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:

  1. Demonstrate competency of 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, 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:

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." 

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 145Applied Music 18
MUSC 153Musicianship I 21
MUSC 154Theory I 33
MUSC 160Essential Technologies for Musicians I1
MUSC 163Musicianship II 21
MUSC 164Theory II 33
MUSC 170Essential Technologies for Musicians II1
MUSC 200Performing Arts Forum 42
MUSC 275Music Area Seminar 50
MUSC 315History of Western Art Music I: Medieval through Baroque3
MUSC 316History of Western Art Music II: Classical through Romantic3
MUSC 323Basic Conducting2
MUSC 343Form and Analysis2
MUSC 353Musicianship III 21
MUSC 354Theory III 33
MUSC 363Musicianship IV 21
MUSC 365History and Analysis of 20th Century Music3
MUSC 370Junior Recital0
MUSC 410Music Cultures of the World2
MUSC 430Pedagogy: Major Performance Area2
MUSC 435Career Skills for the Entrepreneurial Musician2
MUSC 445Applied Music 68
MUSC 490Senior Recital0
Program Course Requirements: 52 credits
Select a Concentration detailed below22-23
Core Curriculum Requirements 760
Total Credits134-135
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

Concentration Courses
MUSC 118Keyboard Skills I 11
MUSC 119Keyboard Skills II 11
MUSC 420Music Literature: Major Performance Area2
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 ensembles10
Total Credits22
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 368MUSC 371, MUSC 372MUSC 373, or MUSC 374.

3

MUSC 356, MUSC 357, MUSC 358, or MUSC 359.

Piano/Organ

This concentration combines the former Piano (MUPP) and Organ (MUPO) concentrations which were offered separately.

Concentration Courses
MUSC 261Keyboard Sight Reading I1
MUSC 262Keyboard Sight Reading II1
MUSC 341Modal and Tonal Counterpoint2
MUSC 360Collaborative Piano1
MUSC 385Piano Symposium1
MUSC 425Piano Literature I1
MUSC 426Piano Literature II 11
Ensemble Courses
8 credits must be in Piano Accompanying (MUSC 002)8
Music Electives6
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)
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 Credits22
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 368MUSC 371, MUSC 372, MUSC 373, or MUSC 374.

3

MUSC 356, MUSC 357, MUSC 358, or MUSC 359.

Voice

Concentration Courses
MUSC 118Keyboard Skills I 11
MUSC 119Keyboard Skills II 11
MUSC 156Lyric Diction I1
MUSC 157Lyric Diction II1
MUSC 420Music Literature: Major Performance Area2
Foreign Language Courses
Select 8 credits of foreign language courses8
Ensemble Courses 2
Select 9 credits of vocal ensemble9
Total Credits23
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

Must include 1 credit of MUSC 390.

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.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123Math (see Core Curriculum)3
GNST 1021Science (see Core Curriculum)3
Music10Music9
 17 18
Total Credits 35
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 209 or 2103
Communication (see Core Curriculum)3BBST 2513
Music10KNES 1071
 Music10
 16 17
Total Credits 33
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3543BBST 3653
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1HIST 100 or 1013
Music10Music7
Writing Competency RequirementGraduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 17 16
Total Credits 33
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required)3BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
ENGL 3133BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3Music10-11
Music8 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021KNES 1071
Music9Music9
 18 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
Music10KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 Music9
 18 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
Music11ENGL 3133
 Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 Music6
 17 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required)3Science (see Core Curriculum)3
Music10Music10
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021Music10
Music9 
 18 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
KNES 1071KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
Music9Music9
 18 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
Music12ENGL 3133
 Music9
 18 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required)3Science (see Core Curriculum)3
Math (see Core Curriculum)3Music9
Music7 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021KNES 1071
Music9Music9
 18 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
Math (see Core Curriculum)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
Music7Music8
 18 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
Music12Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 Music8
 18 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture through Music - required)3Science (see Core Curriculum)3
ENGL 3133Music10
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
Music4 
 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.