-chord relationship.
MUSC 222 Fundamentals of Conducting 2.0 FA
MUSC 360 Studies Instrumentatn/Arrangng 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201.
MUSC 361 Composition I 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.
MUSC 463 Band Scoring 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.
MUSC 464 Jazz Arranging 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201, faculty permission.
MUSC 465 Songwriting 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201, faculty permission.

1 course selected from:

MUSC 109 Intro to Music Technology 3.0 FA
MUSC 309 Music Industry 3.0 FS WP
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

2 units selected from:

MUSC 110 Studio Instruction Appl Music 1.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Departmental permission by audition.
MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 112 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 113 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq
MUSC 310 Studio Instruction Appl Music 1.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Departmental permission by audition.
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 412 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 413 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq

6 units selected from:

Any Music (MUSC) course offerings except MUSC 190 selected in consultation with an advisor.

Studio instruction is available to students in the Option in General Music who can qualify by audition.

The Option in Music Composition: 36 units

11 courses required:

MUSC 109 Intro to Music Technology 3.0 FA
MUSC 241 Fundamentals of Digital Audio 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 109, faculty permission.
MUSC 266 Intermediate Piano 1.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 106 or faculty permission.
MUSC 316 Recital 1.0 FS
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 110, MUSC 310, or MUSC 462, faculty permission.
MUSC 342 Comp with Electronic Media I 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: MUSC 102, MUSC 109, MUSC 241, faculty permission.
MUSC 343 Comp with Electronic Media II 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 342 with a minimum grade of C-, faculty permission.
MUSC 360 Studies Instrumentatn/Arrangng 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201.
MUSC 361 Composition I 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.
MUSC 362 Composition II 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.
MUSC 461 Composition III 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.
MUSC 462 Composition IV 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.

4 units required:

MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 112 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 113 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 412 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 413 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq

Note: Pep Band is not acceptable for MUSC 111 and MUSC 411.

3 units selected from:

MUSC 110 Studio Instruction Appl Music 1.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Departmental permission by audition.
MUSC 222 Fundamentals of Conducting 2.0 FA
MUSC 267 Advanced Piano 1.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 266 or faculty permission.
MUSC 310 Studio Instruction Appl Music 1.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Departmental permission by audition.
MUSC 442 Comp with Electronic Media III 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 343 with a minimum grade of C-, faculty permission.
MUSC 463 Band Scoring 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.
MUSC 464 Jazz Arranging 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201, faculty permission.
MUSC 465 Songwriting 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201, faculty permission.

Note on MUSC 110 and MUSC 310: if Keyboard is your major instrument, select another applied area for study.

The Option in Music Education: 36-37 units

This option satisfies the requirements for the single subject credential in music.

6 units required:

At least 2 units must be at the 310 level.

MUSC 110 Studio Instruction Appl Music 1.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Departmental permission by audition.
MUSC 310 Studio Instruction Appl Music 1.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Departmental permission by audition.

MUSC 110 and MUSC 310 may be repeated for credit.

4 units selected from:

These courses may be repeated for credit. See No. 4 under "Special Music Requirements."

MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq

1 course selected from:

MUSC 112 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 412 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq

1 course selected from:

Select courses in consultation with the advisor in Music Education.

MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 112 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 113 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 412 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 413 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq

7 courses required:

MUSC 220 Foundations of Music Education 3.0 F1
Prerequisites: MUSC 101 or faculty permission.
MUSC 221 Elem General Music Methods 3.0 S2
Prerequisites: MUSC 220 or faculty permission.
MUSC 222 Fundamentals of Conducting 2.0 FA
MUSC 316 Recital 1.0 FS
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 110, MUSC 310, or MUSC 462, faculty permission.
MUSC 324 Middle/Jr High Voc Ensem Tech 2.0 S1
Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MUSC 202, MUSC 220, MUSC 221, and MUSC 222.
MUSC 325 School Instrumental Ensemble 2.0 F2
MUSC 420 Synthesis School Music Tech 2.0 SP
Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MUSC 221, MUSC 324, MUSC 325, MUSC 331, MUSC 332, MUSC 333, MUSC 334, MUSC 335, MUSC 336. Also, completion of or concurrent enrollment in MUSC 322 or MUSC 323, faculty permission.

5 courses selected from:

Select courses in consultation with the advisor in Music Education.

MUSC 331 Schl Instrmntl Tech: Woodwinds 1.0 F1
MUSC 332 School Instrmntl Tech: Brass 1.0 F2
MUSC 333 School Instrmntl Tech: Strings 1.0 S1
MUSC 334 Schl Instrmntl Tech: Percuss 1.0 S2
MUSC 335 Schl Instrmntl Tech:Class Inst 1.0 S2
MUSC 336 Schol Instrmntl Tech: Keyboard 1.0 FA

1 course selected from:

MUSC 322 Advanced Choral Conducting 2.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 222, faculty permission.
MUSC 323 Adv Instrumental Conducting 2.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 222, faculty permission.

1 course selected from:

MUSC 109 Intro to Music Technology 3.0 FA
MUSC 296 African American Music 3.0 FS * Eth

This course is also offered as AFAM 296.

MUSC 309 Music Industry 3.0 FS WP
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
MUSC 322 Advanced Choral Conducting 2.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 222, faculty permission.
MUSC 463 Band Scoring 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.
MUSC 464 Jazz Arranging 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201, faculty permission.

The Option in Performance: 30-32 units

8 units required:

At least 4 units must be at the 310 level.

MUSC 110 Studio Instruction Appl Music 1.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Departmental permission by audition.
MUSC 310 Studio Instruction Appl Music 1.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Departmental permission by audition.

MUSC 110 and MUSC 310 may be repeated for credit. See No. 4 under "Special Music Requirements."

2 courses required:

MUSC 316 Recital 1.0 FS
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 110, MUSC 310, or MUSC 462, faculty permission.
MUSC 416 Senior Recital 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 310, faculty permission.

Advising Pattern Course Requirements: 19-21 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required depending upon the advising pattern chosen. Students must select one of the following advising patterns for completion of the major course requirements.

To complete the Option in Performance, students choose one of the following patterns.

The Instrumental Pattern: 20 units

4 units selected from:

MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq

These courses may be repeated for credit.

2 units selected from:

MUSC 112 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 412 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq

These courses may be repeated for credit.

2 units selected from:

Select courses in consultation with the advisor in the Instrumental Pattern.

MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 112 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 113 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 412 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 413 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq

These courses may be repeated for credit.

1 course selected from:

MUSC 109 Intro to Music Technology 3.0 FA
MUSC 218 Introduction to MIDI 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 101 and faculty permission.
MUSC 309 Music Industry 3.0 FS WP
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
MUSC 353 Music/Arts Administration 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: MUSC 309 or faculty permission.

9 units selected from:

Select courses in consultation with the advisor in the Instrumental Pattern.

MUSC 176 Jazz Improvisation 1.0 FS
Prerequisites: A basic technique and facility on any band, orchestral, or show band instrument. Must be able to read music with some knowledge of scale-chord relationship.
MUSC 222 Fundamentals of Conducting 2.0 FA
MUSC 280 Introduction to Accompanying 1.0 FA
Prerequisites: Moderate piano and sight reading skills; audition or faculty permission required.
MUSC 291 American Music 3.0 FS *
MUSC 293 History of Jazz 3.0 SP
MUSC 296 African American Music 3.0 FS * Eth

This course is also offered as AFAM 296.

MUSC 317 Studio Class 1.0 FS
MUSC 360 Studies Instrumentatn/Arrangng 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201.
MUSC 370 Sem Mus Hist & Lit: Instrumtl 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
MUSC 463 Band Scoring 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 360, faculty permission.
MUSC 464 Jazz Arranging 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 201, faculty permission.

The Keyboard Pattern: 19-21 units

3 courses required:

MUSC 280 Introduction to Accompanying 1.0 FA
Prerequisites: Moderate piano and sight reading skills; audition or faculty permission required.
MUSC 380 Vocal Accompanying Repertoire 1.0 FA
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
MUSC 381 Adv Accompanying Techniques 1.0 SP
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

3 units selected from:

MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 112 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 113 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 412 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 413 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq

These courses may be repeated for credit. See No. 4 under "Special Music Requirements."

4 units required:

MUSC 317 Studio Class 1.0 FS

This course may be repeated for credit.

3 courses required:

MUSC 277 Keyboard Pedagogy I 2.0 FA
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
MUSC 310C Studio Instruction: Keyboard 1.0 FS
MUSC 371 Sem Mus Hist & Lit: Keyboard 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

1 course selected from:

MUSC 278 Keyboard Pedagogy II 2.0 SP
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
MUSC 383 Serv Playing Church Organist 2.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Studio instruction in organ or faculty permission.

1 course selected from:

Select courses in consultation with the advisor in the Keyboard Pattern.

MUSC 176 Jazz Improvisation 1.0 FS
Prerequisites: A basic technique and facility on any band, orchestral, or show band instrument. Must be able to read music with some knowledge of scale-chord relationship.
MUSC 218 Introduction to MIDI 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: MUSC 101 and faculty permission.
MUSC 309 Music Industry 3.0 FS WP
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
MUSC 377 Keyboard Pedagogy Project 2.0 FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
MUSC 383 Serv Playing Church Organist 2.0 Inq
Prerequisites: Studio instruction in organ or faculty permission.

The Vocal Pattern: 19-21 units

2 units selected from:

MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq

These courses may be repeated for credit. See No 4 under "Special Music Requirements."

2 units selected from:

MUSC 113 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq
MUSC 413 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq

These courses may be repeated for credit.

2 units selected from:

Select courses in consultation with the advisor in the Vocal Pattern.

MUSC 111 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 112 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 113 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq
MUSC 411 Large Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 412 Small Ensembles 1.0 Inq
MUSC 413 Vocal Performance 1.0 Inq

These courses may be repeated for credit.

4 courses required:

MUSC 372 Sem in Mus Hist & Lit: Vocal 3.0 FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
MUSC 373 Vocal Diction and Literature I 3.0 FA
Prerequisites: One or more semesters of studio instruction or faculty permission.
MUSC 374 Vocal Diction & Literature II 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: One or more semesters of studio instruction or faculty permission.
MUSC 375 Vocal Pedagogy 3.0 FS

1 course selected from:

Select courses in consultation with the advisor in the Vocal Pattern.

MUSC 222 Fundamentals of Conducting 2.0 FA
MUSC 280 Introduction to Accompanying 1.0 FA
Prerequisites: Moderate piano and sight reading skills; audition or faculty permission required.
MUSC 309 Music Industry 3.0 FS WP
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
MUSC 310C Studio Instruction: Keyboard 1.0 FS
MUSC 380 Vocal Accompanying Repertoire 1.0 FA
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

Students in the Vocal Pattern are strongly encouraged to take at least two semesters of French, Italian, or German.

Special Music Requirements:

1. Advising is required each semester for all Music students. 2. All entering Music majors, freshmen, and transfer students, must take the diagnostic examination in theory and ear training to determine placement. 3. Before gaining acceptance as a Music major, each student (including transfer students) must be interviewed and/or auditioned by an appropriate faculty committee. Consult with the Music Department office for details. A Music major wishing to change option or emphasis must also be interviewed and/or auditioned by an appropriate faculty committee. 4. Students must participate in at least one ensemble using their performing medium when enrolled in Studio Instruction. Ensembles are chosen in consultation with the option advisor. Substitutions may be made with departmental approval. Consult the option advisor or the Music Department office for details. 5. Before gaining admittance to upper-division status in Studio Instruction, students must demonstrate appropriate competence in their major performing medium before a faculty committee. Standards are available in the Music Department office.

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

For those courses taken for a letter grade, students must earn a grade of C- or better.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.