Music, Music Education Concentration, BM

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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.

Concentration Requirements

Specialized Tracks

Choose one

Applied Skills - Instrumental Music Education Track: 10 Units

MUS 314 - Orchestration Unit(s): 2
MUS 403 - Instrumental Conducting and Methods Unit(s): 3
MUS 405 - Instrumental Methods and Repertoire Unit(s): 2
MUS 422 - Strings Methods II (Cello/Bass Unit(s): 1
MUS 423 - Woodwinds Methods II (Flute/Double Reeds Unit(s): 1
MUS 424 - Brass Methods II (Horn/Tuba Unit(s): 1

Applied Skills - Instrumental Jazz Music Education Track: 11 Units

MUS 289 - Jazz Improvisation II Unit(s): 3
MUS 389 - Jazz Improvisation III Unit(s): 3
MUS 403 - Instrumental Conducting and Methods Unit(s): 3
MUS 405 - Instrumental Methods and Repertoire Unit(s): 2

Applied Skills - Choral Music Education Track: 10 Units

MUS 315 - Diction - English/Italian Unit(s): 1-2
MUS 316 - Diction - French and German Unit(s): 1-2
MUS 313 - Choral Arranging Unit(s): 2
MUS 402 - Choral Conducting Unit(s): 3
MUS 404 - Choral Methods and Repertoire Unit(s): 2
MUS 448 - Choral and Vocal Accompanying Unit(s): 1-2

Performance Ensembles: 2 Units

Specific ensemble requirements for students majoring in the BM in Music Education concentration:

Instrumental Track Ensembles that qualify for the BM Music Education degree:

*Instrumental track majors must take 8 semesters of instrumental ensembles, 1 semester of choral ensemble, and 1 semester of jazz ensemble.

MUS 227 - Concert Band Unit(s): 1-2
MUS 326 - Guitar Ensemble Unit(s): 1-2
MUS 327 - Symphonic Wind Ensemble Unit(s): 1-2
MUS 328 - Symphony Orchestra Unit(s): 1-2

Choral Track Ensembles that qualify for the BM Music Education degree:

*Choral track majors must take 8 semesters of choral ensembles, 1 semester of instrumental ensemble, and 1 semester of jazz ensemble.

MUS 323 - Concert Choir Unit(s): 1-2
MUS 325 - Symphonic Chorus Unit(s): 1-2
MUS 330 - Musical Theatre Production Unit(s): 1-3
MUS 340 - Musical Theatre Scenes Workshop Unit(s): 1-3

Jazz Track Ensembles that qualify for the BM Music Education degree:

*Jazz Track majors must take 4 semesters of jazz ensembles, 4 semesters of classical ensembles from the Instrumental Track, and 1 semester of a choral ensemble.