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: 43 (57 for Commercial Music concentration). In order to graduate, 120 credits are required. Additional elective credits (music or non-music) may be needed to reach that total.
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 Arts in Music, 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 2).
- 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 stylistic, theoretical, interpretive and technical skills and understanding to create and perform personal, communicative performances on their primary instrument (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.
Integration Seminar Requirement
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts music degree program are required to take BBST 465 as "Redeeming Culture through Music" (this course fulfills the integration seminar Bible requirement).
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | ||
| MUSC 100 | Keyboard I | 1 |
| MUSC 118 | Keyboard II | 1 |
| MUSC 119 | Keyboard III | 1 |
| MUSC 145 | Applied Music 1 | 4 |
| 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 200 | Concert Music 2 | 0 |
| MUSC 317 | Survey of Western Music I: Classical thru Mid-Twentieth Century | 3 |
| MUSC 318 | Survey of Western Music II: Medieval thru Baroque | 3 |
| 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 3 | 4 |
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Biola Chorale | ||
| Chamber Music Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphonic Winds | ||
| Handbell Choir | ||
| Vocal Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Women's Chorus | ||
| Worship and Popular Music Ensemble | ||
| Men's Chorus | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 5 credit of 300-level or above elective courses | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 43 | |
| 1 | 4 credits through proficiency: level 224. |
| 2 | Must be taken for four semesters. |
| 3 | 4 credits through proficiency: level 428. |
Concentration
Commercial Music
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | ||
| MUSC 100 | Keyboard I | 1 |
| MUSC 102 | Voice Class | 1 |
| MUSC 115 | History of Rock: A Social and Musical Revolution | 3 |
| MUSC 118 | Keyboard II | 1 |
| MUSC 119 | Keyboard III | 1 |
| MUSC 126 | Introduction to Music Technology | 2 |
| MUSC 127 | Introduction to Music Production: Pro Tools | 2 |
| MUSC 145 | Applied Music 1 | 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 200 | Concert Music 2 | 0 |
| MUSC 317 | Survey of Western Music I: Classical thru Mid-Twentieth Century | 3 |
| MUSC 330 | Contemporary Music Issues (taken as "Pro Tools") | 2 |
| MUSC 353 | Sight-Singing and Dictation III | 1 |
| MUSC 354 | Music Theory III | 2 |
| MUSC 367 | Pop Theory for Worship and Commercial Music | 2 |
| MUSC 368 | Pop Theory II for Worship and Commercial Music | 2 |
| MUSC 370 | Junior Recital | 0 |
| MUSC 445 | Applied Music 3 | 8 |
| MUSC 490 | Senior Recital | 2 |
| Ensemble Courses | ||
| Select 10 credits from the following: | 10 | |
| Biola Chorale | ||
| Chamber Music Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphonic Winds | ||
| Handbell Choir | ||
| Vocal Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Women's Chorus | ||
| Worship and Popular Music Ensemble | ||
| Men's Chorus | ||
| Total Credits | 57 | |
| 1 | 6 credits through proficiency: level 223. |
| 2 | Must be taken for four semesters. |
| 3 | 8 credits through proficiency: level 326. |
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 | 5 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
| ENGL 100 or 112 | 3 | Music | 6 |
| Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 | Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 32 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 251 | 3 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
| Music | 7 | Music | 7 |
| Fine Arts (any ARTS, CNMA, or THTR course in Core Curriculum list) | 3 | Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| KNES 107 | 1 | MATH 121 | 1 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 28 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 | BBST 354 | 3 |
| Music | 6 | Music | 4 |
| Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | Communication (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| MATH 122 | 1 | ENGL 313 | 3 |
| HIST 100 or 101 | 3 | MATH 123 | 1 |
| Writing Competency Requirement | KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 | |
| Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office | |||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 31 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture Thru Music - required) | 3 | BBST 365 | 3 |
| Music | 5 | BBST 306, 316, or 326 | 3 |
| HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 | Music | 3 |
| Literature (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | Philosophy (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 29 | |||
Music, B.A. Commercial Music (MUCC)
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 103 or 165 | 3 | BBST 103 or 165 | 3 |
| Music | 6 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
| ENGL 100 or 112 | 3 | Music | 7 |
| KNES 107 | 1 | Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | ||
| 14 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 31 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 251 | 3 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
| Music | 7 | Music | 7 |
| Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 | Communication (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| HIST 100 or 101 | 3 | Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| MATH 121 | 1 | ||
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 34 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 | BBST 354 | 3 |
| Music | 8 | Music | 7 |
| Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | ENGL 313 | 3 |
| MATH 122 | 1 | MATH 123 | 1 |
| KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 | Fine Arts (any ARTS, CNMA or THTR course in Core Curriculum list) | 3 |
| Writing Competency Requirement | Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office | ||
| 16 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 33 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 465 (Redeeming Culture Thru Music - required) | 3 | BBST 365 | 3 |
| Music | 8 | BBST 306, 316, or 326 | 3 |
| HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 | Music | 7 |
| Literature (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | Philosophy (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 33 | |||
