Department of Music

B.A. in Music

About

The Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Arts in music within the context of a liberal arts curriculum. Students acquire practical knowledge of music performance and composition through individual study as well as participation in one or more of the department’s several ensembles. Development of the student’s vocal and/or instrumental technique is enhanced by the study of musicianship, theory, and history, which impart a deeper understanding of the structure of music and the cultural forces that shape it.

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive degree information, please consult the UCR Catalog: https://registrar.ucr.edu/registering/catalog.

The Major offers four curricular tracks, among which students may choose a concentration:

  1. General
    1. Students declare a Major in Music in the General Track by the end of their freshman year (no audition required).
  2. Composition
    1. Students that wish to declare a Major in Music within the Composition Track must first complete MUS 037 (Intro to Composition) with a grade C or higher, and present three diverse works (at least one of which must be realized through music notation) to the composition faculty during a brief audition at the end of the sophomore year.
    2. If entering as a Junior, transfer Composition students will need to schedule an audition upon arrival to campus.
  3. Performance
    1. Students that wish to declare a Major in Music within the Performance Track must first pass an audition by the end of the sophomore year.
    2. If entering as a Junior, transfer Performance students will need to schedule an audition upon arrival to campus.
    3. Juries are mandatory for Music juniors and seniors enrolled in the Performance Track. Students must play for two of them, on two different quarters, within each academic year. Students do not play for juries the quarter in which they perform a senior recital.
  4. Music Industry
    1. Students that wish to declare a Major in Music within the Music Industry Track must first pass a successful portfolio review by the end of the sophomore year.

As a requirement for the B.A. in Music degree, all students must pass a keyboard proficiency examination.