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Bachelor of Arts in Music (120 units)

A non-performance-focused degree that sets music within the broader context of interdisciplinary studies, diversity, and contemporary thought. This degree has a basic music core, upper-division elective music units focused on popular, world, and film music as well as art music, an individualized track of non-music elective studies that focuses in at least two other disciplines (one major area and one or more minor areas), and a final research project culminating in a comprehensive senior paper/project that sets music within a context of historical, cultural, theoretical, or interdisciplinary studies, diversity issues, and contemporary thought. The project draws on an outside discipline from the student's coursework in Interdisciplinary and Cultural Studies.

An audition is required prior to admission to assess performance standard. All applicants to the program must meet with the BA advisor prior to, or at the beginning of, the first semester of residence to review the statement of purpose and to draw up an individualized study plan.

Requirements

Music Theory (15-16 units)

Take all of the following:

  • MUS 141A Musicianship I (2)
    Corequisite: MUS 142A.
  • MUS 141B Musicianship II (2)
    Prerequisite: MUS 141A or satisfactory score on theory placement test. Corequisite: MUS 142B.
  • MUS 142A Harmony I (3)
    Corequisite: MUS 141A.
  • MUS 142B Harmony II (3)
    Prerequisites: MUS 141A & MUS 142A or satisfactory score in theory placement test. Corequisite: MUS 141B.
  • MUS 341 Form and Analysis (3)
    Prerequisites: MUS 142B or consent of instructor.

Take one course from the following:

  • MUS 272A, 342

Music History/Literature (12 units)

Take all of the following:

  • MUS 190* Listener's Approach to Music (3)
    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ENGL 100 or GE Composition (Area A1) or another GE Foundation course.
  • MUS 290 Popular Music in America (3)
    Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirements.
  • MUS 490* Introduction to Music Cultures (3)
    Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirements.

*double-counts as GE

Take one course from the following:

  • MUS 160, MUS 360, MUS 374

Performance Ensembles (4 units)

Take 4 units of the following:

  • MUS 100, MUS 200 and/or MUS 300, MUS 400

(ensemble must meet Conservatory approval)

Applied Music (4 units)

Take 4 units of the following:

  • MUS 129

Complete Upper-Division Screening Exam (UDSE)

Piano Proficiency

Take the following:

  • Successful completion of the piano proficiency exam (equivalent to MUS 220B)

Music History Electives (9 units)

Take 9 units the following:

  • MUS 160, MUS 360, MUS 363, MUS 364 (if not taken in Music History 12-unit core), MUS 374, MUS 393, MUS 467, MUS 468, MUS 471 (repeatable to 6 units)

Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies (12 units, 6 upper division)

Take 6 units from one major discipline area and an additional 6 units in one or more areas. These areas can be, but are not limited to:

  • Anthropology; Africana Studies; Asian and Asian-American Studies; Comparative World Literature and Classics; Film Studies; Geography; History; International Studies; Journalism; Philosophy; Political Science; Religious Studies; Romance, German, Russian Languages; and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Final Exit Requirement (4 units)

  • MUS 496 Research Methods (3)
    (taken penultimate semester of graduation)
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

One of the following:

  • MUS 423C Music History Senior Thesis (1)
    Prerequisites: MUS 360, MUS 374, MUS 496 and consent of Director of Music History.
  • MUS 423D BA Senior Project (1)
    Prerequisites: MUS 496 and senior standing and consent of instructor.

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