Music, B.A.

Degree Program

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music is offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements. Total credits: 56 (63 for Commercial Music concentration).

Special Programs/Opportunities

Ensembles

The Conservatory provides opportunities for experience in several types of vocal and instrumental ensembles, including the Biola Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, University Chorus, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Music Ensembles. All are open to non-music majors as well as music majors by audition.

Concert Series

The Conservatory concert series features outstanding guest artists and student ensembles.

Masterclasses and Artist-in-Residence Program

Opportunities for participating in masterclasses with guest artists are available annually. Of special note is the ongoing series of masterclasses and recitals by world-renowned artists, including Menahem Pressler, pianist, Artist-in-Residence.

Local Opportunities

The Southern California area provides exceptional opportunities for hearing the world's leading artists, as well as outstanding college and church music performances.

Service Opportunities

The Los Angeles metropolitan area offers many opportunities for remunerative service in music. There are frequent openings for competent church choir directors, soloists, accompanists, instrumentalists, and organists.

Scholarships

Music awards in varying amounts are available to qualified students. Complete information is available by emailing music@biola.edu or by writing:

Director, Conservatory of Music
Biola University
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639-0001

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Music, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate competence in the foundation of musical knowledge related to musical theory, analysis, and history (ULO 1).
  2. Demonstrate integration of faith in the musical disciplines and anticipated future professional activities (ULO 2).
  3. Demonstrate synthesis of all degree-specific coursework and development of musicianship, knowledge, and skill expected in the professional field through expertise displayed in the degree capstone experience (ULO 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

All students seeking admission must demonstrate musical background and the strengths in performance and/or composition necessary for successful completion of the stated curriculum. Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Conservatory as a music major. A student will be admitted to the Conservatory of Music after:

  1. Meeting requirements for University admission.
  2. Completing a Conservatory application with the required number of references.
  3. Completing a Conservatory audition.

After acceptance and upon entrance, students will be assessed with regard to their performance levels. They will also be given the option to take placement surveys in musicianship, written theory, and/or keyboard skills, or they may simply choose to begin their studies at the introductory level. Specific information concerning the content of these surveys and suggestions for preparation are available by contacting the Conservatory Office.

Transfer of Credits

Most courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States will be accepted on a comparable course basis. The following core courses will transfer directly:

In order to pass out of Theory III (MUSC 354) or Keyboard Skills II (MUSC 119), the student must display proficiency by achieving favorable scores on the Theory and Keyboard placement surveys.  

No credit(s) will be given for waived courses. Waiver of courses on the basis of placement surveys without comparable prior course credit will increase elective credits required.

Credit for courses taken at a non-accredited college or university will be granted only through placement or challenge surveys.

Applied Music

In order to graduate, music students must reach primary applied proficiency level standards designated for each degree program. Applied Music lessons are guided by faculty or studio artists who have expertise and professional experience in either the voice or instrument under study, or in composition. Studio artists are affiliated with Biola via “special employee” contracts and thus do not undergo the same process for hire as do faculty. The studio artists are all highly competent individuals who appreciate Biola and endorse the goals of the Conservatory. For more information, see the Conservatory Office.

GPA Requirements

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major and receive a minimum grade of C in each required music course.

Curriculum Requirements

Integration Seminar Requirement

All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts music degree program are required to take a Biblical Studies Integration Seminar. This requirement must be fulfilled by taking BBST 4658 Integration Seminar: Redeeming Culture Through Music.

Music majors in the Bachelor of Arts program meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 6 credits in fine arts and integration seminar within the major.
MUSC 118Keyboard Skills I 11
or MUSC 261 Keyboard Sight Reading I
MUSC 119Keyboard Skills II 11
or MUSC 262 Keyboard Sight Reading II
MUSC 145Applied Music 24
MUSC 153Musicianship I 31
MUSC 154Theory I 43
MUSC 160Essential Technologies for Musicians I1
MUSC 163Musicianship II 31
MUSC 164Theory II 43
MUSC 170Essential Technologies for Musicians II1
MUSC 200Performing Arts Forum 52
MUSC 275Music Area Seminar 60
MUSC 315History of Western Art Music I: Medieval through Baroque3
MUSC 316History of Western Art Music II: Classical through Romantic3
MUSC 343Form and Analysis2
MUSC 353Musicianship III 31
MUSC 354Theory III 43
MUSC 363Musicianship IV 31
MUSC 365History and Analysis of 20th Century Music3
MUSC 445Applied Music 74
BBST 4658Integration Seminar: Redeeming Culture Through Music 83
Ensemble Courses
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Biola Chorale
Music Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Jazz Ensemble
Symphonic Winds
Handbell Choir
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
University Chorus
Women's Chorus
Worship and Popular Music Ensemble
Men's Chorus
Elective Courses9
Theory & Conducting - Select 3-4 credits from the following courses:
Introduction to Composition
Basic Conducting
Modal and Tonal Counterpoint
Orchestration
Analysis of Post-Tonal Music
Composing for New Media: Advanced Orchestration, Score Preparation
Career Development - Select 2-4 credits from the following courses:
See Special Area Requirements 9
Lyric Diction I
Lyric Diction II
Piano Symposium
Music Literature: Major Performance Area
Pedagogy: Major Performance Area
Career Skills for the Entrepreneurial Musician
Remaining credits may come from:
Biola Chorale
Music Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Jazz Ensemble
Symphonic Winds
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
University Chorus
Women's Chorus
Worship and Popular Music Ensemble
Men's Chorus
Opera and Musical Production
Introduction to Music Technology
Music Production I
Applied Music
Applied Music
Performing Arts Forum (up to 2 credits)
Music Education: Brass
Music Education: Percussion
Music Education: Strings
Music Education: Woodwinds
Collaborative Piano
Pop Theory for Worship and Commercial Music
Pop Theory II for Worship and Commercial Music
Composing for New Media: Film, TV, and Audio Production
Composing for New Media: Sound Design, Recording Techniques
Composing for New Media: Scoring for Film and Video Games, Audio Production
Special Studies in Music (Special Studies in Ethnomusicology; Performace Helath; Music History; or Preparation for Graduate Studies)
Music Cultures of the World
Program Course Requirements: 56 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 1068
Total Credits124
1

Keyboard principal students are exempt from MUSC 118 and MUSC 119. Keyboardists must take MUSC 261 and MUSC 262.

Students may take the Keyboard Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Keyboard requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 100 Introduction to Piano.

2

Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency: level 224.

3

Students may take the Musicianship Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Musicianship requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 153 Musicianship I. Musicianship courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit.

4

Students may take the Theory Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of their Theory requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 098 Introduction to Theory. The first two semesters of Written Theory courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit.

5

4 semesters of Performing Arts Forum required for graduation; at least 2 semesters must be taken for 1 credit.

6

Taken every semester in conjunction with Applied Music (MUSC 145 or MUSC 445).

7

Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency: level 428.

8

Fulfills the BBST 465 Biblical and Theological Studies Integration Seminar requirement.

9

Piano students must choose 3-4 credits from MUSC 385MUSC 420, or MUSC 430.

String students must take MUSC 430.

Voice students must choose 4 credits from MUSC 156MUSC 157MUSC 420, or MUSC 430.

10

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Concentration

Commercial Music

Music majors in the Bachelor of Arts program meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 6 credits in fine arts and integration seminar within the major.
Concentration Courses
MUSC 102Voice Class 11
MUSC 115History of Rock: A Social and Musical Revolution3
MUSC 118Keyboard Skills I 21
or MUSC 261 Keyboard Sight Reading I
MUSC 119Keyboard Skills II 21
or MUSC 262 Keyboard Sight Reading II
MUSC 126Introduction to Music Technology2
MUSC 127Music Production I2
MUSC 145Applied Music 36
MUSC 153Musicianship I 41
MUSC 154Theory I 53
MUSC 160Essential Technologies for Musicians I1
MUSC 163Musicianship II 41
MUSC 164Theory II 53
MUSC 200Performing Arts Forum 62
MUSC 275Music Area Seminar 70
MUSC 316History of Western Art Music II: Classical through Romantic3
MUSC 347Music Production II2
MUSC 353Musicianship III 41
MUSC 354Theory III 53
MUSC 367Pop Theory for Worship and Commercial Music2
MUSC 368Pop Theory II for Worship and Commercial Music2
MUSC 370Junior Recital0
MUSC 435Career Skills for the Entrepreneurial Musician2
MUSC 445Applied Music 810
MUSC 490Senior Recital0
BBST 4658Integration Seminar: Redeeming Culture Through Music 93
Ensemble Courses
Select 8 credits from the following:8
Biola Chorale
Music Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Jazz Ensemble
Symphonic Winds
Handbell Choir
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
University Chorus
Women's Chorus
Worship and Popular Music Ensemble
Men's Chorus
Concentration Course Requirements: 63 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 1068
Total Credits131
1

Voice principal students are exempt from MUSC 102 and are required to complete 62 concentration course credits and a total of 130 credits for the degree.

2

Keyboard principal students are exempt from MUSC 118 and MUSC 119. Keyboardists must take MUSC 261 and MUSC 262.

Students may take the Keyboard Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Keyboard requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 100 Introduction to Piano.

3

Must be taken for a total of 6 credits through proficiency: level 223.

4

Students may take the Musicianship Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Musicianship requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 153 Musicianship I. Musicianship courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit.

5

Students may take the Theory Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of their Theory requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 098 Introduction to Theory. The first two semesters of Written Theory courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit.

6

4 semesters of Performing Arts Forum required for graduation; at least 2 semesters must be taken for 1 credit.

7

Taken every semester in conjunction with Applied Music (MUSC 145 or MUSC 445).

9

​Fulfills the BBST 465 Biblical and Theological Studies Integration Seminar requirement.

8

Must be taken for a total of 10 credits through proficiency: level 428.

10

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Music, B.A. (MUSC)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
GNST 1021Music7
Music9Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 16 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
KNES 1071Music7
Music6Math (see Core Curriculum)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 14 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
HIST 100 or 1013ENGL 3133
Music7Music6
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
Writing Competency RequirementKNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3653
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253BBST 4658 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3
Music7Music4
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
 16 13
Total Credits 124

Music, B.A. Commercial Music (MUCC)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
GNST 1021Music8
KNES 1071Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Music8 
 16 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
HIST 100 or 1013Music7
Music7Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
Music11ENGL 3133
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3Music6
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Math (see Core Curriculum)3
Writing Competency RequirementGraduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 18 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
Music6BBST 3653
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3BBST 4658 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3
Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3Music7
 15 16
Total Credits 131

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Music, B.A. (MUSC)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021Music8
Music8 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
KNES 1071Music6
Music8Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
Music9ENGL 3133
 Music5
 Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 15 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
Music5HNRS 4672
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4BBST 4658 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3
Science (see Core Curriculum)3Music4
 KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 16 14
Total Credits 130

Note: Certain Music courses are not offered every semester. Please check with the Music department for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.

Music, B.A. Commercial Music (MUCC)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021Music8
Music8 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
Music9Music6
 Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
Music10ENGL 3133
 Music6
 Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 16 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
KNES 1071HNRS 4672
Music9BBST 4658 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Music4
 Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 18 18
Total Credits 137

Note: Certain Music courses are not offered every semester. Please check with the Music department for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.