Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

Foundational coursework builds aural skills, sequential music theory, music history and conducting, and culminates in a senior project or senior composition project. Applied private instruction on a primary instrument and sustained ensemble participation are central requirements.

• Foundational Courses (41 units) including MUS 155 Aural Skills I; MUS 156 Music Theory I; MUS 220 Music Technology Foundations; sequential Aural Skills and Music Theory courses through MUS 455/456; MUS 350 Early Music History; MUS 351 Music History: 1800–Present; MUS 450 Conducting I; and a senior project (MUS 495 or MUS 497).
• Applied Music (8 units) — private lessons with FPU faculty each semester for a minimum of 8 units, with 4 units at upper-division level; annual performance juries and semester student recitals are required.
• Ensemble (minimum 16 units) — participation in performance ensembles each semester (examples: Worship Team, Musical Theater, Concert Choir, Symphonic Band), 2 units per ensemble course.
• Electives (6 units) from options such as ART 370 High Performance Practices; ART 475 Career Development; COM 355 Digital Video Production; MUS 103 Introduction to American Popular Music; MUS 353 Musics of the World; MUS 411 Scoring and Arranging; MUS 460 Vocal Pedagogy; MUS 493 Church Music Internship; THEO 400 Theology and the Arts; THTR 365 Stage Technology.
• Additional requirements include passing a piano proficiency exam (with enrollment in MUS 132 or MUS 135 until passed) and presenting a senior performance recital during the final year.

Entry requirements

Admission begins with an application and submission of official transcripts. Applicants are asked to complete the FAFSA and can add FPU using FAFSA code 001253. Recommended high school preparation includes 4 years of college-preparatory English, 3 years of college-preparatory mathematics, 2 years of social studies, 1 year of laboratory science, 1 year of performing art, and 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better. Prospective music majors are encouraged to audition; auditions inform placement and scholarship opportunities.

Career prospects

Graduates commonly pursue public school teaching (with pathways to FPU’s Single Subject Teaching Credential), private studio instruction, performance careers, roles in church ministries and worship leadership, work in the recording or broader music business, or continued study at the graduate level. Some specialized professions may require further training beyond the BA.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students interested in the music major are encouraged to audition, which helps faculty assess talent and connect applicants with music scholarships. All applicants should complete the FAFSA to access federal aid and list Fresno Pacific University using FAFSA code 001253.