Bachelors (BA) in Music
Overview
The music major offers a 63- to 65-semester-hour course of study. The major is a streamlined, practical music major that allows students to specialize in Recording & Production, or Performance & Pre-Teaching concentrations to maximize flexibility. Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of C- in all courses taken for the major.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a BA in music will:
- Performance Skills: Demonstrate technical, artistic, and collaborative performing skills in a variety of settings and musical styles, including both classical and popular music.
- Faith and Music: Articulate and/or demonstrate the relationship of the Christian faith to music.
- Project, Recital, or Internship: Synthesize cumulative skills and knowledge in a major musical project, recital, and/or internship.
- Musical Leadership: Demonstrate musical leadership skills necessary for success in a professional music career, whether in the school, church, professional music community, or other related field.
- Campus participation: At least 10% of Fox's Newberg TUG Students will participate in Performing Arts musical ensembles or theatre performances in some way each semester.
Major Requirements
Musicianship (30 credit hours)
Complete the following:
A course designed to help the student systematically acquire basic information and interrelated skills that will be of value in future musical endeavors as performer, teacher, or composer, in all genres of music. Students will study music notation, interval recognition, elements of pitch and rhythm, scale and chord construction and beginning concepts in harmony. Corequisite: MUSI 131 Sight Singing and Ear Training I.
This course is a continuation of Theory 1. Students will use the skills acquired in Theory I to begin writing and analyzing original music alongside existing music in all styles. Four-part writing and original compositions, alongside theoretical and formal analysis, will become part of the student’s skill set throughout this course. Corequisite: MUSI 132 Sight Singing and Ear Training II. Prerequisite: MUSI 121 Theory I.
A lab experience designed to develop proficiency in singing prepared melodies, melodies at sight, rhythmic patterns, and in taking basic melodic dictation.
Corequisite: MUSI 121 Theory I.
A lab experience designed to develop proficiency in singing prepared melodies, melodies at sight, rhythmic patterns, and in taking basic melodic dictation.
Corequisite: MUSI 122 Theory II.
Introductory work with technological resources basic to work in the music field. Includes hands-on experience with MIDI and sequencing, music notation programs and desktop publishing, digital sound formats, audio recording, and basic Web authoring. Students will also explore basic self-promotion skills such as marketing and portfolio development.
A continuation of Theory II. Includes chromatic harmonies, remote modulations, 20th-century compositional developments, and a detailed study of the structural and formal components of music. Creative work is required. Prerequisite: MUSI 122 Theory II.
A study of the development of Western Classical music from antiquity through the 21st century. A concentrated study of musical style and literature, with an emphasis on the cultural context for musical performance and composition.
An introductory study of the music of a variety of world cultures, with emphasis on listening to, viewing, and understanding a broad selection of classical and folk musical styles from outside the Western classical tradition. In addition, concepts related to ethnodoxology, the study of music within the global Church, will be explored.
A study of various aspects and types of popular music in America, including jazz, blues, rock & roll, and hip hop. Emphasis will be placed on musical elements that define the genres and the artists who pioneered them. Includes creative work in these musical genres.
A Capstone music course designed to explore the integration of music and the Christian faith, including a study of worship & historical approaches to musical worship. In this class students will also research and define their vocational and/or ministry goals as it relates to professional and amateur music making. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
A study of ensemble leadership through conducting, administrative skills, repertoire planning, and rehearsal skills, applicable to all genres of music, including choir, band, orchestra, and worship teams.
Performance (17-19 credit hours)
MUSA Applied Music with Studio Class (MUSA 205/405); at least 1 credit at the 405 level (6-8 credit hours).
MUSA Ensemble Courses 8 credit hours.
MUSI 135 Class Piano 1 credit hour (2 credit hours) (Repeat until you meet proficiency requirements; experienced pianists can earn Credit By Examination for this course.)
Complete one of the following:
Supervised experience in music apprenticeship as conductor, performer, or composer.
Prerequisite: permission of music faculty. Pass/No Pass.
Students prepare a project in cooperation with a faculty advisor. The project is presented before an audience and filed permanently in the music department. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of two credits.
- Music Major students must participate in a major ensemble, Applied lessons, and Studio Class every semester while in residence.
Concentrations (16 credit hours) - choose one
In order to pursue exceptional life outcomes, Music majors pursue a concentration of courses connected to specific career opportunities.
Choose four of the following:
An introduction to the acting, dance, and vocal techniques required for music theatre performance. Through in-depth scene study, vocal training, dance, and in-class performances, the student will be introduced to the various artistic challenges inherent in music theatre since its inception. This course requires additional outside-of-class time for rehearsals and performance of selected material. Additional course fee is required. (MUSI 350 and THEA 350 are identical courses.)
Prerequisites: THEA 100 Acting I: Fundamentals and MUSA 105 VC Applied Voice or MUSI 125T Music Theatre or MUSI 325T Music Theatre.
A study of the instruments of the orchestra, band, and rhythm section, including their ranges, characteristics, and capabilities. Practical application of the principles of arranging and scoring for popular and classical music. Prerequisite: MUSI 122 Theory II.
A study of music curriculum design and delivery, including general music, band, orchestra, choir, and jazz, with a special focus on teaching private applied lessons. Student observations are required, as is participation in Oregon state music education activities.
Complete 3 credits from the following:
Complete the following:
Private study in recording and production, as part of any degree program or elective study. By permission of the instructor. Additional fee applies.
Complete 15 credits from the following:
This course is designed to prepare students to think critically about their relationship with money, develop their own personal financial philosophy and implement practical application of personal financial management. Topics include relationship with money, biblical financial foundations, budgets, loans, spending, housing, insurance, investments and taxes. Prerequisite: Non-business majors only.
This is a one-semester introductory course on the teaching profession for those planning to enroll in an MAT program or considering teaching as a profession. Students will expand their understandings of the field of education and the role of teachers through class topics and experiences. They will also participate in a 10-hour classroom field experience. The George Fox University MAT program application process and requirements will be discussed. (This course is not part of the undergraduate elementary education major.)
Prerequisite: junior or senior status
Private study on any instrument, including piano, brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, and guitar. Classical, jazz, pop, and other genres can be studied, at the discretion of the teacher and student. May count towards degree requirements for some music majors and minor, if taken on a secondary instrument. Additional fee applies.
Private study on any instrument, including piano, brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, and guitar. Classical, jazz, pop, and other genres can be studied, at the discretion of the teacher and student. May count towards degree requirements for some music majors and minor, if taken on a secondary instrument. Additional fee applies.
Private study in composition, as part of any degree program or elective study. By permission of the instructor. Additional fee applies.
Private study in conducting, as part of any degree program or elective study. By permission of the instructor. Additional fee applies.
May be repeated for credit. This course is intended to improve and strengthen the voice as a solo instrument. The ability to read music is helpful although not necessary. Attendance and class participation coupled with a minimum of four 15- to 30-minute individual practice sessions each week will enable consistent growth and increased strength. Students will sing individually to the group using exercises and songs worked on in class. The group format and class size provide an excellent built-in performance opportunity.
Open to students of all majors. This course offers vital foundational instruction in the techniques of playing guitar. Proper hand position, fingering, and strumming styles, and a broad range of chords are presented. Learn to read music, tab, and understand basic concepts of theory. Have fun playing cool riffs, chord progressions, and songs. Ideal for learning techniques applicable to leading worship.
Students prepare a project in cooperation with a faculty advisor. The project is presented before an audience and filed permanently in the music department. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of two credits.
Or other MUSI, MUSA, BUSN, THEA courses as approved by advisor.