Commercial Music Emphasis
The Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Commercial Music prepares students for careers in both the Christian and secular commercial music industry. Coursework maintains a real-world point of view, reflective of faculty who are primarily working professionals in the field of commercial music. This program seeks to produce versatile, prepared musicians who are able to teach themselves new skills and practices in an ever-changing commercial music industry.
As part of the emphasis requirements below, students select from one of five tracks:
- Audio Recording Track
- Commercial Instrumental Track
- Commercial Vocal Track
- Composing and Arranging Track
- Music Business Track
Requirements
All students selecting a commercial music emphasis must complete the music major (B.M.) course requirements, emphasis course and ensemble requirements (below), and requirements for their desired program track.
Students also have additional requirements to complete within the School of Music, including recital attendance and performance.
Courses
Course Legend:
F = Offered every fall, S = Offered every spring
Fr = Freshman, So = Sophomore, Jr = Junior, Sr = Senior
| Commercial Music Emphasis | 35–40 units | |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Music Core Requirements | 22 units | |
|---|---|---|
MUS 223 Web-Based Tools | 3 | |
MUS 323 Arranging I | 3 | |
MUS 324 Songwriting | 2 | |
MUS 326 Live Sound Reinforcement | 2 | |
MUS 327 Audio Recording I | 2 | |
MUS 337 Music Business I | 2 | |
MUS 474 Music Career Development | 2 | |
MUS 491 Senior Recital | 2 | |
MUS 494 Commercial Music Internship | 2 | |
MUS 495 Production Techniques | 2 | |
| Program Track Requirements | 13–18 units | |
|---|---|---|
| All Commercial Music emphasis students must complete the core requirements as well as the requirements for one of the tracks: | ||
Performance Ensembles
In each of eight semesters as a music major, a student must meet the designated performance requirements as listed by emphasis (see chart below). Transfer students must participate each semester until they graduate or accumulate eight semesters. Membership in multiple ensembles in a given semester counts as only one semester toward the ensemble requirement.
All ensembles listed require audition except Oratorio Choir.
| Required Ensemble | Remaining Semesters’ Ensemble Choices | |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar and Electric Bass | Oratorio Choir (1 yr.) | One year in each at least two different groups is required.
|
| Percussion | Oratorio Choir (1 yr.) | One year in each at least two different groups is required.
|
| Piano | Oratorio Choir (1 yr.) | One year in each at least two different groups is required.
|
| Strings | Symphony Orchestra (4 yrs.) | N/A |
| Vocal |
|
|
| Winds |
|
N/A |
*Ensemble accompanists are assigned by the director of piano studies.
*Meets a General Studies core (or elective) requirement.
**Meets a General Studies elective requirement.
***Meets the Upper-division Writing Intensive requirement.
^Not required for B.M. in Commercial Music
^^12 units (minimum 8 in one area) required for B.M. in Commercial Music
^^^Waived for B.M. in Commercial Music, Vocal Performance Track
+Commercial music electives include all courses listed in the tracks not selected by the student as their primary track. Also included are MUS 321 Counterpoint and MUS 422 20th Century Compositional Techniques.
++Music Business Track students may also select electives that include BUSI 100 Personal Finance, BUSI 210 Principles of Organization and Management, and ECON 251 Principles of Microeconomics.
