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Updated February 17, 2015

Music

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Andrew Harris

 

School of Music

CA 141
Phone: 415-338-1431
Website: music.sfsu.edu

Director: Dee Spencer
Undergraduate Advisors: Festinger, Ginwala, Hanna, Modirzadeh, Neve, Speight, Spencer, Suzuki, Todorov, Woodward
Graduate Coordinator: Cyrus Ginwala

 

Faculty:

Professors: Festinger, Modirzadeh, Neve, Spencer, Woodward
Associate Professors: Ginwala, Hanna, Suzuki, Todorov, Xiques
Assistant Professors: Brandes, Seggelke

Lecturers: Speight, Alexander String Quartet (Grafilo, Lifsitz, Walsh-Wilson, Yarbrough)

 

Programs

Bachelor of Art in Music

Bachelor of Music

Minor in Music

Minor in World Music and Dance

Master of Arts in Music

Master of Music

 

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Program Scope

The School of Music offers both professional and liberal arts degree programs in music as well as courses that enrich the general education and cultural life of the University. The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides a humanistic approach to the study of music as a significant part of human tradition and culture. The Bachelor of Music is an intensive curriculum for qualified advanced undergraduate students seeking to attain professional levels of expertise in a specialized music discipline.

 

The Master of Arts in Music and Master of Music degree programs provide an advanced education for students with an undergraduate degree in music who wish to gain additional expertise in specific areas of music. The Master of Arts in Music program is for students who have highly developed interest and achievement in specific areas of music study; an interest in teaching as music faculty in two- and four-year colleges; are K-12 teachers seeking additional expertise in specific areas of music that will enhance their skills and knowledge as music educators; or, are seeking preparation for professional careers in composition and arranging. The Master of Music provides graduate study for the superior performer with the goal of maximum development of specialized skills. Either the Master of Arts in Music or Master of Music degree programs can be appropriate for students who have the goal of advanced graduate study at the doctoral level.

 

The school also offers two minors in music: a liberal arts minor, that provides a planned sequence of musical development from which future enjoyment and learning can proceed, and a minor in World Music and Dance, which is interdisciplinary in character.

 

A variety of individual and ensemble music performance opportunities are available to all SF State students, including Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, University Symphony, Chamber Singers, Afro-Cuban Ensemble, and Women’s Chorus. A number of small and specialized vocal and instrumental ensembles that are part of the Chamber Music, Jazz and Creative Music programs are also available. The School also participates in opera and musical-theatre productions in cooperation with the School of Theatre and Dance.

 

Scholarships in music are available and awarded based on musical and scholastic achievement, musical promise or need. Many of these scholarships are designated for specific fields of study while others are open to music majors in any field of study. Auditions for scholarships are held two to four times each year. Students must schedule an appointment to audition for a scholarship. For further information and an application, contact the School of Music.

 

San Francisco State University has been an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1963.

 

Faculty and Facilities

Faculty in the School of Music includes internationally recognized performers, composers, music educators, authors and research scholars. Each faculty member has a strong commitment to students and brings their knowledge and expertise into the process of teaching and learning music. The world-renowned Alexander String Quartet is quartet-in-residence at SF State. The members of the quartet are faculty in the School and coordinate, along with other faculty, our unique Chamber Music program. To meet our faculty, please visit the School of Music website at: http://music.sfsu.edu.

 

The Music Program is housed in the Creative Arts Building. Facilities include McKenna and Knuth Theatres, seating 701 and 322 respectively; three piano laboratories; choral and instrumental ensemble rehearsal space; classroom and practice facilities; a music materials resource center containing instruments and scores; an electronic music laboratory; and a music computer lab with more than 20 workstations.

 

The J. Paul Leonard Library provides music listening facilities; computer access; and an extensive collection of scores, recordings, and books on music. The Frank V. de Bellis collection of Italian culture, located on the fourth floor of the library, contains historic musical instruments, rare books, musical manuscripts, and scores and archival sound recordings.

 

Career Outlook

Career options for music majors are very diverse. The analytical, concentration and listening skills, collaborative experiences, and broad historical and cultural knowledge gained through the study of music prepare students to achieve in many professional arenas. Their individual achievements may lead them into specific professional fields of music, including performance, composition, scholarship, teaching, or into another profession that can benefit from the knowledge and skills gained in music study.

 

Graduates of SF State University music programs currently perform as soloists or as members of symphony orchestras, opera, chamber ensembles, choruses, rock groups, jazz combos, and a variety of intercultural consorts. They conduct Broadway musicals, church choirs, community choruses, commercial music, operas, and symphony orchestras. Some work as composers, arrangers and producers in a wide-variety of musical environments, write recording and program notes, serve as music librarians, design and work with music technology, and work as critics and lecturers. Others teach music at every educational level from pre-school through university in independent studios and in public and private schools and colleges. They occupy key positions as music administrators and provide leadership for professional music organizations. School of Music graduates have also gone on to careers outside of music in fields as diverse as medicine, business and law. Whatever their chosen career path, the education our graduates received has provided the educational foundation they needed to provide a life filled with meaning and professional accomplishment. Wherever their careers have taken them, they continue to create, perform, analyze, write about, lobby for, and listen to music both for profit and for pleasure.

 

Undergraduate Programs in Music

All students wishing to pursue a major in music must pass both a performance audition on an instrument or voice, and demonstrate competency in music theory, aural and piano skills sufficient for successful music study at a four-year university. The performance audition must establish that the individual possesses music achievement adequate to effectively engage in musical performance in the School of Music. Students who pass the performance audition may demonstrate competency in music theory, aural skills and piano either through passing placement examinations or completing specific coursework at San Francisco State University. Auditions and placement examinations are given at least twice each year. Students may only audition or take placement examinations twice.

 

Students who pass the performance audition but fail the placement examinations in aural skills and music theory must take MUS 130 Rudiments of Music Theory, during their first semester as music students in School of Music. A grade of C or better in MUS 130 is required to satisfy the aural skills and music theory standards required to proceed in either the Bachelor of Arts in Music or the Bachelor of Music degree programs. Students who fail the placement exam in piano may complete MUS 201. A grade of C or better in MUS 201 is required to satisfy the piano standards for admission to either the Bachelor of Arts in Music or the Bachelor of Music degree programs. While satisfying aural skills, music theory and piano degree program admissions standards, students who pass their performance audition are expected to enroll in other music courses that will apply toward university degree requirements. These courses include performance ensembles and MUS 150 Concert Music. Please consult with your assigned music advisor about appropriate choices.

 

Many music courses are available only to students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Music degree programs. Certain music courses, taken to satisfy deficiencies identified by placement examinations in aural skills, music theory and piano, may not count as part of a Bachelor of Arts in Music or Bachelor of Music degree program.

 

All music majors are assigned a faculty advisor with whom they confer each semester to develop an appropriate program of study.

 

Individual instrumental and vocal applied lessons are restricted to music majors who have passed the performance audition and the aural skills and music theory placement examinations. Participation in an ensemble is required of all students enrolled in applied lessons. Students enrolled in individual voice or instrumental instruction are required to enroll in 1 unit of appropriate ensemble for each half-hour of private instruction received. Ensemble enrollments must be approved by the faculty advisor in order for them to satisfy this requirement. (Please see individual program requirements for the maximum number of ensemble units, MUS 371 - MUS 390, applicable to degree requirements.) Students must also maintain full-time enrollment in order to qualify for individual instruction. There is a limit to the total number of individual lessons each student may receive, depending on the degree program in which the student is enrolled. Students who fail or withdraw from required pre-requisite or co-requisite musicianship, theory or ensemble courses, will lose eligibility for individual applied lessons until academic requirements in those pre-requisite or co-requisite courses have been satisfied.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides a humanistic approach to the study of music as a significant part of human tradition and culture. This degree program provides broad liberal arts preparation with significant study in music. The structure of the degree program offers students several avenues to pursue individual interests in music as preparation for careers in music or music-related fields. Students may choose the recommended emphases in Classical, Jazz, Electronic Music, or Creative Music Studies. Students with other music-related career interests may also design and complete an elective emphasis more appropriately focused, with the approval of the School of Music.

 

Preparation for the major involves competency and/or course work requirements in theory, ear training, and piano.

 

Performance achievement in one applied area (voice, piano, or instrumental major) is an expected component of the Bachelor of Arts degree program. Students must develop, with their faculty advisor, a school approved program that will provide for clear demonstration of musicality and musicianship appropriate to a liberal arts degree in music in their area of emphasis. Students whose major performance medium is voice are strongly recommended to take Class Voice in order to achieve performance competence.

 

Complementary Studies

Twelve units of complementary studies are required of all candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. These units must come from courses bearing a prefix other than MUS, and not cross-listed with MUS. Music majors will be offered several pathways toward completing this requirement, each of which is designed to facilitate graduation in a timely manner. Music majors may, with the approval of a MUS Program advisor, satisfy the Complementary Studies requirement by completing 12 units in a single foreign language of their choosing; 12 units from courses taken in a study abroad program; 12 units from courses taken as partial completion of a second major, minor or certificate; or 12 units from courses in related disciplines. Related disciplines typically include: theater, dance, cinema, broadcast and electronic communications, creative writing, journalism, kinesiology, physical education, health education, holistic health, biology, elementary education, English, history, anthropology, business, and journalism. Up to 12 units of Complementary Studies may count toward the major for courses that are related to music, as determined by a major advisor.

 

The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree requires completion of the University General Education requirements, 45 units of requirements in music appropriate to the degree emphasis, which includes concert attendance (MUS 150), and additional elective units for a total of 120 units. Additional elective units may be taken in music, but a maximum of 60 units in music may be counted towards the 120 units required for graduation. Note:

• Lower division preparation for the Bachelor of Arts in Music should be completed during the first two years of study at SF State.
• Lower division preparation in music must be completed prior to enrollment in upper division music coursework.
• Students must enroll in MUS 150 Concert Music (0 units) each semester in residence up to and including eight semesters.
• A grade of C or better is required for all music courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Music major.

 

Music (B.A.) — 45 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Note: A minimum of 40 upper division units must be completed for the degree (including upper division units required for the major, general education, electives, etc.). A student can complete this major yet not attain the necessary number of upper division units required for graduation. In this case additional upper division courses will be needed to reach the required total.

 

Bachelor of Music

The Bachelor of Music is an intensive curriculum for students wishing to study music for specific professional purposes or for students seeking professional levels of attainment in music. Bachelor of Music emphases within the program provide specialized study in piano, vocal, and instrumental performance; composition; jazz; history and literature; and music education (credential preparation). These specializations prepare students for graduate study or for various professional opportunities. In addition to possessing musical ability and motivation, every candidate for the professional degree program must demonstrate, in an audition before a faculty panel, a significant technical and artistic level of accomplishment in at least one area of performance before being admitted to this major. Candidates for the Bachelor of Music major may apply either before or after enrolling at San Francisco State University.

A maximum of 73 units in music may be counted toward this degree.

 

Students in a performance emphasis may receive up to eight semesters of individual lessons with the distinguished artist faculty in the School of Music, many of whom are members of the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet Orchestras, and maintain active professional careers. The degree program culminates in a formal senior recital.

 

Students in the composition emphasis have early and continued opportunities through private lessons, Composers' Workshop, and other specialized classes to study with nationally recognized faculty composers and to have their works publicly performed. Students are expected to qualify for this emphasis at the end of the second year of study at San Francisco State University.

 

Students in the history/literature emphasis complete core courses in music history as well as courses in such topics as keyboard literature, jazz, ethnic music, and the works of individual composers. The culminating project for the history/literature emphasis, a senior thesis of an analytical or historical nature, gives each student an opportunity to work closely with a member of the music history faculty in developing research and analytical skills.

 

The Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in music education prepares students to teach in the elementary and secondary schools. Completion of this curriculum satisfies the pre-professional academic requirements for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music, leaving only the professional education sequence to be completed in the College of Education.

 

Bachelor of Music students must complete 27 units of core courses which includes concert attendance and one of the following emphases: Piano, Instrumental, or Vocal Performance; Composition; Jazz; History and Literature; or Music Education. Students who select the Music Education Emphasis must complete one of the three options listed under Music Education.

 

• Students must enroll in MUS 150 Concert Music (0 units) each semester in residence up to and including eight semesters.
• A grade of C or better is required for all music courses in the Bachelor of Music major.

 

Bachelor of Music — 72 - 73 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

Minor in Music

The program is designed to provide students with a planned sequence of musical experiences that will provide opportunities for life-long learning and future enjoyment. The minor may be designed, in consultation with a music faculty advisor, to include other courses that more appropriately meet the particular goals and educational attainment in music of the individual student.

 

12 of the total units must be in upper division work and taken in residence at San Francisco State University.

 

Music, Minor — 21 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

*Students with more developed piano skills may substitute other piano classes, with the approval of the music minor advisor. These classes may include: MUS 206, 301, 302, or 303.

 

Minor in World Music and Dance

Consult Minor in World Music and Dance for information on World Music and Dance.

 

Graduate Programs in Music

The School of Music offers a Master of Arts in Music with emphases in composition, music education, or music history; and a Master of Music in Performance with emphases in vocal or instrumental performance, chamber music, or conducting (choral or instrumental).

 

Admission to Program

Students should apply by April 1 for the following fall or October 1 for the following spring. Applicants are required to file two applications, one with the University and one with the School of Music. Admission to conditionally classified status requires acceptance by both the University and the School of Music. A departmental application form may be obtained by writing to the School of Music, or by calling (415) 338-1431. University applications may be requested from the graduate admissions office or online at www.sfsu.edu/~gradstdy/.

 

Requirements for admission to conditionally classified status in music are as follows.

1. A baccalaureate degree, with a major in music or equivalent musical experience.
2. A minimum 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 units of undergraduate study.
3. A completed Application form for graduate study in music.
4. A 200-500 word narrative statement of purpose. This statement should include a description of the applicant's previous accomplishments.
5. An official copy of the applicant's undergraduate transcripts, and graduate transcripts if the student has been previously enrolled in a program of graduate study.
6. Two letters of recommendation from current or former teachers or professionals who are familiar with the applicant's qualifications.
7. Completion of Graduate Classification Examinations in Music History, Theory, Aural Skills and, for music education candidates, the Music Education Master's Advisory Exam. These examinations must be taken prior to entry into the program. Students who demonstrate deficiencies in one or more areas may be accepted into the program contingent upon remediation of all deficiencies within one academic year of entry into the program. Undergraduate course work taken to remove deficiencies may not be used as part of the 30 units required for the master's degree in music.
8. Additional requirements for specific programs are:
   1. For applicants to the Master of Music program: a live audition before members of the Music faculty or, for applicants unable to travel to San Francisco, a CD, videotape or DVD 30-45 minutes in duration demonstrating the student's current level of accomplishment. A repertoire list is also required, including an indication of those works on the list which have been performed in recital. (Please contact the School of Music to schedule an audition.)
   2. For applicants to the Master of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Music Education: a written description of the nature and extent of teaching experience. Applicants must also provide evidence of a valid teaching credential.
   3. For applicants to the Master of Arts program with an emphasis in Music History: representative examples of student analytical papers.
   4. For applicants to the Master of Arts program with an emphasis in Composition: representative scores and, if possible, tapes of recent musical compositions.

 

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: Applicants to the MM and MA programs are required to submit writing samples, demonstrating graduate level, discipline-specific proficiency in music research. Samples may include writing assignments submitted to satisfy requirements in undergraduate history courses. Applicants with substandard writing may be considered not admissible. Students who have recently earned an undergraduate degree from SF State may be exempted from this requirement.
Level Two: satisfactory completion of the Music History seminar from the 750 series.

 

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy occurs when an Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) form has been completed by the student and approved by the major advisor, college graduate coordinator, and the dean of the Graduate Division. Prior to completion of the ATC form, the student must have been granted fully classified status (see #7 above); have satisfactorily completed both Written English Proficiency Requirements; have completed at least 12 semester units applicable to the degree with a B average or above; and have successfully completed review of the student's program with the faculty advisor.

 

Master’s Examination   All candidates for Master of Arts in Music or the Master of Music degrees must pass a comprehensive examination that demonstrates their ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, their command of music theory, history, research and analytical skills, and musical repertoire. (This examination must be taken during the semester in which the student completes all course work.)

 

Master of Arts in Music

This program provides advanced study for students with highly developed interest and attainment in specific areas of music; prepares teachers for certain types of college music positions; provides prospective doctoral aspirants with a sound foundation for advanced graduate study; provides advanced academic qualifications for public school teachers; and prepares students for professional careers in composition. All emphases require either a culminating creative project or a master's thesis.

 

All students must complete a 9 unit core requirement and complete an emphasis as designated below. Enrollment is required during the semester of graduation.

 

Music (M.A.) — Minimum 30 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

Master of Music

This program provides graduate study for the superior performer and allows for maximum development of specialized skills in the candidate's particular area of documented achievement. Students may emphasize classical solo performance, chamber music, or conducting. This degree is particularly appropriate for students intending to perform or conduct music professionally, to teach applied performance in college/university settings or private studio, or to pursue doctoral studies in performance. The program culminates in a formal graduate recital.

 

All students must complete a 9 unit core requirement and complete an emphasis as designated below. Participation in a large conducted classical ensemble in the area of study is required of all graduate students (orchestral instruments and voice) enrolled in applied lessons. Enrollment is required during the semester of graduation.

 

Master of Music — 30 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

 

Footnotes

1. MUS 371, 372, 373, and 379 fulfill General Education requirements; therefore, an additional 3 units may be taken for GE and are not counted in the emphasis total.
2. At least 1 unit must include MUS 270.
3. At least 2 units must include MUS 388 or MUS 390.
4. For the Diversified Concentration a minimum of 6 units must be in choral ensembles.
5. Students with extensive background in music may substitute more advanced courses.
6. Unit totals indicate the minimum requirement. Additional instruction may be required before the thesis/composition is undertaken.
7. To be successfully completed prior to advancement to fully classified status in the program.