Music Major: Music Education Emphasis B.A.

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Program Director: Erik Leung, D.M.A.

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

Music Performance

1.1 Mastery of primary instrument

1.2 Piano proficiency

1.3 Producing music corporately

1.4 Recital preparation

1.5 Mastery of composition as primary instrument

Music Scholarship

2.1 Music history and literature

2.2 Music research and scholarly writing

2.3 World music

Musicianship

3.1 Sight-singing and aural skills

3.2 Music theory

Music and Christian Worship
Music and Technology

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Overview

General Education or Other Prerequisites (6 Units)

MUS 101 - Elements of Musicianship 3 (Prerequisite for MUS 110L - Music Theory and Aural Skills Lab . Requirement may be waived by passing the theory placement exam.)
MUS 103 - Introduction to American Popular Music 3 or
ART 110 - Art Appreciation 3

Note:

Students who demonstrate sufficient background (by exam) may waive MUS 101 - Elements of Musicianship and proceed directly to MUS 110 MUS 110 - Music Theory and Aural Skills and 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)

Note:

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 110 MUS 110 - Music Theory and Aural Skills 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:

Up to 50 percent of all required ensemble units may be taken in any of these ensembles:

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.

Required Courses (22-26 Units)

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.