Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Bachelor of Music

Program Description & Features

The music program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music with options in Music Liberal Arts and Music Education and a Bachelor of Music with areas of emphasis in Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Composition, and Contemporary Music. Each of these options and degrees share a common core that includes study in music theory, music history, musicianship, individual lessons, and ensemble work. The Music Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

The Program is distinguished by the wide range of possible experiences it offers the student: performance in multiple genres, composition, conducting, music history, music education, and world music.

The program is characterized by a close interaction between students and faculty. The size and quality of the department offers all the advantages of a small, private college at a state supported university. Student recitals each semester give the faculty the opportunity to monitor the progress of each student. Students are encouraged to attend concerts and recitals on campus and in the community. Los Angeles has a number of outstanding symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, and musical theater.

The Department of Music is housed in La Corte Hall, which contains the Marvin Laser Recital Hall; an audio recording and music synthesis complex of studios; a large rehearsal room for orchestra, chorus, and band; theory and history classroom; a state-of-the-art piano classroom; and a number of teaching studios/practice rooms. Additional practice rooms are available on the first floor of the nearby North Cain Library. Musical events also are held in the 485-seat University Theatre.

Financial aid and scholarships are available through the Office of Financial Aid. Several scholarships are specifically for music majors and require special application to the Department of Music. Auditions for scholarships are usually held in the early spring semester. The Music Department Scholarship Fund provides support to students who excel in music performance. Mu Phi Epsilon, the Honorary Music Fraternity, offers scholarships to members on the basis of grade point average, music performance, and service to the department and fraternity. Additional scholarships include the Marshall Bialosky Endowment Scholarship, the New Century Scholarship for composition students, and the Rod Butler Memorial Scholarship.

Admission Requirements

A placement audition is required for placement into the Music Liberal Arts option, Music Education option, or Bachelor of Music degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills. During the audition students will also be considered for scholarship awards. If a student is unable to attend the scheduled audition date, they are asked to contact the Department of Music in order to schedule an individual audition.

Bachelor of Music (Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Composition, and Contemporary Music)

The Bachelor of Music degree is a professional degree that prepares students for a variety of diverse careers in music. According to the National Association of Schools of Music, the national accrediting organization, the B.M. is a professional degree in which students are “expected to develop the knowledge, skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the professional life of the musician. To fulfill various professional responsibilities, the musician must exhibit not only technical competence, but also broad knowledge of music and music literature, the ability to integrate musical knowledge and skills sensitive to musical styles, and an insight into the role of music in intellectual and cultural life”.

Bachelor of Arts (Music Education)

This degree option is intended for students who wish to prepare for a career as a public-school music educator in grades K-12. The degree prepares students to enter into the credential program offered by the university's College of Education (COE). Students who complete the Music Education option are granted a single-subject waiver in music, approved by the CCTC (California Commission of Teacher Credentialing), which allows them to bypass the CSET exam.

Bachelor of Arts (Music Liberal Arts)

This degree option is intended for students who wish to pursue a liberal arts degree with a concentration in music, but who don’t wish to prepare for a career as a professional performer or educator.