Music Minor

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The minor in music is designed for students who are interested in deepening their understanding of music history and theory and improving their vocal or instrumental performing abilities. Cal State East Bay is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248; (703) 437-0700 Phone; (703) 437-6312 Fax. info@arts-accredit.org

Music minors must complete 21 units as outlined below.

Minor Requirements (21 units)

The Music Minor consists of 21 units, split into three categories: fundamentals (6 units), performance skills (3 units), and music electives (12 units). At least 9 units in the minor must be upper division coursework (courses numbered 300-499).

Music Fundamentals (6 units)

The following courses are required. The sequence covers basic fundamentals of music reading, writing and singing, along with knowledge of chord construction and basic music progressions.

Note: Students with basic knowdlege of music will be able to substitute these units for other pre-approved lower-division music units after a sucessful assestment from the Music Department.

MUS 108 - The Language of Music Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-C1
MUS 111 - Music Theory I Units: 2
MUS 115 - Aural Skills I Units: 1

Performance Skills (3 units)

Take 3 units from the following. Placement determined by the Music Department based on the student’s skills and needs.

Note: Students are able to substitute no more than 1 applied unit (private lessons on a instrument or voice) with permission from the department. Note that all students taking applied lessons are required to be registered for at least 5 music units, 1 of which needs to be a major performing ensemble.

MUS 103A - Elementary Piano for Non-Majors I Units: 1
MUS 103B - Elementary Piano for Non-Majors II Units: 1
MUS 118 - Keyboard Musicianship I Units: 1
MUS 119 - Keyboard Musicianship II Units: 1
MUS 218 - Keyboard Musicianship III Units: 1
MUS 235 - Basic Guitar Techniques Units: 1
MUS 236 - Basic Vocal Techniques Units: 1
MUS 317 - Improvisation Techniques I Units: 1

Music Electives (12 units)

Take 12 units from the following in consultation with departmental advisor. At least 3 units of which must be in a performance ensemble:

MUS 351-MUS 359 are major performing ensembles (choir, band, jazz band) and are repeatable for 8 units.

MUS 360-370 are chamber ensembles and are repeatable for 4 units.

Note: Students are able to substitute at most 3 units with applied units (private lessons on a instrument,voice or composition/music production) with permission from the department. Note that all students taking applied lessons are required to be registered for at least 5 music units, 1 of which needs to be a major performing ensemble.