DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

NEBRASKA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

5000 ST PAUL AVE

LINCOLN NEBRASKA 68504

(402)465-2269

 

 

A HANDBOOK OF POLICIES AND REGULATIONS FOR MUSIC MAJORS/MINORS

 

 

 

Dr. Larry Jones - Chair

Fall 2004


 

I.  Mission Statement

 

The mission of the Department of Music at Nebraska Wesleyan University is twofold: (a) to provide a comprehensive quality music education for those students pursing a degree in music, and (b) to provide learning opportunities that enrich the liberal arts experience for students majoring in other areas.  The Music Department views an individual studentŐs performance in the applied area as basic to oneŐs music education, and it is our belief that the best way to train musicians and to develop musicianship is through the studio experience of working one-on-one with an applied teacher.  For all students, the Department of Music will encourage lifelong learning and active involvement in the field of music.

 

Within the parameters of the mission, the Department is entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring carefully the quality of its programs and instruction and to maintain high standards for all aspects of its activities.

 

The mission of the Music Department is consistent with the NWU Faculty Declaration of Educational Intent.

 

II.  Goals and Objectives

 

There are essentially three undergraduate music curricula, each with its own goals and objectives (see Appendix A):

 

á      Bachelor of Music in Performance.  The curriculum for this degree is designed for students who wish to prepare for graduate study and/or professional work in music performance.  The Department is in compliance with NASM standards for this degree work.  The Department believes it has a strong curriculum in performance.  While a strictly undergraduate program for a rather limited enrollment restricts the number of advanced courses available in history and theory, we believe that both of these areas are covered in depth and that our graduates are well prepared for graduate study and careers in music.

 

á      Bachelor of Music in Music Education.  The curriculum for this degree is designed to prepare music teachers for the public school system.  Along with the degree, the graduate receives a Nebraska Teaching Certificate in Music Education.  The degree content emphasizes basic musicianship, personal performance skills (including conducting), and teaching competencies.  The student is provided a strong theoretical and practical base in pedagogy.  This curriculum is in compliance with NASM standards.  The Music Education program also fully meets the standards set by the Nebraska Department of Education.

 

á      Bachelor of Arts with a Music Major.  This degree is comprised of a basic core of courses that provides a solid foundation in music.  Through advisement, students can develop areas of additional interest such as applied music, music theory/composition, music history and sacred music.  Minors may also be constructed in other disciplines by using electives.  Each student is evaluated by applied music jury in every term of study.  Normally B.A. applied majors elect to present a half or full senior recital.  It is not intended as a professional degree program but can provide a strong preparation for graduate school.  This curriculum is in compliance with NASM standards.

 

Students majoring in music are expected to acquire skills and knowledge appropriate to their degree emphasis, as stipulated by the standards and guidelines of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

 

1.     All music majors will develop competence in at least one major performance area, conducting, and keyboard skills.

 

2.     All music majors will develop competence in aural and analytical skills.

á      Students will demonstrate an understanding of the common elements of music and their interaction via aural, verbal, and visual analyses.

á      Students will be able to apply knowledge of the forms, processes and structures of music in compositional, performance, scholarly, pedagogical, and historical contexts.

á      Students will be able to write original compositions and improvise in a variety of styles.

 

3.     All music majors will develop competence in repertoire and history.

á      Students will demonstrate through performance and scholarly pursuits an understanding of music of diverse cultural sources, historical periods, and media.

 

4.     All music majors will develop competence in music technology.

 

5.     All music majors will develop competence in synthesizing their musical

knowledge and skills.

á      Students will be able to work independently on a variety of musical problems by combining their aural, verbal and visual analysis, composition and improvisation, repertoire and knowledge of history.

 

DEGREES AVAILABLE

 

The Department of Music offers the degrees Bachelor of Music with majors in performance or music education and the Bachelor of Arts with a major in applied music.  The major in music education has options for emphasis in vocal, instrumental or vocal/instrumental music.

 

ADVISEMENT

 

Each music student is assigned an advisor within the department.  Prior to each registration or pre-registration, you need to schedule an appointment for advisement and keep the appointment made for you.  Your advisor will help you plan your course of study and maintain a file on your progress in the music office.

 

MESSAGES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

The large board next to the Music Office is for upcoming events, posters, and general information.  Please check this board regularly in order to keep yourself informed about departmental activities.  Do not place posters, notes, etc. on the office windows.  Announcements may also be posted on your e-mail.  Check your e-mail often.

 

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

A student representative to the music faculty will be elected by the music majors/minors at the first recital/meeting of the Fall semester.  This representative will sit in on music faculty meetings and will be available to bring concerns and questions from the music students to the music faculty.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Normal building hours are M-TH from 7:00 AM - Midnight; Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from NOON - 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. - Midnight.

 

Food and drink are not allowed in any of the studios, classrooms or auditoriums.  Water is the only exception.

 

Wesleyan students may purchase tickets for various local and area events at reduced rates.  Virtually all concerts at the Lied Center are available to Wesleyan students at half-price. Watch the departmental bulletin board and/or Lincoln newspaper for further information or call the Lied Center Box Office.

 

Application for candidacy in the Teacher Education program is usually done during the sophomore year after completing freshman English and one course in education. Further information about education department requirements will be distributed to music education majors. There is also a check sheet for these requirements kept in your student file to help keep track of your responsibilities.

 

Regular checks with the registrar and your departmental advisor should be done during the fall semesters of your last two years of study.  You should see your departmental advisor prior to each registration period.  Music education majors also have an education advisor.

 

Some courses are only offered on alternate years.  This is another reason why an advisor should always be consulted before registering.

 

RECITAL ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

All music majors enroll in recitals (Music 55) as specified in their degree programs.  This requirement is to expose you to a variety of musical experiences and broaden your education.  Each semester students MUST attend a minimum of 13 recitals and concerts.

 

Since a well-rounded listening experience is important, attendance at 9 "category" recitals and 4 miscellaneous recitals is required.  Attendance at "category" performances must be at the college or professional levels.  Attendance at "miscellaneous" performances may include our Friday morning recitals, high school and church concerts, and most other musical performances of concert length. (If you have a question as to whether a concert you want to attend will count toward the requirement, please check with department secretary before the event).  Another way to determine the category of a concert is to ascertain what the "main focus" is of the concert.

 

                                    Band (not marching)

Category}                  Faculty Recital

                                    Choral

                                    Chamber Music

                                    Lecture-Recital

                                    Opera, Musical or Ballet

                        Orchestra

                        Solo Student Recital

                                    World Music

 

Participation in solo and/or ensemble performances may be counted toward the total number if the performance is at least half of the program.  This participation can only be counted ONCE each semester, i.e., if the Swing Choir were to perform 3 concerts/clinics in one semester, only one performance would count toward recitals.

 

Recital programs will be distributed at each on-campus concert/recital at the beginning of the program.  Sign the program and return it to a designated faculty member immediately after the event.  Programs turned into the music office the next day, etc., will not be accepted.  Off-campus attendance also requires a signed copy of the program.

 

Programs from the music events that you attend off campus must be turned into the Music Office NO LATER THAN ONE WEEK after the event.  You will NOT receive credit for the program if it is received after one week.

 

If these requirements are not met, a student must fill out an Incomplete Form and the following semester the student must "make up" the missing recital(s) plus one extra miscellaneous recital.  Example:  If a student is lacking a "Choral" recital, the following semester the student would be required to attend 2 Choral recitals and 1 extra miscellaneous recital (for a total of 6 miscellaneous recitals).  If a student is lacking a "Band" recital and a "Faculty" recital, that student would be required the following semester to attend 2 Band recitals, 2 Faculty recitals and a total of 7 miscellaneous recitals.

 

If you have any questions on recital attendance policies, please check with the Department Chair or department secretary.

 

STUDENT RECITALS

 

The Department of Music holds recitals at 10:00 a.m. on Fridays throughout the semester for student solo and chamber performances.  ATTENDANCE AT ALL SCHEDULED FRIDAY MORNING RECITALS IS REQUIRED!  Excessive absences will have a negative impact on the studentŐs studio grade.  (Reminder:  there is a list of scheduled Friday morning recitals at the back of this book).  These recitals also count toward the ŇMiscellaneousÓ recital requirement in Music 55. 

 

You are required to perform on the Friday Recital Hour as directed by your applied instructor (normally once a semester).  The dates will be filled by a lottery process.  At the beginning of the semester, each student will draw a date.  These dates and students' names will then be given to the faculty.  If a student wishes to change that date, he/she must trade with a willing student and give that information to the music secretary.  In case of illness the student will be moved to the next scheduled recital date that has an open space. Performance information  (title, composer's dates, accompanist etc.) must be given in writing to the music secretary by the Friday prior to a student's recital Friday. If a faculty member requests  a music minor or a one hour student to perform, or wants a  major to perform more than once in a semester, they need to select a date and give that information to the  music secretary.

 

ENSEMBLE REQUIREMENTS

 

Music majors are required to perform in a large ensemble each semester of residence, except when student teaching.  Large ensembles are defined as University Choir, Band or Orchestra (strings only).  The appropriate ensemble is determined by the major performance area.

 

APPLIED MUSIC JURIES

 

Music majors shall take an applied music jury at the conclusion of each semester of study.  The jury grade is advisory and the applied music grade will be determined by the applied instructor.  Students who have performed a successful junior or senior recital (or the equivalent) may be exempt from taking a jury examination at the end of that semester.  The applied music instructor will make the determination of jury waivers.

 

JURY PROCEDURES

 

Semester juries will normally be held during days set aside for university finals.  Jury dates and times will be determined by area faculty heads and posted during Culmination Week. 

 

Unless excused for documented medical reasons/family emergencies, or if a successful recital has been performed during the semester and/or the applied instructor has excused the student, failure to perform a semester jury will result in a grade of "D" or "F" in applied lessons.

 

Documented medical and/or family emergencies will typically result in a grad of "Incomplete".  The semester jury will then be rescheduled.  Incomplete forms must be filled out before the end of the semester.

 

Do not make travel plans or reservations that will result in your absence from campus before the final day of the exam period.

 

Repertoire requirements for the jury examination will vary according to the performance medium the student is engaged in.

 

A minimum of 3 instructors will hear the juries.  The applied teacher will usually be present when his/her students perform.  Jury members will take written notes during the student's jury to be shared with the applied instructor and in turn with the student.

 

The grade average awarded by the jury will be advisory and the applied instructor will determine the student's semester grade.

 

APPLIED MUSIC FEES

 

Music majors may sign up for up to 3 hours of applied credit at no extra charge.  Any hour after 3 credits will be assessed a $235 fee (the exception is the BM-Applied major who may sign up for 4 hours with out a fee).  Generally, music majors should register for at least 2 credits of applied music in their major area.  BM Performance majors must register for 3 credits of applied music in their major area. Non-music majors may only register for 1 credit of applied music and must pay the $235 fee. MUSIC MINORS - Music minors may also register up to 1 hour applied credit at no charge for a total of 4 semesters.  After 4 semesters of applied lessons, minors will pay the same assessed fee per hour as non-majors.

PLACEMENT EXAMS

 

Transfer and new students in music must take placement examinations as appropriate in applied music, music theory and music history.  Acceptance of transfer credit toward graduation requirements in each area is contingent upon the results of the examinations.

 

SOPHOMORE INTERVIEW REQUIREMENT

 

For review purposes a "sophomore" is defined as a music major who is in their 3rd or 4th semester of applied music.  The review process is to have each sophomore appear before the faculty to allow for dialogue relative to the student's progress musically and academically.  At the beginning of the second semester of the sophomore year the student will be sent a form asking them to respond with their perceptions of their own progress.  These forms will be reviewed by  all music faculty.  The student will also be scheduled a time for the interview.

 

In the case of a transfer student (sophomore standing and above), the Sophomore Review Process should occur during the student's second semester of full-time coursework at Nebraska Wesleyan University.  Both the interview and the jury will be done in the same semester.

 

SOPHOMORE JURY

 

As part of the Sophomore Interview process each student will take the performance component (Sophomore Jury).  This will happen during the second full year of enrollment as a music major, and in most cases during the 4th semester (a student completing a BM Applied Jury in the first semester of the sophomore year, would be excused from the Sophomore Jury).  The Sophomore Jury will happen during regularly scheduled juries at the end of the semester.  The student will sign up for a "double time" on the appropriate jury sign-up sheet.  The student will be expected to notify the Director of the Keyboard Studies, the Director of Choral Activities or the Director of Instrumental Studies, stating that the jury will be counted as the Sophomore Jury.  That faculty member will then notify the Chair of the Department of Music and invite the Chair plus one additional faculty member from outside the performance area to sit on the Sophomore Jury.  The student will be required to prepare and be ready to perform a larger amount of music than normally is associated with an end-of-semester jury.  The exact quantity of music will be left to the discretion of the applied teacher in consultation with the Director of Keyboard Studies, the Director of Choral Activities, or the Director of Instrumental Studies.  At the conclusion of the Sophomore Jury, the performance level and quality will be discussed with the student.  The performance evaluation will be combined with the assessment of the "Sophomore Interview" resulting in one of the following recommendations:

 

            Continue with the proposed degree program.

            Continue, on probation, with the proposed degree program, and retake the

                        Sophomore Jury at the end of the next semester.

            Discontinue the proposed degree program.

                        For students in the BM program this could mean changing to a

                        BA, and applying for substitution of a project/paper in place of

                        a senior recital.

                        For students in the BA program, this would mean applying for

                        substitution of a project/paper in place of the senior recital.

 

On the basis of the interview and jury, the student will receive a written recommendation for continuation in the Department of Music.  Students not appearing for their scheduled interview or performing the jury, will not be allowed to register for upper level applied music.

 

RE-JURYING

 

The faculty reserves the right to request that a student be re-interviewed or re-juried even after successfully completing a Sophomore Jury Interview or an Applied Jury.

 

PIANO PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION

 

Every music major must exhibit acceptable keyboard proficiency.  A proficiency exam must be passed.  All new students must enroll in Piano Techniques or Applied Piano, and continue to enroll in Piano each semester until the Keyboard Proficiency exam is passed.  Exceptions to the policy of enrolling in Piano Techniques will be at the discretion of the Director of Keyboard Studies.

 

Phase One: 

All major scales, all minor scales (harmonic and melodic forms only), hands together, two octaves with correct fingering, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = m.m. 60, followed by cadence chords (I - IV6/4 - V6/5  - I for major keys; i - iv6/4 - V6/5  - i for minor keys).


 

Phase Two: 

Harmonization and Transposition

 

            A. Sight-read a melody in a major tonality, harmonize the melody using cadence chords (see Phase One) in block chord style, then transpose the harmonized melody to other major keys chosen by the examiner.

            B. Same as above, using a melody in a minor tonality.

 

Phase Three: 

Sight-read a four-part song, such as a hymn, keeping a steady minimum tempo of eighth-note = m.m. 60, without stopping.

 

Phase Four: 

Open Score Reading

 

            A. Sight-read a four-part SATB choral open score.

            OR:

            B. Sight-read an open score of at least three parts, one of which is a transposing instrument      (B-flat clarinet, for example).

 

Phase Five: *

Improvisation

Improvise on a provided harmonized folk song in two different styles.

 

* Phase Five applies only to NWU students matriculating Fall Semester, 1996 or later. 

 

ADMISSION TO THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

 

All students pursuing a degree that leads to teacher education must apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program.  The criteria and procedure for admission are listed under the Education for Teaching section of the Wesleyan catalog as well as an addendum to this document.

 

The most important fact about the application procedure is that students apply for admission after completing one course in the education department (Education 1 or 75).

 

The timely completion of the other requirements in the teacher education program are also very important to avoid a last minute problem at graduation time. Follow carefully the check sheet provided for this purpose and keep good communications with your music and education advisors.

 

 STUDENT GROUPS

 

Music Educator's National Conference - the professional organization for music education students.

 Membership is open to all students interested in teaching.

 

Mu Phi Epsilon - the professional fraternity for men and women interested in furthering the course

 of music.  Membership by invitation.

 

American Choral Director's Association - the professional organization for choral students.                                  Membership is open to all students active in choral music.

 

JUNIOR/SENIOR RECITAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

 

Recitals are required for music degrees.  Candidates for the Bachelor of Music Performance are required to perform a half or full recital in the junior year and a full recital in the senior year.  Candidates for the Bachelor of Music/Music Education are required to perform a half or full recital in the senior year.  Bachelor of Arts candidates present a half or full recital in the senior year or may opt to do a Senior Research Project in its place.  All junior and senior recitals must be performed on the NWU campus.

 

 Students interested in the B.M. in Performance will be accepted conditionally for two semesters following the initial entrance audition.  At the end of two semesters, a faculty committee will determine the student's acceptance or unsuitability for further pursuit of the Performance Degree by means of an audition performance jury of approximately 30 minutes and an academic evaluation.  The audition committee will consist of at least four music faculty members, two of whom are related to the candidate's field.

 

Any student requesting to change from another music degree to the B.M. in Performance must audition before a faculty committee for approval since a higher level of performance is required.

 

  Junior Recital

 

Junior recitals should be considered a half recital with a minimum of thirty minutes of actual music and a maximum of fifty minutes.  Normally, two students will present a joint recital unless the combined length exceeds 1-3/4 hours.  All evening recitals are held at 7:30 p.m. and weekend afternoon recitals will be at 3:00 p.m. Encores are never permitted on Junior Recitals.

 

 Senior Recital

 

Senior recitals in the performance program should be considered a full recital with a minimum of fifty minutes of actual music and a maximum of sixty minutes.   Senior recitals will normally be held in the evening at 7:30 p.m. or weekend afternoons at 3:00 p.m.   Encores are never permitted on Senior Recitals.

 

Students enrolling in Music 295 (Independent Study) should plan on completing the work during the semester of the recital.

 

General Information

 

When first beginning the discussion of a recital the student should get a Recital Check Sheet from the Music Office.  The Recital Check Sheet gives the student information concerning setting up the jury, program instructions, publicity instructions, etc.  Students who are scheduling a Senior Recital date may do so during the first week in May prior to the fall semester.   Students who are scheduling a Junior Recital date may do so during the second week in May prior to the fall semester.

 

At least 3 weeks before the recital date the student must perform a recital jury. The jury should consist of the Chair of the Department, the applied teacher, and two other faculty members of the student's choice. It is the responsibility of the student to locate the faculty members, find a mutually convenient time for the jury, and to reserve the appropriate hall/auditorium. The student should be prepared to perform all of the music for the jury that is intended for the recital including ensembles (with all members present). The recital program, including translations, must be presented at the recital jury.  Failure to submit the completed program by the time of the jury may result in rescheduling of the jury and recital date.  (Recital program must conform to the department requirements.)

Based on the jury performance the student will be advised to:

 

            a. Perform the recital on the scheduled date as proposed, or

            b. Revise the recital program (delete some music), or

            c. Cancel the recital and reschedule (with a new jury)

 

No additions or substitutions may be made to the recital program once the jury panel has approved the recital repertoire.  Encores are never permitted on Senior/Junior Recitals.

 

Recital length is expected to meet departmental requirements.

 

While formal attire is not required for recital performance, it is recommended that the attire at concerts be long dresses for women and suit or tuxedo for men.

 

The minimum suggested payment to the accompanist is $40.00 for a full recital and $25.00 for a partial recital.

 

The Music Department video camera may be checked out by a faculty member ONLY.  If a student wishes to video tape their recital, they must go through their applied instructor, and the instructor will be responsible for the camera.

 

RECITAL REQUIREMENT

 

Students may reserve the performance area for rehearsals twice before the recital for a maximum for two hours each.  The applied instructor should be at the rehearsals, and any variance from the number of rehearsals will be at the applied instructor's discretion.  ALL rehearsals will be scheduled with the Music Staff Assistant.

 

Junior and Senior Recital programs are considered official documents of the Department of Music.  Copies of the programs are to be kept on permanent file after the recital and are subject to review by the National Association of Schools of Music, our accrediting organization.  It is important that the published programs are consistent in format and contain only pertinent information.  The programs shall include the type of recital, names of performers, date, time and location of performance, and repertoire.  The Department of Music Staff Assistant is responsible for typing all programs to maintain uniformity.  Thank you acknowledgements are not to be included in the printed program, nor is it appropriate to announce them from the stage.  If the performer wishes to express his/her appreciation to anyone, they might consider thanking them in person after the recital, sending individual thank you notes, or preparing a printed list of acknowledgements to be displayed or distributed at a reception following the recital.  NO encores will be permitted.

 

Posters can be made by the Music Department at no cost OR the performer may wish to design their own poster.  If  the performer wishes to choose their own design, the performer will be responsible for the cost (unless it is simple and able to be run at the NWU Copy Center).  The posters must also have printed on them the NWU ADA statement (available at the music office).

 

Receptions may be held at the performers expense (or a sponsoring group).  Receptions should be simple yet tasteful, however more elaborate receptions should be held elsewhere.  NO red punch/drink may be served in Gildersleeve Lounge.


 

Normally junior/senior recitals should be shared by two students except for those pursuing performance degrees.  Exceptions will be determined by the applied instructor, not the student.

 

Audio taping is the responsibility of the department.  If a student wishes a copy of the recital, they may provide a blank tape and the department will dub a copy.

 

Taking flash photographs during recitals is prohibited.  Students or families wishing photos should arrange to take them  before or after the performance.

 

The organ is not automatically available for recital use.  It may be used only with the approval of the department chair.

 

Policy for use of the Bšsendorfer Imperial Grand Piano

 

The Department of Music owns two concert grand pianos which are located in O'Donnell Auditorium: a Bšsendorfer Imperial Grand Piano and a Steinway D Concert Grand Piano. The following policy is in effect for use of the Bšsendorfer Imperial Grand Piano:

 

The Music Faculty should encourage the use of the Steinway concert grand whenever possible and appropriate. However, simply requesting students and faculty use the Steinway more and the Bšsendorfer less is not enough. A policy for use of the Bšsendorfer is necessary to protect the instrument and prevent its overuse. Therefore:

 

            1. The Bšsendorfer shall not be used for Junior recitals or any other recital not                                                      classified as a Senior Recital.

            2. When used as an accompanying instrument for Senior Recitals, the                                                                      Bšsendorfer may be used only for the last two rehearsals.

            3. The Bšsendorfer shall not be used for performances by outside groups.

            4. The Bšsendorfer shall not be used for summer workshops.

            5. The Bšsendorfer may be used when two pianos are required.

            6. Any exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of the Music                                                                        Department Chair.

 

Adopted by vote of Music Faculty and approved by NWU Administrative Council.

 

Special Performances

 

Each year several special/honor performances are scheduled during the year. Students eligible for these performances will be notified in the mail. Auditions will be scheduled to select the student(s) who will perform.

 

Honors Recital

This recital features students in the music department who hold a Bennett, Marshall or Harrod Music Scholarship. The Recital is held in the fall of the year, and auditions normally are held 2-3 weeks before the recital.  All students who hold any of the above music scholarships are expected to audition.  Students who hold an EPG Award are allowed to also audition.


 

Graduation Performances

Each year members of the senior class are eligible to audition for special performances connected with graduation. These include:

 

                        Baccalaureate

                        Phi Kappa Phi

                        Honors Convocation

 

Eligible seniors will be notified by mail, and an audition date/time published. Seniors are eligible to participate in the year they intend to go through graduation ceremonies.

 

NMEA Honor Recital

All student members of the local MENC chapter are eligible to audition for this recital, held each year at the NMEA convention.

 

Senior Soloist

Each year members of the current graduating class * may audition to perform as a "Senior Soloist" at a spring concert. The solo will be with orchestral accompaniment. Normally one soloist will be chosen, however, the music department reserves the right to choose no member of the class, if no senior performs an audition with sufficient quality, or to choose more than one soloist. A senior who performs as a Senior Soloist and who elects to postpone graduation, will not be eligible to audition and perform a Senior Soloist a second time. Orchestral accompaniment will be provided by the Lincoln Civic Orchestra. Auditions will be held during the very beginning of the Spring semester,** with the audition date publicized before the end of the Fall semester. When choosing a solo, the students and applied instructors should take into account the orchestra in terms of length of solo, difficulty of accompaniment and instrumentation. The accompaniment for the solo chosen must be readily available. The solo used for the audition must be the solo intended for performance if chosen as Senior Soloist. The solo selected must be performed from memory, both at the audition and at the performance.

 

*  Students are eligible to audition during the academic year in which they are participating in commencement ceremonies.

 

Students who are considering graduating in December would be a member of the graduating class of the following year, but they could opt to participate in the commencement exercises of the previous year.

 

** Students not able to make the audition, for whatever reason, on the scheduled date/time will not be allowed to re-schedule the audition at a later time.

 

THE BENNETT MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP *

These are awarded each year to outstanding high school senior singers who plan to major in vocal music at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable. Students receiving a Bennett Music Scholarship must maintain a minimal grade point average:

 

1) An overall grade point average of 2.5 each semester.

2) A music grade point average of:

a) 2.5 after the first semester

b) 2.75 after the second semester

c) 3.00 after each of the remaining semesters.

 

THE MARSHALL MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP *

These are awarded each year to outstanding high school senior instrumentalists who plan to major in instrumental music at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable. Students receiving a Marshall Music Scholarship must maintain a minimal grade point average:

 

1) An overall grade point average of 2.5 each semester.

2) A music grade point average of:

a) 2.5 after the first semester

b) 2.75 after the second semester

c) 3.00 after each of the remaining semesters.

 

THE HARROD MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP *

These are awarded each year to outstanding high school senior pianists who plan to major in piano at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable. Students receiving a Harrod Music Scholarship must maintain a minimal grade point average:

 

1) An overall grade point average of 2.5 each semester.

2) A music grade point average of:

a) 2.5 after the first semester

b) 2.75 after the second semester

c) 3.00 after each of the remaining semesters.

 

THE FOSBURY MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP *

This scholarship is to be awarded to students majoring in music, with preference to those studying stringed instruments or the piano.  Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable.  Students receiving a Fosbury Music Scholarship must maintain a minimal grade point average:

 

1) An overall grade point average of 2.5 each semester.

2) A music grade point average of:

a) 2.5 after the first semester

b) 2.75 after the second semester

c) 3.00 after each of the remaining semesters.

 

 * In order to qualify for  the Bennett, Marshall, Fosbury or Harrod Scholarships, students must be enrolled each semester in the appropriate music curriculum, including music theory, music history, applied music, large ensemble and Recitals 55.

 

MUSIC ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATION GRANTS

These are awarded each year to high school seniors. It is not necessary to be a music major to receive a Music Ensemble Participation Grant, however, students must participate in a performing music ensemble at Nebraska Wesleyan University as determined by the music faculty and appropriate to the area for which they receive the scholarship.

 

These scholarships and grants are awarded by audition before the appropriate music faculty. General auditions are held throughout the year for the awarding of scholarships/grants the following year.


 

Special Awards

 

Each year the Department of Music gives special awards to students based on individual criteria for the specific awards. Students eligible for the awards will receive a notification of their eligibility during the second semester. These students will then need to send in a letter to apply for the special awards for which they qualify. Faculty will meet to determine the recipients of each of the scholarships.

 

Presser Music Scholarship   - Cash to student

Given by the Presser Foundation. This scholarship is awarded solely on merit. The recipient will be known as the Presser Scholar during their senior year.

 

Purdham-Benham Scholarship   - Tuition Credit

This scholarship is awarded to a music major who will be a junior or senior the following year, has a grade point average of at least 3.00, and has financial need as determined by the Director of Financial Aid.

 

The William H. and Marian B. Wyman Music Scholarship   -  Tuition Credit

This scholarship is awarded to a vocal music major in any degree program, who has at least a grade point average of 3.00.

 

Ethel Mae Moor Scholarship  -  Tuition Credit

This scholarship will be awarded to a music major who will be at least a sophomore next year, has at least a grade point average of 3.0, be taking private lessons in organ, piano, violin, or voice, or enrolled in liberal arts, but planning to use her/his musical education as a means to a career in music.  Preference will be given to a student from Fairmont, Nebraska.

 

The Mavis Folsom Scholarship  -  Tuition Credit

This scholarship will be awarded to a music major who will be at least a sophomore. Preference is given to members of the Willard Sorority.

 

CAREER GUIDANCE

 

The Career Center, located in the Student Center, offers help and assistance in planning career decisions.  Students who wish to make use of the placement service are advised to contact the placement counselor a year prior to graduation.  Your academic advisor can also provide assistance in making career decisions.

 

LOCKERS

 

Music lockers are available at the south end of the practice rooms on the east side (next to Band - Room FA 120).  You may check out a padlock out through the Band Office.  When you no longer have use for the padlock please turn it back in to the Office.  In any event, the padlock must be returned by the end of the academic year.  Students can not provide their own locks.

 

KEYBOARD ACCOMPANIMENT

 

All student accompanists will be assigned by Dr. Larry Jones.


 

USE OF MUSIC FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

 

Please be aware that student status does not automatically guarantee use of music facilities and equipment.  For a variety of reasons, the department cannot permit unlimited after-hours use of rehearsal rooms and/or musical equipment.

 

Therefore, only short-term requests will be considered under normal circumstances.  Please check with the department chair about the use of any facilities or equipment in the music building.

 

"Equipment, instruments, and materials owned by Nebraska Wesleyan University will not be loaned for use off-campus by organizations or individuals without the express consent of the Vice President in whose division these resources reside."

 

Adopted by vote of Music Faculty and approved by NWU Administrative Council (5/16/00).

 

SEQUENTIAL COURSES

 

Students enrolled in any series of sequential courses, such as music theory, class piano, etc., must receive at least a "C-" in a given course in order to continue in the next course.  There will be no exceptions.

 

APPLIED MUSIC

 

Students must enroll in applied music until their degree requirements are met and the Senior Recital is performed.  Students interested in the B.M. in Performance will be accepted conditionally for two semesters following an audition.  At the end of two semesters, a faculty committee will determine the student's acceptance or suitability for further pursuit of the applied degree by means of an audition.  The audition committee will consist of at least four music faculty, two of whom are related to the candidate's field.

 

Any student wishing to change from another music degree to the B.M. with an applied major must audition before a faculty committee for approval since a higher level of performance is required.

 

Any student wishing to change their major instrument, must audition before a faculty committee to ascertain their level of proficiency on the new instrument.  If the level is below where they were on their prior instrument, they will have to make up the number of missing semesters before graduating.  Prior to the conclusion of applied music instruction, students must also perform the requisite recital on the new instrument.

 

 

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