The Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Strings is a degree program intended for students planning careers as performers, university teachers or private studio teachers. It is also designed to prepare students to pursue advanced study in a graduate degree program. There are many performance opportunities in solo recitals, large and small ensembles, studio classes and masterclasses. Students also receive extensive background in literature, pedagogy and performance practice through courses offered. Students graduating with this degree will have developed an understanding of the repertory in their major performance area and the ability to perform from a cross-section of that repertory, culminating in their capstone experience which is their one-hour senior recital.
Audition requirements for this major include the performance of two selections in contrasting classical styles (no jazz or popular). An accompanist is not required for the entrance audition.
Once admitted to the major, ensemble participation (by separate audition) include Symphonic Orchestra and the Goldberg and Sons Honors String Quartet. Enrollment in Chamber Music Techniques does not require an audition. Students also have the opportunity to perform regularly in pit orchestras for operas and musicals, and to tour with the orchestra.
The CSUN Music Department owns a collection of fine string instruments and bows which are available to students for use upon recommendation from their CSUN applied lesson teacher.
120 credits are required to graduate with this degree. 79-80 of those are in the major. 39 of those are university general education credits. 1-2 are allowed for electives.
For more information, contact the Head of String Studies, Lorenz Gamma, at 818-677-4522 or lorenz.gamma@csun.edu.
