Bachelor of Music
Last Admit Fall 2025
The Bachelor of Music is an intensive curriculum for students wishing to study music for specific professional purposes or seeking professional levels of attainment in music. Bachelor of Music concentrations within the program provide specialized study in performance, composition, jazz/ethnomusicology, and music education (credential preparation). These concentrations prepare students for graduate study as well. In addition to possessing musical ability and motivation, every candidate for the BM degree program must demonstrate a significant technical and artistic level of accomplishment in at least one musical area before being admitted to this major. Candidates for the Bachelor of Music major may apply either before or after enrolling at San Francisco State University. A maximum of 65 units in music may be counted toward this degree. A grade of C or better is required for all music courses in the Bachelor of Music major.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Musical Literacy. Students will demonstrate proficiency in reading, notating, and transcribing music by ear. Students will demonstrate critical listening abilities through describing, analyzing, and articulating artistic and perceptual aspects of music.
- Performance. Students will demonstrate applied performance skills through accurate and expressive instrumental, vocal, or electronic mediums.
- Creation. Students will be able to express compelling and original musical thought through arranging, composing, and improvising in a variety of styles and for a variety of purposes.
- Critical Understanding of Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Contexts. Students will be able to apply historical and cultural knowledge and aesthetic judgment in order to articulate significance and meaning in music within diverse contexts.
Last Admit Fall 2025
Bachelor of Music — 66–79 units
General Education Requirements Met in the Major
The requirements below are deemed “met in the major” upon completion of the courses listed (even though the courses and their prerequisites are not approved for GE). This is true whether or not the student completes the major.
- Area C1 (Arts) is satisfied upon completion of MUS 221 , MUS 222, and MUS 223 .
- Area UD-C (Arts) is satisfied upon completion of any two of MUS 550, MUS 551, and MUS 552.
Core Courses (30 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 150 | (each semester in residence up to and including 8 semesters) | 0 |
| MUS/TH A 221 | Ear Training I | 2 |
| MUS 222 | Ear Training II | 2 |
| MUS 223 | Fundamentals of Ear Training and Musicianship III | 2 |
| MUS 231 | Species Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 232 | Diatonic Harmony | 3 |
| MUS 233 | 3 | |
| MUS 420 | 20th Century Techniques | 3 |
| MUS 542GW | Music in Culture and Context - GWAR | 3 |
| MUS 550 | Western European Music History from the Middle Ages to 1750 | 3 |
| MUS 551 | European and American Classical Music History of the 18th and 19th Century | 3 |
| MUS 552 | Classical Music History of Europe and the Americas in the 20th Century | 3 |
In addition to the core requirements, all candidates must pass the Junior Qualifying Examination in one instrument or voice.
Area of Emphasis (36–49 units)
To fulfill the requirements of the major in the Bachelor of Music, students must complete an additional 36–49 units of course work upon advisement. With a faculty advisor, students select an area of emphasis based on interests and areas in which to build expertise. Several areas of emphasis from which students may choose are listed below.
Piano Performance Emphasis (36 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 382 | 1 | |
| MUS 303 | Keyboard Major (1 unit course taken eight times) | 8 |
| MUS 360 | Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken eight times) | 8 |
| Ensemble Series: Two semesters of enrollment in a large, conducted ensemble is required. A minimum of 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Opera Workshop, Chorus). | 4 | |
| Orchestra | ||
| Wind Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Treble Singers "The Higher Ups" | ||
| University Chorus | ||
MUS 382 - MUS 385 | ||
| MUS 378 | Chamber Music (1 unit course taken two times) | 2 |
| MUS 383 | 1 | |
| MUS 384 | 1 | |
| MUS 391 | 1 | |
| MUS 392 | Piano Performance Practicum (taken five times) | 0 |
| MUS 405 | Tonal Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 510 | 3 | |
| MUS 614 | Piano Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUS 640 | Ensemble Conducting | 2 |
| Senior Recital is required | ||
Vocal Performance Emphasis (39 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 201 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 202 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 301 | Advanced Class Piano | 1 |
| MUS 313/TH A 318 | Applied Music Study: Vocals (1 unit course taken eight times) | 8 |
| MUS 360 | Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken six times) | 6 |
| MUS 371-MUS 390 | 8 | |
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in a large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus), | ||
| MUS 560 | Lyric Diction I | 2 |
| MUS 561 | Lyric Diction II | 2 |
| MUS 565 | Vocal Literature | 3 |
| MUS 612 | The Voice | 3 |
| MUS 640 | Ensemble Conducting | 2 |
| Music electives on advisement | 2 | |
| Senior Recital is required | ||
Instrumental Performance Emphasis (41 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 201 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 202 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 353 | Instrumental Major (1 unit course taken eight times) | 8 |
| MUS 360 | Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken eight times) | 8 |
| MUS 371-MUS 390 | 12 | |
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in a large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) | ||
| MUS 405 | Tonal Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 416 | ||
| MUS 640 | Ensemble Conducting | 2 |
| Music electives on advisement | 3 | |
| Senior Recital is required | ||
Composition Emphasis (36 units)
Students wishing to qualify for the composition emphasis file an "Intent to Apply" form at the completion of MUS 232, and make their actual application to the program at the end of the sophomore year. The application consists of an application form, a transcript, and a portfolio of compositions. A portfolio of scores and recordings of works written for a variety of ensembles must also be submitted and approved before graduation from the program.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 201 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 202 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 301 | Advanced Class Piano | 1 |
| Units on advisement from MUS 303 - MUS 313 - MUS 353 Piano, Voice, or Instrumental Major | 4 | |
Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in a large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus), | ||
| MUS 371-MUS 390 Ensemble Series (1 each) | 5 | |
| MUS 405 | Tonal Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 415 | Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS 416 | 3 | |
| MUS 450 | (1 unit course taken four times) | 4 |
| MUS 460 | Repertoire for Composers (1 unit course taken four times) | 4 |
| MUS 640 | Ensemble Conducting | 2 |
| Select one of the following on advisement: | 3 | |
MUS 531 | ||
| Music of Latin America | ||
or other advisor approved elective | ||
| Music electives on advisement | 2 | |
| In addition, candidates must pass the junior qualifying examination in one instrument or voice. | ||
Jazz Emphasis (45–49 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 201 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 202 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 206 | Beginning Jazz/Pop Piano | 1 |
| Upon advisement, for MUS 201 and MUS 206, jazz piano majors may substitute from the following three courses: | ||
MUS 382 | ||
MUS 383 | ||
MUS 391 | ||
| Piano, Voice, or Instrumental Major: | 8 | |
2 semesters of applied classical lessons are required before admission to the major | ||
| Keyboard Major | ||
| Applied Music Study: Vocals | ||
| Instrumental Major | ||
| MUS 360 | Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken six to eight times) | 6-8 |
| MUS 371 - MUS 390 (2 units must be in large classical ensembles) | 8-10 | |
| Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester) | 2 | |
| MUS 270 | Improvisation Techniques | 2 |
| MUS 431 | Jazz Improvisation | 2 |
| MUS 432 | Jazz Improvisation II | 2 |
| MUS 440 | Jazz Harmony | 3 |
| MUS 441 | Jazz Composition and Arranging | 3 |
| MUS 558 | Music of John Coltrane | 3 |
| Music elective on advisement | 3 | |
| Required performance and passing of a Senior Recital | ||
History and Literature Emphasis (42 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Piano, Voice, or Instrumental Major: | 4 | |
| Keyboard Major (on advisement) | ||
| Applied Music Study: Vocals (on advisement) | ||
| Instrumental Major (on advisement) | ||
| MUS 201 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 202 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 301 | Advanced Class Piano | 1 |
| MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series (1 each) | 5 | |
| Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester) | 2 | |
| MUS 405 | Tonal Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 415 | Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS 598 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| MUS 640 | Ensemble Conducting | 2 |
| Select 12 units from the following: | 12 | |
MUS 520 | ||
MUS 531 | ||
| Music of Latin America | ||
or other advisor approved elective | ||
| Select 5 units of electives on advisement | 5 | |
In addition, candidates must pass the junior qualifying examination in one instrument or voice and demonstrate basic reading knowledge of French, German, or another appropriate language.
Music Education Emphasis (38-41 units)
All Music Education Emphasis students complete the Music Education emphasis core courses and choose one option from Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, or the Diversified Program as shown below. Students must also present a recital.
Music Education Emphasis Core Courses (13 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 351 | Class Orchestral and Band Instruments I | 1 |
| MUS 433 | 2 | |
| MUS 608 | Early Field Experience in Music Education | 2 |
| MUS 616 | Woodwind Methods for Music Educators | 2 |
| MUS 618 | String Methods for Music Educators | 2 |
| MUS 620 | Brass Instrument Methods for Music Educators | 2 |
| MUS 640 | Ensemble Conducting | 2 |
Instrumental Music Option (25 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 270 | Improvisation Techniques | 2 |
| MUS 301 | Advanced Class Piano | 1 |
| MUS 353 | Instrumental Major (MUS 371-MUS 390 1 each, 7 units total) | 7 |
| MUS 371 - MUS 390 | 7 | |
| Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester) | 1 | |
| MUS 415 | Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS 644 | Advanced Instrumental Conducting and Literature | 3 |
| Music elective on advisement | 1 | |
Vocal/Choral Music Option (28 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 301 | Advanced Class Piano (on advisement) | 1 |
| MUS 313 | Applied Music Study: Vocals (1 unit course taken six times) | 6 |
| MUS 360 | Advanced Applied Music Lessons (1 unit course taken two times) | 2 |
| Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series | ||
| Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester) | 2 | |
| MUS 560 | Lyric Diction I | 2 |
| MUS 561 | Lyric Diction II | 2 |
| MUS 612 | The Voice | 3 |
| MUS 645 | Advanced Choral Conducting and Literature | 3 |
| Select six units of the following: 1,2 | 6 | |
| Improvisation Techniques | ||
| Vocal Performance and Research Seminar | ||
| Music elective on advisement | 1 | |
Diversified Program (Keyboard/Choral) Option (25 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 303 | Keyboard Major (1 unit course taken eight times) | 8 |
| Major Instruction must have concurrent enrollment in MUS 371 - MUS 390 Ensemble Series | ||
| Major instruction in one instrument or voice: minimum 2 units large classical ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus) for students studying orchestral instruments or voice: minimum 2 units in Jazz and/or Creative Music performance classes for those students studying Jazz and Creative 2 units required (1 unit per semester). 2 units maximum (1 unit per semester) | 2 | |
| MUS 382 | 1 | |
| MUS 612 | The Voice | 3 |
| MUS 645 | Advanced Choral Conducting and Literature | 3 |
| MUS 313 | Applied Music Study: Vocals (by audition) | 1 |
| Select six units from the following: 1,2,3 | 6 | |
| Improvisation Techniques | ||
| Vocal Performance and Research Seminar | ||
| Music elective on advisement | 1 | |
- 1
At least 1 unit must include MUS 270.
- 2
- 3
For the Diversified Concentration a minimum of 6 units must be in choral ensembles.
General Education Requirements
| Requirement | Course Level | Units | Area Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition | LD | 3 | 1A |
| Critical Thinking | LD | 3 | 1B |
| Oral Communication | LD | 3 | 1C |
| Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning | LD | 3 | 2 |
| Arts | LD | 3 | 3A |
| Humanities | LD | 3 | 3B |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | LD | 6 | 4 |
| Physical Science | LD | 3 | 5A |
| Biological Science | LD | 3 | 5B |
| Laboratory | LD | 1 | 5C |
| Ethnic Studies | LD or UD | 3 | 6 |
| Science or Math/Quantitative Reasoning | UD | 3 | 5UD or 2UD |
| Arts or Humanities | UD | 3 | 3UD |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | UD | 3 | 4UD |
| SF State Studies | |||
| Courses certified as meeting the SF State Studies requirements may be upper or lower division in General Education (GE), a major or minor, or an elective. | |||
| American Ethnic and Racial Minorities | LD or UD | 3 | AERM |
| Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action | LD or UD | 3 | ES |
| Global Perspectives | LD or UD | 3 | GP |
| Social Justice | LD or UD | 3 | SJ |
Note: LD = Lower-Division; UD = Upper-Division.
Last Admit Fall 2025
First-Time Student Roadmap (4 Year)
The roadmaps presented in this Bulletin are intended as suggested plans of study and do not replace meeting with an advisor. For a more personalized roadmap, please use the Degree Planner tool found in your Student Center.
General Advising Information for Transfer Students
- Before transfer, complete as many lower-division requirements or electives for this major as possible.
- The following courses are not required for admission but are required for graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to complete these units before transfer; doing so will provide more flexibility in course selection after transfer.
- a course in U.S. History
- a course in U.S. & California Government
For information about satisfying the requirements described in (1) and (2) above at a California Community College (CCC), please visit http://www.assist.org. Check any geographically accessible CCCs; sometimes, options include more than one college. Use ASSIST to determine:
- Which courses at a CCC satisfy any lower-division major requirements for this major;
- Which courses at a CCC satisfy CSU GE, US History, and US & CA Government requirements.
Remedial courses are not transferable and do not apply to the minimum 60 semester units/90 quarter units required for admission.
Additional units for courses that are repeated do not apply to the minimum 60 units required for upper-division transfer (for example, if a course was not passed on the first attempt or was taken to earn a better grade).
Before leaving the last California Community College of attendance, obtain a summary of completion of lower-division General Education units (IGETC or CSU GE Breadth). This is often referred to as a GE certification worksheet. SF State does not require delivery of this certification to Admissions, but students should retain this document for verifying degree progress after transfer.
Credit for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College-Level Examination Program courses: AP/IB/CLEP credit is not automatically transferred from the previous institution. Units are transferred only when an official score report is delivered to SF State. Credit is based on the academic year during which exams were taken. Refer to the University Bulletin in effect during the year of AP/IB/CLEP examination(s) for details regarding the award of credit for AP/IB/CLEP.
Students pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines often defer 6-9 units of lower-division General Education in Areas C and D until after transfer to focus on preparation courses for the major. This advice does not apply to students pursuing associate degree completion before transfer.
Transferring From Institutions Other Than CCCs or CSUs
Review SF State's lower-division General Education requirements. Note that, as described below, the four basic skills courses required for admission meet GE Areas 1A/A2, 1B/A3, 1C/A1, and 2/B4 in the SF State GE pattern. Courses that fulfill the remaining areas of SF State’s lower-division GE pattern are available at most two-year and four-year colleges and universities.
Of the four required basic skills courses, a course in critical thinking (1B/A3) may not be widely offered outside the CCC and CSU systems. Students should attempt to identify and take an appropriate course no later than the term of application to the CSU. To review more information about the 1B/A3 requirement, please visit bulletin.sfsu.edu/undergraduate-education/general-education/lower-division/#AAEL.
Waiting until after transfer to take a single course at SF State that meets both US and CA/local government requirements may be an appropriate option, particularly if transferring from outside of California.