Department of Music

Dr. David Chapman, Chair

Professors: Afonso, Davies, Kavasch, Sims
Associate Professors: Chan, Chapman
Assistant Professors: Jampole
Lecturer: Shinaver

Office: Music Building - M3
Phone: (209) 667-3421

Programs

Bachelor of Music 
Bachelor of Arts in Music 
Minor in Music 
Liberal Studies degree concentration in Music 
Live Sound and Recording Arts Technician Certificate   

Department Requirements

1. All students who wish to declare a major or minor in music are required to audition in their major performing medium (vocal, instrumental, or keyboard) before a faculty panel. Upon passing the audition, students will take studio instruction in their major performing medium in accordance with their program requirements. At the end of each semester of applied study, all music majors and minors will be evaluated by a faculty jury and must demonstrate minimum performance levels established by the criteria set forth in their degree programs in order to advance to the next level of study.

2. All entering music majors and minors are required to audition in ther performing medium and to take a music theory and skills placement examination, usually prior to the first week of classes. Entering first-year students must receive a passing grade on the test to begin the lower division theory sequence. Transfer students must be evaluated by the Department before registering for their first semester on campus.  Depending upon performance audition results, one to four units of lower division applied study and/or lower division Major Repertoire may be waived.
3. All majors (both BA and BM) must enroll in Directed Listening (MUS 2880/4880) concurrent with each semster of applied study. BA Music and Music minors are required to earn at least four semesters of credit in Directed Listening (MUS 2880/4880). 
4. All music majors are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of fuctional skill in basic piano. All majors must enroll in an appropriate piano course until the requisite piano proficiency examination has been passed. Students should consult with the Coordinator of Keyboard Studies to obtain information about the proficiency examination for their degree track. Lower-division students should fulfill these requirements before enrolling in upper-division music courses. The piano proficiency exam must be passed for senior recital/ project approval. Students transferring in at the upper-division level normally complete these requirements by the end of the junior year.
5. Ensemble participation requirements for the various degree programs are as follows:
   1. Music majors in the Bachelor of Music degree program are required to participate each semester of applied study in a major performing ensemble (Concert Chorale, University Chamber Singers, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, or Jazz Ensemble) appropriate to their major performing medium. Keyboard and guitar majors normally enroll in Concert Chorale as their major performing ensemble, but may enroll in an instrumental ensemble if selected for the ensemble through the audition process. Compositon majors should enroll in the major performing ensemble(s) appropriate to technical expertise and creative interest. For wind and percussion players in the Performance and Music Education areas of study, Wind Ensemble is the required major ensemble. For string players in the Performance and Music Education areas of study, Orchestra is the required major ensemble. For students in the Jazz Performance area of study, Jazz Ensemble is the required major ensemble; participation in the appropriate secondary large ensemble (Wind Ensemble or Orchestra) is also required for Jazz Performance majors during lower division applied study.
   2. Music majors in the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree program are required to participate each semester of applied study in a major (see above) or a secondary performing ensemble (Instrumental Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Chamber Ensemble). Bachelor of Arts students must enroll in a lower division ensemble each semester until achieving junior standing. Thereafter, a total of four semesters of upper division ensemble credit is required for completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree.
   3. Any other student enrolled in applied lessons must maintain concurrent enrollment in an appropriate performing ensemble.
6. All music majors must pass a junior qualifying examination before registering for upper-division applied music. Students should consult with area coordinators for specific requirements for their performing medium.  Upon passing the junior qualifying examination, students in the Bachelor of Music Jazz Performance program will begin upper-division applied music study (MUS 3670/4670) with the appropriate jazz instructor.
7. To be approved for graduation, music majors and minors must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in all music coursework. In addition, music majors and minors must earn a grade of C- or better in all music classes required by their degree programs. All courses receiving a grade below C- in the major will not be considered a passing grade and the course must be repeated.

Liberal Studies Concentration in Music

Please refer to the Liberal Studies  section of this catalog.

Program Learning Goals

1. Students will perform on a principal instrument/voice at a level appropriate to their degree program or concentration, and apply this skill in both large and small ensemble situations.
2. Students will demonstrate technological literacy throughout the curriculum.
3. Students will demonstrate understanding of theoretical and formal principles of music through coursework that emphasizes composition, analysis, and improvisation.
4. Students will demonstrate proficiency in aural and keyboard skills.
5. Students will demonstrate understanding of the development of world music and the historical foundations of European and American styles.
6. Students will show integration of curricular goals through capstone performances and/or projects.