Minor
About Alternate Styles of Music (Minor Only) at CSUSB
The Alternate Styles of Music minor at Cal State San Bernardino invites students to explore musical traditions beyond the classical Western canon, offering a rich and diverse study of global and contemporary genres.
Through coursework in jazz, rock, world music, popular music, and emerging styles, students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and artistic forces that shape today’s musical landscape.
Designed for students majoring in any discipline, this minor strengthens musical literacy, creativity, and cultural awareness. Students learn to listen critically, analyze musical structures, and appreciate the ways music reflects and influences communities around the world.
With a curriculum that fosters artistic expression and broad perspectives, this minor complements fields such as communications, education, media studies, anthropology, theater, and more.
Careers in Alternate Styles of Music (Minor Only)
The Alternate Styles of Music minor supports students pursuing careers where creativity, cultural knowledge, and communication are key.
By studying diverse musical traditions and contemporary genres, students develop analytical, collaborative, and interpretive skills that transfer to a wide range of professional paths.
Graduates may pursue roles in:
- Arts and entertainment industries, including performance, songwriting, recording, and production
- Education, especially K–12 music instruction, multicultural arts programming, and community education
- Media, film, and digital content creation, including music supervision, scoring, and editorial work
- Arts administration for theaters, cultural centers, festivals, and arts nonprofits
- Cultural studies and community engagement in museums, community centers, and public humanities
- Music technology and sound design for games, virtual media, and interactive platforms
This minor enhances any major by strengthening creativity, cultural competency, and communication—all essential skills across industries.
Sample Courses
Global Music
A survey of select global musical traditions, including the historical, philosophical, cultural, and other contexts in which music is composed and performed.
Topics in Music Technology
Areas of special interest in the field of music technology.
Rock and Roll: Justice and Society
The history of rock and roll and its emergence from Post World War II and its development through the second half of the 20th century through the present day are intertwined with the problematic issues of economics, race, gender, equality, politics, sexual orientation, class and culture.
Meet Professor Lucy Lewis, DMA
Opportunities for Students
Students in the Alternate Styles of Music minor experience hands-on learning through a vibrant combination of coursework and artistic engagement:
- Performance opportunities in jazz ensembles, commercial music groups, world music ensembles, and contemporary styles
- Workshops and masterclasses with visiting artists, composers, and performers
- Access to CSUSB’s music technology labs, recording spaces, and practice facilities
- Opportunities to collaborate with students in theater arts, dance, media production, and digital arts
- Participation in campus concerts, festivals, and multicultural arts events
- Faculty mentorship in arranging, composition, ethnomusicology, improvisation, and contemporary performance techniques
These experiences help students develop their artistic identity, expand their musicianship, and connect with creative communities both on campus and beyond.
Similar to Alternate Styles of Music (Minor Only)
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