Music

Department Office
Green Music Center 2040
(707) 664-2324
music.sonoma.edu

Department Chair
R. Anderson Collinsworth

For faculty information, please see Faculty or the faculty webpage

A commitment to active involvement stands at the heart of the music curriculum. Students are involved in many ways—as listeners, performers, composers, critics, or historians. Intelligent and lively participation informs every facet of the department’s various degree programs.

The core curriculum for music majors provides a thorough foundation in such essential skills as keyboard facility, theoretical understanding, aural perception, and analysis of a wide range of music literature. All majors gain experience with both the intuitive and the intellectual processes of the art. The curriculum is designed to place the specialized study of music to provide a foundation for a multitude of careers in music.

The Music Department has been a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1972.

Entrance Auditions

Entrance into the major is by audition. In order to be accepted as a music major, one must be admitted to the University and must also successfully complete a Music Department audition.

The Department of Music requires all prospective music majors to complete an audition on their major instrument/voice. Prospective students are encouraged to complete a live audition on campus. Alternative audition modes are accepted, via Zoom and by prerecorded audition (e.g., YouTube link or Google Drive). Audition information, requirements and procedures are located in the “Prospectives Students” tab on the Music Department homepage. To schedule an audition, applicants should submit an Audition Application Form, found on the department website.

Classical instumentalists and vocalists are required to perform two pieces in contrasting styles that demonstrate accurate rhythms, pitch control, and interpretive awareness. In addition, instrumentalists should prepare two majore scales and one minor scale in all three forms: natural, harmonic, and melodic. Accompaniment is optional. Time limit is 10 minutes.

Applicants to jazz programs are required to perform two tunes in contrasting style with an Aebersold-type play-along accompaniment track. Jazz Drummers must demonstrate various styles, including medium and up-tempo swing, Jazz, waltz and 3 or 4 different Latin and/or contemporary rhythms. Jazz drummers may also submit a tape of a band in which they are featured.

Applicants to the B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) program should submit a one-page statement communicating why they wish to teach.

Applicants to the B.M. Composition program must complete an audition on the major instrument/voice and submit two notated scores and recordings of their original work.

Applicants with a music theatre background are encouraged to submit a video recording of themselves performing (singing and acting) in a musical (YouTube link or Google Drive).

Applicants may audition on more than one instrument/voice or musical style.

Recorded auditions may be uploaded as a link within the Audition request Form, or mailed as a DVD to the Department. Send recorded auditions, along with a cover letter to:

Music Department (Audition Materials)
Sonoma State University
1801 E. Cotati Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928

Scholarships

All auditionees are automatically considered for a variety of Music Department Scholarships. Scholarship audition information is available on the department website.

Music Use Fee

A nonrefundable fee of $25 per semester is charged for use of Music Department facilities and equipment. University-owned instruments are available free of charge to students in need.

Advising

All students will be assigned a faculty advisor upon admittance, and are expected to consult with their advisor prior to registering each semester.

Lower-Division Program

The core of the lower-division program for music majors is a sequence of courses in musicianship, theory, and music literature. This sequence is a comprehensive approach to musicianship in its broadest sense. It includes sight-singing, dictation, counterpoint, harmony, and historic and stylistic considerations as they relate to the development of aural and written skills. Materials and sol-fa techniques from a variety of musical styles are used.

A minimum grade of C- is required in the following lower-division music courses:

MUS 106 Theory Fundamentals
MUS 109 Intensive Keyboard I
MUS 209 Intensive Keyboard II
MUS 110 Theory I
MUS 210 Theory II
MUS 120 Musicianship I
MUS 220 Musicianship II
MUS 212 Jazz Harmony I
MUS 351 Hist of Western Music 1750-present (WIC course)
MUS 160 A/B
MUS 292 Jazz Piano
MUS 309A Keyboard Proficiency
MUS 133-143 Private Instruction
MUS 147 Private Instruction

Freshman music majors are required to enroll in MUS 160A /MUS 160B First-Year Learning Community, a yearlong sequential course in music that satisfies GE Areas A3 and C2.

Lower-division students are allowed to enroll in 300-level music ensembles.

Upper-Division Program

The upper-division program is designed to integrate studies of theory, musicianship, keyboard and aural skills, music history and analysis. Students who wish to specialize in music education, performance or jazz studies take required courses that develop skills specific to these areas.

MUS 310 - Theory III: Form and Analysis and MUS 410 - Theory IV: 20th Century Techniques must be taken in residence.

Proficiency Expectations

Basic performance skills and the ability to read standard music notation are prerequisites for the music major. First-year and transfer students will be given a placement examination in music theory during the audition process to determine eligibility for the core theory and musicianship courses. The Department offers preparatory courses in music theory and basic piano keyboard skills for students who need fundamental development. These courses do not count toward the major.

MUS 106 - Fundamentals of Music Theory
MUS 109 - Intensive Keyboard Lab I
MUS 209 - Intensive Keyboard Lab II

Students in all degree programs must demonstrate basic keyboard proficiency, either through performance or by successfully completing one of the following course sequences:

MUS 309A /MUS 309B - Keyboard Proficiency
MUS 292/MUS 392 - Jazz Piano I & II (required for jazz degree programs)

Basic keyboard proficiency is a prerequisite for enrollment in MUS - 110 Theory I: Diatonicism.

MUS - 320 Musicianship III is a requirement for many upper-division courses.

B.M. Jazz Studies majors, whether continuing or transfer students, must complete the following courses in residence:

MUS 312 - Jazz Harmony and Arranging II
MUS 412 - Jazz Composition
MUS 389 - Jazz Improvisation III
MUS 489 - Jazz Improvisation IV
MUS 392 - Jazz Piano II
MUS 420 - Musicianship IV

In addition, Jazz Studies majors must participate in at least one semester of Jazz Orchestra.

Ensemble Requirement

The Music Department regards continuous experience in active music-making to be an essential part of college music study. The Department offers a variety of large ensembles and chamber ensembles in vocal and instrumental music. Students in the BM and BA degree programs must:

declare a major instrument or voice upon entering their program of study.
enroll in at least one major ensemble specific to their degree program, each semester in residence. Students may participate in additional ensembles each semester.

Depending on the degree program, each concentration has its own unique ensemble requirements. The following information specifies the ensembles necessary to fulfill the ensemble requirement for each degree program, by concentration.

B.A. Liberal Arts Music

The B.A. Liberal Arts Music degree program requires 7 semesters of ensembles. For transfers, each semester in residence. Students may choose between a variety of major ensembles and chamber/minor ensembles.

B.M. Composition

The B.M. Composition degree program requires a minimum of 8 units in major performing ensembles on their declared instrument or voice. For transfers, each semester in residence.

B.M. Jazz Studies

The B.M. Jazz Studies degree program requires a minimum of 8 units of a major jazz ensemble. For transfers, each semester in residence. Ensemble placements are determined through audition, at the discretion of the Director of Jazz Studies. The major performing ensembles for the B.M. Jazz Studies degree program are:

MUS 379 - Latin Jazz Band
MUS 390 - Jazz Orchestra
MUS 391 - Concert Jazz Ensemble

B.M. Jazz Studies majors must participate in a minimum of one (1) semester of MUS 390 Jazz Orchestra. In addition to Jazz Studies majors must complete one (1) semester in an instrumental ensemble and one (1) semester in a choral ensemble.

Ensemble Requirements for B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Choral Track

B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Choral Track degree program requires a minimum of 8 units of a major choral ensemble. For transfers, each semester in residence.

The major performing ensembles for B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Choral Track degree program are:

MUS 323 - Concert Choir
MUS 325 - Symphonic Chorus

In addition to the major ensemble requirement, B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Choral Track majors must complete a minimum of one (1) semester in an instrumental ensemble and one (1) semester in a music theater ensemble.

Ensemble Requirements for B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Instrumental Track

The B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Instrumental Track degree program requires a minimum of 8 units of a major instrumental ensemble. For transfers, each semester in residence.

The major performing ensembles for B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Instrumental Track program are:

MUS 227 - Concert Band (Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion)
MUS 326 - Guitar Ensemble (required for Guitar majors)
MUS 327 - Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion)
MUS 328 - Symphony Orchestra (required for Strings)

In addition to the major ensemble requirement, B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Instrumental Track majors must complete a minimum of one (1) semester in a choral ensemble and one (1) semester in a jazz ensemble.

Ensemble Requirements for B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Jazz Track

The B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Jazz Track degree program requires four (4) major jazz ensembles and four (4) major instrumental ensembles. For transfers, two (2) semesters of each.

The major jazz ensembles for B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Jazz Track are:

MUS 379 - Latin Jazz Band
MUS 390 - Jazz Orchestra
MUS 391 - Concert Jazz Ensemble

The major instrumental ensembles for B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) Jazz Track are:

MUS 227 - Concert Band
MUS 326 - Guitar Ensemble (Guitar majors only)
MUS 327 - Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUS 328 - Symphony Orchestra

In addition to the major ensemble requirement, BM Music Education (Pre-Certification) Jazz Track majors must complete one (1) semester in a choral ensemble.

Ensemble Requirements for B.M. Performance (Instrumental)

The B.M. Instrumental Performance degree program requires 12 units of a major ensemble and 4 units of chamber music or minor ensembles. The major performing ensembles for B.M. Instrumental Performance programs are:

MUS 227 - Concert Band (Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion)
MUS 326 - Guitar Ensemble (required for Guitar majors)
MUS 327 - Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion)
MUS 328 - Symphony Orchestra (required for Strings)

The minor performing ensembles for the B.M. Instrumental Performance degree program are:

MUS 329 - Chamber Music Ensemble
MUS 377 - Brass Ensemble
MUS 378 - Percussion Ensemble

The major ensembles for Pianists will be determined in consultation with the department chair and the area coordinator and must include at least four semesters of MUS - 329 Chamber Music Ensemble.

In addition to the major ensemble requirement, B.M. Instrumental Performance majors must complete a minimum of one (1) semester in a choral ensemble.

Ensemble Requirements for B.M. Performance (Vocal)

B.M. Vocal Performance majors are required to be in a major choral and music theater ensemble, each semester in residence. The major performing ensembles for BM Vocal Performance degree program are:

MUS 323 - Concert Choir
MUS 325 - Symphonic Chorus
MUS 330 - Musical Theatre Production
MUS 340 - Musical Theatre Scenes Workshop

In addition to the major ensemble requirement, B.M. Vocal Performance majors must complete a minimum of one (1) semester in an instrumental ensemble.

Private Instruction

The department provides 60-minute private lessons for students in B.M. programs and 45-minute lessons for students in B.A. programs.

The B.M. Performance, B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification, all tracks) and B.M. Jazz Studies degree programs require eight (8) semesters of the appropriate private instruction course on a declared instrument or voice. For transfers, private instruction is taken each semester in residence.

The B.M. Composition degree program requires six (6) semesters of private instruction course on a declared instrument or voice and six (6) semesters of private instruction in Composition. For transfers, private instruction is taken each semester in residence.

Private instruction is optional in the B.A. Liberal Arts, Music program. Students may take private instruction up to eight (8) semesters, which are counted as elective units.

Repertory Classes and Forums

The B.M. Performance and B.M. Jazz Studies degree programs require students to enroll in eight (8) semesters of the appropriate Repertory Class (Instrumental/Vocal) or Jazz Forum. For transfers, each semester in residence.

The B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification, all tracks) degree program requires students to enroll in four (4) semesters of the appropriate Repertory Class or Jazz Forum. For transfers, each semester in residence. Students may enroll in additional semesters of Repertory Class or Jazz Forum.

The B.M. Composition degree program requires students to enroll in six (6) semesters of the appropriate Repertory Class or Jazz Forum, and one (1) semester of MUS 425 Composition Seminar.

MUS 151/MUS 451 - Instrumental Repertory Class (Instrumentalists)
MUS 151/MUS 451 - Vocal Repertory Class (Vocalists)
MUS 426 - Jazz Forum (Jazz musicians)

Juries

Music majors enrolled in Private Instruction courses are required to pass a juried performance that is adjudicated by the Music Department faculty. The jury is intended to monitor the student’s applied progress, and to determine continuation in the program. Repertoire for the jury is selected by the student in consultation with Applied Faculty and Program Director.

Adjudicators assess the performer’s musicality, technique, interpretation, and professionalism. Expectations are based on each student’s level in the program. The minimum passing score for students in any Bachelor of Music degree program is 75%. The minimum passing score for students in the Bachelor of Arts degree program is 65%. The jury grade constitutes 25% of the student’s private lesson grade.

Probation

Students who fall below jury performance level expectations (below 75% for B.M.; below 65% for B.A.) are placed on probationary status the following semester. At the end of the probationary semester, the student must register for two jury slots: one to successfully remediate all deficient material assigned from the previous semester, and another to pass assigned material for the current semester. At the discretion of the faculty, a student on probation may be ineligible for state-supported lessons, and may be required to remediate deficiencies at their own expense.

Continuation Jury

If at the end of the sophomore year a student has failed two or more consecutive juries the student can be dismissed or reassigned from the music major degree program. Bachelor of Music students can become Bachelor of Arts students. Bachelor of Arts students can become Music Minors.

Sophomore Assessment

Sophomore music majors in all degree programs are required to submit a Sophomore Self-Assessment Form during the second semester of the sophomore year, in which they articulate their progress during the first two years in the program. The assessment form, grades, jury scores and overall degree progress are reviewed by the Music Department faculty as a means of determining continuation in the program.

Capstone Experience

Students enrolled in the B.M. Performance (Instrumental and Vocal concentrations) degree must complete a Junior Recital and a Senior Recital (MUS 491, 3 units). The Junior Recital comprises approximately 30 minutes of music. The Senior Recital comprises approximately 55 minutes of music. Information about Recitals is located under the “Current Students” tab on the Department website.

Students enrolled in the B.M. Music Education (Pre-Certification) degree program must complete a Senior Recital (MUS 491, 1 unit), comprised of approximately 35 minutes of music.

Students enrolled in the B.M. Jazz Studies must complete a Junior Recital and a Senior Project (MUS 490, 2 units), which is a recital performance unless otherwise determined by the Director of Jazz Studies.

Students enrolled in the B.M. Composition degree program are required to complete a Senior Project (MUS 490, 2 units). The main component of the Senior Project in Composition is the creation of original music, its format is determined by the student’s particular compositional interests and in consultation with the student’s composition instructor.

Students enrolled in the B.A. Liberal Arts, Music degree program are required to complete a Senior Project (MUS 490, 2 units). The project may take the form of directed research leading to a lecture-demonstration, a recital, an extended composition, a student-instructed course, the preparation of a performing edition, or another project of substantial effort.