Music Scholarships
The Music Department offers a variety of scholarships, including several large endowed scholarships. The department offers scholarships for one year based on a written application and performance audition. Returning students must reapply every year for scholarship consideration, and receiving a scholarship for one year is not a guarantee of renewal for the following year. Each scholarship has somewhat different requirements, so students are encouraged to examine various scholarship opportunities in greater detail. More information, including application forms and deadlines, is available at the department’s Music Scholarships link.
Major ensemble enrollment
Participation in one of the major performance ensembles most appropriate to a music major's applied emphasis is required each quarter in residence as a full-time student, with a maximum of 12 units being applied to the major. CSUSB’s major performing ensembles include:
MUS 380. Chamber Orchestra (1)
MUS 381. Symphonic Band (1)
MUS 385. Concert Choir (1)
Full-time transfer students who transfer some music coursework from another institution must still earn at CSUSB a minimum total of 6 units from major ensemble participation. All part-time students must earn a minimum total of 12 units between course credit earned at CSUSB and credit transferred from other institutions. String music majors must enroll in MUS 380, wind and percussion majors must enroll in MUS 381, and vocal majors must enroll in MUS 385. Piano and guitar majors lacking the requisite instrumental skills to participate in MUS 380 or MUS 381 should enroll in MUS 385. Students enrolled in preparatory-level lessons are not required to enroll in a major ensemble and may only do so if they successfully audition into one of those groups.
MUS 998. Concert Attendance (0)
Music majors complete multiple semester of MUS 998 to broaden their knowledge of musical performance. Music majors who complete all of their music coursework at CSUSB must complete six quarters of MUS 998. Music majors who transfer some music coursework to CSUSB from another institution are required to successfully complete three quarters of MUS 998. For more information about the course’s requirements, see the course syllabus (PDF, 68 kb).
Applied Lesson Enrollment
Before or concurrent with declaring music as a major, a student must complete a placement audition for applied lessons. The faculty members hearing the audition will assign the student to an appropriate applied level. Students assigned to preparatory applied lessons (below the 100-level) may attempt a maximum of three quarters at that level. If, after three quarters, a student cannot advance to 100-level lessons, he or she should select a major outside of music. Units awarded for preparatory applied lesson are not applicable to any baccalaureate degrees at CSUSB. Preparatory study is graded on a credit/no credit basis.
A music major may attempt a maximum of six units in applied lessons at each of the 100-, 200-, and 300-levels. If, after six quarters of study at one of those levels, a student cannot meet the requirements for that level, the student should change his or her major to something other than music. A music major in the Performance/Composition emphasis may attempt a maximum of six units in applied lessons at the 400-level. If, after six quarters of study at the 400 level, a student cannot complete the requirements for that level, he or she should select a different emphasis within the BA in Music degree.
Music majors must study as a primary instrument the instrument on which they perform their initial applied placement audition. A student wishing to change to a different primary instrument or voice must complete an applied placement audition on that instrument and may as a result be assigned to a lower applied level. Enrollment in preparatory level lessons (MUS 080 through MUS 085) is limited to three total quarters no matter what instrument or instruments are studied during those quarters.
Music majors may enroll in applied lessons only in pursuit of the requirements of a degree emphasis and, with two exceptions, may only enroll in one applied lesson per quarter. The exceptions are for students pursuing a composition or music technology emphasis. Those students may enroll in 300- or 400-level applied composition or technology in the same quarter as they enroll in applied voice or instrumental lessons in pursuit of some other degree emphasis. Students wishing to continue applied study on their major instrument or voice beyond the 300-level must complete all course requirements for a Performance emphasis.
Only music majors may enroll in applied lessons. The Music Department does not offer applied lessons to any other CSUSB student, even music minors.
Applied Level Completion Requirements
Completion of one applied level usually requires three quarters of applied lessons at that level. However, for extraordinary progress, including early completion of a level’s overall technique and repertoire requirements and weekly practice substantially above a level’s minimum standard, a student may occasionally reach a level’s completion requirements in less than three quarters. At the 100 level or above, a student may occasionally need more than three quarters to satisfy all of a level’s requirements. All requirements for a level must be met before a student can enroll in the next higher level of applied lessons.
Completion Requirements for Preparatory-level Applied Lessons
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Lessons: Ten 30-minute lessons per quarter.
Practice: A minimum of seven (7) hours per week, with additional requirements as specified in each individual applied course’s syllabus.
Technique: Development of tone, flexibility, dexterity, articulation, pitch accuracy, range, endurance, rhythm and sight-reading as needed to reach 100-level study. The syllabus for each individual course will further define technique expectations for each instrument or voice.
Repertoire: Preparation of one (1) selection per quarter appropriate for progress to 100-level. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define repertoire expectations for each instrument or voice.
Applied Examination (“jury”):
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Instrumentalists:
- Six major scales, over two octaves as appropriate, in 8th notes at mm = 100 beats per minute.
- One selection of repertoire demonstrating an increase in technical and interpretive skills that will result in the completion of preparatory-level study in no more than three quarters.
Vocalists:
- Two selections in contrasting styles and languages demonstrating an increase in technical and interpretive skills that will result in the completion of preparatory-level study in no more than three quarters.
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| Completion Requirements for 100-level Applied Lessons |
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Lessons: Ten 30-minute lessons per quarter.
Practice: A minimum of seven (7) hours per week, with additional requirements as specified in each individual applied course’s syllabus.
Technique: Weekly studies to develop fundamental skills: Tone, flexibility, dexterity, articulation, pitch accuracy, range, endurance, rhythm and sight-reading developed to a basic level of expertise. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define technique expectations for each instrument or voice.
Repertoire: Preparation of two (2) selections per quarter appropriate to 100-level applied study. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define repertoire expectations for each instrument or voice.
Performance: Performance in one (1) repertoire class per quarter, and attendance at all Thursday-Noon events.
Applied Examination (“jury”):
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Instrumentalists:
- Major scales (and basic rudiments for percussionists), two octaves as appropriate, in 8th notes, at mm = 120 beats per minute, by completion of the third quarter of study.
- Chromatic scales, over one octave, as appropriate.
- Two selections in contrasting styles demonstrating an increase in technical and interpretive skills that will result in the completion of 100-level study after three quarters.
- Perform requested ensemble repertoire (as appropriate).
- Sight-reading of excerpts from preparatory-level repertoire.
Vocalists:
- Two selections in contrasting styles and languages demonstrating an increase in technical and interpretive skills that will result in the completion of 100-level study after three quarters.
- Perform requested ensemble repertoire (as appropriate).
- Sight-reading of excerpts from preparatory-level repertoire.
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| Completion Requirements for 200-level Applied Lessons |
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Lessons: Ten 30-minute lessons per quarter.
Practice: A minimum of ten (10) hours per week, with additional requirements as specified in each individual applied course’s syllabus.
Technique: Weekly studies to develop fundamental skills: Tone, flexibility, dexterity, articulation, pitch accuracy, range, endurance, rhythm and sight-reading to an intermediate level of expertise. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define technique expectations for each instrument or voice.
Repertoire: Preparation of two (2) selections per quarter appropriate to 200-level applied study. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define repertoire expectations for each instrument or voice.
Performance: Performance in two (2) repertoire classes per quarter, one (1) departmental recital per year, and attendance at all Thursday-Noon events.
Applied Examination (“jury”):
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Instrumentalists:
- All harmonic minor scales (and intermediate-level rudiments for percussionists), two octaves as appropriate, in 8th notes, at mm = 120 beats per minute, by completion of the sixth quarter of study.
- Chromatic scales, over two octaves, as appropriate.
- One intermediate solo and one etude of contrasting styles and demonstrating an increase in technical and interpretive skills that will result in the completion of 200-level study after three quarters.
- Perform requested ensemble repertoire (as appropriate).
- Sight-reading of excerpts from 100-level repertoire.
Vocalists:
- Two selections in contrasting styles and languages demonstrating an increase in technical and interpretive skills that will result in the completion of 200-level study after three quarters.
- Perform requested ensemble repertoire (as appropriate).
- Sight-reading of excerpts from 100-level repertoire.
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| Completion Requirements for 300-level Applied Lessons |
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Lessons: Ten 30-minute lessons per quarter.
Practice: A minimum of 12 hours per week, with additional requirements as specified in each individual applied course’s syllabus.
Technique: Development of tone, flexibility, dexterity, articulation, pitch accuracy, range, endurance, rhythm and sight-reading to an intermediate to advanced level of expertise. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define technique expectations for each instrument or voice.
Repertoire: Full concertos, arias, song cycles, sonatas, or other extended works each quarter and appropriate to 300-level applied study. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define repertoire expectations for each instrument or voice.
Project: This requirement requires concurrent enrollment for one quarter in MUS 498 or 499 (for Performance/Composition emphasis) or MUS 598 (for all other emphases). The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define project or recital expectations for each instrument or voice.
Performance: Performance in two (2) repertoire classes per quarter, one (1) departmental recital per quarter, and attendance at all Thursday-Noon events.
Applied Examination (“jury”):
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Instrumentalists:
- All major, melodic minor, and chromatic scales (advanced rudiments for percussionists) throughout the practical range of the instrument, in 16th notes, at mm = 80 bpm for brass and percussion, and mm = 120 for piano and woodwinds by completion of ninth quarter.
- One major movement or other portion of an extended work demonstrating an increase in technical and interpretive skills that will result in the completion of 300-level study after three quarters.
- Perform requested ensemble repertoire (as appropriate).
- Sight-reading of excerpts from 200-level repertoire.
Vocalists:
- Three advanced selections in contrasting styles and languages demonstrating an increase in technical and interpretive skills that will result in the completion of 300-level study after three quarters.
- Perform requested ensemble repertoire (as appropriate).
- Sight-reading of excerpts from 200-level repertoire.
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| Completion Requirements for 400-level Applied Lessons |
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Lessons: Ten 30-minute lessons per quarter.
Practice: A minimum of 15 hours per week, with additional requirements as specified in each individual applied course’s syllabus.
Technique: Development of tone, flexibility, dexterity, articulation, pitch accuracy, range, endurance, rhythm and sight-reading to an advanced level of expertise. The syllabus for each individual course will further define technique expectations for each instrument or voice.
Repertoire: Advanced works appropriate and sufficient to fill the program for a senior recital. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define repertoire expectations for each instrument or voice.
Project: Preparation of a senior recital or project (MUS 598 or 599) for those students completing a Performance/Composition emphasis. The syllabus for each individual applied course will further define project or recital expectations for each instrument or voice.
Performance: Performance in all repertoire classes, one (1) departmental recital per quarter, and attendance at all Thursday-Noon events.
Applied Examination (“jury”):
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Instrumentalists:
- All major, minor, and chromatic scales appropriate to an instrument throughout the practical range of the instrument, in 16th notes, at mm = 120 bpm .
- Perform recital repertoire. With the prior approval of a student’s studio teacher, a recital hearing may replace the applied examination.
- Perform requested ensemble repertoire (as appropriate).
- Sight-reading of excerpts from 300-level repertoire.
Vocalists:
- Perform recital repertoire. With the prior approval of a student’s studio teacher, a recital hearing may replace the applied examination.
- Perform requested ensemble repertoire (as appropriate).
- Sight-reading of excerpts from 300-level repertoire.
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Applied Examinations
Students enrolled in applied lessons will be evaluated at the end of each quarter through an applied examination (also called a “jury”). The examination committee will evaluate all aspects of a student’s progress, offering detailed suggestions for improvement, and, based on the suggestions made, make a recommendation to raise, lower, or maintain a current student’s applied level. That recommendation will be determined based on the following criteria:
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1. Scales: pitch accuracy, intonation, articulation, phrasing, tempo appropriate for level.
2. Etude or solo: pitch accuracy, intonation, articulation, phrasing, tempo appropriate for level, difficulty appropriate for
level.
3. Sight reading: pitch accuracy, rhythm, articulation, phrasing, tempo appropriate for level.
4. Repertoire level: appropriate for level (as determined by instructor).
5. Technical accuracy: pitch, intonation, rhythm, articulation (bowing, tonguing, sticking, shifting position,
etc.).
6. Tone quality: appropriate for instrument and level.
7. Musicality: phrasing, musical line, dynamics, tempo, rubato, appropriate style. |
A score of plus (+), check (√), or minus (-) will be assigned in each category. To advance to the next level, the student must earn at least two plus scores and may have no minus scores. Students earning three or more minus scores, regardless of the other scores earned, will be demoted to the next lower level of lessons for the following quarter. A grade for each student’s applied examination will be determined by his or her studio teacher and will count for 25% of the student’s overall applied lesson grade for a quarter.
With the exception of those students performing junior or senior recitals in a particular quarter, all music majors must complete a jury each quarter in residence. The grade for each quarter’s jury counts for 25% of a student’s overall applied lesson grade. More detailed requirements for the juries may be found above in the description of completion requirements for each applied level. In preparation for juries each quarter:
- Sign-up sheets will be posted in the Music Office, PA-111, during the eighth week of each quarter. Jury time slots will be approximately 15 minutes long.
- Repertoire Sheets may be obtained in the Music Office, PA-111, and should show all work studied during the quarter.
- A student must arrange for and appropriately rehearse with a staff accompanist.
- Two copies of the repertoire performed and four copies of the Repertoire Sheet should be prepared for the committee judging the jury.
- Students should dress professionally, not casually, as would normally be required for a public performance.
Piano Proficiency
All music majors except keyboard majors entering CSUSB must take a placement audition for class piano requirements. The audition is designed to place students in the appropriate level of class piano. Satisfactory completion of a placement examination, or a grade of B or higher in MUS 222 Class Piano III, is required to meet the piano proficiency required of all music majors. At the exam, students will be asked to demonstrate their level of achievement in the following areas:
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1. Sight-reading, hands together, treble and bass clefs, chorale-style music.
2. Harmonization of melodies, beginning with I-V7 chords in left hand and progressing to secondary dominants, if possible.
3. Transposition of material listed under Number 2.
4. I-IV6/4-I-V6/5-I chord progressions in as many major and minor keys as possible.
5. Other types of keyboard facility as appropriate. |
Any entering student who feels he/she has sufficient piano background to challenge piano proficiency may request an examination. The following general requirements must be met:
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I. Patriotic Songs
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A. America (“My Country ‘Tis of Thee”) in keys F, G, Eb
B. Star Spangled Banner in keys of Bb, A |
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1. Tempo should be suitable for community or classroom singing.
2. Note accuracy, rhythmic steadiness, fluent pianism with suitable use of pedal, legato, touch, tone quality and proper style are expected.
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II. Prepared vocal or instrumental accompaniment
III. Sight-reading of a four-part homophonic “chorale style” score and a three-part open choral score.
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A. Sight-read a chorale similar in difficulty to Bach chorales.
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IV. Harmonization and transposition (at sight)
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A. One melody employing I, IV, V7 harmonization. Examiner will choose keys.
B. One melody employing secondary triad harmonization. Transposition to keys of subdominant and dominant will be expected. |
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1. Style of accompaniment should be appropriate for chosen melody: Alberti Bass, Waltz, etc.
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V. Piano technique
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A. Ability to play all major and minor scales, hands together: |
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1 octave in quarter notes
2 octaves in eighth notes, quarter note = mm 92-100 |
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B. I, IV, V, ii, V/V, chord progressions in all major and minor keys.
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VI. Piano Repertoire
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A. Play one piece with difficulty equal to: |
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Sonatine by Kabalevsky
Sonatina, Op. 36, No. 2 by Clementi |
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