Bachelor of Music

The Bachelor of Music is an intensive curriculum for students wishing to study music for specific professional purposes or seeking professional levels of attainment in music. Bachelor of Music emphases within the program provide specialized study in piano, vocal, and instrumental performance, composition, jazz, history and literature, and music education (credential preparation). These specializations prepare students for graduate study or various professional opportunities. In addition to possessing musical ability and motivation, every candidate for the professional degree program must demonstrate, in an audition before a faculty panel, a significant technical and artistic level of accomplishment in at least one area of performance before being admitted to this major. Candidates for the Bachelor of Music major may apply either before or after enrolling at San Francisco State University.

A maximum of 73 units in music may be counted toward this degree.

Emphases

Students in a performance emphasis may receive up to eight semesters of individual lessons with the distinguished artist faculty in the School of Music, many of whom are members of the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet Orchestras, and maintain active professional careers. The degree program culminates in a formal senior recital.

Students in the composition emphasis have early and continued opportunities through private lessons, composers' workshops, and other specialized classes to study with nationally recognized faculty composers and to have their works publicly performed. Students are expected to qualify for this emphasis at the end of the second year of study at San Francisco State University.

Students in the history and literature emphasis complete core courses in music history as well as courses in such topics as keyboard literature, jazz, ethnic music, and the works of individual composers. The culminating project for the history and literature emphasis, a senior thesis of an analytical or historical nature, gives each student an opportunity to work closely with a member of the music history faculty in developing research and analytical skills.

The Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in music education prepares students to teach in the elementary and secondary schools. Completion of this curriculum satisfies the pre-professional academic requirements for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music, leaving only the professional education sequence to be completed in the College of Education.

Bachelor of Music students must complete 27 units of core courses which includes concert attendance and one of the following emphases: Piano, Instrumental, or Vocal Performance, Composition, Jazz, History and Literature, or Music Education. Students who select the Music Education emphasis must complete one of the three options listed under Music Education.

Additional Requirements

  • Students must enroll in MUS 150 (0 units) each semester in residence up to and including eight semesters.
  • A grade of C or better is required for all music courses in the Bachelor of Music major.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Musical Literacy. Students will demonstrate proficiency in reading, notating, and transcribing music by ear. Students will demonstrate critical listening abilities through describing, analyzing, and articulating artistic and perceptual aspects of music.
  2. Performance. Students will demonstrate applied performance skills through accurate, and expressive instrumental or vocal performances.
  3. Creation. Students will be able to express compelling and original musical thought through arranging, composing, and improvising in a variety of styles and for a variety of purposes.
  4. Critical Understanding of Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Contexts. Students will be able to apply historical and cultural knowledge and aesthetic judgement in order to articulate significance and meaning in music within diverse contexts.

Bachelor of Music — 66–79 units

General Education Requirements Met in the Major

The requirements below are deemed “met in the major” upon completion of the courses listed (even though the courses and their prerequisites are not approved for GE). This is true whether or not the student completes the major.

Core Courses (30 units)

MUS 150Concert Music (each semester in residence up to and including 8 semesters)0
MUS/TH A 221Fundamentals of Ear Training and Musicianship I2
MUS 222Fundamentals of Ear Training and Musicianship II2
MUS 223Fundamentals of Ear Training and Musicianship III2
MUS 231Species Counterpoint3
MUS 232Diatonic Harmony3
MUS 233Chromatic Harmony3
MUS 42020th Century Techniques3
MUS 542GWMusic in Culture and Context - GWAR3
MUS 550Western European Music History from the Middle Ages to 17503
MUS 551European and American Classical Music History of the 18th and 19th Century3
MUS 552Classical Music History of Europe and the Americas in the 20th Century3

In addition to the core requirements, all candidates must pass the Junior Qualifying Examination in one instrument or voice.

Area of Emphasis (36–49 units)

To fulfill the requirements of the major in the Bachelor of Music, students must complete an additional 36–49 units of course work upon advisement. With a faculty advisor, students select an area of emphasis based on interests and areas in which to build expertise. Several areas of emphasis from which students may choose are listed below.

Piano Performance Emphasis (36 units)

MUS 382Keyboard Harmony1
MUS 303Keyboard Major (1 unit course taken eight times)8
MUS 360Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken eight times)8
Ensemble Series: Two semesters of enrollment in a large, conducted ensemble is required. A minimum of 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Opera Workshop, Chorus).4
Orchestra
Wind Ensemble
Chamber Singers
Treble Singers "The Higher Ups"
University Chorus
MUS 378Chamber Music (1 unit course taken two times)2
MUS 383Piano Accompaniment1
MUS 384Piano Ensemble1
MUS 391Piano Sightreading1
MUS 392Piano Performance Practicum (taken five times)0
MUS 405Tonal Counterpoint3
MUS 5103
MUS 614Piano Pedagogy2
MUS 640Ensemble Conducting2
Senior Recital is required

Vocal Performance Emphasis (39 units)

MUS 201Class Piano I1
MUS 202Class Piano II1
MUS 301Advanced Class Piano1
MUS 313/TH A 318Voice Major Applied Instruction (1 unit course taken eight times)8
MUS 360Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken six times)6
MUS 371-MUS 3908
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in a large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus),
MUS 560Lyric Diction I2
MUS 561Lyric Diction II2
MUS 565Vocal Literature3
MUS 612The Voice3
MUS 640Ensemble Conducting2
Music electives on advisement2
Senior Recital is required

Instrumental Performance Emphasis (41 units)

MUS 201Class Piano I1
MUS 202Class Piano II1
MUS 353Instrumental Major (1 unit course taken eight times)8
MUS 360Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken eight times)8
MUS 371-MUS 39012
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in a large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus)
MUS 405Tonal Counterpoint3
MUS 416
MUS 640Ensemble Conducting2
Music electives on advisement3
Senior Recital is required

Composition Emphasis (36 units)

Students wishing to qualify for the composition emphasis file an "Intent to Apply" form at the completion of MUS 232, and make their actual application to the program at the end of the sophomore year. The application consists of an application form, a transcript, and a portfolio of compositions. A portfolio of scores and recordings of works written for a variety of ensembles must also be submitted and approved before graduation from the program.

MUS 201Class Piano I1
MUS 202Class Piano II1
MUS 301Advanced Class Piano1
Units on advisement from MUS 303 - MUS 313 - MUS 353 Piano, Voice, or Instrumental Major4
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in a large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus),
MUS 371-MUS 390 Ensemble Series (1 each)5
MUS 405Tonal Counterpoint3
MUS 415Orchestration3
MUS 4163
MUS 450Projects in Theory and Composition (1 unit course taken four times)4
MUS 460Repertoire for Composers (1 unit course taken four times)4
MUS 640Ensemble Conducting2
Select one of the following on advisement:3
MUS 531
Music of Latin America
or other advisor approved elective
Music electives on advisement2
In addition, candidates must pass the junior qualifying examination in one instrument or voice.

Jazz Emphasis (45–49 units)

MUS 201Class Piano I1
MUS 202Class Piano II1
MUS 206Beginning Jazz/Pop Piano1
Upon advisement, for MUS 201 and MUS 206, jazz piano majors may substitute from the following three courses:
Keyboard Harmony
Piano Accompaniment
Piano Sightreading
Piano, Voice, or Instrumental Major:8
2 semesters of applied classical lessons are required before admission to the major
Keyboard Major
Voice Major Applied Instruction
Instrumental Major
MUS 360Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken six to eight times)6-8
MUS 371 - MUS 390 (2 units must be in large classical ensembles)8-10
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series
Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester)2
MUS 270Improvisation2
MUS 431Jazz Improvisation2
MUS 432Jazz Improvisation II2
MUS 440Jazz Harmony3
MUS 441Jazz Composition and Arranging3
MUS 558Music of John Coltrane3
Music elective on advisement3
Required performance and passing of a Senior Recital

History and Literature Emphasis (42 units)

Piano, Voice, or Instrumental Major:4
Keyboard Major (on advisement)
Voice Major Applied Instruction (on advisement)
Instrumental Major (on advisement)
MUS 201Class Piano I1
MUS 202Class Piano II1
MUS 301Advanced Class Piano1
MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series (1 each)5
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series
Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester)2
MUS 405Tonal Counterpoint3
MUS 415Orchestration3
MUS 598Senior Thesis3
MUS 640Ensemble Conducting2
Select 12 units from the following:12
Seminar in Music Literature
MUS 531
Music of Latin America
or other advisor approved elective
Select 5 units of electives on advisement5

In addition, candidates must pass the junior qualifying examination in one instrument or voice and demonstrate basic reading knowledge of French, German, or another appropriate language.

Music Education Emphasis (38-41 units)

All Music Education Emphasis students complete the Music Education emphasis core courses and choose one option from Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, or the Diversified Program as shown below. Students must also present a recital.

Music Education Emphasis Core Courses (13 units)
MUS 351Class Orchestral and Band Instruments I1
MUS 433Introduction to Music Technology2
MUS 608Early Field Experience in Music Education2
MUS 616Woodwind Methods for Music Educators2
MUS 618String Methods for Music Educators2
MUS 620Brass Instrument Methods for Music Educators2
MUS 640Ensemble Conducting2
Instrumental Music Option (25 units)
MUS 270Improvisation2
MUS 301Advanced Class Piano1
MUS 353Instrumental Major (MUS 371-MUS 390 1 each, 7 units total)7
MUS 371 - MUS 3907
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series
Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester)1
MUS 415Orchestration3
MUS 644Advanced Instrumental Conducting and Literature3
Music elective on advisement1
Vocal/Choral Music Option (28 units)
MUS 301Advanced Class Piano (on advisement)1
MUS 313Voice Major Applied Instruction (1 unit course taken six times)6
MUS 360Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken two times)2
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series
Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester)2
MUS 560Lyric Diction I2
MUS 561Lyric Diction II2
MUS 612The Voice3
MUS 645Advanced Choral Conducting and Literature3
Select six units of the following: 1,26
Improvisation
Vocal Performance Practicum
Music elective on advisement1
Diversified Program (Keyboard/Choral) Option (25 units)
MUS 303Keyboard Major (1 unit course taken eight times)8
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series
Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester)2
MUS 382Keyboard Harmony1
MUS 612The Voice3
MUS 645Advanced Choral Conducting and Literature3
MUS 313Voice Major Applied Instruction (by audition)1
Select six units from the following: 1,2,36
Improvisation
Vocal Performance Practicum
Music elective on advisement1
1

At least 1 unit must include MUS 270.

2

At least 2 units must include MUS 388 or MUS 390.

3

For the Diversified Concentration a minimum of 6 units must be in choral ensembles.

General Education Requirements

Requirement Course Level Units Area Designation
Oral Communication LD 3 A1
Written English Communication LD 3 A2
Critical Thinking LD 3 A3
Physical Science LD 3 B1
Life Science LD 3 B2
Lab Science LD 1 B3
Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning LD 3 B4
Arts LD 3 C1
Humanities LD 3 C2
Arts or Humanities LD 3 C1 or C2
Social Sciences LD 3 D1
Social Sciences: US History LD 3 D2
Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (LLD) LD 3 E
Ethnic Studies LD 3 F
Physical and/or Life Science UD 3 UD-B
Arts and/or Humanities UD 3 UD-C
Social Sciences UD 3 UD-D
SF State Studies
Courses certified as meeting the SF State Studies requirements may be upper or lower division in General Education (GE), a major or minor, or an elective.
American Ethnic and Racial Minorities LD or UD 3 AERM
Environmental Sustainability LD or UD 3 ES
Global Perspectives LD or UD 3 GP
Social Justice LD or UD 3 SJ

Note: LD = Lower-Division; UD = Upper-Division.

First-Time Student Roadmap (4 Year)

  1. The roadmaps presented in this Bulletin are intended as suggested plans of study and do not replace meeting with an advisor. For a more personalized roadmap, please use the Degree Planner tool found in your Student Center.
  2. In order to choose your English Composition A2 course and your QR/Math B4 course, please complete the online advising activities at writingadvising.sfsu.edu and mathadvising.sfsu.edu. Questions? Contact Gator Smart Start.

First-Time Student Roadmap

General Advising Information for Transfer Students

  1. Before transfer, complete as many lower-division requirements or electives for this major as possible.
  2. The following courses are not required for admission but are required for graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to complete these units before transfer; doing so will provide more flexibility in course selection after transfer.
    • a course in U.S. History
    • a course in U.S. & California Government

For information about satisfying the requirements described in (1) and (2) above at a California Community College (CCC), please visit http://www.assist.org. Check any geographically accessible CCCs; sometimes options include more than one college. Use ASSIST to determine:

  • Which courses at a CCC satisfy any lower-division major requirements for this major;
  • Which courses at a CCC satisfy CSU GE, US History, and US & CA Government requirements.

Remedial courses are not transferable and do not apply to the minimum 60 semester units/90 quarter units required for admission.

Additional units for courses that are repeated do not apply to the minimum 60 units required for upper-division transfer (for example, if a course was not passed on the first attempt or was taken to earn a better grade).

Before leaving the last California Community College of attendance, obtain a summary of completion of lower-division General Education units (IGETC or CSU GE Breadth). This is often referred to as a GE certification worksheet. SF State does not require delivery of this certification to Admissions, but students should retain this document for verifying degree progress after transfer.

Credit for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College-Level Examination Program courses: AP/IB/CLEP credit is not automatically transferred from the previous institution. Units are transferred only when an official score report is delivered to SF State. Credit is based on the academic year during which exams were taken. Refer to the University Bulletin in effect during the year of AP/IB/CLEP examination(s) for details regarding the award of credit for AP/IB/CLEP.

Students pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines often defer 6-9 units of lower-division General Education in Areas C and D until after transfer to focus on preparation courses for the major. This advice does not apply to students pursuing associate degree completion before transfer.

Transferring From Institutions Other Than CCCs or CSUs

Review SF State's lower-division General Education requirements. Note that, as described below, the four basic skills courses required for admission meet A1, A2, A3, and B4 in the SF State GE pattern. Courses that fulfill the remaining areas of SF State’s lower-division GE pattern are available at most two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

Of the four required basic skills courses, a course in critical thinking (A3) may not be widely offered outside the CCC and CSU systems. Students should attempt to identify and take an appropriate course no later than the term of application to the CSU. To review more information about the A3 requirement, please visit bulletin.sfsu.edu/undergraduate-education/general-education/lower-division/#AAEL.

Waiting until after transfer to take a single course at SF State that meets both US and CA/local government requirements may be an appropriate option, particularly if transferring from outside of California.