Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Music, Jazz and Commercial Music Concentration, B.M.


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(132 UNITS)

Bachelor of Music


The Bachelor of Music prepares students for careers in music, music education and/or further graduate study. The program focuses on performance (voice or instrumental), composition or pedagogy, while also grounding students thoroughly in musicology and theory. It offers seven concentrations: accompanying, composition, instrumental, jazz-commercial, keyboard, piano pedagogy and voice.

In addition to the requirements for the major described below, students must meet all other university requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree section in this catalog for complete information. All courses in the major require a “C” (2.0) or better.

Admission Requirements


When students first apply to the music major, they are considered “pre-music” and must audition in two areas:

  • Piano placement: determines the level of class piano a student should take. Students meet the piano requirement by passing MUS 282B  with a “C” (2.0) or better or an equivalent jury exam. Students majoring in piano/keyboard/organ meet the requirement by passing MUS 285  with a “C” (2.0) or better or an equivalent jury exam.
  • Principal performance (instrument or voice): determines if a student can be placed into the appropriate concentration in either the B.A. or B.M. degree programs. Incoming freshmen who do not pass this audition are automatically changed to “undeclared” majors. They may select a different major or audition again for the next semester. Transfer students who do not pass the audition are required to change their majors. They may audition again for the next semester. Students who pass the audition and are accepted into the major may audition later to change to a different degree or concentration.

Degree Requirements


To remain music majors in good standing, students must take a minimum of 6 units of music each semester, including an applied lesson, a major performance ensemble and other coursework. Students should consult their TDAs and advisers each semester.

All music majors are required to accumulate a minimum 60 hours of performance-related activities: 30 hours during each of the first two semesters or 15 hours during each of the first four semesters of matriculation. Activities include attending and crewing concerts and recitals, learning about and participating in house and stage management, publicity, public relations, lighting, audio and video operations, and/or sound set-up, mixing, recording and editing. One method of documenting these hours is enrolling in MUS 278 . Other documentation may also be accepted.

Core Requirements (39 units)


Principal Performance: Applied Instruction (6 units)


B.M. students are eligible for a maximum of 14 units of state-funded individual instruction. Students may not take more than three semesters of applied music at the same performance level.

Capstone (1 unit)


Jazz and Commercial Music Concentration (31 units)


The Jazz and Commercial Music concentration prepares students for the high demands of the professional world in ensembles like the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble, jazz small groups and Jazz Singers. They perform in a wide variety of styles in concerts on campus and at top local, regional and international jazz venues and festivals. Such ensembles have been selected as winners at the Reno Jazz Festival, Fullerton College Jazz Festival, the Western States Jazz Festival and the Pacific Coast Jazz Festival. The Fullerton Jazz Orchestra’s latest CD is “Sabor,” featuring vocalist Freda Payne. The program’s curriculum offers undergraduate and graduate courses in jazz arranging, improvisation, history and pedagogy, in addition to music technology. The instrumental applied lesson program includes instructors in jazz saxophone and winds, guitar, piano/keyboards, acoustic and electric bass, drums and percussion, trumpet and trombone.

Music Electives


Select in consultation with an adviser. Courses may not satisfy more than one area unless repeatable for credit.

Notes:


* Recommended for Jazz/Commercial majors.

** Required of all violin majors for a total of 2 units.

Total (132 units)


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