MUSIC

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Music program at Jessup provides a thorough grounding in both traditional and contemporary theory and practice courses. Students develop performance skills and acquire new musical proficiencies appropriate to their chosen career path. This program also offers opportunities for all students to be involved in a wide variety of performance groups who travel regionally to represent Jessup.

30/36 UNITS

15 WEEK SEMESTERS

ROCKLIN CAMPUS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Participating in a Jessup music group is a great way to make new campus friends, experience excellent musical training, perform, and serve the University community.

Music department degrees and concentrations are designed, in agreement with the Jessup University mission statement, to prepare graduates for leadership positions in the Church and society as worship leaders, teachers, performers, ministers of music, accompanists, music industry personnel, and choral or instrumental directors. The curriculum structure, content, and time requirements enable students to develop the range of knowledge, skills, and competencies required for successful careers in the field of music and acceptance into post-graduate degree programs. The curriculum stresses sound musicianship and active musical experience.

Ability to perform with excellence as a vocal or instrumental musician.
Proficiency in piano.
Proficiency in music theory and ear training.
Ability to analyze, compose, and arrange music for various vocal and instrumental media.
Acquisition of a broad knowledge and aesthetic appreciation of music literature through study and performance.
Knowledge of the history of music and worship and its relationship to contemporary society.
Familiarity with non-western music and musical forms.
Ability to develop and lead an effective music ministry, program or business based on sound biblical and educational principles.

Interested in auditioning for the upcoming semester?

Music auditions take place year-round during normal business hours (Monday-Friday). If you are interested in auditioning or would like more information about music scholarships, please contact Lauren Horst at LHorst@jessup.edu or 916-577-8093

Program Specializations

General Music
Commercial Music
Music Education
Performance
Worship

Program Courses

Major Courses (6 Units): The following courses are part of the requirement for this major and are recommended to fulfill general education requirements.
- MUS340 | Western Music to 1750
- MUS341 | Western Music from 1750
Core Courses (34 Units)
- Performance Ensemble
- MUS100-300 | Applied Music Lessons
- MUS190P | Class Piano I
- MUS220 | Intro to Music Technology
- MUS272 | Music Theory I
- MUS274 | Music Theory II
- MUS290P | Class Piano II
- Piano Proficiency Passed (P/F)
- MUS301 | Ear Training I
- MUS302 | Ear Training II
- MUS303 | Ear Training III
- MUS310 | Basic Conducting
- MUS351 | Seminar in Leadership Skills
- MUS372 | Music Theory III
- MUS475 | Music Internship (Specific to specialization)
- MUS498 | Senior Recital or Senior Project (P/F)

Music Specializations: Students must choose a specialization listed below.

General Music (19 units): Choose 19 units of music electives not found in the music core requirements. This concentration is intended for transfer students.
Commercial Music Audio Recording Specialization (19 units)
- MUS120 | Live Sound Mixing
- MUS222 | Logic Pro
- MUS223 | Sequencing
- MUS224 | Pro Tools I*** (Includes Avid Cert Test)
- MUS325 | Pro Tools II*** (Includes Avid Cert Test)
- MUS352 | Music and Business – Portfolio Development
- MUS356 | Instrumentation & Arranging For Popular Music
- BUS388 | Entrepreneurship
- MUS422 | Mixing and Mastering with Pro Tools*** (Includes Avid Cert Test)
Music Education Specialization (19 units)
- MUS332 | Applied Woodwind Techniques Group Lesson
- MUS333 | Applied String Techniques Group Lesson
- MUS334 | Applied Brass Techniques Group Lesson
- MUS335 | Applied Percussion Techniques Group Lesson
- MUS356 | Instrumentation & Arranging for Popular Music
- MUS410 | Advanced Conducting
- MUS440 | Vocal Pedagogy
- 1 Music Elective
Performance Specialization (19 units)
- Applied Music Lessons
- MUS398 | Junior Recital
- MUS410 | Advanced Conducting
- MUS440 | Vocal Pedagogy
- 3 Music Electives
Worship Arts Specialization (19 units)
- Applied Music Lessons for Worship
- MUS120 | Live Sound Mixing
- MUS356 | Instrumentation & Arranging for Popular Music
- MUS350 | Worship Leadership and Planning
- MUS352 Music & Business – Portfolio Development
- MUS450 | Theology for Worship
- Music Electives (Choose 2 of the 3 following courses):
  - MUS222 Logic Pro
  - MUS224 Pro Tools I
  - MUS325 Pro Tools II

To view all courses and course descriptions, please see our current Academic Catalog.

Music Minor Courses (25-26 units)

MUS100-400 | Applied Music Lessons
MUS190P | Class Piano I
MUS272 | Music Theory I
MUS274 | Music Theory II
MUS290P | Class Piano II
Piano Proficiency Passed (P/F)
MUS301 | Ear Training I
MUS302 | Ear Training II
MUS310 | Basic Conducting
Performance Ensemble (4 units)
Music electives (Choose two from the following)(5-6 units):
- MUS340 | Western Music to 1750
- MUS341 | Western Music from 1750
- MUS367 | World Music

To view all courses and course descriptions, please see our current Academic Catalog.

University Choir & Orchestra
The William Jessup University Choir & Orchestra, under the direction of Tom Ruscica, performs the best of choral literature to audiences all over Placer County. Each year the group records a full length album and performs at a variety of venues including Jessup events and concerts and local area churches, as well as seasonal concerts. The University Choir & Orchestra is open by audition to all Jessup students and may be repeated for credit.

Jessup Concert Choir
The Jessup Concert Choir performs a variety of choral literature, including contemporary Christian choral anthems, worship songs, and gospel music. This choir performs in Placer County at local churches, as well as seasonal concerts. The Jessup Concert Choir is open by audition to all Jessup students and may be repeated for credit.

Master Works Chorale
Master Works Chorale provides students with performance group experience centered in traditional choral repertoire. The group emphasis is on rehearsal and performance of works drawn from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods of music. The Master Works Chorale is open to all William Jessup University students regardless of major. The Chorale performs approximately three times each semester.

Jessup Jazz Band
The Jessup Jazz Band performs a variety of jazz repertoire and is designed to expose students to the best of jazz ensemble literature. This ensemble contributes to the campus and general communities through artistic and spiritual expression. Students are taught techniques unique to jazz, improvisation, and sight-reading. Included in the repertoire are jazz standards, Latin jazz, swing, soul jazz, and blues. The Jessup Jazz Band is open by audition to all Jessup instrumentalists and may be repeated for credit.

Jessup Chamber Orchestra
Jessup Chamber Orchestra performs a variety of chamber repertoire from all eras of classical music, but focusing on Baroque and Classical timeframes. This ensemble contributes to the campus and general communities through artistic and spiritual expression. Students are taught techniques in sight reading, expression, phrasing, and dynamics as it pertains to classical repertoire. The Jessup Chamber Orchestra is open by audition to all Jessup chamber instrumentalists and may be repeated for credit.

Crossroads
Current groups include a performance repertoire of jazz, gospel, R&B, a cappella, and worship. Groups are formed based on current student abilities and giftings, and auditions are held each spring for the following year. Crossroads travels the Northern California area throughout the school year, leading worship and performing original songs and arrangements for various churches, high schools, and community events.

Tom Ruscica, M.A.

Chair

Music students find themselves in the concert hall, recording studio, and on tour buses, learning valuable skills in performance, live-sound production, and recording with industry professionals at Skywalker Sound, located at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch. – Tom Ruscica

FACULTY

Jessup's dedicated community of faculty, both full-time and adjunct, are here to walk alongside you, equipping you with the knowledge and values you'll need to establish a meaningful career, grow spiritually, and succeed in all areas of your life. Learn more about our full-time faculty.

Elizabeth Stanley, DMA

Professor - School of Humanities & the Arts - Visual & Performing Arts Division

Tom Ruscica, M.A.

Associate Dean - School of Humanities & the Arts, Associate Professor - Music, Program Chair - Visual and Fine Arts

Find Your Major

Complete the following free assessment to match your academic goals, interests, and personality with Jessup majors.

Start the Assessment

JESSUP NEWS & STORIES

College, Romance, and a Proposal to Remember

Anthony Barocio just had to meet Alyssa Madsen after hearing her perform a debut original song at Jessup’s annual Scholar Showcase. She was interviewing for the…