Music Major - Music Education Emphasis
Unique Features
- Comprehensive study of skills in orchestral instruments: brass, strings, woodwinds and percussion
- Additional courses focus on electronic music, conducting, vocal pedagogy and music education
Our Graduates
Program Details
The music education emphasis satisfies California state requirements for the subject matter teaching credential in music.
Courses
| General Education Prerequisite | ||
| MUS 101 | Elements of Musicianship* | 3 units |
| MUS 103 | Introduction to American Popular Music | 3 units |
| Or | ||
| ART 110 | Art Appreciation | 3 units |
| Music Major Required Courses | ||
| MUS 110L | Music Theory and Ear Training** | 4 units |
| MUS 210L | Music Theory and Counterpoint | 4 units |
| MUS 310 | Music Theory and Analysis | 4 units |
| MUS 349 | Music Research | 1 unit |
| MUS 350 | Early Music History | 3 units |
| MUS 351 | Music History: 1725-1900 | 3 units |
| MUS 352 | Music History and World Music Since 1900 | 4 units |
| MUS 400 | Music in the Church | 3 units |
| MUS 410 | Music Theory Since Debussy | 4 units |
| MUS 495 | Senior Project | 1-3 units |
| Applied Music*** | 8-16 units | |
| Ensemble**** | 12-16 units | |
| Music Education Emphasis Required Courses | ||
| MUS 340 | Brass Techniques | 2 units |
| MUS 341 | String Techniques | 2 units |
| MUS 342 | Woodwind Techniques | 2 units |
| MUS 343 | Percussion Techniques | 2 units |
| MUS 411 | Scoring and Arranging | 3 units |
| MUS 412 | Studies in Music Education | 3 units |
| MUS 450 | Conducting I | 3 units |
| MUS 451 | Conducting II | 3 units |
| MUS 460 | Vocal Pedagogy | 2 units |
*This course may be waived for students who demonstrate adequate background in music through examination.
**Music majors are encouraged to take this course during the fall semester of their freshman year.
***Eight semester units of private instruction in one's primary instrument or voice are required, including four semesters at the advanced level (400 numbered courses).
****Music majors are required to participate in a performing ensemble each semester of attendance for a minimum of 12 units.
Music majors who have selected voice as their primary instrument are also required to participate in MUS 115/315: Vocal Performance Workshop for two semesters.
Course Descriptions
ART 110: Art Appreciation (3 units)
Discussion of the history, vocabulary, methods and media of art through presentation of examples from various art movements and cultures.
HIST 150: American Civilization (4 units)
A study of the development of American culture and society from the colonial period to the present. Major themes and events are examined within the context of America's geography, religious and immigrant heritage and sociopolitical development. (This course meets the U.S. Constitution requirement for teaching credential candidates.)
LANG 340: Introduction to Linguistics (3 units)
Language is studied as a system of systems including phonology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. Students also discuss language universals and current usage standards.
MUS 101: Elements of Musicianship (3 units)
Essential knowledge and skills in music reading and performing are emphasized in this class. Prospective elementary school teachers will find the material useful in preparation for classroom experience. Students with an interest in a music major, but with limited musical experience, will find it to be a valuable introduction to the major. Students with demonstrable skills equal to this course will enroll directly in Music 110L. This course fulfills the requirements for the liberal studies major.
MUS 103: Introduction to American Popular Music (3 units)
A survey of the various types of music that have evolved into today's popular music styles, including influences from African, European, Latino, Brazilian and Caribbean cultures.
MUS 110L: Music Theory and Ear Training (4 units)
This course introduces the basic principles of musicianship and harmonic theory. Special attention will be devoted to ear training.
MUS 210L: Music Theory and Counterpoint (4 units)
This course includes continued study in musicianship and harmonic theory with the introduction of counterpoint. Special attention will be devoted to sight singing, ear training and melodic dictation.
MUS 310: Music Theory and Analysis (4 units)
The course will be equally divided between advanced harmonic theory and musical analysis.
MUS 340: Brass Techniques (2 units)
This course covers basic performance techniques and teaching methodology in brass instruments (1 hour lecture, 1 hour music instruction).
MUS 341: String Techniques (2 units)
This course covers basic performance techniques and teaching methodology in strings (1 hour lecture, 1 hour music instruction).
MUS 342: Woodwind Techniques (2 units)
This course covers basic performance techniques and teaching methodology in woodwinds (1 hour lecture, 1 hour music instruction).
MUS 343: Percussion Techniques (2 units)
This course covers basic performance techniques and teaching methodology in percussion.
MUS 349: Music Research (1 unit)
This course, which must be taken concurrently with the student's first semester of music history, introduces music research techniques and the writing of a significant paper on a relevant topic.
MUS 350: Early Music History (3 units)
An overview of music history from antiquity until 1725.
MUS 351: Music History: 1725-1900 (3 units)
A study of the history of music in the Western European tradition from 1725 until 1900.
MUS 352: Music History and World Music Since 1900 (4 units)
A study of concert music, with emphasis on listening to the major works of the period. A significant portion of the class will be devoted to a study of music outside the concert traditions of the Western world.
MUS 400: Music in the Church (3 units)
The purpose of this course is to provide a scriptural basis on which to build a Christian life and work ethic, specifically in the field of music. Students study selected writings, Scripture and various types of Psalms to examine hymnody, as well as worship music. There is a significant final project for this course, integrating the semester's work into a thoughtful, personal experience relative to church music ministry. (Juniors or seniors only.)
MUS 410: Music Theory Since Debussy (4 units)
Study of late 19th and early 20th century harmonic theory as well as listening to and analyzing compositions of the period.
MUS 411: Scoring and Arranging (3 units)
This course covers techniques of arranging music for various vocal and choral combinations, and scoring music for small and large instrumental ensembles.
MUS 412: Studies in Music Education (3 units)
A general discussion of the field of public school education, focusing on historical and philosophical developments, current issues in the professions and principles of curriculum development.
MUS 450: Conducting I (3 units)
This course assumes the basic skills a student has acquired in Music Theory and Counterpoint (MUS 210L). In addition to conducting skills, the student will be instructed in rehearsal techniques and music literature selection.
MUS 451: Conducting II (3 units)
This course is a continuation of material covered in MUS 450. Particular attention will be given to more complex conducting problems in the vocal and instrumental genres.
MUS 460: Vocal Pedagogy (3 units)
Methods of vocal instruction and solutions to various vocal problems are explored. The class is designed for those who plan to teach singing or work with choirs. Each class member will work with a private voice student as part of the course subject matter.
MUS 495: Senior Project (1-3 units)
All music majors are required to complete a project in their senior year. This project is usually a solo recital in the area of their applied instrument. In some cases alternative projects are arranged, such as composition recitals, research or conducting recitals. Students should make arrangements with the program director.
PS 120: American Politics and Society (4 units)
Politics is central to the functioning of American society. Government's impact on residents' lives is felt in many ways and has become the dominant force shaping that society. This course acquaints students with the nature and importance of politics in American society, increases their awareness of the structure and functioning of the political system and deepens their understanding of why the system functions as it does, particularly in relationship to the nation's Constitution. The course further seeks to stimulate concern about the democratic quality of political decision making and the justice of governmental actions. (Meets the U.S. Constitution requirement for teaching credential candidates.)
PSY 355: Adolescent Development (3 units)
The study of the development of the person from puberty to adulthood. Problems of adjustment during this period will also be studied.
Further Information
In addition to the following units, there are additional requirements for teacher education candidates.
To discover more about the music program, visit our music department pages.
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