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Performance Courses

Performance plays an essential part in the life of the department, and all students are strongly encouraged to participate. The Music Department regularly offers the Music 140 series performance courses, as well as a variety of other courses involving performance on a rotating basis. Music majors must enroll in at least three performance ensembles from the Music 140 series, 116, 164, 165, or in conjunction with the 168 series.

Music 140 Series (2 units)

The department’s performance ensembles cater to a variety of interests and are open to all students, most by audition. Many are also open by audition to members of the community. All music majors must take a minimum of three performance courses to complete the requirements for the major. See performance opportunities and refer to the respective ensemble page for descriptions.

Private Lessons Program (2-3 units)

Music major students may apply for the private lessons program with the opportunity to earn credit toward the performance ensemble requirements for the major. Select non-major students may also apply for lessons as part of their participation in ensembles such as orchestra, chorus, and Baroque ensemble. See the Private Lessons Program page for more details.

Other Courses Involving Performance

Other music classes that involve performance and are offered on a rotating basis are listed below. For a comprehensive list of course offerings, check the Berkeley Academic Guide. For the current class schedule, check schedule of classes.

  • 40, 41, 42: Carillon Instruction
  • 44: Voice Class
  • 45, 45A: Piano for Non-Music Majors
  • 46: Fundamentals of Guitar Performance
  • 116: Jazz Theory and Performance
  • 131-139: Courses on Musical Traditions of the World
  • 161A, B: Instrumental Conducting
  • 162: Choral Conducting
  • 164: Current Trends in Jazz & Improvisation-based Musics
  • 165: Berkeley Nu Jazz Collective
  • 170A: Topics in Research and Performance

DeCal Courses

DeCal classes are offered for credit on topics not normally covered in the department’s curriculum. Topics vary.

Other Opportunities

In addition to the above music courses, there are many other opportunities to perform without course credit including Noon Concerts, Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies, Morrison Recitals, Undergraduate Composers Club, Concerto Auditions, Summer Symphony, and a semi-annual Piano Competition. Also on campus are extracurricular groups like Student Musical Activities which includes the UC Marching Band, Choral Ensembles, and Jazz Ensembles, and numerous other student-run music organizations.