General Information

Admission to status as a music major is by audition or interview, and all first-year students are tested for their competence in music theory to assess their background and to determine the level at which their theoretical courses should begin. Every effort is made to assign first-year music students to classes with students of similar backgrounds.

Ensembles: Each music major must participate in a large ensemble (Symphonic Band, Orchestra [strings only], or Choir) during each semester of full-time enrollment (except during student teaching). Assignment to a specific ensemble is made by the Director of Choral Activities for choral ensembles, the Director of Bands for instrumental ensembles, and/or chair of the department. Participation in two ensembles may be required, according to the student's educational and professional plans. Any variation from this policy must be approved by the department chair.

Recital Attendance: Music majors must attend twelve recitals per semester (except when student teaching) as described in the Music Major's Handbook in each semester of residence as a graduation requirement. All music majors must enroll for Music 55 during each semester of full-time enrollment, with the exception of the semester of student teaching for those students in any of the BM Music Education degree programs.

Student Teaching Prerequisites: Before enrolling in student teaching all music education students must have successfully completed the appropriate method and technique courses in their degree program.

Recitals and Concerts: Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree (applied music) are required to perform a partial or full recital in the junior year and a full recital in the senior year. Candidates for the Bachelor of Music Education degree are required to perform a partial or full recital in the senior year in addition to successful completion of student teaching. Bachelor of Arts candidates are required to present a partial or full recital in the senior year. With permission of the music faculty, Bachelor of Arts candidates may substitute a senior research project for the senior recital. Students must enroll in the appropriate applied music course for their major every semester until their senior recital requirement is completed. Permission for any student recital must be received from the music office and is contingent upon a satisfactory hearing by the recital committee. In addition to formal concerts and recitals by student soloists and university ensembles, the department presents opera and opera workshop performances, department student recitals, and faculty solo and chamber music concerts.

Piano Proficiency: All music majors must pass a piano proficiency examination. This test must be passed before enrolling for student teaching. Music 80-83 must be taken each semester of full-time enrollment until the examination is passed. Any exception - allowing completion of the piano proficiency requirement through enrollment in applied piano lessons instead of enrollment in Music 80-83, is at the discretion of the piano faculty.

Instrument Proficiencies: Music Education majors must demonstrate performance proficiency and pedagogical competency in the areas listed with the requirements for each major emphasis. The proficiencies/competencies may be completed either through 1) enrolling and passing the corresponding techniques class, or 2) passing a proficiency/competency examination. Competencies must be completed before enrolling for student teaching. Exceptions are at the discretion of the Chair of the Department of Music.