BA in Music
California State University - San Bernadino — San Bernardino, CA
About this program
California State University, San Bernardino offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music through the Department of Music in the College of Arts and Letters. The BA provides a broad study of music balanced with significant general education in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The curriculum builds a foundation in music theory, music history, ensemble participation, and an applied area of study (instrumental or vocal performance, composition, or technology), while free electives allow students to pursue areas of particular interest, including coursework from outside the music department. Students are encouraged to complete a minor alongside the BA. The BA is offered in three concentrations: General Music Studies (GMS), which provides the broadest grounding in musicianship, performance, and musical scholarship; Music Industry Studies (MIS), which combines music training with coursework in the business of music, entertainment industry practices, and arts management; and Music, Sound & Technology (MST), which integrates music study with digital audio production, recording technology, and music technology coursework. All new BA music majors must schedule a placement audition with department faculty after declaring their major to determine appropriate level of placement in applied music lessons and performance ensembles. Anyone admitted to CSUSB may declare a BA in Music. Applied instruction is available only to declared music majors; students interested in applied composition must first complete one year of applied vocal or instrumental instruction. All music majors participate in at least one major performing ensemble each semester: Chamber Orchestra (MUS 3800) for strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion; Symphonic Band (MUS 3810) for winds and percussion; or Chamber Singers (MUS 3860) for voice. Piano and guitar majors who do not have the skills for MUS 3800 or 3810 enroll in Chamber Singers instead. The department also offers Mariachi Los Coyotes, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Jazz Choir, Opera, Guitar Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Cello Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, and String Chamber Music.
Audition & application overview
- Requires a live or recorded audition
Placement audition after enrollment (video or in-person); not a gatekeeping audition — all admitted students may declare the BA
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