The BA Liberal Arts Music degree program provides a broad basis from which a student may pursue graduate studies or a variety of careers. The concentration is a combination of work in theory, musicianship, music performance, general education courses and elective options. It is ideal for the student who is considering graduate work in music or for one who simply wants a strong foundation in the materials of music. The Bachelor of Arts in Music, Liberal Arts Concentration allows true breadth in the degree and the opportunity to pursue a minor or second major.
Preparatory Courses
Preparatory courses in music theory and piano keyboard skills are offered to students as an option to meet the minimum requirements for the theory and musicianship curriculum. These courses count as elective units toward the degree, but are challengeable by exam. Students who do not take these courses replace the units with additional university elective units.
Performing Ensembles, Private Instruction, Juries, Repertory Class, Options
Students in the BA Liberal Arts Music degree program are required to enroll in performing ensembles on their major instrument/voice every semester for a minimum of seven (7) semesters. A variety of major and minor ensembles are encouraged. Students may participate in additional ensembles, which are counted as elective units.
Students can opt to take up to eight (8) semesters of private instruction, which may be counted as elective units. Students taking lessons are required to pass a juried performance demonstration at the end of each semester with a minimum score of 65%.
Students may opt to take a Repertory Class (Vocal, Instrumental, Jazz) in conjunction with their private lessons.
Music Elective Options
Students are required to take six (6) units of music electives that are not performance-oriented courses. There are a variety of options to choose from.
In addition to the required electives, students may take an additional 8 to 10 units in music, including private lessons, additional ensembles, and repertory classes, as part of the general elective units. Preparatory courses in theory and keyboard skills may be counted as general elective units.
Capstone Experience
Students enrolled in the BA Liberal Arts Music degree program must complete a Senior Project (MUS 490, 2 units). The range of possible projects is fairly broad. Individual or group projects involving research, performance, analysis, theory, and other possibilities that bring together unique skills and proficiencies developed by the student may be considered. Because of the unique nature of each project, your Program Director and/or Advisor will communicate the appropriate procedure for evaluation.
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