The Music Performance major is a designated capstone major. Through preparation for and execution of their senior capstone projects or recitals, students demonstrate mastery of program learning outcomes; as well as a level of proficiency appropriate for their role in the recitals and their understanding of performance practices appropriate to the repertory being performed, as acquired in previous coursework and through research. Students also display their ability to assemble an effective program in terms of pacing and variety, and demonstrate requisite stage presence along with an ability to communicate with their audience in performance.

Keyboard

Strings

Voice

Brass, Percussion, and Woodwinds

Based on instrument or voice, complete one concentration selected from:

Concentration

Musicianship

Theory

Complete one of the following series approved by the area head/division chair. The courses must be completed with grades of C or better.

Theory/Musicianship

Complete the following courses with grades of C or better:

History

The Major

Complete the following courses with grades of C– or better:

Music 20 Series

Music 21 Series

Select one of the following series approved by the area head/division chair. The courses must be completed with grades of C or better.

Preparation for the Major

Requirements

All recitals are videotaped and archived; performances are evaluated by a jury. 
Strings
For classical guitar, harp, and string bass, students may petition to substitute alternative courses if there are no suitable chamber ensembles offered during the academic year. For classical guitar, students may petition to substitute Music C185A, C185B, or appropriate ethnomusicology ensembles.

All entering first years are required to take the Music Theory Assessment Examination either during New Student Sessions or during zero week of fall quarter. The examination score is used to determine eligibility and placement in first-year music core courses (Music M6A, M6B, M6C, and 20A, 20B, and 20C, or 21A, 21B, and 21C). Examination results may require enrollment in Music 3 as a requisite to both courses M6A and 20A/21A. Entering transfer students must take the Music Theory Assessment Examination to determine placement in the appropriate music theory sequence. Choice of theory course series to be approved by area head/division chair.
Strings 
For classical guitar, harp, and string bass, students may petition to substitute alternative courses if there are no suitable chamber ensembles offered during the academic year. For classical guitar, students may petition to substitute Music C185A, C185B, or appropriate ethnomusicology ensembles.

Applicants are required to audition in their principal performance medium and interview with the music performance faculty.

Herb Alpert School of Music

Demonstrated excellent aural musicianship skills and a working knowledge of music theory and music history

Demonstrated knowledge of history and performance repertoire for a primary instrument or voice and representative works for chamber and large conducted ensembles from the majors periods of Western classical music, including contemporary compositions

Conception, preparation, and performance of a public solo recital of Western classical music, including a printed program and program notes

Demonstrated artistic proficiency and flexibility as performer and collaborator in varied settings, including chamber ensembles and large conducted ensembles

Demonstrated knowledge about genres other than Western classic music or the scholarly study of music and/or the business practices associated with the music industry

Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of compositional form, historical context, performance practices, extended techniques, nontraditional notation, and current issues to performance of Western classical music

Demonstrated artistic proficiency on a primary instrument or in voice

General Catalog

Music Performance BM