BM in Performance
85 units
The performance major (BM) prepares musicians for careers in performance and pedagogy (private teaching), or to pursue advanced degrees in performance. The four-year curriculum spans voice, piano, organ, guitar, and all instruments found in the standard orchestra. In addition to music performance, courses in theory, music history, literature, and conducting give the student a thorough preparation in comprehensive musicianship. Students with applied music emphasis must pass an examination at the end of their lower-division applied studies to qualify for placement in upper-division applied music.
General Education Requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Performance
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GE 100 | First-Year Seminar | 3 |
| WRIT 110 | Writing 1: The Art and Craft of Writing | 3 |
| Writing 2 | 3 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Humanities: Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | 4 | |
| Biblical, Theological, and Philosophical Formation | ||
| MIN 108 | Christian Life, Faith, and Ministry | 3 |
| UBBL 100 | Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy | 3 |
| UBBL 230 | Luke/Acts | 3 |
| PHIL 100 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| or HUM 224 | Core Texts in Philosophy | |
| or HUM 324 | Core Texts in Philosophy | |
| Upper-Division Bible Elective | 3 | |
| Theology | 3 | |
| Personal and Social Responsibility | ||
| Intercultural Competence | 3 | |
| Total Units | 40 | |
Music Performance Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Piano Proficiency | 4 | |
| Music Theory | 12 | |
| Music Theory I (F/S, Fr, So) 1 | ||
| Music Theory II (F/S, Fr, So) | ||
| Music Theory III (F/S, So, Jr) | ||
| Music Theory IV (F/S, So, Jr) | ||
| Practical Musicianship | 4 | |
| Practical Musicianship I (F/S, Fr, So) | ||
| Practical Musicianship II (F/S, Fr, So) | ||
| Practical Musicianship III (F/S, So, Jr) | ||
| Practical Musicianship IV (F/S, So, Jr) | ||
| Conducting | 4 | |
| Introduction to Conducting (F, Jr) | ||
| Choral Conducting (S, Jr) | ||
or MUS 363 | Instrumental Conducting | |
| Music History | 9 | |
| Ancient, Renaissance, and World Music Literature (F, Jr) | ||
| Writing 3: Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic Music Literature (F/S, Jr) 2 | ||
| Late Romantic and 20th-Century Music Literature (F/S, Sr) 3 | ||
| Applied Music | 16 | |
| (Must be in primary instrument; 2 units must be taken each semester of full-time status, F/S) | ||
| Ensemble Requirement 4 | 8 | |
| Other Requirements | ||
| MUS 296 | Introduction to Music Technology (F/S, Fr) | 2 |
| MUS 441 | Music in Worship (F/S, Jr, Sr) | 3 |
| MUS 210 | Performance Forum (F/S, 8 semesters) | 0 |
| Performance Courses | ||
| MUS 427 | Form and Analysis (F, Jr, Sr) | 3 |
| MUS 393 | Junior Recital | 0 |
| MUS 491 | Senior Recital (F/S, Sr) 5 | 0 |
| Performance Area | 20 | |
| Total Units | 85 | |
- 1
Meets the General Education Humanities: Fine Arts requirement.
- 2
Meets the General Education Writing 3 requirement.
- 3
Meets the General Education Humanities: History requirement.
- 4
See details on the APU website.
- 5
Meets the General Education Integrative and Applied Learning requirement.
Performance Areas
Brass, Wind, or Percussion Performance
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 452 | Instrumental Music Literature (ES, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 440 | Instrumental Pedagogy (OF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| Select one of the options listed below to complete a total of 16 applied music units counted above in Music Performance Core | 0 | |
| Applied Brass | ||
| Applied Brass and Applied Brass | ||
| Applied Brass and Applied Brass | ||
| Applied Brass and Applied Brass | ||
| Applied Brass and Applied Brass | ||
| Applied Woodwinds | ||
| Applied Woodwinds and Applied Woodwinds | ||
| Applied Woodwinds and Applied Woodwinds | ||
| Applied Woodwinds and Applied Woodwinds | ||
| Applied Woodwinds and Applied Woodwinds | ||
| Applied Percussion | ||
| Applied Percussion and Applied Percussion | ||
| Applied Percussion and Applied Percussion | ||
| Applied Percussion and Applied Percussion | ||
| Applied Percussion and Applied Percussion | ||
| Ensemble | ||
| Select one of the options listed below | 8 | |
| Brass Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Ensemble: Brass and Chamber Ensemble: Brass | ||
| Chamber Ensemble: Brass and Chamber Ensemble: Brass | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Brass and Chamber Ensemble - Brass | ||
| Chamber Ensemble: Brass and Chamber Ensemble - Brass | ||
| Wind Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Ensemble: Woodwind and Chamber Ensemble: Woodwind | ||
| Chamber Ensemble: Woodwind and Chamber Ensemble: Woodwind | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Woodwind and Chamber Ensemble - Woodwind | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Woodwind and Chamber Ensemble - Woodwind | ||
| Percussion Chamber Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Percussion and Chamber Ensemble - Percussion | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Percussion and Chamber Ensemble - Percussion | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Percussion and Chamber Ensemble - Percussion | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Percussion and Chamber Ensemble - Percussion | ||
| Music Electives | 8 | |
| Total Units | 20 | |
Guitar Performance
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Guitar (F/S, all years; units counted in Music Performance Core) | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble Strings (Guitar) (F/S) (all years) | 6 | |
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble - Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble: Strings and Chamber Ensemble: Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble - Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble - Strings | ||
| MUS 270 | Guitar Ensemble (F/S, One unit a semester for eight semesters) | 1 |
| MUS 452 | Instrumental Music Literature (ES, JR) | 2 |
| MUS 440 | Instrumental Pedagogy (OF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 379 | Guitar Fingerboard Harmony (OF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| Total Units | 20 | |
Harp Performance
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Harp (F/S, all years; units counted above in Music Performance Core) | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble Strings (Harp) (F/S, all years) | 2 | |
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble: Brass | ||
| Chamber Ensemble: Strings and Chamber Ensemble: Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble - Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble - Strings | ||
| MUS 452 | Instrumental Music Literature (ES, Jr) | 2 |
| MUS 440 | Instrumental Pedagogy (OF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| Music Electives | 14 | |
| Total Units | 20 | |
Organ Performance
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Organ (F/S, all years; units counted above in Music Performance Core) | ||
| Applied Organ and Applied Organ | ||
| Applied Organ and Applied Organ | ||
| Applied Organ and Applied Organ | ||
| Applied Organ and Applied Organ | ||
| MUS 417 | Organ Literature I (ES, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 420 | Organ Literature II (OF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 440 | Instrumental Pedagogy (EF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 397 | Instrumental Collaboration for Pianists (ES, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 398 | Vocal Collaboration for Pianists (OF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 399 | Keyboard Ensemble (ES, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| Chamber Music (2 Semesters) | 2 | |
| Music Electives | 6 | |
| Total Units | 20 | |
Piano Performance
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Piano (F/S, all years; units counted above in Music Performance Core) | ||
| Applied Piano and Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Piano and Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Piano and Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Piano and Applied Piano | ||
| MUS 429 | Piano Literature I (EF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 430 | Piano Literature II (OS, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 434 | Piano Pedagogy (OS, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 397 | Instrumental Collaboration for Pianists (ES, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 398 | Vocal Collaboration for Pianists (OF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 399 | Keyboard Ensemble (ES, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| Chamber Music (2 Semesters) | 2 | |
| Music Electives | 6 | |
| Total Units | 20 | |
Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass Performance
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Lessons (F/S, all years; units counted above in Music Performance Core) | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Applied Strings and Applied Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble Strings (four semesters) (F/S) (all years) | 4 | |
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble - Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble: Strings and Chamber Ensemble: Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble - Strings | ||
| Chamber Ensemble - Strings and Chamber Ensemble - Strings | ||
| MUS 452 | Instrumental Music Literature (ES, Jr) | 2 |
| MUS 440 | Instrumental Pedagogy (OF, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| Music Electives | 12 | |
| Total Units | 20 | |
Vocal Performance
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Voice (F/S, all years; units counted above in Music Performance Core) | ||
| Applied Voice and Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Voice and Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Voice and Applied Voice | ||
| Applied Voice and Applied Voice | ||
| MUS 348 | Song Literature Survey (F, Jr) | 2 |
| MUS 443 | Vocal Pedagogy (S, Jr, Sr) | 2 |
| MUS 224 | Diction for Singers I (F, So) | 1 |
| MUS 227 | Diction for Singers II (S, So) | 1 |
| MUS 484 | Preparing the Total Performer (F, Jr, Sr) | 1 |
| MUS 486 | Opera Workshop: Lead Roles and Minor Roles (F/S, So, Sr) | 1.00 |
| Foreign Language 1 | 12 | |
| Total Units | 20 | |
- 1
Must be 8 units of French and 4 units of German, or 8 units of German and 4 units of French. If student already demonstrates acceptable proficiency (as determined by the foreign language faculty) in either German or French, then 4 units of Italian may be substituted for the 4-unit language requirement. Student must petition for this exception in advance.
Course Requirements Legend
| Course Requirement Availability: | Recommended Year: |
|---|---|
| F = Offered every fall | Fr = Freshman |
| S = Offered every spring | So = Sophomore |
| E = Even Year | Jr = Junior |
| O = Odd Year | Sr = Senior |
Music Theory Proficiency
The Music Theory Placement Examination is given to incoming students who are not transferring credit for Music Theory I from another college or university. This examination measures the student’s background in music theory and ensures placement at the appropriate level. The examination may be taken online. Students who are not ready for Music Theory I take MUS 120, and upon successful completion of MUS 120, begin the music theory sequence in the next semester. Music theory is taken in sequential order (I, II, III, IV). Before advancing to the next level, a grade of C or better is required. If a C or better is not achieved at any level, the course must be repeated.
Practical Musicianship
Practical musicianship is taken in sequential order (I, II, III, IV). Before advancing to the next level, a grade of C or better is required. If a C or better is not achieved at any level, the course must be repeated.
Piano Proficiency
Each student must register for a piano class or Applied Piano until the Piano Proficiency Examination is passed. Examination fact sheets are available in the School of Music office. Students will not be cleared to graduate until they have passed the proficiency examination, which is usually met at the conclusion of MUS 106.
Grade-Point Average
Music students must maintain a 2.5 GPA for all upper-division music classes (those classified as 300- and 400-level). Students with a cumulative GPA lower than 2.0 or who are on probation are not eligible to participate in a performing group other than Masterworks Chorale.
Performance Forum
MUS 210 meets every Monday at 4:20 p.m. and features a variety of presentations including student recitals, guest artists, and lecturers. Music students must be continuously enrolled in Performance Forum for eight semesters. This class is graded pass/fail based on attendance. Students who do not pass the course will be required to take MUS 353 Concert Music to make up the deficiency. Transfer students must enroll in MUS 210 and an approved ensemble every semester in attendance, up to eight semesters.
Recital Performance
Each performance major must present a solo performance annually in a student recital. This requirement can be met through performance forum student recitals, a junior recital, or a senior recital. Any other performances proposed to meet this requirement must be requested through the petition process and submitted to the associate dean of undergraduate studies of the School of Music.
Non-performance majors must present a solo performance annually in either a studio recital or performance forum student recital. In the case of a student who is taking instruction in more than one applied area, recital performance is required only in the primary applied area.
All students must take applied jury each semester. Music majors with a concentration in applied music present a recital during their junior year1(shorter program) and an additional recital in their senior year2 (full-length program). Only Bachelor of Music in Performance students must register for MUS 491. Students giving recitals should follow the guidelines in the Azusa Pacific University School of Music Recital Confirmation Packet (available through the School of Music office).
- 1
Traditionally, those students in the Bachelor of Arts in Music program may prepare a junior recital at the discretion of the applied professor involved. Students in the Bachelor of Music in Performance program are required to present a junior recital.
- 2
Senior recitals are required of all performance majors during their senior year. Seniors in the Bachelor of Arts in Music with an applied music concentration must present a senior recital but are not required to register for MUS 491. Bachelor of Music in Performance students must present a senior recital and register for MUS 491.
Applied Music
- Each student is required to take at least 16 units in one applied area.
- Students must take at least 1 unit of applied lessons each semester, even if the minimum number of units for their emphasis has been met. Students must take 2 units of applied lessons the semester of their senior recital.
- Jury examinations are required each semester for all students taking private lessons. Presentation of a junior or senior recital fulfills this requirement.
- All students, in conjunction with the instructor, are responsible for selecting an accompanist for juries by the indicated deadlines. There are three ways to select an accompanist:
- Faculty may request an accompanist with the Accompanist Request Form available in the School of Music office by the indicated deadlines.
- Faculty may request a specific accompanist by submitting an Accompanist Request Form available in the School of Music office by the indicated deadlines.
- If no Accompanist Request Form is submitted, or is requested after the published deadlines, faculty members are responsible to make arrangements for their students.
- Private lessons:
- Grades for private lessons are issued based on a minimum of 12 lessons per semester. The grade will be lowered if the student attends fewer than the minimum of 12 lessons. Additionally, if the student does not meet the mandatory annual solo performance requirement, an F will be assigned for the spring semester applied grade.
- The area director will assign an instructor.
- When the student is ill and notifies the teacher in advance, a makeup lesson will be rescheduled if possible. “No-show” students do not receive makeup lessons.
Upper-Division Concentration
Each student in the music program is required to select an upper-division concentration in at least one of the following areas: for the BA in Music—performance or music theory; for the Bachelor of Music—commercial music, composition, music education, music and worship, or performance. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all of their upper-division concentration courses; otherwise, the course(s) must be repeated.
Ensemble Requirement
In each of eight semesters as music majors, students must participate in an appropriate performance ensemble. The information for the appropriate ensemble for each degree and concentration is clearly articulated in the Undergraduate Music Student Handbook and further communicated through the music student advisement process. Membership in multiple ensembles in a given semester counts as only one semester toward the ensemble requirement. Transfer students must participate in a performance ensemble each semester until they graduate or accumulate eight semesters.