Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2021-2022 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Major: Music Education Emphasis B.A.


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Overview

The music major prepares students for professional careers and/or graduate study in the discipline of music. The major combines music theory and history with practical participation in a variety of musical activities, including performance ensembles and private music study. Students graduating with the music major can find employment in public school teaching, private studio instruction, performance, church ministries, the recording industry and many other music business enterprises. Some professions require additional music training and students are encouraged to continue studies at the graduate level or in specialized schools.

Music majors choose from three areas of emphasis: 1) music performance and/or composition, 2) church music and 3) music education. Students are officially admitted into the music major once the Level 1 Exam has been passed in their freshmen year.

Projected Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will actively engage in music making, demonstrating basic proficiency on the piano and advanced skills on his/her primary instrument in both solo and ensemble settings.
  2. Students will engage in music scholarship by exhibiting in-depth knowledge of music history and producing high quality artifacts of scholarly writing backed up by competent research.
  3. Students will demonstrate mastery and thorough understanding of the elements of music as presented in both written and aural formats.
  4. Students will outline the Biblical Principles, historical trends, contemporary practices, and a personal philosophy of music's role in Christian worship.
  5. Students will notate music at a level suitable for publication using Finale or equivalent music notation software and prepare scores in MIDI files acceptable for public presentation (music composition majors only).

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Prerequisites (6 Units)


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 upperdivision units) on the same instrument.

Ensemble (16 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:

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.

 

NOTE:
Two semesters of MUS 115 - Vocal Performance Workshop is required for music education students whose primary instrument is voice.

Teacher Education Program Information


Students who are interested in applying for admission to the Teacher Education Program should consult with their academic advisors and/or contact the Regional Enrollment Office prior to (2 or more semesters before) completion of their degrees.

Admissions Requirements:


Applicants to the Teacher Education Program are required to complete the following in order to be considered for admission.

  • Online application
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
    A written request to waive the GPA requirement can be submitted for Program Director consideration.
  • Three letters of reference
  • Personal statement documenting experience working with youth LA 385 - Critical Approaches to Teaching  is recommended to students, as it provides school-based experiences with youth that meet this requirement.
  • Verifications of negative TB test and Certificate of Clearance.

Testing Requirements:


Students are strongly encouraged to complete the required tests prior to admission to the credential program. Students must meet established testing requirements to progress into the student teaching or internship phase of the Teacher Education Program.

  • Passing results on CBEST
  • Passing results on CSET for area of credential

Required Co-Requisite Courses:


Students are strongly encouraged to complete the required co-requisite courses as part of their undergraduate programs. If not completed prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program, the equivalent graduate-level courses can be added to a student's academic plan for the credential program.

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