MUSIC
College of Arts and Letters
- COMPLETE COURSE LISTING
- BACHELOR OF ARTS
- BACHELOR OF MUSIC
- MINOR
- MASTER OF MUSIC
- CERTIFICATE
- CAREER POSSIBILITIES
- FACULTY
- CONTACT
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The fundamental purpose of the Sacramento State music curriculum is threefold: 1) to promote excellence in all aspects of music performance and academic coursework, 2) to provide basic preparation for careers in music, and 3) to promote interest in all musical and artistic endeavors at the University and in the Sacramento community.
The main emphasis of the Music Department is upon performance. Sustaining this concept is the Department's faculty, which remains committed to individual and ensemble performances as a means of enhancing the teaching quality of the institution and the cultural climate of the campus and community.
Students majoring in Music are not only expected to be technically proficient in the art but are required to have broad training in the liberal arts and sciences that are the core of the University's program.
Concentrations
- BA: Music
- BM: Instrumental / Jazz / Keyboard / Music Education / Theory-Composition / Voice
- MM: Conducting / Composition /Performance
Special Features
- With all of its degree programs fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Sacramento State Music Department has developed a regional and national reputation for the high quality of its faculty and the superior achievements of its students and performing ensembles.
- Each year the Music Department presents a large number of performances to the campus and the greater Sacramento area. These include concerts by the bands, orchestra, jazz ensembles, concert choir, chorus, and opera workshop. For over 25 years, the Festival of New American Music has been an important part of the musical scene in the United States .
- In addition, the Department has brought to the campus such notable personalities as composers George Crumb, Bernard Rands, and Philip Glass; pianists Gilbert Kalish and Jon Nakamatsu; the Juilliard Quartet; the Kronos String Quartet; The Apple Hill Chamber Players; opera star Denyce Graves; and jazz greats Bobby Hutcherson and Bob Mintzer.
- Several music faculty have written textbooks; a number of them are composers with numerous performances to their credit; others perform quite frequently.
Note: After an initial session with the Department's admissions advisors, the student will be assigned to an applied instructor for future advising. The advising process is greatly enhanced by the regular weekly contact between student and instructor/advisor.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
The following are required for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degree programs:
Performance Evaluation: Upon entering the music major, each student is required to: 1) declare his/her major performance medium (instrument or voice); 2) perform an entering placement audition before the appropriate applied faculty; and 3) continue the development of his/her performance ability through regular study in accordance with Departmental requirements. This development in performance is demonstrated at end-of-semester auditions before the applied music faculty. See applied music numbers for appropriate courses.
Soloist: Each student in the BA program of sophomore standing or above should appear as a soloist in at least one student recital or repertoire class each semester. Students in the BM program must do either a repertoire class performance or one student recital each semester.
Ensemble: As an ensemble experience, each student must participate in at least one large performing ensemble each semester. The following groups meet this requirement: symphonic band, concert band, marching band, opera workshop, orchestra, concert choir, or University chorus. Assignment to the performing ensemble(s) is to be made in consultation with the music major advisor and by audition. A MUSC 142 series course is the appropriate course in which to register.
Piano: All undergraduate students majoring in music must have basic facility in piano to graduate from the University. For students other than keyboard majors, completion of MUSC 14D meets this requirement.
Attendance/concerts-recitals: Each music major is required to attend a minimum of ten concerts and/or recitals each semester. MUSC 100A or MUSC 100B meets this requirement.
Teacher Preparation: Teaching credential candidates must also complete the Professional Education Program in addition to the BM Music Education requirements. See the College of Education section of this catalog for admission procedures and consult the department credential advisor for details.
Marching Band: Wind and percussion majors who are credential candidates must include at least one semester of marching band (MUSC 142M) as their Large Performance Ensemble experience.
Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Units required for Major: 40-52
Minimum total units required for BA: 120
Grade "C-" or better required in all courses applied to the major.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (27 units)
(3) |
Beginning Theory (Placement by exam) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
Music in World Cultures |
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(3) |
Survey of Music Literature |
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(3) |
Survey of Music Literature |
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(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music major or minor and instructor permission) |
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(4) |
MUSC 142 Series |
a Large Performing Ensemble |
(4) Select 4 units of Applied Music (lower division).* |
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B. Additional Requirements for Concentration
I. Upper Division Performance Studies (3 units)
(3) |
take 3 units from either applied study, large/small ensembles, rep classes or conducting |
II. Upper Division Music History/Literature or Theory (9 units)
Select nine units from the following
(3) |
Counterpoint (MUSC 7) |
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(3) |
20th Century Theory (MUSC 7) |
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(3) |
Form and Analysis (MUSC 7) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
MUSC 118 series |
Music History |
(3) |
MUSC 119 series |
World Music |
(3) |
The American Musical Theater (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X |
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(3) |
American Society and Its Music (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X) |
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(1) |
Senior Seminar (Music major with senior standing) |
Requirements - Bachelor of Music Degree
Units required for Major: 75-78, including units for
concentration (see below)
Minimum total units required for BM: 120
Grade "C-" or better required in all courses applied to the
major.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
Admission to the Bachelor of Music degree program requires the recommendation of the student's major applied instructor, a 3.0 GPA in music courses, and approval of the applied area based upon a successful audition. Admission criteria and audition instructions may be obtained from the Music Department Office.
Each area of concentration has unique course requirements. Students interested in a BM degree should discuss the details of the program with a faculty advisor in the Music Department.
A. Required Lower Division Core Courses (28 units)
(2) |
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(2) |
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(2) |
MIDI Sequencing and Notation |
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(3) |
Beginning Theory (Placement by exam) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
Music in World Cultures |
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(3) |
Survey of Music Literature |
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(3) |
Survey of Music Literature |
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(4) |
MUSC 142 series course |
Music Ensemble: Large Performance Groups (Instructor permission) |
B. Required Upper Division Core Courses (14 units)
(3) |
20th Century Theory (MUSC 7) |
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(3) |
Form and Analysis (MUSC 7) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
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(2) |
C. Additional Requirements for Concentrations
Select one of the following five areas of concentration (33-36 units):
Instrumental (33 units)(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music major or minor and instructor permission) |
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(4) Select 4 units of Instruments: Intermediate°*+ |
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(4) Select 4 units of Instruments: Intermediate BM°++ |
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(4) Select 4 units of Instruments: Advanced°*+ |
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(4) Select 4 units of Instruments: Advanced BM°++ |
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(3) |
Counterpoint (MUSC 7) |
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(4) |
MUSC 142 series course |
Music Ensemble: Large Performance Groups (Instructor permission) |
(2) |
MUSC 144 series course |
Music Ensembles: Chamber and Small Ensembles (Instructor permission) |
(2) |
Advanced Instrumental Conducting (MUSC 151) |
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(2) |
Repertoire Class in the Performance Major (Instructor permission) |
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(1) |
Junior Recital (Admission to BM degree program or instructor) |
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(2) |
Senior Recital |
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Jazz Studies (35 units)
(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music major or minor and instructor permission) |
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(1) |
Jazz Piano Class (MUSC 14D or instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Jazz Improvisation I (MUSC 6 ) |
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(2) |
Jazz Improvisation II (MUSC 43A |
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(4) |
Jazz Applied: Intermediate (Approval by jazz area committee and instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Jazz Arranging I (MUSC 3 or instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Jazz Arranging II (MUSC 108A or instructor permission) |
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(3) |
American Popular Music: Jazz History |
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(2) |
Jazz Theory and Harmony (MUSC 7 and instructor permission) |
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(4) |
Instrumental Jazz Ensemble OR |
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Vocal Jazz Ensemble |
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(8) |
Jazz Applied: Advanced BM (Approval by jazz area committee and instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Jazz Pedagogy |
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(2) |
Senior Recital Jazz |
Keyboard (34 units)
(8) Select one of the following sets:
MUSC 32A *+ |
Piano: Intermediate AND |
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MUSC 32B ++ |
Piano: Intermediate BM OR |
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MUSC 35A *+ |
Harpsichord/Organ: Intermediate AND |
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MUSC 35B ++ |
Harpsichord/Organ: Intermediate BM |
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(3) |
Counterpoint (MUSC 7) |
(8) Select one of the following sets:
MUSC 132A *+ |
Piano: Advanced AND |
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MUSC 132B ++ |
Piano: Advanced BM OR |
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MUSC 135A *+ |
Harpsichord/Organ: Advanced AND |
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MUSC 135B ++ |
Harpsichord/Organ: Advanced BM |
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(2) |
Piano Chamber Music (4 semesters of a MUSC 142; Corequisite: MUSC 132B or equivalent) |
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(2) |
Piano Chamber Music (MUSC 141A; Corequisite: MUSC 132B or equivalent) |
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(4) |
Repertoire Class in the Performance Major (Instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Vocal Accompanying (4 semesters of MUSC 142; Corequisite: MUSC 132B, or equivalent) |
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(1) |
Junior Recital (Admission to BM degree program or instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Piano Pedagogy (4 units of MUSC 32B or equivalent; admission to BM degree program, or instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Senior Recital |
(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music major or minor and instructor permission) |
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(4) |
MUSC 40 series course |
Beginning Instruments |
(4) Select 4 units of applied music: Intermediate |
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(4) Select 4 units of applied music: Advanced |
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(3) |
Scoring and Arranging (MUSC 7) |
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(4) |
MUSC 142 series course |
Music Ensemble: Large Performance Groups (Instructor permission) |
(2) |
Advanced Choral Conducting (MUSC 151) OR |
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Advanced Instrumental Conducting (MUSC 151) |
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(2) |
Jazz Pedagogy |
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(2) |
Foundations of Music Education (Sophomore status in music or instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Music in General Education (Sophomore status in Music or instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Vocal Literature and Materials--Grades 4-12 (Corequisite: Phase III Student Teaching) |
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(2) |
Instrumental Literature and Materials (4 units in a MUSC 40 series course) |
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(1) |
Senior Recital Music Education |
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Theory/Composition (35 units)
(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music major or minor and instructor permission) |
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(4) Select 4 units of applied intermediate music*° |
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(2) |
Introductory Composition (Instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Scoring and Arranging (MUSC 7) |
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(3) |
Counterpoint (MUSC 7) |
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(2) |
Composition (MUSC 106) |
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(2) |
Composition (MUSC 106) |
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(2) Select 2 units of applied advanced music*° |
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(4) |
MUSC 142 series course |
Music Ensemble: Large Performance Groups (Instructor permission) |
(2) |
Advanced Composition (MUSC 107A, MUSC 107B; admission to BM degree program, or instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Advanced Composition (MUSC 107A, MUSC 107B; admission to BM degree program, or instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Advanced Counterpoint (MUSC 103 and instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Advanced Counterpoint (MUSC 103 and instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Digital Synthesis and Sampling (Instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Senior Recital |
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Voice (36 units)
(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music major or minor and instructor permission) |
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(4) |
MUSC 37A *+ |
Voice: Intermediate |
(4) |
MUSC 37B ++ |
Voice: Intermediate BM |
(3) |
Counterpoint (MUSC 7) |
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(3) |
Diction for Singers |
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(4) |
MUSC 137A *+ |
Voice: Advanced |
(4) |
MUSC 137B ++ |
Voice: Advanced BM |
(4) |
MUSC 142 series course |
Music Ensemble: Large Performance Groups (Instructor permission) |
(2) |
Advanced Choral Conducting (MUSC 151) |
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(4) |
Repertoire Class in the Performance Major (Instructor permission) |
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(1) |
Junior Recital (Admission to BM degree program or instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Senior Recital |
* All BM music majors, regardless
of their unit load, shall be enrolled each semester in Applied Music for
2 units (until they have reached the maximum of 16 units), and in a Large
Performance Ensemble until the Senior Recital is completed. Each music major is required to attend a minimum of 10 concerts and/or recitals each semester.
° See faculty advisor.
+ Prerequisite: Approval by applied areas committee and instructor permission.
++ Prerequisite: Admission to BM
degree program, approval by applied area committee, instructor permission.
Requirements - Minor
Units required for the Minor: 20, including 9 units upper division.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
Theory (6 units)
Select two or three courses from the following:
(2) |
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(2) |
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(2) |
MIDI Sequencing and Notation |
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(3) |
Elements of Music |
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(3) |
Beginning Theory (Placement by exam) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
History/Literature (9 units)
Select three units from each group:
Group l:
(3) |
Music in World Cultures |
Group 2:
(3) |
Survey of Music Literature |
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(3) |
Survey of Music Literature |
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(3) |
Music Appreciation |
Group 3:
(3) |
American Popular Music: Jazz History |
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(3) |
History of Rock Music |
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(3) |
The American Musical Theater (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X) |
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(3) |
American Society and Its Music (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X) |
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(3) |
Musical Acoustics: Science and Sound |
Beginning Musical Instruction (2 units)
Select two from the following:
(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music majors or minors and instructor permission) |
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(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music majors or minors and instructor permission) |
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(1) |
Basic Piano for Majors (Music majors or minors and instructor permission) |
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(1) |
Voice Class |
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(1) |
Voice for Music Theatre (Instructor permission and proficiency examination) |
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(1) |
Beginning Hand Drums |
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(1) |
Beginning Shakuhachi |
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(1) |
Beginning Folk Guitar |
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(1) |
MUSC 40 series course |
Beginning Instruments OR |
(2) |
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Applied Music for 2 units with departmental and area approval. |
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Large Ensemble Experience (3 units)
Select three from from the following:
Any MUSC 142 - Music Ensemble: Large Performance Groups |
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(1) |
Concert Attendance |
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(1) |
Instrumental Jazz Ensemble |
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(1) |
Pep Band (Corequisite: MUSC 142W, MUSC 142B, or MUSC 142M, or instructor permission) |
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Students seeking supplementary authorization for single subject, standard secondary, and special secondary teaching credentials must register for one unit each of instrumental and vocal instruction in the beginning musical instruction section. Qualified students may audition for applied musical instruction as a substitution in this area.
Note: The last 3 units in performance must be taken at Sacramento State.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The graduate program leading to the Master of Music degree is designed to provide opportunity for a variety of advanced studies in music. The objective of the program is to produce a graduate student skilled in research, able in organizational and writing skills, and imaginative in developing new approaches and concepts: a student who, with a broad knowledge of the history and literature of music, is able to use this knowledge with effective musicality as a performer or conductor.
The MM may be earned with either an academic or a performance emphasis. The program will effectively prepare students for continuation into doctoral study. Students may focus their studies in one of three areas: Conducting, Composition, Performance.
Further information about all aspects of the program is contained in the Graduate Studies Handbook, available upon request from the Music Department office. Prospective students are advised to request this document.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the graduate program in Music is initially granted with conditionally classified graduate status if the applicant meets the following requirements:
- a baccalaureate degree with a music major;
- a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units;
- satisfactory completion of the GRE Basic Exam;
- two letters of reference (non-Sacramento State students);
- successful audition or composition portfolio review, if applicable.
Fully classified graduate status is granted after successful completion of nine units of graduate work. The student must file for a change in status, using a form available from the Music Department's Graduate Coordinator.
Admission Procedures
Applications are accepted as long as room for new students exists. All prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, Riverfront Center 206, (916) 278-6470:
- an application for admission and a supplemental application for graduate admission (Forms A and B in the CSU application booklet); and
- two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.
For more admissions information and application deadlines please visit http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/.
Approximately six weeks after receipt of all items listed above, a decision regarding admission will be mailed to the applicant.
Advancement to Candidacy
Each fully classified graduate student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This procedure should begin as soon as the student has:
- completed approximately 15 units of graduate study, including MUSC 201 and two other 200-level courses, with a minimum of 3.0 GPA;
- received approval from supervising faculty to enter courses leading to MUSC 500, Culminating Experience (see Graduate Studies Handbook for details);
-
taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.
Advancement to Candidacy forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies. Instructions are found in Part II of the Graduate Studies Handbook.
Requirements - Master of Music Degree
Units required for MM: 30, chosen in consultation with a Music Department graduate advisor Minimum Required GPA: 3.0. Majors must complete each required course with a grade "C-" or better.
A. Core Requirements (9 units)
(3) |
Introduction to Graduate Study (An undergraduate degree with music major, or instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Pedagogy of Theory |
(3) Select one of the following:
Music in the Baroque Era |
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Music in the Classic Era |
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Music in the Romantic Era |
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20th Century Music |
B. Additional Requirements for Concentrations
Conducting (21 units)
(4) |
Choral Conducting Applied Music (Instructor permission) OR |
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Instrumental Conducting Applied Music (Instructor permission) |
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(4) |
Choral Conducting Techniques (Instructor permission) OR |
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Instrumental Conducting Techniques (Instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Graduate Recital (Permission to enter Performance option and approval of Music Department Graduate Studies Committee) |
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(6) |
Music History OR Music Theory |
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(4) |
Electives |
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(1) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission from the graduate coordinator) |
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Composition (21 units)
(3) |
20th Century Music |
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(3) |
Composition (Undergraduate composition and instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to Candidacy and permission from the graduate coordinator) |
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(3) |
Music History OR Music Theory |
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(9) |
Electives |
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Performance (21 units)
(2) |
MUSC 142 series course |
Music Ensemble: Large Performance Groups (Instructor permission) |
(4) |
MUSC 219** |
Graduate Applied Music (Instructor permission) |
(4) |
MUSC 220** |
Performance Techniques (Approval by area applied music committee to enter performance option for the MM; instructor permission) |
(2) |
Graduate Recital (Permission to enter Performance option and approval of Music Department Graduate Studies Committee) |
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(1) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission from the graduate coordinator) |
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(6) |
Music History OR Music Theory |
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(2) |
Electives |
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*Undergraduate major in Music or
instructor permission. May be taken twice for credit with permission of
the instructor.
** Courses are one unit each, to be taken four times
for a total of 4 units per course.
+Music history courses may not duplicate the core.
Optional Support Field
From 3 to 5 units in fields other than Music may apply toward the degree with approval of the Music Department graduate committee. Students should have at least 10 upper division units in this field as preparation. Normally the supporting field units are on the graduate level. Supporting fields currently approved for music majors are Education, Humanities and Religious Studies, Modern Languages, and Theatre Arts. In the case of Music Education, courses which are part of the credential requirements may not be included.
Note: A foreign language is required for the Music History and Literature Concentration. Students who plan further graduate study in all other concentrations are encouraged to take courses in French, German, or Italian, since proficiency in one of these is usually required in doctoral programs.
Requirements - Certificate - Performer's
The Performer's Certificate is a post-master's level program designed to attract highly qualified instrumentalists, vocalists, and conductors. Instruction is at an advanced level for very talented and dedicated performers who have completed graduate programs or who are found acceptable into this program through a very competitive audition.
Required Courses (22 units)
(8) Select one of the following course pairs:
Choral Conducting Applied Music - for 4 units (Instructor permission) AND |
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Choral Conducting Techniques - for 4 units (Instructor permission) OR |
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Instrumental Conducting Applied Music - for 4 units (Instructor permission) AND |
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Instrumental Conducting Techniques - for 4 units (Instructor permission) OR |
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Graduate Applied Music - for 4 units (Instructor permission) AND |
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Performance Techniques - for 4 units (Approval by area applied music committee to enter performance option for the MM; instructor permission) |
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(2) |
MUSC 142 series course* |
Music Ensemble: Large Performance Groups |
(2) |
MUSC 144** series course |
Music Ensembles: Chamber and Small Ensembles |
(2) |
Graduate Recital w/Paper (Permission to enter Performance option and approval of Music Department Graduate Studies Committee) |
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(2) |
Second Graduate Recital (Permission to enter Performance option and approval of Music Department Graduate Studies Committee) |
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(1) |
Fieldwork in Music |
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(2) |
Special Problems (Approval of the faculty member under whom the work is to be conducted and the Department Chair) |
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(3) |
Graduate Music Electives* ** |
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* May include
serving as assistant to Director. |
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Career Possibilities
Conductor · Soloist · Composer · Private Teaching · Music Librarian · Music Therapy · Music Criticism · Music Publishing · Opera · Accompanist · Recreation Specialist · Recording Industry: Producer, Arranger, Copyist, Studio Performer · Music Education: General Music, Vocal Instruction, Instrumental Instruction, Administration, College Teaching · Church Music: Music Director, Choir Director, Organist
Faculty
William Barbini, Laura Basini, Stephen Blumberg, Keith Bohm, Judy Bossuat, James Chopyak, Richard Cionco, Michael Crain, Thomas Derthick, Gary Dilworth, Julian Dixon, Joel Elias, Leo Eylar, Chantal Frankenbach, Robin Fisher, Jack Foote, Robert Halseth, Ernie Hills, Steven Homan, Donald Kendrick, Daniel Kennedy, Claudia Kitka, Anna Kruger, Sarah Lappas Rick Lotter, Andrew Luchansky, Kerry Marsh, Joe Mazzaferro, Mike McMullen, Sandra McPherson, Sue Metz, Peter Nowlen, Lorna Peters, Gerry Pineda, Deborah Pittman, Anna Presler, Clay Redfield, Stephen Roach, Richard Savino, Tatiana Scott, Deborah Shidler, Kirsten Smith, Michael Sokol, Tim Stanley, Lynn Stevens, Ian Swensen, Phil Tulga, David Wells, Omari Tau Williams, Beverly Wesner-Hoehn, Laurel Zucker
Contact Information
Ernie M. Hills, Department Chair
Karen Sorenson, Administrative Support Coordinator I
Capistrano Hall 107
(916) 278-5191
www.csus.edu/music