Catalog

Music and Vocal Arts

Debra Lambert
Chair
650-508-3694
dlambert@ndnu.edu

The Music and Vocal Arts performance programs provide qualified students with exceptional opportunities for development of the skills necessary for the complete performer on the opera, musical theatre, and concert stage. The individualized performance curriculum culminates in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Performance, Master of Fine Arts in Musical Performance, or Performance Certificate, encompassing emphases on advisement in Vocal, Instrumental, or Musical Theatre performance, Collaborative Piano, Music Management, or Pedagogy.

Each area of study requires an audition before acceptance into the major, in addition to the University’s standard application and acceptance process. Majors and Minors will also be tested for placement in Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard Skills at entrance to the program. Music and Vocal Arts courses are open to all students of the University through audition and approval of the Department Chair. Prospective students should contact the Music and Vocal Arts Department for audition requirements.

The Department provides comprehensive training in the integrated skills necessary for performance, preparing students for the competitive demands of a professional career in the chosen field. Each student works closely with an individual advisor to identify and develop the specific program of study best suited to his/her abilities, experience, and career aspirations.

Partnerships with professional opera and musical theatre companies provide apprenticeship and performing opportunities for qualified students as performers, coach-accompanists, and performance staff in a professional environment. The intensive summer Music Theatre Conservatory offers students a six-week course of study in performance and audition skills in the company of other participants accepted by audition from across the country. Music and Vocal Arts students can participate in the summer MTC with or without academic credit.

Transfer students’ existing credits and levels of experience will be evaluated relative to Music and Vocal Arts requirements at entry to the University, and each student’s program will be adapted accordingly by the faculty advisor.

Students at all levels in all Music and Vocal Arts programs are expected to participate in at least one Music and Vocal Arts performance ensemble each semester. Students are advised into these Music and Vocal Arts performance ensembles in accordance with the chosen areas of emphasis and the advisor’s evaluation of the student’s need for skill development.

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Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Performance

BFA in Musical Performance students must meet NDNU Core Curriculum and General Degree Requirements in addition to fulfilling the specific course­work in the intended area of emphasis in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students are advised into their elective units through participation in applied performance workshops specific to the particular areas of emphasis. Areas of emphasis may include vocal, musical theatre, collaborative piano, music management or instrumental performance. Students will attend a specified number of concerts, recitals, and performances each se­mester. Undergraduates in all areas of specialization are required to fulfill at least one Music Management Internship during their residency. Prior to gradua­tion, each student will submit a written evaluation narrative of the Music and Vocal Arts BFA experience to the Department Chair.

The BFA in Musical Performance major comprises 76 units. 32 units must be upper division, with a minimum of 16 upper division units from non-applied music curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

BFA in Musical Performance graduates will demonstrate competence in:

  • The ability to learn, rehearse, perform and communicate assigned solo and ensemble repertoire in an opera, musical theatre, concert or audition environment, according to the chosen area of emphasis.
  • The multiple applied skill sets required for opera, musical theatre, instrumental, collaborative piano performance, and/or music management.
  • Understanding of historical/cultural context and ability to analyze forms and structures of performance works.
  • Understanding of traditional keyboard and music theory concepts, ability to sight-read accurately, to learn and memorize quickly, and to bring assigned repertoire to performance readiness.
  • Understanding of professional expectations, performance realities and audition/interview processes

Program Requirements for BFA in Musical Performance

Major Requirements Units
     
Applied Performance – 30 units  
     
14 units of major instrument and/or vocal coaching, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 14
MUS1600/2600 Instruction: Voice (1-4)  
MUS1605/2605 Instruction: Piano (1-4)  
MUS1607/2607 Instruction: Collaborative Piano (1-4)  
MUS1610/2610 Instruction: Instrument (1-4)  
MUS1615/2615 Vocal Coaching (0.5-1)  
A minimum of 2.0 units from this area must be upper-division and taken in residence.
     
Eight units of performance and repertoire courses, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 8
MUS1000/2000 Piano/Instrumental Performance and Repertoire (1)
MUS1005/2005 Vocal Performance and Repertoire (1)  
A minimum of 2 .0 units from this area must be upper-division and taken in residence.
     
Eight units of performance ensembles/workshop, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 8
MUS1050/2050 Opera Workshop (1)  
MUS1063/2063 Chanteurs Concert Choir (1)  
MUS1065/2065 Camerata Chamber Ensemble (1)  
MUS1070/2070 Orchestra (1)  
MUS1120/2120 Musical Theatre Workshop (1)  
MUS1730/2730 Ensemble (1)  
MUS2985 Musical Theatre Project (1)  
A minimum of 2.0 units from this area must be upper-division and taken in residence.
     
Musicianship – 11 units 11
MUS1150/2150 Computer Applications  
MUS1200 Music Theory 1  
MUS1205 Music Theory 2  
MUS1210 Music Theory 3  
MUS1215 Music Theory 4  
MUS1200L Musicianship Skills 1 (1)  
MUS1205L Musicianship Skills 2 (1)  
MUS1210L Musicianship Skills 3 (1)  
MUS1215L Musicianship Skills 4 (1)  
MUS1614/2614 Instruction in Music Theory (1-4)  
     
Performance History – 16 units*  16
MUS2225W History of Musical Performance 1 (4)  
MUS2230W History of Musical Performance 2 (4)  
MUS2235W History of Musical Performance 3 (4)  
MUS2240W History of Musical Performance 4 (4)  
     
*Each History of Musical Performance course fulfills one unit of the upper-division writing requirement when taken in residence. All four courses together satisfy the upper-division minimum for non-applied coursework in the major. Students who satisfy performance history content with transfer coursework will be required to take up to 16.0 additional units of upper-division non-applied music coursework and as many as 3.0 additional units of upper-division writing to fulfill these requirements.
     
Music Management Internship – 3 units 3
MUS1890/2890 Music Management Internship  
     
Electives in the Major – 15 units of courses related to area of emphasis and determined by advisement* 15
     
Capstone Course – One course determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 1
MUS2705 Recital (1)  
MUS2986 Musical Theatre Final Project  
Must be taken in residence. The student’s readiness to perform the final recital or project is at the discretion of the instructor in the major instrument.
     
* For requirements determined by advisement, the advisor will submit the completed program plan, approved by the Department Chair, to the Registrar's Office.
     
Total Major Units 76
Other Degree Requirements* and General Electives 48
*Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g., Career Development, U.S. History).
Total Unit Requirement  124

Program Requirements for BFA in Musical Performance with a Concentration in Music Management

Requirements                                                                                                    Units

12 of the 18 units of electives in the major will be taken within the School of Business and Management. Musical Performance students will be advised into the electives in their major, depending on their particular area of emphasis.

Six units of Foundational courses will include: 6
BUS1000 Foundations of Business  
BUS1108 Microeconomics  
     
Six units of Business courses can be chosen from:* 6
BUS2000 Management Principles and Organizational Behavior  
BUS2208 Legal Environment of Business  
BUS2216 Business Analysis Using Spreadsheets  
BUS2300 Marketing Principles  
     
Three units of Music Internship 3
MUS1890/2890 Music Management Internship  
     
Three units of Electives 3

*Upper-division Business coursework does not contribute to the 16 unit upper-division minimum for non-applied coursework in the major.

Both Musical Performance and Business and Management currently require internships of their students. Music Management students will be able to register for internships from both programs, for a total of six units of internships.

Program Requirements for Minor in Musical Performance

Minor Requirements Units
     
Applied Performance – 12 units  
     
Four units of major instrument and/or vocal coaching, determined
by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following:		 4
MUS1600/2600 Instruction: Voice (1-4)  
MUS1605/2605 Instruction: Piano (1-4)  
MUS1607/2607 Instruction: Collaborative Piano (1-4)  
MUS1610/2610 Instruction: Instrument (1-4)  
MUS1615/2615 Vocal Coaching (0.5-1)  
A minimum of two units from this area must be upper-division and taken in residence.
     
Two units of performance and repertoire and/or ensemble courses, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 2
MUS1000/2000 Piano/Instrumental Performance & Repertoire (1)
MUS1005/2005 Vocal Performance & Repertoire (1)  
MUS1050/2050 Opera Workshop (1)  
MUS1063/2063 Chanteurs Concert Choir (1)  
MUS1065/2065 Camerata Chamber Ensemble (1)  
MUS1070/2070 Orchestra (1)  
MUS1120/2120 Musical Theatre Workshop (1)  
MUS1730/2730 Ensemble (1)  
MUS2985 Musical Theatre Project (1)  
     
Six units of Music Theory and Musicianship courses, determined
by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 		6
MUS1150/2150 Computer Applications  
MUS1200 Music Theory 1  
MUS1205 Music Theory 2  
MUS1210 Music Theory 3  
MUS1215 Music Theory 4  
MUS1200L Musicianship Skills 1  
MUS1205L Musicianship Skills 2 (1)  
MUS1210L Musicianship Skills 3 (1)  
MUS1215L Musicianship Skills 4 (1)  
MUS1614/2614 Instruction in Music Theory (1-4)  
     
Performance History – 8 units* 8
     
MUS2225W History of Musical Performance 1 (4)  
MUS2230W History of Musical Performance 2 (4)  
MUS2235W History of Musical Performance 3 (4)  
MUS2240W History of Musical Performance 4 (4)  
     
*Each History of Musical Performance course fulfills one unit of the upper division writing requirement when taken in residence. Students who satisfy performance history course content with transfer work will be required to take up to 8.0 additional units of upper-division non-applied music coursework and as many as 2.0 additional units of upper-division writing to fulfill these requirements.
     
Total Minor Units 20

Master of Fine Arts in Musical Performance

MFA in Musical Performance students are admitted to the program through audition and interview, in addition to the University’s standard application and acceptance process. An undergraduate degree in the major is not required, but competencies and knowledge in all prerequisite areas are determined through audition, interview, and placement evaluation in Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard Skills at entrance to the program. Students admitted to the program whose proficiencies in any area are found below acceptable standard take remedial courses at the undergraduate level, in addition to the 48 units of MFA study, until these proficiencies are met.

The MFA in Musical Performance major comprises 48 units, including a 34-unit common core for all areas of emphasis and 14 units of elective courses.

Students are advised into elective courses and applied performance workshops specific to the particular areas of emphasis. Areas of emphasis may include vocal, musical theatre, instrumental, or collaborative piano performance or pedagogy. In addition to the above course re­quirements, each master’s degree candidate will successfully complete a written examination tailored by the faculty to that student’s particular area of em­phasis.

Learning Outcomes

MFA in Musical Performance graduates will demonstrate professional-level ability in:

  • Selection, performance and interpretation of appropriate solo repertoire according to the chosen area of emphasis.
  • Collaboration with others in rehearsal and performance of ensemble repertoire in an opera, musical theatre or concert environment.
  • The multiple applied skill sets required for musical theatre, opera, instrumental, and/or collaborative piano performance.
  • Understanding of musical performance history and theoretical analysis to support programming, rehearsal and performance.
  • Understanding of industry standard expectations and tools and techniques for professional career development.

Program Requirements for MFA in Musical Performance

Major Requirements Units
     
Applied Performance – 16 units  
     
Eight units of major instrument and/or vocal coaching, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 8
MUS4600 Instruction: Voice (1-4)  
MUS4605 Instruction: Piano (1-4)  
MUS4607 Instruction: Collaborative Piano (1-4)  
MUS4610 Instruction: Instrument (1-4)  
MUS4615 Vocal Coaching (1)  
     
Four units of performance ensembles/workshop, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 4
MUS4050 Opera Workshop (1)  
MUS4063 Chanteurs Concert Choir (1)  
MUS4065 Camerata Chamber Ensemble (1)  
MUS4070  Orchestra (1)  
MUS4120 Musical Theatre Workshop (1)  
MUS4730 Ensemble (1)  
MUS4985  Graduate Musical Theatre Project (1-3)  
     
Four units of performance and repertoire courses, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 4
MUS4000 Piano/Instrumental Performance and Repertoire (1)  
MUS4005 Vocal Performance and Repertoire (1)  
     
History, Pedagogy, Graduate Seminar – 12 units determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 12
MUS4305 History of Opera/Musical Theatre  
MUS4310 History of Vocal Literature  
MUS4400 Piano Pedagogy 1  
MUS4402 Piano Pedagogy 2  
MUS4405 Vocal Pedagogy 1  
MUS4407 Vocal Pedagogy 2  
MUS4550 Graduate Seminar 1  
MUS4555 Graduate Seminar 2  
MUS4614 Instruction in Music Theory (1-4)  
     
Music Management Internship – 3 units 3
     
MUS4890 Music Management Internship  
     
Electives in the Major – 15 units of courses related to area of emphasis as determined by advisement* 15
     
Capstone Course – Two units determined by advisement* and
area of emphasis from among the following:		 2
MUS4700 Graduate Lecture Recital (1)  
MUS4705 Graduate Recital (1)  
MUS4885 Graduate Final Project (1)  
     
The student’s readiness to perform the final recital or project is at the discretion of the Instructor in the major instrument.
     
* For requirements determined by advisement, the advisor will submit the completed program plan, approved by the Department Chair, to the Registrar's Office.
     
Total Unit Requirement  48 

Performance Certificate

The Performance Certificate is a graduate level program intended for young artists who have fulfilled their undergraduate and/or graduate degree requirements, and are seeking performance experience as they make the transition from student to professional. Candidates are admitted to the program through audition in addition to the University’s standard application and acceptance process. An undergraduate degree in the area of emphasis is not required, but competencies and supporting knowledge in all prerequisite areas are determined through audition and placement evaluation at entrance to the program. Students admitted to the program whose proficiencies in any area are found below pre-professional standard take remedial courses at the appropriate level, in addition to the 24 units of Certificate study, until these proficiencies are met.

The Performance Certificate comprises 24 units, including a 16-unit common core for all areas of emphasis. Students are advised into the elective courses and applied performance workshops specific to the particular areas of emphasis. Areas of emphasis may include vocal, musical theatre, instrumental, or collaborative piano performance.

Learning Outcomes

Performance Certificate graduates will demonstrate professional-level ability in:

  • Performance and interpretation of appropriate solo repertoire according to the chosen area of emphasis.
  • Collaboration with others in rehearsal and performance of ensemble repertoire in an opera, musical theatre or concert environment.
  • Multiple applied skill sets required for musical theatre, opera, instrumental, and/or collaborative piano performance.
  • Understanding of industry standard expectations and tools and techniques for professional career development.

Program Requirements for Performance Certificate

Major Requirements Units
     
Applied Performance – 14 units   
Six units of major instrument and/or vocal coaching, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 6
MUS6600 Instruction: Voice (1-4)  
MUS6605 Instruction: Piano (1-4)  
MUS6607 Instruction: Collaborative Piano (1-4)  
MUS6610 Instruction: Instrument (1-4)  
MUS6615 Vocal Coaching (1)  
     
Eight units of performance and repertoire, ensembles and workshops, determined by advisement* and area of emphasis from among the following: 8
MUS6000 Piano/Instrumental Performance and Repertoire (1)  
MUS6005 Vocal Performance and Repertoire (1)  
MUS6050 Opera Workshop (1)  
MUS6063 Chanteurs Concert Choir (1)  
MUS6065 Camerata Chamber Ensemble (1)  
MUS6070 Orchestra (1)  
MUS6120 Musical Theatre Workshop (1)  
MUS6730 Ensemble (1)   
MUS6985 Graduate Musical Theatre Project (1-3)  
     
Electives in the Major – eight units of courses related to area of emphasis determined by advisement.* 8
     
Capstone Course – Two units determined by advisement* and
area of emphasis from among the following:		 2
MUS6700 Graduate Lecture Recital (1)  
MUS6705 Graduate Recital (1)  
MUS6885 Graduate Final Project (1)  
The student’s readiness to perform the final recital or project is at the discretion of the Instructor in the major instrument.
     
* For requirements determined by advisement, the advisor will submit the completed program plan, approved by the Department Chair, to the Registrar's Office.
     
Total Unit Requirement 24