Music - Music Education Emphasis, B.A.

Program Director: Jeffrey Wilson, DMA

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) music and worship ministry and 3) music education. Students are officially admitted into the music major once the Level 1 Exam has been passed in their freshmen year.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students will successfully demonstrate advanced proficiency in chosen instrument.
Students will articulate a working knowledge of music history and music theory.
Students will articulate the role that a Christian worldview plays in the musical disciplines.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in participating in the music industry as both a solo and collaborative artist.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Degree Pathway

Music - Music Education Emphasis, B.A. Four Year Pathway

Prerequisites (6 Units)

MUS 101 - Elements of Musicianship Credits 3
(Prerequisite for MUS 156 - Music Theory I . Requirement may be waived by passing the theory placement exam.)
MUS 103 - Introduction to American Popular Music Credits 3
ART 110 - Art Appreciation Credits 3
NOTE:

Students who demonstrate sufficient background (by exam) may waive MUS 101 - Elements of Musicianship and proceed directly to MUS 156 - Music Theory I and MUS 155 - Aural Skills I . 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 (53-55 Units)

MUS 155 - Aural Skills I Credits 1
MUS 156 - Music Theory I Credits 3
MUS 255 - Aural Skills II Credits 1
MUS 256 - Music Theory II Credits 3
MUS 355 - Aural Skills III Credits 1
MUS 356 - Music Theory III Credits 3
MUS 455 - Aural Skills IV Credits 1
MUS 456 - Music Theory IV Credits 3
MUS 220 - Music Technology Foundations Credits 3
MUS 340 - Brass Techniques Credits 2
MUS 341 - String Techniques Credits 2
MUS 342 - Woodwind Techniques Credits 2
MUS 343 - Percussion Techniques Credits 2
MUS 350 - Early Music History Credits 2
MUS 351 - Music History: 1700-1900 Credits 2
MUS 352 - Music History and World Music Since 1900 Credits 2
MUS 353 - Musics of the World Credits 2
MUS 400 - Music in the Church Credits 3
MUS 411 - Scoring and Arranging Credits 3
MUS 412 - Studies in Music Education Credits 3
MUS 450 - Conducting I Credits 3
MUS 451 - Conducting II Credits 3
MUS 460 - Vocal Pedagogy Credits 2
MUS 495 - Senior Project Credits 1 - 3 or
MUS 497 - Senior Project in Music Composition Credits 1 - 3
NOTE:

Successful completion of Level 1 on the student's primary instrument is a prerequisite for MUS 355 - Aural Skills III and MUS 356 - Music Theory III .

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:

MUS 115 - Vocal Performance Workshop Credits 2
MUS 116 - Concert Choir Credits 2
MUS 123 - Symphonic Band Credits 2
Up to 50 percent of all required ensemble units may be taken in any of these ensembles:
MUS 114 - Crosswind Credits 2
MUS 117 - San Joaquin Chorale Credits 2
MUS 118 - Vocal Ensemble Credits 2 (Women's Chorale, Men's Chorus or other approved vocal ensemble)
MUS 120 - Brass Choir Credits 2 (Brass Choir, or other approved instrumental ensemble)
MUS 121 - Jazz Band Credits 2
MUS 127 - Woodwind Ensembles Credits 2 (Flute Choir, Sax Quartet, Woodwind Quintet)
MUS 208 - Pacific Bronze Handbell Choir Credits 2

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 III (MUS 356). 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.
It is recommended that music majors take 4 units of MUS 265 -Masterclass.

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
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.

LANG 340 - Linguistics & Modern Grammar Credits 3
PSY 355 - Adolescent Development Credits 3
PS 120 - American Politics and Society Credits 3 or
HIST 150 - American Civilization Credits 4