It’s been said that music is the language of the soul. At Fresno Pacific University you’ll learn not only to speak in notes, but also the history behind music. You’ll gain a lifelong appreciation for and participate in a rich variety of musical forms of expression. You’ll learn the many facets of music history, theory, technique and application to help you become the musician you want to be. Our major emphasizes performance and combines theory with practical participation in a variety of musical activities, moving you from student to performer.
Emphases
This program requires an emphasis
Highlights
- Focus on participation and performance
- Smaller classes allow for focused attention
- Top-tier faculty
Career opportunities
Our curriculum for the music major is designed to prepare skillful musicians, effective communicators, creative teachers and responsible servant/leaders in the church and the community. Through the study of music theory and history, and the practice of music performance, you will be prepared for lifelong exploration of music through teaching, performance, leading worship or composition.
Program director
Erik Leung, D.M.A
Course listing
General Education Or Other Prerequisites (6 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 101 | Elements of Musicianship * | 3 |
| MUS 103 or ART 110 | Introduction to American Popular Music or Art Appreciation | 3 |
* (Prerequisite for MUS 110L - Music Theory and Aural Skills Lab. Requirement may be waived by passing the theory placement exam)
- Students who demonstrate sufficient background (by exam) may waive MUS 101 - Elements of Musicianship and proceed directly to MUS 110L - Music Theory and Aural Skills Lab. For students who require foundation studies in preparation for the theory course sequence, music faculty recommends MUS 131 - Piano Class or MUS 135 - Private Instruction in Piano, followed by MUS 101 - Elements of Musicianship.
Required Courses (31-33 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 110 | Music Theory and Aural Skills | 3 |
| MUS 110L | Music Theory and Aural Skills Lab | 1 |
| MUS 210 | Music Theory and Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 210L | Music Theory and Counterpoint | 1 |
| MUS 310 | Music Theory and Analysis | 3 |
| MUS 310L | Music Theory and Analysis Lab | 1 |
| MUS 410 | Music Theory Since Debussy | 3 |
| MUS 410L | Music Theory since Debussy Lab | 1 |
| MUS 349 | Music Research | 1 |
| MUS 350 | Early Music History | 3 |
| MUS 351 | Music History: 1725-1900 | 3 |
| MUS 352 | Music History and World Music Since 1900 | 4 |
| MUS 400 | Music in the Church | 3 |
| MUS 495 or MUS 497 | Senior Project or Senior Project in Music Composition | 1 |
- Successful completion of Level 1 on the student’s primary instrument is a prerequisite for MUS 310 - Music Theory and Analysis.
- Music history courses should be preceded by MUS 349 - Music Research and MUS 110L - Music Theory and Aural Skills Lab.
Applied Music (private Instruction) (8 Units)
- Enrollment in private music instruction in the student’s primary instrument is required each semester of attendance, totaling at least 8 units (including at least 4 upper- division units) on the same instrument.
Ensemble (12 Units Minimum)
Participation in a performance ensemble is required each semester of attendance. This requirement includes all music students regardless of primary instrument. All ensemble participation units may be taken in any of these ensembles
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 115 | Vocal Performance Workshop | 2 |
| MUS 116 | Concert Choir | 2 |
| MUS 122 | Orchestra | 2 |
| MUS 123 | Symphonic Band | 2 |
Up To 50 Percent Of All Required Ensemble Units May Be Taken In Any Of These Ensembles:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 108 | Beginning Handbell Choir | 2 |
| MUS 114 | Crosswind | 2 |
| MUS 117 | San Joaquin Chorale | 2 |
| MUS 118 | Vocal Ensemble 2 (women’s chorale, men’s chorus or other approved vocal | ensemble) |
| MUS 119 | Pacific Chamber Singers | 2 |
| MUS 120 | Brass Choir Strings, Handbells, Flutes 2 (brass choir, or other approved instrumental | ensemble) |
| MUS 121 | Jazz Band | 2 |
| MUS 125 | University String Quartet | 2 |
| MUS 127 | Woodwind Ensembles 2 (flute choir, sax quartet, woodwind | quintet) |
Additional Requirements
- All music majors must pass a piano proficiency exam. Enrollment in Piano Proficiency Class (MUS 132) or Private Piano Instruction (MUS 135) is required until the exam is passed. Transfer students who have passed the piano proficiency test at another institution are required to pass the FPU piano proficiency exam as well.
- Level Exams: Passing the Level 1 exam signals official admittance into the music department as a music major and is a prerequisite for admittance to Music Theory and Analysis (MUS 310). The Level 2 exam must be passed at least one semester prior to the senior recital ( MUS 495 - Senior Project, MUS 497 - Senior Project in Music Composition).
- During the final year of study, graduating music majors are required to present a senior performance recital. Students will register for MUS 495 - Senior Project or MUS 497 - Senior Project in Music Composition during the semester of the scheduled recital.
- A portfolio chronicling the student’s activities in music is due the semester of graduation. The portfolio is especially important for music education majors.
- Voice performance majors are required to complete the equivalent of one year of study in a second language–Italian, French or German–as determined by the faculty mentor or private music instructor.
- Voice performance majors are required to participate in four semesters of MUS 115 - Vocal Performance Workshop. Two semesters are required for music education majors whose primary instrument is voice.
- Keyboard majors and church music majors are encouraged to take one semester of organ instruction during their years of college study. Keyboard majors may be asked to accompany voice or instrumental students for rehearsals and student recitals.