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Music Theory and Composition
The Music Department at California State University Fresno
offers an opportunity to study music theory and music composition in a stimulating
liberal arts setting. Music theory is studied as part of the music core curriculum,
and students can opt to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in music composition.
We also offer a Masters of Arts degree in composition, which is designed
for students interested in contemporary art music.
At Fresno State we pride ourselves on our ability to offer music theory and composition instruction that engenders introspection and addresses issues of relevance. For example, in music theory courses, students do not learn to just provide a harmonic analysis of a work, they also learn to address how their analysis will effect their teaching, conducting and/or performance of the work. Similarly, composition students are asked to address issues of relevance and compositional intent in addition to learning basic compositional craft. While learning to write for traditional instrumental/vocal media, students are also encouraged to utilize new and/or mixed media. A computer lab equipped with Finale, Protools, Performer and MAX/MSP is available for student use.
Numerous CSUF Ensembles, the CSU Summer Arts Festival (now held in Fresno at CSUF), the Fresno Philharmonic, an international guitar workshop, the professional chamber ensemble Orpheus, guest lectures and visiting artists provide theory and composition students opportunities for growth. Additionally, San Francisco and Los Angeles, with their myriad cultural offerings, are within easy reach. The New Music Ensemble is dedicated to rehearsing and performing new works written by both undergraduate and graduate student composers at Fresno State.