Music

2011-12 General Catalog

244 Music Center
(831) 459-2292
music@ucsc.edu
http://music.ucsc.edu

Program Description

The UCSC music curriculum is distinctive in developing musicians who integrate scholarship with performance. Although this rigorous program primarily addresses Western art music, it also incorporates the study of world music cultures in both their art and vernacular traditions. A major in music establishes a substantial foundation for further academic or performance studies. Two undergraduate majors are offered: the bachelor of music (B.M.), which especially develops the student's attainment in performance, and the bachelor of arts (B.A.), which cultivates greater breadth in the student's academic achievement. Two minors in music are also offered: one in electronic music, and one in jazz. The electronic music and jazz minors are open to music majors, as well as to students pursuing other majors.

The music program provides courses for both general education and the music major/minor curriculum. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to enroll in music courses, including performance groups and private instruction.

The Music Center includes a 400-seat recital hall that has recording facilities, specially equipped classrooms, individual practice and teaching studios, a student computer laboratory, rehearsal space for ensembles, a gamelan studio, and studios for electronic and computer music. McHenry Library has a separate music section and listening rooms that have individual audio and video facilities. Recording and media equipment is available from the Learning Technologies center.

Letter Grade Requirement

All upper-division courses applied toward the music majors must be taken for a letter grade, except Music 120 and ensembles, which may be taken Pass/No Pass.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts

The course requirements for the bachelor of arts (B.A.) in music include the following:

Music 30A, 30B, and 30C (lower-division core theory); Music 101A, 101B, and 101C (core history); Music 130 (upper-division core theory);
One each of the Music 105 series (topics in history and culture), the Music 150 series (topics in advanced theory), and Music 180 series (topics in world music);
Choice of one of the following: Music 121 (orchestration), Music 124 (sound synthesis), or an additional 150 or 180 course;
Choice of one capstone course, either Music 120 (composition) or an additional Music 105 course by permission of instructor.

Basic keyboard skills are required as a component of the music theory curriculum. Music majors are required to enroll in a minimum of six quarters of evaluated instrumental or choral ensembles, as well as a minimum of six quarters of evaluated individual instrumental or vocal lessons. Students who demonstrate insufficient potential when auditioning for individual instruction may have limited access to lessons, and they may be denied entry into the major. It is strongly recommended that these ensembles and lessons be taken every quarter from the beginning of the core curriculum (course 30 sequence). Music majors in the B.A. program must successfully complete the proficiency audition (see below).

Although a foreign language is not required for completion of the B.A. in music, students planning graduate work are strongly advised to study a language pertinent to their research area at least equivalent to level 3 at UCSC or be able to pass the level-4 entrance examination.

To be considered for highest honors in the major, B.A. students must complete a senior project which may take one of three forms: a full senior recital, a full senior thesis, or a partial recital with a related shorter thesis.

Music B.A. Sample Planners

Sample academic plans are found in the Music Student Handbook, available online at the Music Department web site.

General Examinations

All students majoring in the B.A. program are required to take the following examinations, which are discussed in greater detail in the Music Student Handbook.

Core Curriculum Placement Examination (a sample of the examination can be viewed at http://music.ucsc.edu/undergrad/). Students are tested in the areas of theory, music literature, and ear training. The examination is given before the fall quarter on the same day as the music orientation meeting. Transfer students who demonstrate acceptable competency on the placement examination may be recommended for advanced placement based on a further examination (including testing in keyboard and sight-singing skills).

Advisory audition. Students are required to take an advisory audition on their major instrument or in voice at the conclusion of course 30A.

Proficiency audition. Students are required to demonstrate at least an upper-intermediate level of proficiency on their major instrument or in voice around the time they complete 130.

Capstone course. Students in the B.A. program are required to enroll in a capstone course consisting of either Music 120 (composition) or any additional Music 105 course by permission of the instructor.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Music

The bachelor of music degree (B.M.) is designed for those who intend to pursue a career in performance. Acceptance to the program is by audition during fall quarter. These auditions are open to registered UCSC students only, although prospective students may submit a tape to the Music Department and ask to receive an informal opinion about their chances for acceptance into the major.

B.M. students major in an instrument or in voice. For the audition, students should prepare three pieces or movements of a contrasting nature from at least two different stylistic periods. (Two contrasting movements from the same sonata or concerto may count as two of the three required pieces.) Prospective students' optional tapes should also meet these specifications to receive an unofficial evaluation from the Music Department.

The requirements for the B.M. include courses 30A-B-C, 101A-B-C, any 105, any 150, any 180, and 196B. In addition, students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 quarters of evaluated instrumental or vocal ensembles, as well as a minimum of 11 quarters of evaluated instrumental or vocal lessons. Transfer students must enroll in lessons and ensembles every quarter in residence. A senior recital (course 196B) is required in the final quarter. Students are required to take the music core curriculum placement examination. Basic keyboard skills are required as a component of the music theory curriculum. B.M. students take a jury examination in their major instrument or in voice at least twice a year and perform one piece in public at least once a year. In addition to these requirements, voice majors are required to take French 1, German 1, and Italian 1. For students who wish to concentrate in jazz, the following changes for the B.M. requirements apply: students will take Music 111B instead of a 180 course; Music 174 (Jazz Improvisation) is required and may replace one quarter of ensembles; Music 175 (Jazz Theory) is required.

The B.M. program differs from the B.A. program in requiring more credits in performance and slightly fewer in theoretical disciplines. The senior exit requirement for B.M. students is a senior recital. To be considered for highest honors, B.M. students must also complete, on an excellent level, a capstone course Music 120 (composition) or an additional Music 105 course by permission of the instructor.

B.M. Four-Year Sample Study Planner for Students Concentrating in an Instrument

Sample academic plans are found in the Music Student Handbook, available online at the Music Department web site.

Note: It is typical of B.M. programs at all institutions to spread general education requirements throughout a student's four years to allow for early specialization.

Students should check with the department office for the most up-to-date course schedules and program planning advice, since courses are not necessarily taught in the same quarters each academic year. Voice majors need to work closely with an adviser to schedule general education courses because of the added language requirements; a Summer Session may be necessary. It is recommended that voice majors take a language course each fall quarter during the first three years and that vocal repertory in that language be stressed throughout the academic year. For example, instead of enrolling in a general education course during the fall quarter of the first, sophomore, and junior years, a student concentrating in voice might enroll in
Italian 1, German 1, and French 1, respectively.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in music is satisfied by completing courses 101A and 101C.

Minors

Electronic Music

The electronic music minor focuses on the study of creating music using the tools of modern technology. It is designed to complement the music major or programs in other media by providing instruction in advanced skills of audio production, sound synthesis, and computer-assisted composition. A student may obtain a minor in electronic music by completing the following:

any course in the 11 series;
Music 15;
courses 80C, 123, 124, 125, and two quarters of 167;
one of the following: course 80L, 80M or 80R (or a similar music course that has a technical focus as approved by the department), or Film 171A or Theater Arts 114;
one of the following: Physics 80A or 160; or Computer Science 5C, 5J, 5P, or 12A; or Electrical Engineering 70, 153, or 171

Jazz

The jazz minor focuses on the study of the history, theory, and performance of jazz. In addition, students may be introduced to musical styles that have had profound influences on this uniquely American art form: folk and popular musics of Africa, Europe, and the United States and Western classical music. The jazz minor is limited to students who have sufficient performance proficiency to pass auditions for entry into the jazz ensembles. The required courses for the minor in jazz are the following:

course 11A;
course 15;
course 75 and 175 or 150J;
course 111B (students not qualified to take course 111B must also take course 11B);
course 11C, 11D, 80J, or 80Q;
six quarters of ensembles, including at least three quarters of the jazz ensembles (courses 3 and/or 164). At least two quarters must be upper-division. Students who repeat course 174 for credit can use the second and subsequent quarters of course 174 to fulfill a portion of the ensemble requirement; used in this way, course 174 counts as a jazz ensemble;
course 174 (may be repeated for credit).

Detailed information about the music majors and minors may be obtained from the Music Department office.

Honors

Honors in the major are conferred by vote of the music faculty. B.A. or B.M. students can be awarded honors for excellent work in individual areas, including course work, senior project (thesis or recital), or a capstone course 105Z or 120. Excellent work in any two of these areas normally results in honors in the major.

To be considered for highest honors in the major, B.A. students must complete a (non-required) senior project and B.M. students must complete the (non-required) capstone course. Honors in all three areas—coursework, senior project, and capstone course normally results in highest honors in the major.

Transfer Students

The Music Department requires transfer students to take the core curriculum placement examination and seek academic counseling before transfer (a sample of the exam can be viewed at http://music.ucsc.edu/undergrad/). Transfer students who have some background in music theory normally test into 30A (which is only offered in the fall quarter). Students who require course 15 for music theory preparation should take this course in their first year to prepare for 30A the following fall. Transfer students who have completed all of their general education requirements and who test into course 30A upon transfer may be able to complete the music major in two years.

B.A. transfer students should note that upon completion of course 130, they need to perform on a musical instrument or voice at an upper-intermediate level. Prospective students wishing to have their performance skill level assessed by faculty in preparation for entry to the program are encouraged to send a tape for faculty review.

B.M. transfer students should prepare to audition in the fall quarter after enrollment. (For audition requirements, see the Requirements for the Bachelor of Music section above.) In certain cases, some or all of the applied music requirement may be waived based on prior coursework.

B.M. Sample Study Planner for Transfer Students Concentrating in an Instrument

Sample academic plans are found in the Music Student Handbook, available online at the Music Department web site.

This plan assumes that all general education requirements have been met. The music core curriculum placement examination generally places junior transfer students in Music 30A (which is only offered during fall quarter).

A transfer student concentrating in voice could enroll in Italian 1 and German 1 in the fall and winter quarters, respectively, of the junior year, and in French 1 in the spring quarter of the senior year. Such a transfer student would complete any desired electives prior to arrival at UCSC and/or in Summer Session. However, transfer students should try to satisfy as many of the language requirements as possible before entering the program.

Individual Instruction

Lessons in the instruments listed below are available on a fee basis and by audition with the instructor. Depending on whether a student is pursuing a particular music undergraduate degree program (B.A. or B.M.), or a music minor, concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ensemble is required for a stipulated number of quarters. Consult the Music Student Handbook for details.

Authorization from the performance instructor is a requirement for entry into the music majors. Students who demonstrate insufficient potential when auditioning for individual instruction may have limited access to lessons, and they may be denied entry into the major.

Courses 61, 62, and 161 carry partial course credit. Each quarter of enrollment in course 61 is equivalent to 2 credits; each quarter of enrollment in course 62 or 161 is equivalent to 3 credits. Course 162, open to advanced students only, carries 5 credits.

Class instruction for partial credit (courses 60 and 63) is available on some instruments but may not be used to fulfill the individual lesson requirements for the major.

Bass
Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Flute
Guitar, classical
Harpsichord
Horn
Oboe
Percussion
Piano, classical
Saxophone
Trombone and tuba
Trumpet
Violin and viola
Voice

Performance Groups

The participants in some groups are selected by auditions open to the entire university community. Students receive two course credits for each quarter of enrollment in any of the ensembles.

University Orchestra
University Concert Choir
Women's Chorale
Chamber Singers
University Opera Theater
Opera Workshop
Early Music Consort
Chamber Music
Large Jazz Ensemble
Small Jazz Ensembles
Latin American Ensembles
Contemporary Music Ensemble
West Javanese Gamelan
Balinese Gamelan
Wind Ensemble
Classical Guitar Ensemble
North Indian Music Workshop
Eurasian Ensemble

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts

The master of arts (M.A.) degree program in music has emphases in composition, musicology/ethnomusicology, or performance practice, and integrates studies in performance, composition/analysis, and research. In consultation with a faculty adviser, the student pursues a two-year course of studies culminating in a final project that combines an original composition, written thesis, or essay with a related public performance or lecture recital.

Requirements

A minimum of 60 course credits completed at UCSC is required for the degree. All M.A. students are required to complete Music 200, 201, and 202, as well as 252 during each quarter in residence (for students entering the program fall 2007 and thereafter).

Students with an emphasis in composition also complete Music 219, 220, and one 203 course.

Students with an emphasis in musicology/ethnomusicology or performance practice also select three courses from Music 203A-H (course 206D meets the requirement for one 203 course). It is possible in some cases to substitute a course from the Music 253 or 254 series for one 203 course.

The final project for the degree includes both performing and scholarly components, which vary according to the degree emphasis.

Students with a composition emphasis submit a thesis composition together with an essay that addresses historical, technical, and/or interpretive issues of the music (course 299); and they complete a full-length recital (course 298) of their compositional work.

Students with a musicology/ethnomusicology emphasis complete a thesis (course 299) and a short performance or lecture-recital related to the thesis (course 298).

Students with a performance practice emphasis complete a full-length recital (course 298) and an accompanying short essay that addresses historical, technical, and/or interpretive aspects of the music performed in the recital. Students in this emphasis whose main area is conducting complete a full-length recital (course 298) and one of the following: a shorter lecture-recital, a short analytical or contextual essay on a different topic, or collaboration with a graduate student composer or faculty composer on a premiere public performance. Students are encouraged to create a program involving corollary studies such as computer studies, area cultural studies, linguistics, anthropology, theater arts, and visual arts.

Graduate students must take all core courses for a letter grade. These courses include the following: Music 200, 201, 202, 203A-H, 206A-D, 219, 220, 253A-D, and 254A-M. Independent study courses (Music 261, 265, 295, 297, 298, and 299) and the colloquium course (Music 252) may still be taken with the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade option.

Current skill in reading and comprehension of a relevant foreign language must be demonstrated upon enrollment by attainment of level 3 on the UCSC language placement examination or, during the first year of enrollment, by satisfactory completion of level 3 of the language at UCSC, or by submission of an official transcript documenting successful completion of one year of university-level foreign language. With the approval of the primary adviser, students whose emphasis is algorithmic composition may complete three quarters/one year of university-level instruction in computer programming in lieu of fulfillment of the foreign-language requirement. Knowledge of languages not offered at UCSC must be demonstrated as determined by the Music Graduate Committee.

Prior to the start of classes each fall quarter, each incoming M.A. student is required to complete a three-hour diagnostic examination which is intended to identify areas in which supplementary coursework may be needed, in addition to the courses listed above.

Doctor of Musical Arts

The doctor of musical arts (D.M.A.) degree program in music composition has tracks in computer-assisted composition and world music composition. The track in computer-assisted composition includes algorithmic techniques for the generation of musical materials and structures to be realized in the creation of instrumental, vocal, and digitally synthesized music. The track in world music composition addresses a variety of compositional approaches influenced by indigenous world musics, with a focus upon those musics taught by faculty composers, ethnomusicologists, and applied instructors. The D.M.A. program seeks to develop accomplished, active, and articulate composers who have a broad awareness of the diverse styles, cultural influences, media, venues, and technical means available to them in the 21st century.

Requirements

For students entering with the bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 102 credits in coursework at UCSC will be required. All students must be in residence for a minimum of nine quarters. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits each quarter until they advance to candidacy. After advancing to candidacy, students remaining in residence must take a minimum of one five-credit course each quarter.

For students entering with a master’s degree from another institution, a minimum of 72 credits in coursework at UCSC will be required. All students must be in residence for a minimum of six quarters. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits each quarter until they advance to candidacy. After advancing to candidacy, students remaining in residence must take a minimum of one five-credit course each quarter. D.M.A. students are expected to complete the degree within a maximum of six calendar years (leaves of absence are not excluded from this count) from entrance to the program.

Required courses include Music 200, 201, and 202 (students entering with a master’s degree from another institution may petition to waive one or more of these courses by submitting documentation for equivalent courses completed elsewhere). Students in the computer-assisted composition track complete Music 206B, one 203 course, and two quarters of 267 or another 206 course. Students in the world music composition track complete Music 206A, 203H, and 203G or another 206 course. All students are required to complete Music 219, 220, 252 each quarter in residence, and five quarters of enrollment in independent study, including Music 297, 298, and 299.

Prior to the start of classes in fall quarter, each incoming D.M.A. student is required to complete a three-hour diagnostic examination which is intended to identify areas in which supplementary coursework may be needed, in addition to the courses listed above.

A D.M.A. student who entered the D.M.A. program with a bachelor’s degree may apply for a M.A. degree, whether he/she is leaving the D.M.A. program or continuing toward completion of the D.M.A. degree, by fulfilling the following requirements:

Completion of a minimum of five quarters at UCSC.
Completion of a minimum of 35 graduate or upper-division course credits (including all courses required for the M.A. degree with an emphasis in composition).
Successful completion of the qualifying recital (course 298).

Pre-qualifying Reviews

Before the end of the first year of study, all D.M.A. students must present a half recital of their compositions from that year, and submit the scores and recital recording as a portfolio, which faculty will use to assess the student’s progress in the program. Faculty may also consider the student’s performance in courses 200, 201, and/or 202. In unusual cases, when progress has been minimal, faculty reserve the right to terminate a student’s enrollment in the program. Typically, the half recital is satisfied by a combination of 1) participation in a concert of graduate-student compositions sponsored each April by Porter College and the Music Department, and 2) participation in a public reading of graduate-student final projects from courses 219 and 220.
The Qualifying Recital

At the end of their second year of study, all students admitted to the D.M.A. program must present a half-recital (perhaps 35-40 minutes of music) representing their best work since entering the program. The D.M.A. qualifying recital will be evaluated by the student’s primary adviser and by a second faculty member (generally a second composer) selected by the student in consultation with the primary adviser.

Dissertation Prospectus

The dissertation prospectus must be submitted 12 months before the scheduled qualifying examination. The prospectus must include a proposal describing the scope and nature of the dissertation composition and the accompanying essay. In addition to defining the parameters of the dissertation itself, the dissertation prospectus will suggest to the student’s qualifying examination committee those areas of study that should be emphasized in the student’s qualifying examination.

Qualifying Examination

Advancement to candidacy is contingent upon the passing of a written examination and an oral examination normally administered at the end of year three for students entering with a bachelor’s degree, and the end of year two or the beginning of year three for students entering with a master’s degree from another institution. For the written portion of the examination, the qualifying examination committee provides questions on the three topics assigned as areas of emphasis. The oral examination is administered by the student’s qualifying examination committee and may concern any aspect of the assigned topics with an emphasis on those issues addressed in the written portion of the examination. Advancement to candidacy will be granted after successful completion of the written and oral examinations, acceptance of the dissertation reading committee form, satisfactory completion of course work and the foreign language requirement, and the payment of the necessary fees.

Dissertation

D.M.A. students must complete a dissertation consisting of a substantial musical composition accompanied by an essay. One to two years of work beyond the qualifying examinations should be sufficient for the completion of the dissertation, except in cases where extended fieldwork is required.

Final Examination

The final examination will be a public oral defense of the dissertation. After an oral presentation by the candidate, the candidate will be questioned by the Dissertation Committee.

Doctor of Philosophy in Music

The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in music has an emphasis in cross-cultural studies, and aims to provide doctoral students with an integrative framework for music scholarship, emphasizing the ways in which musicology and ethnomusicology interact and complement one another.

In addition to cultural approaches to musical style, the program also encourages the integration of scholarly research with musical performance, emphasizing the manner in which performance serves both rhetorical and symbolic ends within various cultural settings. To this end the concept of “performance practice” plays a significant role in this program, given that the concept of historically or culturally informed performance is applicable to music from the earliest times to the present day in all geographical and cultural regions, and can encompass research activities as diverse as fieldwork, historical editing, and recording, as well as publishing of books and articles on the traditions of composition and performance.

Requirements

Students entering the Ph.D. program with a bachelor’s degree are required to complete the following courses: Music 200, 201, 202, three courses from Music 253, three courses from Music 254, three courses from Music 203 (Music 206D or a 254 course may each substitute for one 203 course), Music 252 during each quarter of residence, and Music 299.

Students entering the Ph.D. program with a master’s degree are required to complete following courses: three courses from Music 253 series, three courses from the Music 254 series, Music 252 during each quarter of residence, and Music 299.

All students in the Ph.D. program, whether or not they are entering the program with a master's degree, should plan to take at least two, and preferably three of the following courses in addition to the regular requirements: Music 201, Music 202, Music 203H, or Anthropology 208A. The decision about which of these courses to take should be made in consultation with the student's adviser and the chair of the Graduate Committee.

Students entering the Ph.D. program are expected to have reading knowledge of a foreign language equivalent to at least one year of course work. In addition, students must acquire reading knowledge, equivalent to one year of coursework, of a second foreign language relevant to their area of interest during their first year of enrollment, or to demonstrate equivalent knowledge as determined by the Music Graduate Committee.

Prior to the start of classes in fall quarter, each incoming Ph.D. student is required to complete a three-hour diagnostic examination that is intended to identify areas in which supplementary course work may be needed.

Ph.D. students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree are required to submit a research paper by the beginning of the fourth quarter in residence, which will be revised that quarter under the supervision of the student’s faculty adviser, and will be evaluated at the end of the quarter by the adviser and an additional faculty member. Students whose paper is assessed as unsatisfactory will not be allowed to continue in the Ph.D. program.

Students may devise a program of study that includes additional music courses, and courses from other disciplines suited to their special areas of concentration, in addition to the required courses.
Students who entered the Ph.D. program with a bachelor’s degree may apply for the M.A. degree after completion of a minimum of five quarters in residence, the fourth-quarter research paper, and the following courses: 200, 201, 202, one course from 203A-H, and one course each from the 253 and 254 seminar series, and course 297.

Pre-qualifying reviews

At the end of the first year of study, all students accepted into the Ph.D. program will submit a brief report on work completed during that year. This report will inform a consideration by the music faculty of the student’s status in the graduate program. Faculty will offer comments and suggestions to be communicated to the student either directly or through the student’s adviser. However, if progress is minimal, faculty reserve the right to terminate a student’s enrollment in the program.

Qualifying Examinations

Advancement to candidacy is contingent upon passing both written and oral examinations. The written qualifying examination will test knowledge absorbed through the two years of coursework as well as material in the student’s field of concentration. The oral examination will focus on the previously completed written exams well as the student’s developed expertise in her/his chosen specialization. Students must be registered in the quarter in which they take their qualifying examination.

The examinations will normally be administered in year 4 for students entering with a bachelor’s degree, and in year 3 for students entering with a master’s degree.

Advancement to candidacy will be granted after successful completion of the written and oral examinations, acceptance of the dissertation reading committee form, satisfactory completion of coursework and the foreign-language requirement, and the payment of the necessary fees.

Dissertation

To satisfy requirements for the degree, a student must complete a dissertation and present a related formal lecture or lecture-recital. The student will develop a dissertation prospectus, which will be due six months after advancement to candidacy. Guidelines for the format and content of the prospectus can be found in the Ph.D. in Music Handbook. The dissertation must embody substantial and original scholarly work based on a clearly distinguishable contemporary or historical music-cultural tradition, in any music-culture(s) of the world in which the UCSC program offers expertise. The public lecture or performance must demonstrate the student’s grasp of the pertinent music-cultural performance tradition or music-cultural and/or music-historical concepts.

Final Examination

The final examination will be an oral defense of the dissertation open to the university faculty.

Successful completion of this examination will be determined by a majority vote of the dissertation reading committee.

Additional information about the program, including application and admission, is available from the Division of Graduate Studies and on the department web site: http://music.ucsc.edu/.

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Revised: 8/13/12