Preparation of a senior project in music composition (public
presentation of a new work), in music performance (a public
recital), or in music history and theory (public presentation of
research results). Students in the Independent Track develop
their own senior project.
The UC Davis Music Major prepares students for careers in music
and the related arts—teaching, performing, composing,
directing, and writing. It also provides students with a
diverse and comprehensive background in public speaking,
critical thinking, and arts performance and engagement, as well
as opportunities to work collaboratively and as a part of a
community.
All students will:
demonstrate mastery of the rudiments and grammar of music and
music notation, including completed compositions in tonal and
non-tonal idioms (MUS 6 and 7, with MUS 13, 16, and 17),
show knowledge of the chronology and repertoire of Western
classical music from the beginnings of staff notation to the
present (MUS 24, 124),
demonstrate reading, writing, and research skills associated
with the study of music (MUS 121, 122, 123),
exercise critical thinking and apply it to original research,
composition, or performance (MUS 195),
be able to perform music individually and in ensembles (MUS
131, 140-155),
understand and appreciate the diversity and interrelation of
varied forms of music making (MUS 123 and electives including
105, 106, 107, 115, 116, 117, 126, 129).
Assessment: The Undergraduate Committee of the Department of
Music reviews student work each year, which may include
composition portfolios, performance juries, and paper
presentations. The most notable review is the capstone Senior
Project (MUS 195) to assure that the major is meeting its goals.
