PDF version of this chapterUndergraduate Degrees
Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed subsequently along with special requirements for each.
Individual Instruction in Residence
Candidates for the B.M. degree in performance must complete a minimum of three semesters of individual instruction in their major field while in residence.Senior Recital
All performance majors must present a senior recital consisting of a memorized program one hour long (except in the case of certain wind instruments) in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. Music education majors must present a recital of a memorized program one-half hour long. Composition majors present a full-length recital of their original compositions. A candidate's program must be ready for presentation before a faculty committee at least one month before the required public recital. Complete details are available from the Music Operations Office, Thornton School of Music.General Education Requirements
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements.The Provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 140) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described here and here.
Individual Instruction Limitations
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.Bachelor of Music in Composition
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume, complete academic transcripts, three original compositions, and a complete list of all original compositions including dates and media. If available, audio recordings of the submitted scores should also be included. An on-campus interview with the composition faculty is encouraged but not required. Admission to the B.M. in Composition is highly competitive. The program is a four-year program, to which transfer students are rarely admitted. Admission to programs in composition is limited to fall semester only.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| Large ensemble* | 4 | |
| Ensemble electives | 2 | |
| MPKS 250ab (4), MPKS 350ab (4), MPKS 301P (4) ** | 12 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 135 (2), MUCO 137ab (4), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 235 (2), MUCO 236 (2), MUCO 237ab (8), MUCO 336ab (4), MUCO 337ab (8), MUCO 434 (2), MUCO 435 (2), MUCO 437ab (4) | 58 | |
| MUCD 340 (2), MUCD 343 (2) | 4 | |
| MUEA 474a or MUEA 474b or MUEA 490 | 2 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives in music | 2 | |
| General electives | 4 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
**Requirement may be fulfilled with MPKS 301P if proficiency level equivalent to MPKS 350b is demonstrated by examination.
**Requirement may be fulfilled with MPKS 301P if proficiency level equivalent to MPKS 350b is demonstrated by examination.
In addition to the above curricular requirements, B.M. candidates in composition must take departmental comprehensive examinations in all six areas:
(1) instrumental performance at an intermediate level;
(2) theory and analysis;
(3) aural skills;
(4) instrumentation;
(5) music literature;
(6) elementary score-reading.
Students must pass in at least four areas to continue on to the senior year of the major and, in order to graduate, must pass in all six areas.
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required, for which three to five selections of contrasting styles, taken from standard solo jazz literature, should be prepared on the applicant's primary instrument. Two of these selections must be Joy Spring and All the Things You Are. Lead trumpet players may also include excerpts from ensemble literature or standard exercises and may perform a lead trumpet part with the original recording. Drummers should perform a snare drum etude or rudimental snare drum solo, as well as a standard jazz tune on drumset (playing the melody, the form and a solo), must be able to play swing, bebop, latin and funk or rock, and must demonstrate the use of brushes on drumset. All applicants must be prepared to demonstrate skills in jazz improvisation and sight-reading. Most applicants will also be asked to sit for a written examination consisting of listening to excerpts, basic jazz theory and jazz history. Though applicants are strongly encouraged to perform a live audition, a recent video recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| MUEN 329 (6), MUEN 332 (8) | 14 | |
| Ensemble electives | 2 | |
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
| MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4),233ab (6) | 20 | |
| MUCO 338x (2) or MUJZ 342ab (2) | 2 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
MUJZ 153 (4), MUJZ 253 (4), MUJZ 353 (4), MUJZ 453 (4), MUJZ 180 (4), MUJZ 200ab (4), MUJZ 252 (2), MUJZ 341 (2), MUJZ 347 (2), MUJZ 400 (2), MUJZ 443 (2), MUJZ 451 (4), MUJZ 452 (2), MUJZ 486 (2) | 42 | |
| Electives in music | 4 | |
| Comprehensive exam* | 0 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Students must pass a comprehensive performance exam prior to the senior recital, which entails performance and improvisation, from memory, of songs selected from the "Jazz Studies Department Required Tune List."
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies (Vocal)
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required, for which three to five selections of contrasting styles, taken from the standard solo jazz literature, should be prepared. Two of these selections must be How High the Moon (medium/up) and Body and Soul (ballad). In addition, applicants should memorize and perform 32 bars of an improvised solo from the jazz discography (e.g., Ella Fitzgerald's solo from Blue Skies , Coleman Hawkins's solo from Body and Soul, etc.); the solo may be from an instrumentalist or a vocalist. All applicants must be prepared to demonstrate skills in jazz improvisation and sight-reading. Most applicants will also be asked to sit for a written examination consisting of listening excerpts, basic jazz theory and jazz history. Although applicants are strongly encouraged to perform a live audition, a recent video recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| MUEN 305 (6), MUEN 332 (8) | 14 | |
| Large Ensemble* | 2 | |
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
| MPVA 301 | 2 | |
| MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6) | 20 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
MUJZ 153 (4), MUJZ 253 (4), MUJZ 353 (4), MUJZ 453 (4), MUJZ 180 or MUJZ 218a (2), MUJZ 200ab (4), MUJZ 252 (2), MUJZ 311 (2), MUJZ 341 (2), MUJZ 342ab (2), MUJZ 347 (2), MUJZ 400 (2), MUJZ 443 (2), MUJZ 452 (4), MUJZ 486 (2) | 42 | |
| Electives in music | 4 | |
| Comprehensive exam** | 0 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
**Students must pass a comprehensive performance exam prior to the senior recital, which entails performance and improvisation, from memory, of songs selected from the "Jazz Studies Department Required Tune List."
**Students must pass a comprehensive performance exam prior to the senior recital, which entails performance and improvisation, from memory, of songs selected from the "Jazz Studies Department Required Tune List."
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume, repertoire list and complete academic transcripts. A performance audition is also required, for which applicants should prepare according to the requirements of the department of their primary instrument or voice.All candidates for a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and California Teaching Credential in music must give a recital and pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) before they can be admitted to student teaching. Candidates must pass the CBEST by the end of their junior year or it will be recommended that they declare an alternative major. In addition, students should refer to the Rossier School of Education section of this catalogue.
Requirements for the California Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential in Music
With careful planning, it is possible for students to complete both a bachelor's degree in music education and a California Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential in Music in four years. Those graduates are then permitted to teach vocal and instrumental music (K-12) in the public schools of California and most other states.Some of the 17 units required for completion of the preliminary credential may also apply toward the required 30 units for the clear credential and toward the Master of Music Education degree at USC if reserved for graduate credit at the time of enrollment. These courses may include EDUC 409, EDUC 410, EDUC 413, CTSE 474, MUED 402 and MUED 403.
Performance majors who wish to complete a teaching credential should consult music education faculty advisors as early in their degree program as possible to arrange the music education portion. Performance majors may begin work toward the teaching credential as early as their freshman year.
| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| EDUC 200 (2), EDUC 204L (3), EDUC 205L (3) | 8 | |
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
| MUCD 340 (2), MUCD 343 (2) | 4 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUED 345bL (2) or MPKS 301 (2) | 2 | |
| MUED 443 (2) or MUJZ 443 (2) | 2 | |
MUED 241aL (2), MUED 301 (1), MUED 345aL (2), MUED 346L (2), MUED 347L (2), ,MUED 348L (2), MUED 430L (2), MUED 448 (2), MUED 452 (2), MUED 474 (3) | 20 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 302 (4), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 16 | |
| Large ensemble | 4 | |
| Ensemble electives | 3 | |
| Individual instruction on primary instrument: 153 (4) and 253 (4) and 353 (4); or 301 (12) | 12 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Classical Guitar)
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required for which three selections of contrasting styles from the standard solo literature should be prepared. In addition, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate good right and left hand development through the performance of several three-octave scales and select arpeggios from Giuliani's 120 Studies for the Right Hand or a comparable set of studies. Sight-reading will also be required at the audition. A recent high-fidelity recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
MPGU 153CG (4), MPGU 253CG (4), MPGU 353CG (4), MPGU 453CG (4), MPGU 159 (2), MPGU 257 (8), MPGU 259 (2), MPGU 357 (2), MPGU 457 (6), MPGU 417 (2), MPGU 426 (3), MPGU 427 (3), MPGU 459 (2) | 46 | |
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
| MUEN 326 (6) | 6 | |
| Large ensemble* | 2 | |
| Ensemble electives | 2 | |
| MUCD 340 (2) or MUCD 343 (2) | 2 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives | 4 | |
| Junior recital | 0 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Studio Guitar)
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition, performed on electric guitar, is also required for which three or more selections of contrasting styles from the standard studio and/or jazz literature should be prepared (original repertoire may also be included). In addition, applicants should be prepared to play various chords and scales in major and minor keys and be prepared to demonstrate sight-reading skills and knowledge of standard jazz literature. A recent, high-fidelity recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| MUCD 343 | 2 | |
MPGU 153SG (4), MPGU 253SG (4), MPGU 353SG (4), MPGU 453SG (4), MPGU 158 (2), MPGU 159 (2), MPGU 258 (4), MPGU 358 (4), MPGU 415 (2), MPGU 416 (3), MPGU 426a (3), MPGU 428ab (6), MPGU 458 (2) | 44 | |
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUEN 326 (6) | 6 | |
| Ensemble electives | 4 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Junior recital | 0 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Piano)
Entrance Requirements for Piano Major
Applicants in piano must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required. Current requirements for the audition may be found at www.usc.edu/music. Follow the links to the Keyboard Studies Department and choose "Application Requirements." Although live auditions are strongly encouraged, a recent, high-fidelity audio or CD recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary by applicants living a distance greater than 200 miles from the USC campus.| Curriculum Requirements for Piano | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
MPKS 153P (4), MPKS 253P (4), MPKS 353P (4), MPKS 453P (4), MPKS 160ab (4), MPKS 170ab (2), MPKS 228 (2), MPKS 260ab (4), MPKS 360ab (4), MPKS 431ab (4), MPKS 472ab (4), MPKS 481 (2) | 42 | |
| MUCD 340 (2) or MUCD 343 (2) | 2 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUEN 328 (4) | 4 | |
| Large ensemble* | 4 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives | 14 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Organ)
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required for which three or more selections from various stylistic periods of the standard organ literature should be prepared.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
MPKS 153OR (4), MPKS 253OR (4), MPKS 353OR (4), MPKS 453OR (4), MPKS 160ab (4), MPKS 260ab (4) | 24 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUCD 340 (2), MUCD 343 (2) | 4 | |
| Large ensemble* | 4 | |
| Ensemble electives | 2 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives in music | 21 | |
| Electives | 11 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Violin), (Viola), (Violoncello), (Double Bass) or (Harp)
Entrance Requirements (Violin), (Viola), (Violoncello), (Double Bass) or (Harp)
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required for which three selections, representing various stylistic periods of music, should be prepared. These selections should be full-length pieces from the standard solo literature, although excerpts from ensemble literature may also be included in addition to solos. If any of the selections is taken from a multi-movement sonata or concerto, applicants need only prepare one movement of the piece. In some cases, applicants may also be asked to play various three-octave scales and arpeggios as well. A recent video recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.| Curriculum Requirements for Violin, Viola and Violoncello Majors | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| Foreign language | 2 courses | |
| MPKS 250ab (4), MPKS 350ab (4), MPKS 481 (2) | 10 | |
MPST 153 (4), MPST 253 (4), MPST 353 (4), MPST 453 (4), MPST 471ab (4), MPST 472 (4) | 24 | |
| MUCD 343 | 2 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUEN 327 (8) | 8 | |
| Large ensemble* | 8 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives** | 6 | |
| Junior recital | 0 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Required each semester in residence.
**Violin majors are required to take MPST 301VL (2) as 2 units of the 6-unit elective requirement.
**Violin majors are required to take MPST 301VL (2) as 2 units of the 6-unit elective requirement.
| Curriculum Requirements for Double Bass Majors | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| Foreign language | 2 courses | |
| MPKS 250ab (4), MPKS 350ab (4), MPKS 481 (2) | 10 | |
MPST 153 (4), MPST 253 (4), MPST 353 (4), MPST 453 (4), MPST 262 (4), MPST 462 (4), MPST 472 (4) | 28 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUCD 343 | 2 | |
| MUEN 327 (4) | 4 | |
| Large ensemble* | 8 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Junior recital | 0 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
| Curriculum Requirements for Harp Majors | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| Foreign language | 2 courses | |
| MPKS 250ab (4), MPKS 350ab (4), MPKS 481 (2) | 10 | |
MPST 153 (4), MPST 253 (4), MPST 353 (4), MPST 453 (4), MPST 263 (4), MPST 463 (4) | 24 | |
| MUCD 343 | 2 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUEN 327 (8) | 8 | |
| Large ensemble* | 8 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Junior recital | 0 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Required each semester in residence.
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Vocal Arts)
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required for which two selections of contrasting styles from the standard solo voice literature should be prepared for the audition. Applicants are encouraged to prepare at least one of these selections in a foreign language. A recent video recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| Foreign language | 4 courses | |
FREN 120 (4), GERM 101 (4), ITAL 120 (4); FREN 150 (4) or GERM 102 (4) or ITAL 150 (4) | ||
| MPKS 250ab (4), MPKS 350ab (4) | 8 | |
MPVA 153VO (4), MPVA 203ab (4), MPVA 253VO (4), MPVA 301VC (3), MPVA 353VO (4), MPVA 453VO (4), MPVA 404 (2), MPVA 438 (2), MPVA 439 (2), MPVA 442ab (4), MPVA 479 (4) | 37 | |
| MUCD 340 | 2 | |
| MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6) | 20 | |
| Large ensemble* | 4 | |
| Ensemble electives | 2 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Junior recital | 0 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Flute), (Oboe), (Clarinet), (Bassoon), (Saxophone), (French Horn), (Trumpet), (Trombone), (Tuba) or (Percussion)
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required. For flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba three selections, representing various stylistic period of music, should be prepared for the audition. These selections should be full-length pieces from the standard solo literature, although excerpts from ensemble literature may also be included. If any of the selections are taken from a multi-movement sonata or concerto, applicants need only prepare one movement of the piece. In addition, applicants should be prepared to play standard etudes of their choice as well as various scales and arpeggios. A recent, high-fidelity recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary. For percussion a substantial marimba work, one or two snare drum solos or etudes and a timpani etude should be prepared for the audition. Other skills, such as sight-reading, will be evaluated as part of the audition as well. Although a live audition is preferred for percussion, a recent video recording may be submitted if necessary.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
MPWP 153 (4), MPWP 253 (4), MPWP 353 (4), MPWP 453 (4), MPWP 252 (4), MPWP 452 (4) | 24 | |
| MUCD 343 (2), MUCD 340 (2) or 443 (2) | 4 | |
MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6), MUCO 338x (2) | 22 | |
| MUEN 323 (8)* | 8 | |
| MUEN 325 (8)* | 8 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| Electives | 18 | |
| Senior recital | 0 | |
| Total required for degree | 132 | |
*Required each semester in residence.
Bachelor of Music in the Music Industry
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition according to the requirements of the department of the applicant's primary instrument or voice is also required.| Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
MPxx 153 (4), MPxx 253 (4), MPxx 353 (4) | ||
| Individual instruction in primary instrument/voice* | 12 | |
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
| MUCD 340 (2) or MUCD 343 (2) | 2 | |
| Ensemble electives | 2 | |
| MUCO 132ab (4), MUCO 133ab (6), MUCO 232ab (4), MUCO 233ab (6) | 20 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 12 | |
| MUIN 270 (4), MUIN 280 (4), MUIN 360 (4), MUIN 450 (8) | 20 | |
Two courses from the following: MUIN 370 (4), MUIN 385 (4), MUIN 425 (4), MUIN 430 (4), MUIN 435 (4), MUIN 440 (4), MUIN 443 (4), MUIN 445 (4), MUIN 447 (4), MUIN 495 (4) | 8 | |
Music Technology requirements: MUIN 275ab (8) and 6 units from the following: MUIN 287 (2), MUIN 340 (4), MUIN 389 (2), MUIN 392ab (2-2), MUIN 442 (2), MUIN 446ab (2-2), MUIN 476ab (2-2), MUIN 477 (2), MUIN 478 (4), MUIN 479 (2), MUIN 494 (4) | 14 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Junior recital | 0 | |
| 132 | ||
*All individual instruction units must be taken in the same area in which the students auditioned.
Bachelor of Science in the Music Industry
The Bachelor of Science in the Music Industry is a professional degree that prepares students to enter a variety of careers in the music industry of today. Students must fulfill a series of core requirements for the degree, but they are allowed to choose one of two options for the remainder of their curriculum. The industry option emphasizes classes in the business and legal aspects of the music industry, while the technology option allows students to gain a solid background in the various uses of technology in the modern music industry.Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and full academic transcripts. A full academic review will be the primary consideration for admission to this program. In some cases, a phone or in-person interview will be requested by the Thornton admission office.General Education Requirements
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which comprise the USC Core. Click here and here for more information.Business-related Requirements
In addition to the above general education requirements, the following courses offered through the Marshall School of Business, the Leventhal School of Accounting and the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences are required.| ECON 203 | 1 course | |
| ECON 205 | 1 course | |
| BUAD 307 | 1 course | |
| ACCT 410x | 1 course | |
| 4 courses | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education requirements | 6 courses | |
| Writing | 2 courses | |
| Business-related requirements | 4 courses | |
School of Music requirements: | ||
One course from the following: MUHL 315x (4), MUSC 444 (4), MUSC 450 (4), MUSC 460 (4) | 4 | |
MUIN 270 (4), MUIN 275ab (4-4), MUIN 280 (4), MUIN 360 (4), MUIN 450 (8) | 28 | |
| MPKS 150ab (2-2) | 4 | |
| MUCO 101x (2) | 2 | |
| Total core units: | 86 | |
| Industry option (42 units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| BUAD 215x | 4 | |
Four courses from the following: MUIN 370 (4), MUIN 385 (4), MUIN 425 (4), MUIN 430 (4), MUIN 435 (4), MUIN 440 (4), MUIN 443 (4), MUIN 445 (4), MUIN 447 (4), MUIN 495 (4) | 16 | |
6 units from the following: MUIN 287 (2), MUIN 305 (4), MUIN 340 (4), MUIN 389 (2), MUIN 392ab (2-2), MUIN 442 (2), MUIN 446ab (2-2), MUIN 448 (2), MUIN 476ab (2-2), MUIN 477 (2), MUIN 478 (2), MUIN 479 (2), MUIN 493 (2), MUEA 474ax (2) | 6 | |
| Electives | 16 | |
| Total: | 128 | |
| Technology option (42 units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| MUIN 305 (4), MUIN 446ab (2-2) | 8 | |
Three courses from the following: MUIN 370 (4), MUIN 385 (4), MUIN 425 (4), MUIN 430 (4), MUIN 435 (4), MUIN 440 (4), MUIN 443 (4), MUIN 445 (4), MUIN 447 (4), MUIN 495 (4) | 12 | |
12 units from the following: MUIN 287 (2), MUIN 340 (4), MUIN 389 (2), MUIN 392ab (2-2), MUIN 442 (2), MUIN 448 (2), MUIN 476ab (2-2), MUIN 477 (2), MUIN 478 (2), MUIN 479 (2), MUIN 493 (2), MUEA 474ax (2) | 12 | |
| Electives | 10 | |
| Total: | 128 | |
Bachelor of Arts
Two B.A. degrees are available, the B.A. with a major in music and the B.A., Humanities, with an emphasis in music. Both are granted by the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition according to the requirements of the department of the applicant's primary instrument or voice is also required.
General Education Requirements
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing, foreign language and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. Click here and here for more information.Requirements for the B.A. in Music
| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education, writing, foreign language, and electives | 64 | |
Lower division | ||
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
MUCO 132ab (2-2), MUCO 133ab (3-3), MUCO 232ab (2-2), MUCO 233ab (3-3) | 20 | |
| MUHL 231 (3), MUHL 232 (3) | 6 | |
Upper division | ||
| Ensemble electives | 4 | |
| Individual instruction 301 | 6 | |
| MUCO 338x | 2 | |
| MUHL 302 (4), MUHL 331 (3), MUHL 332 (3) | 10 | |
| Music electives | 12 | |
| Total required for degree | 128 | |
Requirements for the B.A., Humanities, with an Emphasis in Music
| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| General education, writing, foreign language, and electives | 60 | |
Lower division | ||
| MPKS 250ab | 4 | |
MUCO 132ab (2-2), MUCO 133ab (3-3), MUCO 232ab (2-2), MUCO 233ab (3-3) | 20 | |
Upper Division | ||
| Ensemble electives | 4 | |
| Individual instruction 301 | 4 | |
| Music electives | 20 | |
| Humanities or music electives | 16 | |
| Total required for degree | 128 | |
Minors in Music
Minor in Music Recording
A minor in music recording is offered for undergraduate students to provide them with the background necessary to enter the field of recording engineering and to familiarize them with the design needs of recording equipment. The minor is not available to music industry majors.Prerequisite
Acceptance into the program might require a personal interview by the Thornton School of Music to assure that the student has sufficient musical background and skill.Students admitted to this minor will be expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and to maintain that average with no grade lower than a "C" for all courses taken in the minor.
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MUIN 275ab | Recording Arts Workshop | 4-4 |
| MUIN 286 | Record Production Management | 2 |
| MUIN 287 | The Business and Economics of the Recording Industry | 2 |
| MUIN 446a | Computer Assisted Recording and Editing | 2 |
Select 10 units from the following courses: | ||
| MUIN 389 | Digital Equipment and Recording | 2 |
| MUIN 392a | Acoustics and Speaker Design | 2 |
| MUIN 446b | Computer Assisted Recording and Editing | 2 |
| MUIN 477 | Remote Recording Techniques | 2 |
| MUIN 478 | Advanced Multichannel Remix | 2 |
| MUIN 479 | Audio Mastering | 2 |
| MUIN 493 | Audio Signal Processing Equipment | 2 |
| 24 | ||
Minor in Music Industry
A minor in the music industry is offered for undergraduate students to provide them with the background necessary to enter varied fields in the music business and to familiarize them with standard practices and procedures. A minimum of 20 units is required for completion of this minor. The minor is not available to music industry majors.Prerequisite
Acceptance into the program might require a personal interview by the Thornton School of Music.Students admitted to this minor will be expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and to maintain that average with no grade lower than a "C" for all courses taken in the minor.
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MUIN 277x | Introduction to Music Technology | 4 |
| MUIN 372abx | Business and Legal Aspects of the Music Industry | 4-4 |
One course from the following: | ||
| MUHL 315x | Music and Culture | 4 |
| MUSC 444 | American Roots Music: History and Culture | 4 |
| MUSC 450 | The Music of Black Americans | 4 |
| MUSC 460 | Film Music: History and Function from 1930 to the Present | 4 |
| MUSC 465 | Music, Television and American Culture | 4 |
Select 4 units from the following: | ||
| MUIN 370 | Distribution of Recorded Music and Music Publishing | 4 |
| MUIN 385 | Radio in the Music Industry | 4 |
| MUIN 425 | Live Music Production and Promotion | 4 |
| MUIN 430 | Artist Management and Development | 4 |
| MUIN 435 | Manufacture and Distribution of Musical Products | 4 |
| MUIN 443 | The Business of Music for Visual Media | 4 |
| MUIN 446ab | Computer Assisted Recording and Editing | 2-2 |
| MUIN 495 | Music Industry, Broadcast and the Internet | 4 |
| 20 | ||
Minor in Jazz Studies
This 26-unit minor program in jazz studies incorporates course work in individual instruction, the history of jazz masters, techniques of jazz improvisation, jazz styles analysis, and aural skills for improvisers. The minor is not available to B.M. majors.Requirements for admission are: GPA per university regulations, freshman standing and an audition.
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 305 | Vocal Jazz Ensemble, or | |
| MUEN 329 | Jazz Ensemble | 2 |
| MUJZ 486 | Jazz Masters from World War II to the Present | 2 |
| MUJZ 180 | Techniques of Jazz Improvisation | 4 |
| MUJZ 200ab | Jazz Styles Analysis | 4 |
| MUJZ 301 | Individual Instruction | 6 |
| MUJZ 342ab | Aural Skills for Improvisers | 2 |
| Electives in Jazz 300-499 | 6 | |
| Total units | 26 | |
Minor in Musical Theatre
The minor in musical theatre, interdisciplinary in nature, is a 27-unit program incorporating the study of acting, dance or movement, vocal arts and related musical subjects. Admission to the minor requires an audition for music but not for theatre.For students majoring in theatre or another non-music discipline.
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 400 | The Broadway Musical: Reflection of American Diversity, Issues, and Experiences | 4 |
| MPGU 125 | Beginning Fingerstyle/Chord Guitar, and | |
| MPGU 126 | Easy Fingerstyle Beatles, or | |
| MPKS 150ab | Beginning Piano, or | |
| MUED 330x | Fundamentals of Music | 4 |
| MPVA 301 | Individual Instruction (6), or | |
| MPVA 141 | Class Voice (2), or | |
| MPVA 241 | Intermediate Class Voice (2), and | |
| MPVA 301 | Individual Instruction (4) | 6 |
| MPVA 402* | Musical Theatre Workshop | 8 |
2 units to be selected from: | ||
THTR 181-189, or | ||
| THTR 216 | Movement for Actors, or | |
| THTR 316 | Advanced Movement for Actors | 2 |
| THTR 343 | Musical Theatre Audition | 3 |
| Total units | 27 | |
*2 units of MPVA 402 may be satisfied by taking THTR 397 Theatre Practicum I.
For students majoring in music performance (vocal arts):
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MPVA 402* | Musical Theatre Workshop | 8 |
| MUSC 400 | The Broadway Musical: Reflection of American Diversity, Issues, and Experiences | 4 |
| THTR 101 | Introduction to Acting | 4 |
| THTR 343 | Musical Theatre Audition | 3 |
2 units to be selected from: | ||
THTR 181-189, or | ||
| THTR 216 | Movement for Actors, or | |
| THTR 316 | Advanced Movement for Actors | 2 |
6 units to be selected from: | ||
| THTR 252ab | Intermediate Acting I, or | |
| THTR 352ab | Intermediate Acting II | 6 |
| Total units | 27 | |
*2 units of MPVA 402 may be satisfied by taking THTR 397 Theatre Practicum I.
For students majoring in music (non-vocal arts performance):
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MPVA 301 | Individual Instruction | 4 |
| MPVA 402* | Musical Theatre Workshop | 8 |
| MUSC 400 | The Broadway Musical: Reflection of American Diversity, Issues, and Experiences | 4 |
| THTR 101 | Introduction to Acting | 4 |
| THTR 343 | Musical Theatre Audition | 3 |
2 units to be selected from: | ||
THTR 181-189, or | ||
| THTR 216 | Movement for Actors, or | |
| THTR 316 | Advanced Movement for Actors | 2 |
2 units to be selected from: | ||
| THTR 252ab | Intermediate Acting I, or | |
| THTR 352ab | Intermediate Acting II | 2 |
| Total units | 27 | |
*2 units of MPVA 402 may be satisfied by taking THTR 397 Theatre Practicum I.
Minor in Musical Studies
This 26-unit program in musical studies, with an emphasis in performance, incorporates the study of music theory, music history, performance, ensembles and electives. Students may enter the program in their freshman year. An audition is required for this minor, which is not available to music majors.| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 300-499 | 2 | |
| MUHL 315x | Music and Culture | 4 |
| MPKS 250a | Keyboard Instruction I | 2 |
| Individual Instruction at the 301 level | 6 | |
| MUCO 130abx | Basics of Music Theory | 6 |
| Music Electives * | 6 | |
| Total | 26 | |
* Must include 4 upper division units.