Music Major
The music major prepares students for life-long appreciation of and participation in a rich variety of musical experiences. The major emphasizes performance and combines theory with practical participation in a variety of musical activities.
Highlights:
- Focus on performance
- Three different emphases offered: church music, music education and performance/composition
- Smaller classes give focused attention
- Top-tiered faculty
- Variety of opportunities for participation and performance
What can I do with this degree?
- The curriculum for the music major is designed to prepare skillful musicians, effective communicators, creative teachers and responsible servant/leaders in the church and the community. Through the study of music theory and history, and the practice of music performance, students will be prepared for life-long exploration of music.
What are my program options?
- Students choose one of the following emphases:
- Church music - prepares students for music ministry in the church
- Music education - satisfies California state requirements for the subject matter teaching credential in music
- Performance/composition - increases student competence in performance or composition
Are there additional requirements for music majors?
- Private instruction - Eight semester units of private instruction in an instrument or voice are required, including four semesters at the advanced level.
- Jury examinations - Jury examinations are performed at the end of each semester and serve as the final examination for private instruction. There are two levels in the jury examination process. Successful completion of Level 1 signals acceptance into the music major. Level 2 must be satisfactorily completed at least one semester prior to the senior recital.
- Ensembles - Music majors are required to participate in a performing ensemble each semester of attendance, for a minimum of 12 units.
- Piano proficiency - Piano proficiency must be demonstrated by the end of the junior year. Students must enroll in piano class or private instruction in piano until the piano proficiency test has been passed.
- Portfolio - At the end of the senior year, a portfolio of all music involvement must be submitted for review.
Why go to school in Fresno?
- A fast-growing and culturally diverse city, Fresno serves as the business, financial, cultural and entertainment center of California's Central Valley. Because of our central location, students have easy access to the best of the rest of California including three national parks and the central coast. View more advantages to studying in Fresno.
How much does it cost?
- Tuition is competitively priced and financial aid is available. View details on tuition and fees.
When can I start?
- Traditional undergraduate programs are in a semester format. The fall semester begins at the end of August and the spring semester begins at the beginning of January. Application for admission will be accepted until July 31 or enrollment is full for the fall semester and until December 5 for the spring semester. Applications received later than these dates will be considered, but acceptance and registration are not guaranteed. Admission notification is handled on a rolling basis.
How do I apply?
- The application process is straightforward, and an admissions counselor is available to answer any questions you might have. View details on how to apply.
To discover more about the music program, visit the music department pages.
