Music Composition, B.M.
Degree Program
The Bachelor of Music degrees are offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements. The major requirements include completing a basic core of 30 credits of music and specific degree requirements of an additional 50 credits for Composition. Total credits: 80.
Students interested in pursuing this degree must demonstrate a high level of performance potential and commitment to music as a profession.
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, 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 Music in Composition, students will be able to:
- Apply historical and theoretical understanding to the analysis of musical forms, processes, and structures found in masterpieces from the western art music tradition (ULO 1).
- Describe how they intend to integrate their faith in their anticipated future professional activities (ULO 2).
- Demonstrate basic musicianship skills in sight-singing, dictation, conducting, voice and piano (ULO 3).
- Evaluate basic form, harmony, meter, rhythm, voice-leading and developmental techniques found in excerpts and entire pieces from the Western art music tradition, and will experiment with writing music in the same styles (ULO 3).
- Apply their knowledge of compositional techniques and the musical elements (form, melody, harmony, etc.) to write original compositions (ULO 2).
- Demonstrate artistic maturity in terms of their craft creativity, clarity of expression on the written page, and efficiency in writing for established deadlines (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 performance strengths 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:
- Meeting requirements for University admission.
- Completing a Conservatory application with the required number of references.
- Completing a Conservatory audition, including a basic musicianship examination designed to demonstrate university level music study readiness.
After acceptance and upon entrance, students will be given placement examinations and auditions in music dictation, keyboard skills and performance. These examinations are given for the purpose of validating prior study and determining proper placement in music courses. Specific information concerning the content of these examinations and suggestions for preparation are available by contacting the Conservatory Office.
Transfer of Credit/Advanced Standing
With the exception of courses in music theory, sight-singing and dictation, keyboard skills, and individual performance, courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States will be accepted on a comparable course basis.
Prior study in the areas of music theory, sight-singing and dictation, keyboard skills, and individual performance will be validated through placement examinations.
Advanced standing may be gained through placement examinations in the areas of music theory, sight-singing and dictation, keyboard skills, and individual performance; however, no credit(s) will be given for waived courses. Waiver of courses on the basis of placement examinations 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 examinations.
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 the voice or instrument under study. Studio artists are affiliated with Biola via independent 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, but their theological conceptualization has not undergone the same close review as that of the faculty. For more information, see the Conservatory Office.
GPA Requirements
Students in the degree program must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major and receive a minimum grade of "C" in each required course.
Integration Seminar Requirement
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music degree program are required to take BBST 465 as "Redeeming Culture through Music" (this course fulfills the integration seminar Bible requirement).
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses | ||
| Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree are exempt from the Core Curriculum requirement in foreign language, literature, and fine arts. | ||
| Program Courses | ||
| MUSC 102 | Voice Class | 1 |
| MUSC 118 | Keyboard II | 1 |
| MUSC 119 | Keyboard III | 1 |
| MUSC 120 | Keyboard IV | 1 |
| MUSC 145 | Applied Music (Primary Instrument) 1 | 4 |
| MUSC 145 | Applied Music (Composition) 2 | 6 |
| MUSC 153 | Sight-Singing and Dictation I | 2 |
| MUSC 154 | Music Theory I | 2 |
| MUSC 163 | Sight-Singing and Dictation II | 2 |
| MUSC 164 | Music Theory II | 2 |
| MUSC 181 | Introduction to Composition 3 | 2 |
| MUSC 200 | Concert Music 4 | 0 |
| MUSC 300 | Concert Music 5 | 0 |
| MUSC 307 | Music History and Literature: Medieval Through Early Baroque | 2 |
| MUSC 308 | Music History and Literature: Mid-Baroque Through Classic | 2 |
| MUSC 309 | Music History and Literature: Late Romantic Through Early 20th Century | 2 |
| MUSC 312 | Music Theory/History and Literature of the 20th Century | 3 |
| MUSC 323 | Basic Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 340 | Special Studies: Theory/Composition | 2 |
| MUSC 341 | Counterpoint | 2 |
| MUSC 342 | Orchestration | 2 |
| MUSC 343 | Form and Analysis I | 2 |
| MUSC 344 | Analysis of 20th Century Music | 2 |
| MUSC 347 | Music Technology and Production | 2 |
| MUSC 353 | Sight-Singing and Dictation III | 1 |
| MUSC 354 | Music Theory III | 2 |
| MUSC 363 | Sight-Singing and Dictation IV | 1 |
| MUSC 364 | Music Theory IV | 2 |
| MUSC 410 | Music Cultures of the World | 3 |
| MUSC 445 | Applied Music (Composition) 6 | 8 |
| MUSC 490 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| MUSC 211 | Improvisation for Non Keyboardists: Concepts/Practices | 2 |
| or MUSC 217 | Improvisation for Keyboardists: Concepts/Practices | |
| Select 6 credits from the following courses. 2 credits must be from Music Education (356-359), 2 credits must be from Composing for New Media (371-374), and the remaining 2 credits may be from either category: | 6 | |
| Music Education: Brass | ||
| Music Education: Percussion | ||
| Music Education: Strings | ||
| Music Education: Woodwinds | ||
| Composing for New Media I: Film, TV, and Audio Production | ||
| Composing for New Media II: Sound Design, Recording Techniques | ||
| Composing for New Media III: Advanced Orchestration, Score Preparation | ||
| Composing for New Media IV: Scoring for Film and Video Games, Audio Production | ||
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Biola Chorale | ||
| Chamber Music Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber Choir | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphonic Winds | ||
| Handbell Choir | ||
| Vocal Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Women's Chorus | ||
| Men's Chorus | ||
| Total Credits | 80 | |
| 1 | Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency level: 224. |
| 2 | Must be taken for a total of 6 credits through proficiency level: 234. |
| 3 | MUSC 181 covers proficiency: level 131. |
| 4 | Must be taken for a total of four semesters. |
| 5 | Must be taken for a total of three semesters. |
| 6 | Must be taken for a total of 8 credits through proficiency: level 438. |
Concentration
New Media
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses | ||
| Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree are exempt from the Core Curriculum requirement in foreign language, literature, and fine arts. | ||
| Program Courses | ||
| Select two of the following courses: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Visual Storytelling | ||
| Sound Design | ||
| Designing Game Narratives | ||
| MUSC 118 | Keyboard II | 1 |
| MUSC 119 | Keyboard III | 1 |
| MUSC 120 | Keyboard IV | 1 |
| MUSC 145 | Applied Music (Piano) 1 | 4 |
| MUSC 145 | Applied Music (Composition) 2 | 6 |
| MUSC 153 | Sight-Singing and Dictation I | 2 |
| MUSC 154 | Music Theory I | 2 |
| MUSC 163 | Sight-Singing and Dictation II | 2 |
| MUSC 164 | Music Theory II | 2 |
| MUSC 181 | Introduction to Composition 3 | 2 |
| MUSC 200 | Concert Music 4 | 0 |
| MUSC 300 | Concert Music 5 | 0 |
| MUSC 307 | Music History and Literature: Medieval Through Early Baroque | 2 |
| MUSC 308 | Music History and Literature: Mid-Baroque Through Classic | 2 |
| MUSC 309 | Music History and Literature: Late Romantic Through Early 20th Century | 2 |
| MUSC 314 | History of Film Music | 3 |
| MUSC 323 | Basic Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 340 | Special Studies: Theory/Composition | 2 |
| MUSC 341 | Counterpoint | 2 |
| MUSC 342 | Orchestration | 2 |
| MUSC 343 | Form and Analysis I | 2 |
| MUSC 344 | Analysis of 20th Century Music | 2 |
| MUSC 347 | Music Technology and Production | 2 |
| MUSC 353 | Sight-Singing and Dictation III | 1 |
| MUSC 354 | Music Theory III | 2 |
| MUSC 363 | Sight-Singing and Dictation IV | 1 |
| MUSC 364 | Music Theory IV | 2 |
| MUSC 371 | Composing for New Media I: Film, TV, and Audio Production | 1 |
| MUSC 372 | Composing for New Media II: Sound Design, Recording Techniques | 1 |
| MUSC 373 | Composing for New Media III: Advanced Orchestration, Score Preparation | 1 |
| MUSC 374 | Composing for New Media IV: Scoring for Film and Video Games, Audio Production | 1 |
| MUSC 410 | Music Cultures of the World | 3 |
| MUSC 445 | Applied Music (Composition) 6 | 8 |
| MUSC 490 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Biola Chorale | ||
| Chamber Music Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphonic Winds | ||
| Handbell Choir | ||
| Vocal Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Women's Chorus | ||
| Men's Chorus | ||
| Total Credits | 81 | |
| 1 | Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency: level 224. |
| 2 | Must be taken for a total of 6 credits through proficiency: level 234. |
| 3 | MUSC 181 covers proficiency: level 131. |
| 4 | Must be taken for a total of four semesters. |
| 5 | Must be taken for a total of three semesters. |
| 6 | Must be taken for a total of 8 credits through proficiency: level 438. |
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.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 103 or 165 | 3 | BBST 103 or 165 | 3 |
| Music | 10 | Music | 10 |
| ENGL 100 or 112 | 3 | Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | MATH 1211 | 1 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 34 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 209 or 210 | 3 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
| Music | 11 | BBST 251 | 3 |
| Communication (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | Music | 11 |
| KNES 107 | 1 | ||
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Total Credits 35 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 354 | 3 | BBST 365 | 3 |
| Music | 9 | Music | 8 |
| HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 | Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| Philosophy (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | MATH 1221 | 1 |
| Writing Competency Requirement | HIST 100 or 101 | 3 | |
| Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office | |||
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Total Credits 36 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture Thru Music - required) | 3 | BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 |
| Music | 11 | BBST 306, 316, or 326 | 3 |
| ENGL 313 | 3 | Music | 10 |
| MATH 1231 | 1 | KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 |
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 35 | |||
| 1 | A B.M. degree requires only 5 credits of math/science, so it is possible you will not need to take all three of the MATH 121/122/123 classes. |
Music Composition, B.M. New Media
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 103 or 165 | 3 | BBST 103 or 165 | 3 |
| CNMA 101 | 3 | Music | 8 |
| Music | 8 | CNMA 307 or 325 | 3 |
| ENGL 100 or 112 | 3 | Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | MATH 1211 | 1 |
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Total Credits 36 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 209 or 210 | 3 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
| Music | 11 | BBST 251 | 3 |
| Communication (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | Music | 11 |
| KNES 107 | 1 | ||
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Total Credits 35 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 354 | 3 | BBST 365 | 3 |
| Music | 9 | Music | 8 |
| HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 | Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| Philosophy (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | MATH 1221 | 1 |
| Writing Competency Requirement | HIST 100 or 101 | 3 | |
| Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office | |||
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Total Credits 36 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture Thru Music - required) | 3 | BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 |
| Music | 11 | BBST 306, 316, or 326 | 3 |
| ENGL 313 | 3 | Music | 9 |
| MATH 1231 | 1 | KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 |
| 18 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 34 | |||
| 1 | A B.M. degree requires only 5 credits of math/science, so it is possible you will not need to take all three of the MATH 121/122/123 classes. |
