Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Performance, Instrumental Emphasis - Percussion Area, B.M.


The B.M. in Performance, Instrumental Emphasis, Percussion Area is designed to advance the musical and intellectual capabilities of young percussionists by providing a comprehensive and rigorous training across all musical genres, including Western classical, contemporary popular, non-western, and improvised forms. So that our graduates acquire the skills necessary to enter into successful music-related careers, we maintain multiple preparational emphases in the areas of translational interpretative and technique capabilities (numerous instruments employed in numerous musical situations), period-specific historical awareness, awareness of contemporary performance practices (including integration of digital media arts and performance-aiding software), and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program also includes a strong music academic component, as well as the general education program required of all undergraduate students at Chapman. The results of this approach are to graduate well-trained performers who posses a rich understanding of their percussive art from both a historical and contemporary perspective, and who are able to quickly and accurately modify their abilities suitable to any performance situation.

General education requirements for the Bachelor of Music Performance, instrumental emphasis - percussion area

Three credits of language are required at or above the 200-level to satisfy the language study component of the Global Citizens Cluster General Education requirement. Those seeking the B.M. in Performance, Instrumental Emphasis, Percussion Area are restricted to French, German, or Italian language to satisfy this requirement.

Additional degree information

Specific transfer requirements, proficiency requirements, applied music policies, minimum grade policy, retake course policy, are listed at General Information for all Music Programs . Requirements for lessons and studio classes are listed at Applied Music Courses .

Students must participate in at least one large instrumental or choral ensemble each semester while in full-time residence, as assigned by director of orchestral or choral activities.

The B.M. in Performance, Instrumental Emphasis-Percussion Area may be combined with the B.M. Composition degree, both emphases and with the B.M. (Pre-Music Education Certification) degree, both emphases to satisfy the GE interdisciplinary cluster requirement. The B.M. in Performance, Instrumental Emphasis-Percussion Area may be combined with the Conducting, KCA, and Vocal Emphases of the B.M. Performance degree, but this does not satisfy the GE interdisciplinary cluster requirement. The BM in Performance, Instrumental Emphasis-Percussion Area cannot be combined with the General Music minor but may be combined with the Film Music or Music Technology minor.

Program Learning Outcomes and Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Plans for B.M. in Music Performance.

Students pursuing the B.M. in Performance, Instrumental Emphasis - percussion area are required to:

  • Demonstrate the following proficiency requirements
    º​ Music Theory Proficiency Requirement
    º​ Sight Singing Proficiency Requirement (if voice is primary instrument)
    º​ Piano Proficiency Requirement
  • Take jury exams at the end of each semester of applied lessons.
  • Earn an overall GPA of 2.000 for all required major courses.
  • Complete all courses in the major for a letter grade. The only exceptions are studio classes, recitals and information literacy classes.
  • Pass courses with a minimum grade of “C” in all required courses in music theory, music history, music cultures, and music technology.
  • Complete a minimum of 38 credits from upper-division courses in the major.
  • Complete the senior capstone requirement MUS 498C  or MUS 498H , Senior Recital Instrumental Performance - Orchestral Instrument - Full Solo Program.

eight credits of large ensemble (8 credits)


as assigned by percussion director, taken over eight semesters

one of the following (2 credits)


total credits 72


*May be fulfilled by passing Music Theory Placement Exam