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Music Performance
Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work for instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches.
Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level. They typically begin singing or learning to play an instrument by taking lessons and classes when they are at a young age. In addition, they must practice often to develop their talent and technique.
Musicians and singers interested in performing classical music may seek further training through music camps and fellowships. These programs provide participants with classes, lessons, and performance opportunities.
Programs Offered
Music Performance - Piano
Bachelor of Music
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
116 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work as instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches. There are no postsecondary education requirements for musicians or singers interested in performing popular music. However, many performers of classical music and opera have at least a bachelor’s degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level.
Music Core Curriculum63 | |||||||||||
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| MUCT314A | Modal Counterpoint | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT314B | Tonal Counterpoint | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT315A | Form and Analysis I | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT315B | Form and Analysis II | 2 | |||||||||
| MUET105 | Introduction to Music Technology | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL335 | History of Western Music Before 1600 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL336 | History of Western Music 1600–1800 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL337 | History of Western Music Since 1800 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL338 | World Music | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL339 | Contemporary Popular Styles | 2 | |||||||||
| MUPF216 | Introduction to Conducting | 2 | |||||||||
| MUPF398 | Recital in Music | 1 | |||||||||
| MURE489 | Music and Worship | 4 | |||||||||
Music Performance - Piano Emphasis7 | |||||||||||
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| MUED325A | Piano Pedagogy | 2 | |||||||||
| MUED325B | Piano Literature | 2 | |||||||||
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Music Performance - Piano Electives13 | ||
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| Choose 13 units in consultation with advisor. |
Individual Piano Instruction34 | ||
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| Select units in consultation with advisor, 16 units of which must be upper division. |
Required Music Course1 | ||
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| MUPF498 | Recital in Music | 1 |
Music Performance - Voice
Bachelor of Music
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
116 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work as instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches. There are no postsecondary education requirements for musicians or singers interested in performing popular music. However, many performers of classical music and opera have at least a bachelor’s degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level.
Music Core Curriculum63 | |||||||||||
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| MUCT314A | Modal Counterpoint | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT314B | Tonal Counterpoint | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT315A | Form and Analysis I | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT315B | Form and Analysis II | 2 | |||||||||
| MUET105 | Introduction to Music Technology | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL335 | History of Western Music Before 1600 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL336 | History of Western Music 1600–1800 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL337 | History of Western Music Since 1800 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL338 | World Music | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL339 | Contemporary Popular Styles | 2 | |||||||||
| MUPF216 | Introduction to Conducting | 2 | |||||||||
| MUPF398 | Recital in Music | 1 | |||||||||
| MURE489 | Music and Worship | 4 | |||||||||
Music Performance - Voice Emphasis9 | |||||||||||
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| MUED220A | Singer's Diction I | 2 | |||||||||
| MUED220B | Singer's Diction II | 2 | |||||||||
| MUED327 | Vocal Pedagogy | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL329 | Vocal Literature | 2 | |||||||||
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Music Performance - Voice Electives11 | ||
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| Choose 11 units in consultation with advisor. |
Individual Instruction in Voice 34 | ||
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| Select units in consultation with advisor, 16 units of which must be upper division. |
Required Music Course1 | ||
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| MUPF498 | Recital in Music | 1 |
Required Cognate2 | ||
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| WDLG Required cognate for Voice: French, German, or Italian through level 201 |
Music Performance - Strings
Bachelor of Music
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
116 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work as instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches. There are no postsecondary education requirements for musicians or singers interested in performing popular music. However, many performers of classical music and opera have at least a bachelor’s degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level.
Music Core Curriculum63 | |||||||||||
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| MUCT314A | Modal Counterpoint | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT314B | Tonal Counterpoint | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT315A | Form and Analysis I | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT315B | Form and Analysis II | 2 | |||||||||
| MUET105 | Introduction to Music Technology | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL335 | History of Western Music Before 1600 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL336 | History of Western Music 1600–1800 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL337 | History of Western Music Since 1800 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL338 | World Music | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL339 | Contemporary Popular Styles | 2 | |||||||||
| MUPF216 | Introduction to Conducting | 2 | |||||||||
| MUPF398 | Recital in Music | 1 | |||||||||
| MURE489 | Music and Worship | 4 | |||||||||
Music Performance - Strings Emphasis7 | |||||||||||
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| MUED326 | Strings Pedagogy & Literature | 4 | |||||||||
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Music Performance - Strings Electives13 | ||
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| Choose 13 units in consultation with advisor. |
Individual String Instrument Instruction34 | ||
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| Select units in consultation with advisor, 16 units of which must be upper division. |
Required Music Course1 | ||
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| MUPF498 | Recital in Music | 1 |
Music Performance - Other Instruments
Bachelor of Music
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
116 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Graduates from this program are qualified for performance, teaching, part-time work as instrumental artists in local orchestras, and vocal artists in churches. There are no postsecondary education requirements for musicians or singers interested in performing popular music. However, many performers of classical music and opera have at least a bachelor’s degree. Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level.
Music Core Curriculum63 | |||||||||||
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| MUCT314A | Modal Counterpoint | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT314B | Tonal Counterpoint | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT315A | Form and Analysis I | 2 | |||||||||
| MUCT315B | Form and Analysis II | 2 | |||||||||
| MUET105 | Introduction to Music Technology | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL335 | History of Western Music Before 1600 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL336 | History of Western Music 1600–1800 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL337 | History of Western Music Since 1800 | 4 | |||||||||
| MUHL338 | World Music | 2 | |||||||||
| MUHL339 | Contemporary Popular Styles | 2 | |||||||||
| MUPF216 | Introduction to Conducting | 2 | |||||||||
| MUPF398 | Recital in Music | 1 | |||||||||
| MURE489 | Music and Worship | 4 | |||||||||
Music Performance - Other Instruments Emphasis5 | |||||||||||
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| MUHL328 | Wind and Percussion Literature | 2 | |||||||||
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Music Performance - Other Instruments Electives15 | ||
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| Choose 15 units in consultation with advisor. |
Individual Instruction in Other Instruments 34 | ||
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| Select units in consultation with advisor, 16 units of which must be upper division. |
Required Music Course1 | ||
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| MUPF498 | Recital in Music | 1 |
Music Performance - Certificate
Certificate
Quick Facts
Level
Certificate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
36 Units
Accreditation
WASC
Description:
The Performer’s Certificate program is a full-time course of study designed for promising performers who desire intensive training on their instrument or voice in order to enhance their employment opportunities. Students are required to enroll for a minimum of three quarters to complete the Certificate program. One to two years is typically required for completion of the program. Extension of the program beyond two years requires departmental approval. Although a baccalaureate degree is not required for admission, applicants must meet the performance level that is required for graduation from the undergraduate performance program. No academic credit is normally given for courses taken under this program. If academic credit is desired—not applicable towards graduation with a baccalaureate degree—the regular tuition costs will apply. This is not a federal aid eligible program. Students are required to register for a minimum of 12 units for each quarter enrolled in the program in the following areas:
Performance Certificate+36 | ||||||||||||||
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Career Outlook
1% Job Market Growth
$39.14 Median Hourly Pay
Very Diverse
The median hourly wage for musicians and singers was $39.14 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16.02, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102.98.
In May 2023, the median hourly wages for musicians and singers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations $48.85
- Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries $41.39
- Educational services; state, local, and private $25.69
Program Stats
Our Alumni Work in these Occupations
- Music Directors and Composers3
- Music, Dance, and Extracurricular Instructors2
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists1
- Higher Education Teachers1
- Curators1
- Restaurant Cooks1
- Clinical Pharmacists1
Our Alumni Work Here
- Florida State University1
- Huntington Beach Symphony Orchestra1
- Adventist Health1
- Naval Base Ventura County1
- Nyc Department of Education1
- Southeastern California Conference1
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate excellence as solo and ensemble performers to provide a basis for a professional career as a musician.
- Demonstrate specific knowledge in music theory, music history, and instrumental or vocal pedagogy to provide a basis for a professional career as a performing musician.
- Demonstrate the ability to think, speak, and write clearly and effectively about the art of music.
- Work collaboratively and as leaders in music interpretation.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of music history within their area of specialization and an acquaintance with the history, cultural background and repertories beyond that area, including a wide selection of Western and world music literature.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of music technology and its application to their area of specialization.
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Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Musicians and Singers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm (visited April 17, 2024).
