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The Major in Theory/Composition

Students pursuing the theory/composition major must submit an acceptable portfolio consisting of a minimum of two compositions (in legible manuscript and accompanied by a recording, if possible), normally by the end of the sophomore year.

Theory/Composition

  1. Music theory in addition to the core courses required for the B.Mus. degree: 36 units
    1. MUTH 401, 402: Counterpoint I, II (12 units)
    2. MUTH 411, 412: Orchestration I, II (12 units)
    3. MUTH 510: Analysis of 20th Century Music (6 units)
    4. MUTH 350/550: Topics in Music Analysis (6 units)
  2. Music composition and arranging: 30 units
    1. 6 units: MUCA 250: Introductory Composition (3 units per term)
    2. 6 units: MUCA 350: Intermediate Composition (3 units per term)
    3. 6 units: MUCA 550: Advanced Composition (3 units per term)
    4. 6 additional units from MUCA 250, 350, 550
    5. MUCA 300: Techniques of the Contemporary Composer (6 units)
    6. Presentation of a full composition recital during senior year
  3. Music history: fulfillment of the degree requirement of 24 units must include 12 units in courses numbered 400 or above
  4. Performance: 24 units
    A minimum of 24 units in applied individual instruction
  5. Ensemble: 12 units
    1. 3 units in major ensemble,
    2. 3 units in chamber music, and
    3. 6 units in major ensemble or chamber music

EMPHASIS OPTION FOR THEORY/COMPOSITION MAJORS

Emphasis in Jazz and Improvisational Music

Admission to the Bachelor of Music in theory/composition with an emphasis in jazz and improvisational music may be granted to a limited number of students upon successful completion of qualifying examinations and with the approval of a candidate selection committee.

For detailed information on admission and scheduling of requirements, students are referred to the chair of the jazz and improvisational music department.

Specific courses required for the emphasis are as follows:

  1. Music theory in addition to the core courses required for the B.Mus. degree:
    1. MUTH 411: Orchestration I (6 units)
    2. MUTH 510: Analysis of 20th Century Music (6 units)
  2. Music composition and arranging
    1. MUCA 331, 332, 333: Jazz Composition and Arranging I, II, III (9 units)
    2. MUCA 530: Advanced Jazz Composition (9 units at 3 units per term)
    3. MUCA 300: Techniques of the Contemporary Composer (6 units)
    4. 6 units from MUCA 250, 350, 550: Composition
  3. Supporting courses for the emphasis:
    1. MUTH 240: Jazz Theory and Aural Training (3 units)
    2. MUCA 220, 221: Jazz Improvisation I, II (6 units)
    3. MUHI 320: Functional Jazz Piano (3 units)
    4. MUHI 455: Jazz History (3 units)
    5. MUEP 305: Jazz Pedagogy (1 unit)
    6. MUEP 120: Basic Audio Recording (1 unit)
  4. Performance: A minimum of 24 units in applied individual instruction and 6 terms on the major instrument or voice
    Note: Before admission to the jazz emphasis, Bachelor of Music theory/composition candidates are required to study with the respective classical applied instructors but may elect added applied study with the respective jazz applied instructor. After admission to the jazz emphasis, candidates are required to study with the respective jazz applied instructors but may elect to continue applied study with the respective classical instructor.
  5. Ensemble: Completion of the requirement must include:
    1. 3 terms of MUEN 248: Jazz Small Group Studies, after admission to jazz emphasis (3 units)
    2. 3 terms of MUEN 295: Jazz Ensemble or MUEN 293: Jazz Band, after admission to the jazz emphasis (3 units)
    3. Additional ensembles, specific to primary instrument, as follows:
      Winds/Percussion: 6 terms wind ensemble/symphonic band; 3 terms chamber music
      Strings: 9 terms symphony orchestra (3 terms required participation after admission to the emphasis in jazz studies); 3 terms chamber music
      Piano: 3 terms symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert choir, women's choir, or chorale; 3 terms supervised accompanying
      Guitar: 3 terms symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert choir, women's choir, chorale, or chamber music
      Voice: 6 terms concert choir or women's choir
  6. Required Projects
    1. DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards Applications: By December 31 of the senior year, all candidates are required to submit an application and compact-disc recording (a minimum of 10 minutes or 3 selections) for the Jazz Soloist category in the annual DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards. Repertoire will be chosen by the coordinator of jazz performance practice in consultation with the applied jazz studio teacher.
    2. Assembly of Self-Promotional CD or Website: Over the course of the candidate's two years in the jazz emphasis, a media project documenting the student's jazz performance, compositions, arrangements, and teaching/pedagogical demonstrations must be assembled. Candidates may choose to create an audio CD, audio/visual DVD, or personal website containing a minimum of 30 minutes of recorded work by the candidate. The selected project(s) must be presented to the jazz and improvisational music faculty before the conclusion of the final term of study.
    3. Jazz Small Group Coaching: All candidates will direct or co-direct a jazz small group for a minimum of one term after admission to the emphasis in jass studies (one 60-minute rehearsal per week). Each candidate must submit (in writing to the jazz faculty) a repertoire list and rehearsal plan for the term by the end of the third week. Each candidate must arrange for one group rehearsal observation by a jazz faculty member before the mid-term reading period.
    4. Jazz Big Band Conducting: All candidates will conducted designated rehearsals and sectionals of Jazz Band or Jazz Workshop after admission to the emphasis in jazz studies.

 

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