Music
Turn your passion for music into a profession.
Majoring in music will give you the training and experience you need to grow as a professional musician, singer, composer or teacher.
Grow personally and creatively
You’ll study music history and theory to enhance your love of the art and develop a critical ear. Your courses and professors will combine personal attention with musical expertise to nurture your creative growth. You may also choose a concentration to focus on your passion in a specific field, such as musical composition or education.
Deepen your perspectives on music
Our music program prides itself on creating a strong musical education within a nurturing atmosphere. The program is widely respected for its performance ensembles, its classroom teaching and its studio instruction.
Enhance your love of musical art
Whether music is your life — or simply a treasured part of the life you hope to create — our music major can provide the professional training and performance experiences that maximize your abilities and enhance your love of the art.
Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Scholarship
Do you have superior skills in the areas of art, music, music production or theatre arts? Incoming first-year and transfer applicants for the fall semester can apply and audition for a scholarship that offers up to full tuition. Learn more
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts
Department
School/College
College of Arts and Sciences
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the music program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.
Degree requirements
Find out what it takes to earn a degree in music and explore the courses.
Emphasis Areas
Customize this major to your interests by taking courses in an area of focus:
Highlighted Courses
Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.
MUS 309: Fundamentals of Conducting
The study of basic conducting techniques, use of the baton, score study and preparation as well as methods of verbal and nonverbal communication.
See descriptionMUS 347: Composition
Individual lessons on modern procedures for composing music in the tradition of European and American concert music.
See descriptionMUS 404: Foundations of Music Education
An introductory course in the field of music education designed for students seeking an emphasis in Music Education. This course will survey the history of K-12 schools, and explore various learning approaches, methodologies, and evaluate tools commonly used within diverse music classrooms.
See descriptionMUS 410: Choral Conducting
The study and practical application of methods of choral ensemble training. Emphasis is threefold: mastery of conducting skills, understanding of the dynamics of the ensemble and knowledge of choral literature.
See descriptionMUS 439: Creating Music
An exploration of the creative aspects of music writing, combining elements of composition, orchestration and counterpoint. The composition element will focus on writing short instrumental and vocal works in traditional and modern forms. The orchestration component will involve a survey of instrumental characteristics and their compositional use within small and large ensembles. Counterpoint will be introduced through the study and writing of polyphonic structures, such as canon and fugue.
See descriptionMUS 403: History of Musical Theater
This course is designed to have wide interdisciplinary appeal. It will trace the origins of American Musical Theatre to roots in Greek drama, early Christian passion plays and various genres of European opera. Throughout the course of study, parallels will be drawn between American Musical Theatre and various important examples from comic German Singspiels, Italian opera buffe, etc. Students should come away from this course with a new appreciation for musical theatre and opera as well as the American Film Musical.
See descriptionRecommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
Associate Dean, Creative and Performing Arts; Associate Professor of Music
Professor of Music
Music Production Program Director and Professor of Music Composition
Assistant Professor in the Department of Music
Senior Adjunct Faculty Member
Adjunct Faculty - Oboe
Adjunct Faculty - Piano, Music Theory
Adjunct Faculty/Artist in Residence - Percussion
Jazz Ensemble Instructor/Senior Adjunct Faculty Member
Adjunct Faculty - Percussion
Adjunct Faculty - Voice
Adjunct Faculty - Campus Organist
Adjunct Faculty - Trumpet
Adjunct Faculty - Music History
Adjunct Faculty - Voice
Collaborative Keyboard Staff
Adjunct Faculty - Cello
Adjunct Faculty - French Horn
Adjunct Faculty - Mariachi Ensemble
Adjunct Faculty - Guitar
Adjunct Faculty - Flute & Piano
Adjunct Faculty - String Bass
Adjunct Faculty - Music Education
Adjunct Faculty Member
Adjunct Faculty - Collaborative Keyboard & Piano
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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Performance Ensembles
You’ll grow stronger as a performer by sharing your musical talents with the community as part of an ensemble. Some of these ensembles go out on frequent tours to locations such as Hawaii, England, Scandinavia and Italy.
- Cal Lutheran Choir
- Women’s Chorale
- Jazz Ensemble
- Mariachi Ensemble
- Wind Ensemble
- University Symphony
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Performance Forums
Performance Forum is a monthly class in which students perform music that is close to or at performance level to gain confidence in performing in a supportive group setting. It also offers a chance to listen to and support your student peers, and is a very important component of the Music Department’s curriculum.
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Learn From Experts
Our proximity to the Los Angeles music scene of will give you the opportunity to study privately with some of the finest musicians in the region in these areas:
- Voice
- Piano
- Jazz Piano
- Percussion
- Composition
- Organ
- Woodwinds
- Brass
- Orchestral Strings
- Guitar
- Harp
Music with an emphasis in composition is something I took up during the pandemic. I fell in love with creating music no one has ever heard. And if you are able to make something tailored to a person, they can make your music even better!
Rudy Perez '24
Read their storyOur graduates have become successful singers, instrumentalists, and conductors throughout the country. They have embarked on careers teaching in public schools and universities, working in the church, or managing their own private studios. Others have found music-related work in the media, advertising, arts management, film, television and recording industries, and many others have gone on to graduate studies in vocal and instrument performance, choral conducting and music education.
Potential Careers
Music Therapists
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
See descriptionMusic Directors and Composers
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
See descriptionMusicians and Singers
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
See descriptionBroadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
See descriptionArchivists
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
See descriptionAgents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:
- Ascension Lutheran
- Bunim Murray Productions
- Guitar Center
- Mt. Cross Lutheran Church
- Newbury Park High School
- Phantom of the Opera National Tour
- Sony Pictures
- Tacoma Opera
- Thousand Oaks High School
- Walt Disney Corporation
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- Berklee School of Music
- California State Fullerton
- California State Northridge
- New York University
- Northwestern University
- Pacific Conservatory, Performing Arts
- Stanford University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of New Mexico
- University of Redlands
- University of Southern California
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.
How We Prepare You for Success
We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.
Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.
After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.
of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
We work with students and families to make sure everyone who is admitted to Cal Lutheran can afford it.
Tuition & Fees
You and your family might have questions about how you’ll cover the costs of college. We can tell you this — it costs less than you think.
Scholarships & Grants
We offer a range of awards based on academic merit and financial need. This is money that does not need to be repaid.
Financial Aid
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How to Afford College
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How to Choose a College Major
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