Master of Music in Commercial Music
The Commercial Music option is designed for students who wish to acquire the requisite skills for writing, arranging and performing in the commercial music business. The curriculum is designed to provide basic background in a variety of additional skills, including recording, calligraphy and composition, and performance on electronic instruments. Two tracks are offered in the Commercial Music option; Track 1 is Composition and Arranging and Track 2 is Performance.
Admission to the Program
In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must have a baccalaureate in music from an accredited college or university. Applicants for the Commercial Music options must either present an audition of appropriate material or present a portfolio of compositions or arrangements for consideration by the Jazz Studies/ Commercial Music area. 5-7 audio and written examples of work demonstrating a candidate’s abilities in Commercial Music are suggested as appropriate audition materials. If accepted into the program, a commercial/jazz harmony and orchestration and arranging placement test will be given.
Requirements for acceptance into the MM Commercial music program:
Demonstration in an audition portfolio of abilities and experience in commercial music as a composer/arranger or as an instrumentalist/vocalist (CDs, videos, scores, and lead sheets)
Pre requisites for MM Commercial Music with Bachelor’s degree in music:
-Basic knowledge of Digital Performer sequencing as demonstrated in audition portfolio or Mus 469 (Techniques of Electronic Music)
-Complete knowledge of jazz/commercial harmony as demonstrated in placement test or -Mus 366 (Elements of Jazz Harmony)
-Competency in orchestration and arranging as demonstrated in placement test or Mus 362 (Orchestration and Arranging and/or Mus 462 (Advanced Orchestration and Arranging)
-Experience in chart arranging for rock and jazz as demonstrated in audition portfolio or Mus 466A (Jazz Arranging: Beginning) and/or Mus 466B (Jazz Arranging: Advanced)
-Basic competency at rock/pop/jazz piano or guitar as demonstrated in audition portfolio or MUS 367ABC
Pre requisites for MM Commercial Music without a Bachelor’s degree in music:
All of the above as well as Prerequisites outlined in the Graduate Student Handbook
Requirements for the Degree
A total of 45 units is required for the individual options, including at least 23 units in 500-level music courses. A comprehensive examination (MUS 596) is required at the conclusion of the program. A project in the form of a composition, conducting recital, solo recital, lecture recital, or chamber music recital (candidate must play a primary role) is required at the end of each program (MUS 599).
MUS 596 Comprehensive Examination (0)
Students may take the comprehensive examination no earlier than the quarter in which all course work is completed. Students must make arrangements for the comprehensive examination at least one quarter in advance. Students are urged to consult the Department of Music for information on additional procedures.
MUS 599 Thesis or Project (4)
Students are encouraged to request a project director from their area early in their program of study to ensure that progress toward the final project is accomplished in a timely manner. Students should consult the Department of Music for information on procedures and required deadlines.
Tracks:
I. Composing and Arranging Major
II. Performance Major
Classes offered:
A. REQUIRED CORE: (10 units)
MUS 497 Research Techniques in Music (2)
MUS 530C Popular Music Style Analysis (4)
MUS 596 Comprehensive Examination (0)
MUS 599 Project (4)
B. REQUIRED COURSES: OPTION II (24 units)
MUS 545 The Business of Music (3)
MUS 488 Music Technology IV (3)
MUS 559 History and Literature of Popular Music (4)
MUS 547A Advanced Orchestration and Arranging for Contemporary Media (4)
Choose 10 units from the following:
MUS 432 Computer Notation (2)
MUS 481 Instrumental Conducting (3)
MUS 484 Songwriting (3)
MUS 486 Recording Techniques (2)
MUS 546 Commercial Music: Seminar (4)
MUS 582 Music
Technology V (3)
MUS 598 Graduate Directed Study (1-4)
C. TRACK I REQUIREMENTS (11 units)
MUS 467 Music Composition for TV and Film (3)
MUS 547B Advanced Orch. And Arr. For Contemporary Media (4)
MUS 592 Advanced Songwriting, Film Scoring and Production (4)
TRACK II REQUIREMENTS (11 units)
MUS 519, 535 or 549 Applied Music (2, 2, 2)
Ensemble (5 units): Select from MUS 421 - 429
D. GWAR (0 units)
PDF version available here.
Please visit the CSULA catalog for further class information.
Music Studios
There are three music studios available only to students of the Commercial Music program that must be reserved via the Arts and Letters Help Desk. Click on a lab to see its current schedule:
To view the complete schedules of open lab and studio times in the College of Arts & Letters please visit here.
