Requirements for the Degree
The BM Music Education (Pre-Certification) concentration is a program that provides the training necessary for teaching music in K-12 public or private schools in California, and is recommended for anyone planning a teaching career in music. The program consists of a core of basic music major requirements, plus specialized courses for prospective teachers of vocal, instrumental, jazz, and general music in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools.
To obtain a California teaching credential, students completing the degree must complete the single subject credential program offered by the School of Education, a post-baccalaureate program that typically takes one year to complete. The music education curriculum has been designated as an Approved Subject Matter Program by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Graduates of the program are deemed “subject matter competent,” allowing candidates for the credential program to obtain automatic access to any credential program in the state.
There are three (3) distinct tracks in the BM Music Education (Pre-Certification) program. The three tracks encompass a common core curriculum, and have additional specialized training courses.
Choral Track: a professional music degree focused on vocal performance and pedagogy, providing students with the comprehensive course of study necessary for teaching music K-12.
Instrumental Track: a professional music degree focused on instrumental performance and pedagogy, providing students with the comprehensive course of study necessary for teaching music K-12.
Instrumental Jazz Track: a professional music degree focused on instrumental jazz performance and pedagogy, providing students with the comprehensive course of study necessary for teaching music K-12.
Private Instruction, Juries and Ensemble Requirement
Students in the BM Music Education (Pre-Certification) degree program are required to enroll in private instruction on their major instrument or voice every semester in residence. Students must pass a juried performance at the end of each semester with a minimum score of 75%.
Students are required to enroll in a minimum of one (1) major ensemble every semester in residence. In addition:
- Choral Track majors must complete one (1) semester of an instrumental ensemble and one (1) semester of a musical theater ensemble.
- Instrumental Track majors must complete one (1) semester in a jazz ensemble and one (1) semester in a choral ensemble.
- Instrumental Jazz Track majors must complete one (1) semester of choral ensemble.
Refer to the “Ensemble Requirement” clause for a listing of appropriate ensembles for each degree track.
Capstone Experience
Students enrolled in the BM Music Education (Pre-Certification) degree program must complete a Senior Recital (MUS 491, 1 unit). The Senior Recital in this degree program comprises approximately 30 minutes of music. Information about Recitals is located under the “Current Students” tab on the Department website.
