Undergraduate degree programs in music provide students with a broad foundation in music theory and history that is grounded in perspectives of culture, place and era. Competence in artistic performance is strongly valued and is contextualized to the area of emphasis that each student pursues. Undergraduate degree programs also emphasize preparation for successful graduate study for students who wish to pursue higher education beyond the baccalaureate degree.
There are two types of undergraduate degree programs offered at CalStateLA. The Bachelor of Arts degree program and the Bachelor of Music degree program.
The Bachelor of Arts degree serves the needs of students whose primary interests are music theory, history and literature, or those who wish to pursue a liberal arts education with an emphasis in music. The degree also allows students to pursue individual interests in music to prepare them for careers in music or music-related careers.
The Bachelor of Music degree is a rigorous curriculum for students who wish to prepare for a specific professional career in music or for those who wish to reach a professional caliber of music attainment. Within the Bachelor of Music degree program, students may pursue specialized study in vocal, instrumental, or keyboard performance; composition; jazz studies; and music education (credential preparation).
Students who wish to enroll as an undergraduate music major in the Department of Music are required to perform an audition before a faculty panel upon entrance to a degree program Students may audition in voice, piano or on another instrument that is taught in the department of music.
Bachelor of Arts degree students are expected to demonstrate evidence of previous music study sufficient for success in a university music program in order to enroll in individual studio lessons.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree must demonstrate significant technical and artistic accomplishment in at least one area of vocal or instrumental performance before being admitted to this professional degree program.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Music major may apply either before or after enrolling in the Department of Music at California State University, Los Angeles.
All new undergraduate music majors are required to take placement examinations in music theory and keyboard skills. These examinations are used to advise students into the appropriate courses to ensure success in the degree programs.
To complete a degree in music, students are required to develop their performance ability and to appear in at least one student solo or ensemble recital or concert each year. All music majors enrolled in individual studio lessons must periodically demonstrate progress in the study of their major performance medium (instrument or voice) before a faculty jury.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
The Bachelor of Arts degree is the appropriate choice for those students seeking a broad education in music. The core curriculum stresses theory, history and literature, and performance of music. Remaining study in the degree allows students to choose coursework that will prepare them for careers in music or careers that would benefit from a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in music.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Major
The total number of quarter units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music is 180 units, of which 84 units are in the major. Consult with an the appropriate undergraduate advisor for the specific number of units required in each segment of the degree including GE and free electives. A BA Senior Recital or Senior Project is required for graduation.
Bachelor of Music Degree
The Bachelor of Music degree curriculum provides professional preparation for students seeking careers in music education, performance, composition or jazz studies. Students desiring entrance into this degree program should review the specific entrance procedures for each degree option listed below. Students accepted into a degree program are assigned a faculty adviser to assist them in planning course work.
Each option within this degree has been carefully structured to provide an education that encompasses the artistic and functional needs of the aspiring music professional. Within each of the degree options are opportunities for study to meet individual needs and interests.
In the core music program, lower division courses emphasize music theory, literature and applied studies, while upper division courses explore advanced concepts in theory, music history, performance and specific career preparation in the chosen degree option. The Music Education degree option is offered for those who wish to pursue the complete a California Single Subject Credential in Music. All degree options except Music Education include the required performance of a junior recital. All options include the required performance of a senior recital and required participation in performing ensembles concurrent with applied music instruction.
The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Music degree in Music is 189 quarter units, of which 106-108 units are in the major depending on the option selected. Consult with the appropriate undergraduate advisor for specific units required in each of the degree segments, including GE and free electives.
Bachelor of Music Degree Program Entrance Requirements
Option I - Composition
Students are only admitted to the composition degree option when they demonstrate significant professional promise as a composer. All students desiring entrance into the Composition option must submit a portfolio of compositions for consideration by the theory/composition area faculty. This must occur prior to enrolling in upper division music courses.
Option II - Jazz Studies
Each student seeking entrance into the Jazz Studies option must gain acceptance into the program through audition by faculty in both jazz studies and the student’s major instrument or voice applied music area of study.
Option III - Vocal Performance
Option IV - Instrumental Performance
Option V - Keyboard Performance
All students seeking entrance into the Performance options must be accepted by audition before the appropriate area faculty. This normally occurs prior to commencing music studies at the University, but may occur at any time prior to enrollment in upper division music courses.
Option VI - Music Education
All students seeking entrance into the Music Education program must submit two letters of recommendation, in addition to their acceptance by audition into an applied music studio.
Option VII – Commercial Music
All students seeking entrance into the commercial music program must present audio and written examples of songs and/or compositions and/or arrangements that demonstrate their abilities in commercial music for consideration to the commercial music faculty.
Three study tracks are offered in this option:
Track I: Performance
Track II: Composition and Arranging
Track III: Music Technology
Audition portfolios for commercial music should address one or more of these tracks.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Major (106-108 units)
Depending on the option selected, a total of 189 are required for the degree of which 106 - 108 are in the major: 58 units in the required core program and 48 - 50 units in one of the six options. For Options I - V a 30-minute junior recital and a 50-minute senior recital are required for graduation. For Option VI a 50 minute senior recital is required for graduation.
The Department of Music Undergraduate Handbook contains descriptions of coursework in degree programs, academic policies and regulations, and other information that is important to all music majors.