Music Performance

Bachelor of Music Degree

The University of the Pacific confers the Bachelor of Music degree upon students who satisfactorily complete the core courses in music, courses within the major and the General Education program. All baccalaureate degrees require a minimum of 120 units. Major fields are performance (Brass, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, Woodwinds), music composition, music education, music history, music management, music therapy and jazz studies.

Bachelor of Music Major in Performance

Woodwind, Brass, Percussion

Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the bachelor of music degree with a major in performance (woodwinds, brass, or percussion).

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars.  

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. Major Requirements

Major Area
MAPP 012 Applied Instruction8
MAPP 112 Advanced Applied Music13
Eight units from the following:8
Jazz Ensemble
University Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Band
MPER 052Performance Class (Must be taken three times)1
MPER 060Chamber Ensemble *6
MPER 151Principles of Conducting2
Junior Recital
Senior Recital
Supportive Courses in Music
MCOM 009Introduction to Music Technology1
MCOM 014Introduction to Orchestration2
MCOM 032Diatonic Harmony3
MCOM 033Chromatic Harmony3
MCOM 034Advanced Chromaticism and Analysis3
MCOM 042Musicianship I1
MCOM 043Musicianship II1
MCOM 044Musicianship III1
MAPP 001DClass Piano (Must take 3 units)1
MPER 054Dean's Seminar1
MHIS 006Music of the World's People3
MHIS 011Survey of Music History I3
MHIS 012Survey of Music History II3
One Course MHIS 150 or above to be determined with consultation with advisor3
MMGT 109Beyond Talent: Managing Performance Career2
Music Electives17
Electives
Electives5


Bachelor of Music Major in Performance

Voice

Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the bachelor of music degree with a major in performance (voice).

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars.  

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. Major Requirements

Major Area
MAPP 012 Applied Instruction8
MAPP 112 Advanced Applied Music8
4 units of Choral Ensemble:4
University Chorus
Pacific Singers
MPER 069AOpera Threatre Workshop - Fundamentals of Acting1
MPER 069BOpera Theatre Workshop - Acting1
MPER 069COpera Theatre Workshop - Advanced Acting1
MPER 080Opera Production (Must take a total of 4 units)1
MPER 020Introduction to Lyric Diction - Italian2
MPER 021Introduction to Lyric Diction - German and English2
MPER 022Introduction to Lyric Diction - French2
MPER 141Pedagogy of Voice2
MHIS 144Vocal Literature3
Junior Recital
Senior Recital
Supportive Courses in Music
MCOM 009Introduction to Music Technology1
MCOM 032Diatonic Harmony3
MCOM 033Chromatic Harmony3
MCOM 042Musicianship I1
MCOM 043Musicianship II1
MAPP 001DClass Piano (Must take 4 units)1
MPER 054Dean's Seminar1
MPER 151Principles of Conducting2
MHIS 006Music of the World's People3
MHIS 011Survey of Music History I3
MHIS 012Survey of Music History II3
One 100 level MHIS Course to be determined with consultation with advisor3
MMGT 109Beyond Talent: Managing Performance Career2
Music Electives14
Electives
FREN 011AFirst-Year French, First Semester4
GERM 011AFirst-Year German, First Semester4
FREN 011BFirst-Year French, Second Semester4
or GERM 011B First-Year German, Second Semester
Electives4

Bachelor of Music Major in Performance

Cello, Double Bass, Viola, Violin

Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the bachelor of music degree with a major in performance (strings).

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars.  

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. Major Requirements

Major Area
MAPP 012 Applied Instruction8
MAPP 112 Advanced Applied Music13
Eight units from the following:8
University Symphony Orchestra
MPER 052Performance Class (Must be taken three times)1
MPER 060Chamber Ensemble *6
MPER 151Principles of Conducting2
Junior Recital
Senior Recital
Supportive Courses in Music
MCOM 009Introduction to Music Technology1
MCOM 014Introduction to Orchestration2
MCOM 032Diatonic Harmony3
MCOM 033Chromatic Harmony3
MCOM 034Advanced Chromaticism and Analysis3
MCOM 042Musicianship I1
MCOM 043Musicianship II1
MCOM 044Musicianship III1
MAPP 001DClass Piano (Must take 3 units)1
MPER 054Dean's Seminar1
MHIS 006Music of the World's People3
MHIS 011Survey of Music History I3
MHIS 012Survey of Music History II3
One Course MHIS 150 or above to be determined with consultation with advisor3
MMGT 109Beyond Talent: Managing Performance Career2
Music Electives17
Electives
Electives5

Bachelor of Music Major in Performance

Piano

Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the bachelor of music degree with a major in performance (piano).

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars.  

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. Major Requirements

Major Area
MAPP 012 Applied Instruction8
MAPP 112 Advanced Applied Music8
MPER 052Performance Class (Must be taken three times)1
MPER 060Chamber Ensemble *4
MPER 130Collaborative Piano (Must Take 4 Units of coursework)1 or 2
MPER 140Pedagogy of Piano2
MHIS 143AKeyboard Literature I3
MHIS 143BKeyboard Literature II3
MPER 151Principles of Conducting2
Junior Recital
Senior Recital
Supportive Courses in Music
MCOM 009Introduction to Music Technology1
MCOM 014Introduction to Orchestration2
MCOM 032Diatonic Harmony3
MCOM 033Chromatic Harmony3
MCOM 034Advanced Chromaticism and Analysis3
MCOM 042Musicianship I1
MCOM 043Musicianship II1
MCOM 044Musicianship III1
MPER 054Dean's Seminar1
Major Ensemble8
University Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Band
Opera Production
University Chorus
Pacific Singers
MHIS 006Music of the World's People3
MHIS 011Survey of Music History I3
MHIS 012Survey of Music History II3
One Course MHIS 150 or above to be determined with consultation with advisor3
MMGT 109Beyond Talent: Managing Performance Career2
Music Electives12
Electives
Electives8

Piano Performance

Comprehensive

  1. An ability to listen creatively and actively. To train a critical ear to understand pitch, rhythm and interpretive errors and nuance.
  2. To become an independent adult, with practice habits befitting a mature musician.
  3. Specifically: 1) To write in fingerings 2) To correct mistakes 3) To be independently responsible for editions and scores

Personal Expression

  1. Display an understanding of the elements of expressive musicmaking and an ability to realize them in performance.
  2. Be able to express verbally musical concepts with clarity. Listen with perception to oneself and others, and tactfully and cogently give musical criticism to others.

Collaborative Skills

Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with other musicians as an accompanist and chamber player.

Independence

  1. Demonstrate independence in the preparation of music for performance.
  2. Be able to understand and realize what is written on the page and what is not.

Pedagogy

  1. Be able to give appropriate technical and musical suggestions to elementary and intermediate students.
  2. Have familiarity with materials for this level of student.

Performance

  1. Demonstrate the ability to perform, with poise, works requiring significant technical advancement and musical maturity.
  2. Show a wide familiarity with the piano literature and a breadth of styles both in performing experience and in intellectual knowledge.

String Performance

Artistic Skills

  1. Ability to realize the composer's instructions on the musical page.
  2. Express musical ideas through the variation of dynamics, vibrato, articulations, tone colors, timing, blend, and intonation.

Technical Skills

  1. Right hand technique: good sound production, bow strokes, and bow distribution.
  2. Left hand technique: vibrato, precise and accurate intonation, clean shifting, facility, playing without tension.
  3. Posture and efficient body usage.
  4. Ear training to enable good intonation.
  5. Temporal skills, including rhythm and tempo.

Problem Solving and Practice Techniques

  1. Student will identify problems in their playing.
  2. Learn specific practice techniques to fix problems in playing and apply techniques during practice sessions.
  3. Ability to analyze music from a broad spectrum of styles, genres, and time periods.

Repertoire

  1. Thorough knowledge of standard solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire from the Baroque period to the 21st century.
  2. Perform works from a wide spectrum of genres, time periods, styles, and cultures.

Career Development

  1. Practical skills necessary to have a career in music, whether the career involves teaching, performing, freelancing, or a combination of these.
  2. Learn skills such as audition preparation, concert preparation, promotion, and networking.

Effective Communication

  1. Engage an audience, both through speaking and playing.
  2. Collaborate with fellow musicians to learn and perform works.
  3. Write about the music studied and performed.

Pedagogy

Apply problem solving skills and effective practice techniques to teaching others.

Vocal Performance

  1. Technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression at a level appropriate to the individual’s instrument.*
  2. Knowledge and skills to work as a collaborative artist and understanding of matters of musical interpretation.
  3. Exhibit growth in all of the aforementioned areas in a variety of solo and ensemble contexts.

* The specific objectives and outcomes for the courses of MAPP 012, and MAPP112 vastly differ from those of other instrumental applied areas. Unlike all other instruments, each human voice has pronounced and divergent variables such as physical maturity, physiological structure, and a highly individualized tone, timbre, and range. Therefore, a sound pedagogical approach requires that each student be assessed for a specific set of goals and outcomes that are in the best interests of the individual. This assessment is subject to the professional opinion of the individual’s instructor.

Vocal Artistry

Authenticity of pronunciation, style, and expression of text in English, French, German, and Italian, while integrating and communicating the text’s meaning.

Acting

  1. Create and formulate character choices and translate these choices into a comprehensive dramatic performance.
  2. Engage in aesthetic judgment and critical thinking in the assessment of both self-performance and peer-performance.

Vocal Pedagogy

  1. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal instrument.
  2. Integration of teaching techniques for instruction to a wide range of voice types and ages.

Repertoire

  1. An overview and understanding of the classical voice repertoire.
  2. Perform a cross-section of repertoire from the body of standard classical vocal literature appropriate to the individual's voice type.

Synthesis

The ability to combine all of the elements of language, textual meaning and context, pertinent theoretical and historical contexts, characterization, and vocal technique into performance practice in a wide variety of repertoire.

General Musicianship

  1. Ability to sight-read demonstrating both general musicianship and skill with the voice.
  2. Skills include but are not limited to rhythm, pitch, and pertinent analytical skills in repertoire related to the demands in the current classical singer environment.

Industry Awareness

  1. Awareness of the current demands of the marketplace in classical singing, integrating technology to enhance and develop performance opportunities and career advancement.
  2. Understanding the importance of professional networking with employment advancement.
  3. Understanding the rubric of continued and advanced training in the vocal arts.

Woodwind, Brass, Percussion Performance

Artistic Skills

  1. Ability to realize the composer’s instructions on the musical page.
  2. Express musical ideas through phrasing, the variation of dynamics, articulations, tone colors, timing, blend, intonation, and vibrato.

Technical Skills

  1. Proper instrumental technique, including (as appropriate) embouchure, breathing techniques, use/support of air in sound production, use of the tongue.
  2. Fingers: knowledge of fingerings, facility, playing without tension.
  3. Posture and efficient body usage.
  4. Ear training for good intonation.
  5. Rhythm training.
  6. Knowledge and experience playing the utility instruments associated with each wind, brass or percussion instrument.

Problem solving and practice techniques

  1. Student will identify problems in their playing.
  2. Learn specific practice techniques to fix problems in playing and apply techniques during practice sessions.
  3. Ability to analyze music from a broad spectrum of styles, genres, and time periods.

Repertoire

  1. Thorough knowledge of standard solo, chamber, and orchestra repertoire from the Baroque period to the 21st century.
  2. Perform works from a wide spectrum of genres, time periods, styles, and cultures.

Professional Development

  1. Practical skills necessary to having a career in music, whether the career involves teaching, performing, freelancing, or a combination of these.
  2. Learn skills such as audition preparation, concert preparation and promotion, and networking.

Effective Communication

  1. Engage an audience through playing, speaking and stage presence.
  2. Collaborate with fellow musicians to learn and perform works.
  3. Write about the music that students are studying and performing.

Pedagogy

  1. Apply problem solving skills and effective practice techniques to teaching others.
  2. Knowledge of the breadth of method and etude books.