Commercial Performance, BM
CBU's commercial performance major trains students to be agile and adaptable music performers in the 21st century, bridging performance, music technology and music industry practices within a practice-oriented degree.
Program Intro
The commercial performance bachelor's program from CBU incorporates a diverse range of musical genres, styles and exploration of contemporary instrumentation.
Why Study Commercial Performance at CBU?
Aim for excellence
In every class, every rehearsal, every performance, students are held to higher standards that will encourage them to develop and expand their God-given gifts and ultimately share them with others.
Practice a contemporary conservatory style
CBU's music classroom style is often referred to as conservatory — intimate, challenging and rigorous — but unlike typical music conservatories that preserve the past with a traditional repertoire, CBU's music is forward-looking to engage both musicians and audiences in the contemporary enjoyment of the art.
Use state-of-the-art technology
CBU music students work hands-on with the latest music technology on both their personal Macbook Pro computers and in computer labs and classrooms located within the state-of-the-art Hawkins Music Building. Software for professional and audio production, sequencing and publishing quality notation are used each day in many of the core music courses.
What You'll Learn
- Sound and Recording Techniques: Demonstrate a developed understanding and application
of sound and recording technologies in commercial music.
- Commercial Music Styles: Compare and contrast commercial music styles and genres via
musical criticism and instrumental performance.
- Music Industry Practices: Critique music industry practices using an ethical and moral
lens informed by scripture.
- Music Artifacts: Create unique musical artifacts that contribute to artistic and entrepreneurial
career aspirations.
- Popular Music History: Analyze the global phenomenon of popular music, historically
and socially, and opportunities for careers in commercial music in emerging markets
and businesses.
- Perform Commercial Styles: Perform and replicate musical styles from diverse commercial
music genres.
- Music Technologies: Integrate music technologies in musical performance and distribution.
- Music Industry Practices: Understand small business practices and entrepreneurship
as related to music industry.
- New Music Creation: Create new music in diverse musical genres and instrumentation.
Program Details
MUS 236: Music Entrepreneurship
Introduction to theories, fundamentals, and practices of entrepreneurship and small business as applied to musicians.
MUS 356: Commercial Instrumental or Vocal Project I
Students will complete a 30-minute performance or project related to their area of studies in commercial music performance.
MUS 386: Audio Recording and Studio Techniques I
Introduction to analog and digital audio recording and ProTools recording software.
Thomas Brooks
Assistant Professor of Music
Director, Commercial Music Studies
Office Phone: 951-552-8156
E-mail: tbrooks@calbaptist.edu
I chose to major in music because it's something I really love to do and I realized I'd like to keep doing it for the rest of my life. I like the program at CBU because I have so many opportunities to perform. It's helped me get used to performing a lot.
Mayu Fukasawa '19
I grew up in a musical family and always knew I wanted to participate in music in some capacity. The professors here are really great people who want to be more than just someone who grades you. They really care about your education.
Braden Sapp '19
Career Possibilities
Commercial performance majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Performer
- Songwriter
- Producer
- Session Musician
- Singer
- Musician
- Composer
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.