UNDERGRADUATE Program

Degrees & Certificates

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Music

Students who enroll in the B.A. program may choose to concentrate in music history, music theory and analysis, music performance, or jazz studies. The B.A. program is ideally suited to the needs of students who intend to complete two majors at UCI, such as Biology and Music, Humanities and Music, or Dance and Music; for students who intend to complete California Teaching Credentials; or for students who intend to participate in the Education Abroad Program. The. B.A. program also offers an appropriate preparation for graduate study in musicology and related fields. Admission to the program requires an entrance audition.

In addition to completing the core curriculum for majors, students in the B.A. program complete at least two upper-division courses in music history and music theory and pursue elective subjects in music, the arts, or other academic disciplines. Six quarters of private instrumental or vocal instruction is provided without extra fees, and students participate for at least two years in ensembles or repertory classes. Work in the B.A. program culminates in the completion of a senior project, consisting of an extended essay involving critical or historical research, an original composition, or a public lecture/performance.

Details may be found in the UCI Catalogue.

Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) degree in Music Performance

The B.Mus. degree program is performance-oriented. Students specialize in performance on one of the orchestral instruments, guitar and lute, piano performance, vocal performance, jazz studies, or composition. The Special String Performance option provides an intensified curriculum for professional-level students. Normal residency for the B.Mus. degree is four years for students who enter as freshment and two years for transfer students.

In addition to completing the core curriculum for majors, students in the B.Mus. program complete at least two upper-division courses in music history and music theory and receive private instrumental or vocal instruction for a maximum of 12 quarters for those who enter the program as freshmen or six quarters for transfer students. Composition students receive six quarters of private instrumental or vocal lessons and six quarters of composition lessons (normally taken in the third and fourth years). Additional courses are required in accordance with the chosen area of specialization (orchestral instruments, guitar and lute, piano, voice, jazz studies, composition.) The student’s study culminates in the presentation of a solo recital during the senior year.

Details may be found in the UCI Catalogue.

Bachelor of Music Degree (Special String Performance)

The curricular requirements for the Special String Performance option follow:

Completion of the core curriculum; four years of instruction in the major instrument (Music 77 and 177); four years of UCI Orchestra (Music 160); two years of Chamber Music (Music 194); any three courses in the history or criticism of art, dance history, development of drama, dramatic literature, or film criticism; four to eight units in music elective selected from Music 135, 140–148, 155A–B; and the Senior Recital (Music 192S).