Bachelor of Music in Composition

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Bachelor of Music in theory/composition is intended for students whose primary interest is in music theory or composition, and for those who intend to pursue graduate work in music theory or composition.

Music Theory/Composition Core

Select Either Credits: 2-3

MUS 104 - Introduction to Musical Studies Credits: (3)
For entering students with fewer than 45 transfer quarter credits (not counting Running Start credits)
OR
MUS 304 - Introduction to Musical Studies for Transfer Students Credits: (2)
For transfer students with 45 or more quarter credits (not including Running Start credits)

Ensemble Credits: 18

Large Ensembles Credits (10-12)

Chamber Ensembles Credits (6-8)

Only the following are designated as Large Ensembles: MUS 267-467 (Choir), MUS 268-468 (Chamber Choir), MUS 266-466 (Wind Ensemble), MUS 277-477 (Orchestra), MUS 287-487 (Marching and Concert Band-fall quarter only) and MUS 288-488 (Symphonic Band). Note: All ensemble courses have 200 level and 400 level numbers. The 200 level numbers are used by freshmen and sophomores, the 400 level numbers by juniors and seniors.

Applied Music Credits: 19

Major Applied (16)

MUS 164 - Major Applied Area (Individual Instruction) Credits: (1, 2, or 4)
MUS 264 - Major Applied Area (Individual Instruction) Credits: (1, 2, or 4)
Credits / Units: 4
MUS 364 - Major-applied Area (Individual Instruction) Credits: (1,2, or 4)
Credits / Units: 4

Secondary Applied (3)

MUS 171A - Secondary Applied Area Piano Credits: (1)
If piano is major applied area, select another applied area for study.
Credits / Units: 3

Conducting (6)

MUS 341 - Conducting I Credits: (3)
MUS 342 - Conducting II Credits: (3)

Music Theory Credits: 30

First Year Theory (9)

Students enrolled in the first-year theory sequence (MUS 144, 145, 146) must have passed or be currently enrolled in the corresponding Class piano course (MUS 154A). A waiver of this requirement can be obtained by demonstrating keyboard skills to any piano faculty member.

MUS 144 - First-year Theory Credits: (3)
MUS 145 - First-year Theory Credits: (3)
MUS 146 - First-year Theory Credits: (3)

Orchestration/Arranging/Voicing Credits: 10

MUS 255 - Keyboard Harmony and Improvisation Credits: (1)
MUS 422A - Orchestration Credits: (3)
MUS 485 - Choral Arranging Credits: (3)
MUS 486 - Jazz Band Arranging Credits: (3)

Music Composition (24)

Audition requirement: submit 2 or 3 short contrasting compositions and demonstrate proficiency on primary iinstrument. (Formal declaration of a major in composition cannot occur until the end of the first-year theory sequence with the grade of at least a B-, completion of MUS 120, and permission of instructor.) Transfer students may bypass MUS 120 with permission based upon composition submissions and sufficient audition on primary instrument. It will normally take transfer students 3 years to complete the degree requirements.

Electronic Music/Technology Credits: 3-5

MUS 347 - Electronic Music Credits: (2)
Recommended
MUS 348 - Applications of Music Technology for the Professional Credits: (3)

Electives Credits: 1-3

Recital Requirements

Half recital on primary instrument with MUS 364; full composition recital with MUS 420.