Undergraduate

What are the degree requirements and policies of the major and the university?

The music department is part of the College of Letters and Science and awards Bachelor’s of Arts degrees (B.A.’s) to undergraduate students. To earn your degree, you must successfully complete the music major requirements and the L&S requirements.

What is the balance between theoretical knowledge and experiential knowledge in the Department of Music’s program?

There are many opportunities to apply both. Connections are constantly made between the theory of music and our experiences of it in sound either as a listener or practitioner. Musicianship training (learning to hear and notate, to sing from notation at sight, to listen analytically) comes into use in harmony courses, in history and culture courses, and in performance study. Study of harmony involves musical creativity as well as analysis, often of repertoire that is being performed in our context. Theory, listening skills, analytical skills are important no matter what musical repertoires...

Can I declare a concentration in composition, ethnomusicology, musicology, or performance?

The only “declaration” process is the declaration of the music major in consultation with a staff advisor. All music majors receive a B.A. in Music. If they wish, students may design a concentration or specialization based on individual interests. Upper division courses in each of the fields listed above are offered every semester. Consult undergraduate careers for planning suggestions, or meet with a faculty member to discuss options. Students are encouraged to select a faculty mentor who will help guide them along the chosen path. This is particularly important for students who are...

What advising is available from the Department to guide my process in the major?

When you declare the Music Major, you will meet with a Student Services Advisor to refine your program plan. The advisor will make sure you meet all major and University requirements and are able to graduate in a timely manner. In addition, students are encouraged to choose a faculty mentor according to your particular interests.

When can I declare the major?

Students can declare the major when they have completed the four steps outlined on the Major Declaration page.

What is the relationship between admissions to the University and declaration of the major?

The Undergraduate Admissions Office handles admission to the College of Letters and Science. For information, see admissions information.
Students can declare the major when they have completed the steps outlined on the Major Declaration page.

What are the degree requirements of the university and major?

There are four sets of requirements: those required by all campuses of the University of California, those required specifically at UC Berkeley, those of the College of Letters and Science, and those of the music department. For the first of three sets of requirements, please consult https://lsadvising.berkeley.edu/degree-requirements.

Music major requirements may be found on the Music Department website under the Music Major section of Undergraduate Information.

What performance opportunities are available in the Department of Music?

The Department offers ensemble courses (the Music 140 series) that are available to all students on the campus, both majors and non-majors alike. Music majors can perform individually or as part of larger ensembles for course credit. All majors must complete three semesters of performance, but are encouraged to do more. For-credit ensembles are African Music Ensemble, Contemporary Improvisation Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Javanese Gamelan, University Baroque Ensemble, University Chorus, University Symphony, and University Wind Ensemble. Other major courses that involve performance are Jazz...

Do I have to audition?

Music 168 and many performance ensembles require auditions for admittance, but an audition is not required in order to major in music. Instead, a placement test is mandatory to place you in the appropriate lower division harmony and musicianship courses. Look for audition details and sign-ups on the bulletin board outside 104 Morrison.

Do you need piano skills to be in the music program? If not, what options are there for you to learn how to play the piano?

You do not necessarily need prior piano experience, although having some will make the work a lot easier for you. There is a piano class, Music 45M, that gives music majors the opportunity to learn basic piano technique in a group lesson setting. This class is highly recommended for those with little or no piano experience.