BM in Music

About this program

California State University, Los Angeles offers the Bachelor of Music through the NASM-accredited Department of Music in the College of Arts and Letters. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the department cultivates each student's unique talents, diverse life experiences, and intellect through professionally oriented training with an internationally recognized faculty. Students perform in venues throughout Los Angeles through participation in the department's many ensembles, and the program provides a direct path to the California Single Subject Credential in Music. The BM provides professional preparation for students seeking careers in music education, performance, composition, commercial music, or jazz studies. All BM options require piano proficiency (either completing the Class Piano sequence MUS 1031–2032 or passing a piano proficiency exam), participation in performing ensembles concurrent with applied music instruction, and a Senior Recital (MUS 4400). Most options also require a Junior Recital (MUS 3400). The core music program develops music theory, literature, musicianship, applied studies, music technology, music history, and conducting across all options. The BM is offered in five options: Option I — Composition: Prepares students for careers in music composition. Coursework covers Introduction to Composition, Orchestration and Arranging, Music Technology Sandbox, Composition (repeated), Applied Composition, Counterpoint, Musical Form, Contemporary Techniques, 20th and 21st Century Music, and directed electives from jazz arranging, composition for media, choral/instrumental conducting, recording techniques, and music technology. Culminates in a Senior Recital. Composition does not require a Junior Recital. Option II — Jazz Studies: Prepares students in jazz performance, production, composition, recording, and conducting. Required courses include Commercial Harmony, Jazz Improvisation I and II, History of Jazz, Jazz Arranging Beginning and Advanced, and Jazz Pedagogy, plus 12 units of applied music on the student's jazz instrument and 8 units of jazz ensemble participation. Culminates in both a Junior and Senior Recital. Option III — Performance: Prepares instrumentalists, pianists, and vocalists for careers in entertainment and the performing arts across a wide variety of genres and styles — as soloists, ensemble musicians, teaching artists, indie artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders in performance. Requires 12 units of upper-division applied music on one instrument, 8 units of ensemble participation, pedagogy coursework, and 18 units of directed electives chosen with advisor approval from vocal literature, diction, opera participation, recording and production, music history and literature, conducting, and more. Culminates in both a 30-minute Junior Recital and a 50-minute Senior Recital. Performance instruments and voices include strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, voice (including classical voice and choral teaching emphases), piano, and classical guitar. Option IV — Music Education (Pre-Credential): Prepares students for careers in Vocal/Choral and Instrumental teaching in K-12 settings, leading to the California Single Subject Credential in Music. Required courses include Vocal Pedagogy I, Orchestration and Arranging, Elementary General Music Techniques, Instrumental Techniques, Choral Techniques, Choral Conducting, and Instrumental Conducting, plus 4 units of instrument pedagogy (String, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, or Guitar Methods), 12 units of upper-division applied music, and 8 units of ensemble participation. One upper-division music technology course is required for the credential (Music Technology II or Instructional Technology for the Music Educator) and is a prerequisite to directed teaching. Culminates in a 50-minute Senior Recital. No Junior Recital is required. Refer to the Cal State LA College of Education for credential program regulations. Option V — Commercial Music: Prepares students for professional careers in popular music focusing on performance, production, composition for media, songwriting, and audio technology. Required courses include Introduction to Recording, History of American Rock and Pop Music, Commercial Harmony I and II, Introduction to the Business of Music, Recording Techniques, and Studio Practicum. Students choose 5 units of directed electives from areas including Orchestration and Arranging, Commercial Harmony, Introduction to Music Composition for Media, Commercial Songwriting, Music Technology II and III, and Music Synthestration and Synthesis. Focuses within Commercial Music include Instrumental or Vocal Performance, Scoring for Media, Songwriting, and Recording and Production. Culminates in a Junior and Senior Recital or Recording Project. Commercial Music uses a portfolio application process rather than a traditional live audition. The department's ensembles include the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Opera Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble (large), Jazz Ensemble Small (combos), Chamber Music, Afro-Latin Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, and Commercial Music Ensemble.

Audition & application overview

• Requires a live or recorded audition

Music Performance and Music Education: live in-person audition on campus (video audition available for international applicants or those with approved compelling reasons); Commercial Music: portfolio/materials submission followed by possible Zoom interview; Jazz Studies, Composition: contact area coordinator for requirements