Music Performance, 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 music and specific degree requirements with additional credits for Performance. Total credits: 74 to 75, depending on the concentration chosen.
Students interested in pursuing this degree must demonstrate a high level of potential in terms of performance and/or composition, along with a strong 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, 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 Music in Music Performance, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate competency of the foundation of musical knowledge related to musical theory, analysis, and history (ULO 1).
- Demonstrate integration of faith in the musical disciplines and anticipated future professional activities (ULO 2).
- 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:
- 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 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:
- Theory I and II (MUSC 154 and MUSC 164)
- Musicianship I, II, III, and IV (MUSC 153, MUSC 163, MUSC 353 and MUSC 363)
- Introduction to Piano and Keyboard Skills I (MUSC 100 and MUSC 118)
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 in the degree program must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major and receive a minimum grade of "C" in each required course.
Curriculum Requirements
Integration Seminar Requirement
All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music degree program are required to take a Biblical Studies Integration Seminar. This requirement must be fulfilled by taking BBST 465 as "Redeeming Culture through Music."
| 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 145 | Applied Music 1 | 8 |
| MUSC 153 | Musicianship I 2 | 1 |
| MUSC 154 | Theory I 3 | 3 |
| MUSC 160 | Essential Technologies for Musicians I | 1 |
| MUSC 163 | Musicianship II 2 | 1 |
| MUSC 164 | Theory II 3 | 3 |
| MUSC 170 | Essential Technologies for Musicians II | 1 |
| MUSC 200 | Performing Arts Forum 4 | 2 |
| MUSC 275 | Music Area Seminar 5 | 0 |
| MUSC 315 | History of Western Art Music I: Medieval through Baroque | 3 |
| MUSC 316 | History of Western Art Music II: Classical through Romantic | 3 |
| MUSC 323 | Basic Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 343 | Form and Analysis | 2 |
| MUSC 353 | Musicianship III 2 | 1 |
| MUSC 354 | Theory III 3 | 3 |
| MUSC 363 | Musicianship IV 2 | 1 |
| MUSC 365 | History and Analysis of 20th Century Music | 3 |
| MUSC 370 | Junior Recital | 0 |
| MUSC 410 | Music Cultures of the World | 2 |
| MUSC 430 | Pedagogy: Major Performance Area | 2 |
| MUSC 435 | Career Skills for the Entrepreneurial Musician | 2 |
| MUSC 445 | Applied Music 6 | 8 |
| MUSC 490 | Senior Recital | 0 |
| Program Course Requirements: 52 credits | ||
| Select a Concentration detailed below | 22-23 | |
| Core Curriculum Requirements 7 | 60 | |
| Total Credits | 134-135 | |
- 1
Must be taken for a total of 8 credits through proficiency level: 274.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
7 semesters of Performing Arts Forum required for graduation; at least 2 semesters must be taken for 1 credit.
- 5
Taken every semester in conjunction with Applied Music (MUSC 145 or MUSC 445).
- 6
Must be taken for a total of 8 credits through proficiency: level 478.
- 7
See Core Curriculum Program section for details.
Concentrations
Performance students must choose a concentration in one of the following areas.
Instrumental
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| MUSC 118 | Keyboard Skills I 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 119 | Keyboard Skills II 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 420 | Music Literature: Major Performance Area | 2 |
| Select 8 credits of the following music electives: | 8 | |
| Theory and Conducting - Select 3-4 credits from the following: | ||
| Introduction to Composition | ||
| Advanced Studies in Conducting | ||
| Modal and Tonal Counterpoint | ||
| Orchestration | ||
| Analysis of Post-Tonal Music | ||
| Composing for New Media: Advanced Orchestration, Score Preparation | ||
| Technology - Select 2 credits from the following: | ||
| Introduction to Music Technology | ||
| Music Production I | ||
| 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 | ||
| Choose the remaining 2-3 credits from the following: | ||
Any remaining Technology or Theory course 2 | ||
Any Music Education courses 3 | ||
Ensembles | ||
MUSC 405 Special Studies in Ethnomusicology; Performance Health; Music History; or Preparation for Graduate Studies | ||
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| Select 10 credits of instrumental ensembles | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
- 1
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
MUSC 126, MUSC 127, MUSC 341, MUSC 342, MUSC 344, MUSC 367, MUSC 368, MUSC 371, MUSC 372, MUSC 373, or MUSC 374.
- 3
Piano/Organ
This concentration combines the former Piano (MUPP) and Organ (MUPO) concentrations which were offered separately.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| MUSC 261 | Keyboard Sight Reading I | 1 |
| MUSC 262 | Keyboard Sight Reading II | 1 |
| MUSC 341 | Modal and Tonal Counterpoint | 2 |
| MUSC 360 | Collaborative Piano | 1 |
| MUSC 385 | Piano Symposium | 1 |
| MUSC 425 | Piano Literature I | 1 |
| MUSC 426 | Piano Literature II 1 | 1 |
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| 8 credits must be in Piano Accompanying (MUSC 002) | 8 | |
| Music Electives | 6 | |
| Theory & Conducting - select 2 credits from the following courses: | ||
| Introduction to Composition | ||
| Advanced Studies in Conducting | ||
| Orchestration | ||
| Analysis of Post-Tonal Music | ||
| Composing for New Media: Advanced Orchestration, Score Preparation | ||
| Choose the remaining credits from the following: | ||
| Applied Music (Piano or Organ) | ||
or MUSC 445 | Applied Music | |
Any remaining Technology or Theory course 2 | ||
Any Music Education course 3 | ||
Ensembles | ||
MUSC 405 Special Studies in Ethnomusicology; Performance Health; Music History; or Preparation for Graduate Studies | ||
| Total Credits | 22 | |
- 1
Piano principle students must take MUSC 426. Organ principles may take MUSC 426 or 1 credit of MUSC 405.
- 2
MUSC 126, MUSC 127, MUSC 342, MUSC 344, MUSC 367, MUSC 368, MUSC 371, MUSC 372, MUSC 373, or MUSC 374.
- 3
Voice
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| MUSC 118 | Keyboard Skills I 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 119 | Keyboard Skills II 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 156 | Lyric Diction I | 1 |
| MUSC 157 | Lyric Diction II | 1 |
| MUSC 420 | Music Literature: Major Performance Area | 2 |
| Foreign Language Courses | ||
| Select 8 credits of foreign language courses | 8 | |
| Ensemble Courses 2 | ||
| Select 9 credits of vocal ensemble | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 23 | |
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 |
| ENGL 100 or 112 | 3 | Math (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| Music | 10 | Music | 9 |
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Total Credits 35 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 209 or 210 | 3 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
| Communication (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | BBST 251 | 3 |
| Music | 10 | KNES 107 | 1 |
| Music | 10 | ||
| 16 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 33 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 354 | 3 | BBST 365 | 3 |
| HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 | Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 | HIST 100 or 101 | 3 |
| Music | 10 | Music | 7 |
| Writing Competency Requirement | Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 33 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required) | 3 | BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 |
| ENGL 313 | 3 | BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 |
| Philosophy (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | Music | 10-11 |
| Music | 8 | ||
| 17 | 16-17 | ||
| Total Credits 33-34 | |||
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 Performance, B.M. Instrumental (MUIN)
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 101 | 4 | HNRS 105 | 4 |
| HNRS 102 | 4 | HNRS 106 | 4 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | KNES 107 | 1 |
| Music | 9 | Music | 9 |
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 210 | 4 | HNRS 230 | 4 |
| HNRS 215 | 4 | HNRS 231 | 4 |
| Music | 10 | KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 |
| Music | 9 | ||
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 324 | 4 | HNRS 337 | 4 |
| HNRS 326 | 2 | HNRS 339 | 2 |
| Music | 11 | ENGL 313 | 3 |
| Math (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | ||
| Music | 6 | ||
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 443 | 4 | HNRS 458 | 4 |
| BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required) | 3 | Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| Music | 10 | Music | 10 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 141 | |||
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 Performance, B.M. Piano/Organ (MUPA)
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 101 | 4 | HNRS 105 | 4 |
| HNRS 102 | 4 | HNRS 106 | 4 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | Music | 10 |
| Music | 9 | ||
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 210 | 4 | HNRS 230 | 4 |
| HNRS 215 | 4 | HNRS 231 | 4 |
| KNES 107 | 1 | KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 |
| Music | 9 | Music | 9 |
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 324 | 4 | HNRS 337 | 4 |
| HNRS 326 | 2 | HNRS 339 | 2 |
| Music | 12 | ENGL 313 | 3 |
| Music | 9 | ||
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 443 | 4 | HNRS 458 | 4 |
| BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required) | 3 | Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| Math (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | Music | 9 |
| Music | 7 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 141 | |||
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 Performance, B.M. Voice (MUPV)
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 101 | 4 | HNRS 105 | 4 |
| HNRS 102 | 4 | HNRS 106 | 4 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | KNES 107 | 1 |
| Music | 9 | Music | 9 |
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 210 | 4 | HNRS 230 | 4 |
| HNRS 215 | 4 | HNRS 231 | 4 |
| Math (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 |
| Music | 7 | Music | 8 |
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 324 | 4 | HNRS 337 | 4 |
| HNRS 326 | 2 | HNRS 339 | 2 |
| Music | 12 | Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 |
| Music | 8 | ||
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 443 | 4 | HNRS 458 | 4 |
| BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required) | 3 | Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| ENGL 313 | 3 | Music | 10 |
| Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 | ||
| Music | 4 | ||
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 142 | |||
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.
