University of California, Los Angeles Herb Alpert School of Music 32 courses
The Music Composition major is a designated capstone major. Through preparation for and execution of their senior capstone projects or recitals, students demonstrate mastery of program learning outcomes; as well as a level of proficiency appropriate for their role in the recitals and their understanding of performance practices appropriate to the repertory being performed, as acquired in previous coursework and through research. Students also display their ability to assemble an effective program in terms of pacing and variety, and demonstrate requisite stage presence along with an ability to communicate with their audience in performance.
Preparation for the Major
Complete six courses, 12 units of instrumental studio, 6 units of composition studio, and 12 units of large conducted ensembles as follows:
Preparation for the Major: Musicianship
Complete the following courses with grades of Cβ or better:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC M6A | Introduction to Global Musicianship | 2 |
| MUSC M6B | Introduction to Musicianship | 2 |
| MUSC M6C | Introduction to Musicianship | 2 |
Preparation for the Major: Theory
Complete the following courses with grades of C or better:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 20A | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUSC 20B | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUSC 20C | Music Theory III | 3 |
Preparation for the Major: Instrumental Studio
Complete up to 12 units from Music 60A through 60U in one instrument, determined through a rigorous proficiency test administered by the composition faculty.
Preparation for the Major: Composition Studio
Complete 12 units of the following course:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 66 | Composition Studio | 2 |
Preparation for the Major: Large Conducted Ensembles
Complete 12 units from the following courses using the studentβs major instrument, as assigned by the chair or designated faculty member.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC C185A | UCLA Chorale | 2 |
| MUSC C185B | Chamber Singers | 2 |
| MUSC C185C | Opera Workshop | 2 |
| MUSC C185D | Symphony Orchestra | 2 |
| MUSC C185E | Philharmonia | 2 |
| MUSC 185F | Symphonic Band | 2 |
| MUSC C185G | Wind Ensemble | 2 |
| MUSC 185H | Marching and Varsity Bands | 2 |
The Major
Complete 12 required courses, 10 units of advanced composition studio, 4 units of electives, and a capstone course as follows:
The Major: Theory
Complete the following courses with grades of C or better:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 120A | Music Theory IV | 4 |
| MUSC 120B | Music Theory V | 4 |
| MUSC 120C | Music Theory VI | 4 |
The Major: History
Complete the following courses with grades of C or better:
The Major: Advanced Composition Studio
Complete 10 units of the following course:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 166 | Advanced Composition Studio | 2 |
The Major: Advanced Composition Concepts and Techniques
Complete six courses as follows:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 106A | Orchestration I | 4 |
| MUSC 106B | Orchestration II | 4 |
| MUSC 116 | Introduction to Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC C176 | Electronic Music Composition | 4 |
The Major: Advanced Composition Concepts and Techniques: Music 104A or 104B
Select one course from:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 104A | Modal Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUSC 104B | Special Topics in Counterpoint | 3 |
The Major: Advanced Composition Concepts and Techniques: Music 124A or 124B or 124C
Select one course from:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 124A | Scoring for Symphony Orchestra | 4 |
| MUSC 124B | Scoring for Wind Ensemble | 4 |
| MUSC 124C | Scoring and Arranging for Choral Ensemble | 4 |
The Major: Electives
Select at least 4 units from all upper-division ethnomusicology, global jazz studies, music, music industry, or musicology courses.
The Major: Capstone Composition Recital
In senior year, each student must present a senior recital as part of the capstone course to be preceded by a scoring course (Music 124A or 124B or 124C); the 30-minute recital includes a printed program with notes. All recitals are videotaped and archived. Performances are evaluated by a jury.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 169 | Capstone Composition Recital | 2 |
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