Major in Music
Students learn artistic expression through musical performance and study with faculty artists and scholars.
As a music major at Santa Clara University, you will study in an intellectual and stimulating artistic environment that fosters individual expression and creativity through the study of music and musical performance. Classes providing essential skills for the comprehension and performance of music are offered alongside courses designed to create an appreciation for music’s role in human history and its potential enhancement of the lives of all people.
Visit the Department of Music website 
Major Requirements
The Music Major comprises a Lower-Division Core with three Upper-Division Emphases. Students must choose an emphasis after they have completed the Lower-Division requirements.
LOWER-DIVISION (all students)
- Music Theory I, II, III
- Aural Skills I, II, III
- Introduction to Listening
- Introduction to Electronic Music
- Private Instruction (minimum 3 quarters)
- Performance Ensemble (minimum 3 quarters)
UPPER-DIVISION EMPHASES
- Music Theory IV
- Aural Skills IV
- Music Theory/Aural Skills Capstone
- Two Culture and Context courses
- One elective course
- Private Instruction in Composition (minimum 3 quarters)
- Improvisation
Performance Emphasis
- Music Theory IV
- Aural Skills IV
- Two Culture and Context courses
- One elective course
- Performance Ensemble (minimum 3 quarters)
- Private Instruction
Culture and Context Emphasis
- Anthropology of Music
- Music Writing and Research
- Two Culture and Context Survey courses
- One C&C Topical elective course
- One upper-division elective
- Performance Ensemble (minimum 3 quarters)
