Music (BA)

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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 is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See http://dornsife.usc.edu/2015ge for more information.

Individual Instruction Limitations

Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses

General education, writing, foreign language, and electives Units: 64

Lower division

MPKS 250a Keyboard Instruction I Units: 2
MPKS 250b Keyboard Instruction I Units: 2
MUCO 132a Aural Skills I Units: 2
MUCO 132b Aural Skills I Units: 2
MUCO 133a Theory I Units: 3
MUCO 133b Theory I Units: 3
MUCO 232a Aural Skills II Units: 2
MUCO 232b Aural Skills II Units: 2
MUCO 233a Theory II Units: 3
MUCO 233b Theory II Units: 3
MUHL 231 Music History Units: 3
MUHL 232 Music History II Units: 3

Upper division

Ensemble electives Units: 4 (units total)
Individual instruction 301 Units: 6 (units total)
MUCO 338x Elementary Orchestration Units: 2
MUHL 331 Music History III Units: 3
MUHL 332 Studies in Musical Culture Units: 3
Music electives Units: 16 (units total)

Total required for degree: 128

Curriculum Areas of Study

Within the curriculum for the B.A., students may wish to focus in a particular area of music that suits their interest and the faculty’s expertise. Students may specialize in one area or may design individual programs of study by choosing various combinations of electives that best meet their needs and career objectives. Relevant courses for each area are posted at usc.edu/music. One such option is listed below.

Vocal Jazz Option: This option is designed for students with a strong interest in the performance of solo and ensemble vocal jazz music. Students should take two semesters of Vocal Jazz Techniques, as well as individual instruction in jazz voice. Students may also perform in vocal ensembles and with instrumental combos.