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Composition Emphasis

Designed for students planning careers in composition, the Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Composition offers excellent preparation for graduate study or work as a professional composer. The program helps students discover a distinctive voice as they develop a portfolio of compositions. In addition to composition, courses in theory, music history, literature, conducting, and technology give students a thorough preparation in comprehensive musicianship.

Admission to the program is by audition and submission of previous compositions. Students with minimal compositional experience may be admitted at the discretion of the composition faculty, provided they show promise and strong general musicianship in other ways.

Requirements

All students selecting a composition emphasis must complete the music major (B.M.) course requirements, and emphasis course and ensemble requirements (below).

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

Composition Emphasis33–34 units
Additional Composition Core Requirements6 units
MUS 321
Counterpoint		3
MUS 423
Orchestration I		3
Composition Courses27–28 units
MUS 1C1
Applied Composition Class 		1–4
MUS 1C2
Applied Composition Class 		1–4
MUS 2C1
Applied Composition		1–4
MUS 2C2
Applied Composition		1–4
MUS 3C1
Applied Composition		1–4
MUS 3C2
Applied Composition		1–4
MUS 4C1
Applied Composition		1–4
MUS 4C2
Applied Composition 		1–4
MUS 349
Intermediate Logic Pro		3
MUS 422
20th Century Composition Techniques		2
MUS 481
Orchestration II 		3
MUS 491
Senior Recital		2
MUS 323
Arranging I		3
- or -
MUS 427
Form and Analysis		2

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.

Students are required to attend 14 School of Music-sponsored, on-campus recitals and concerts per year, 2 of which must be chosen from the Artist Concert Series recitals.

  Required Ensemble Remaining Semesters’ Ensemble Choices
Brass, Strings, Winds and Percussion Select 4 years from:
  • Oratorio Choir
  • Symphonic Band
  • Symphony Orchestra
  • Wind Ensemble
 N/A
Piano, Guitar, and Electric Bass Oratorio Choir (2 yrs.)
Select 1 year of ensemble registration from:
  • Symphonic Band
  • Symphony Orchestra
  • Wind Ensemble
 Select remaining ensemble registration from:
  • Chamber Singers
  • Ensemble Accompanist*
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Oratorio Choir
  • Symphonic Band
  • Symphony Orchestra
  • Wind Ensemble Vocal
Vocal Oratorio Choir (2 yrs.)
  • Bel Canto Women’s Choir^^
  • Chamber Singers
  • Gospel Choir^^
  • Men’s Chorale^^
  • Oratorio Choir
  • University Choir/Orchestra^^

*Ensemble accompanists are assigned by the director of piano studies.
^^Maximum one year of credit in these ensembles

*Meets a General Studies core (or elective) requirement.
**Meets a General Studies elective requirement.
***Meets the Upper-division Writing Intensive requirement.

Note: This information is current for the 2012–13 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.