Liberal Arts

Music

Professors Bland, Dregalla (chair)

Associate Professors Booth, Dahlman, Ellis, Larkowski, Laws, Leung, Nelson, Tipps, Warrick

Assistant Professors Cha, Jagow, Paul, Taylor,

The Department of Music offers a four-year curriculum designed for students who wish to pursue a career in music. As a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the department has designed the requirements for entrance and graduation according to the published regulations of that association. The Bachelor of Music degree is offered with majors in performance, music education, and music history and literature; the Bachelor of Arts degree is offered with a major in music. A Master of Music degree with a major in music education and a Master of Humanities degree are also offered. Because of the highly individualized nature of the various programs, students are required to consult with an advisor to plan their major program.

In addition to fulfilling university admissions procedures, prospective music majors must also complete a departmental application for an audition, perform a satisfactory audition in a major performance area, and meet with an assigned advisor from the music faculty for counseling and registration. Transfer students must submit a transcript of all previous work in addition to completing the above steps. A minimum of one year of full-time study is required of all transfer students working toward a degree.

The department has developed a course of study based on four levels of technical proficiency, musicianship, and repertoire in all areas of applied music. Students should consult regularly with their applied music instructors and advisors to ensure progress through the various levels. Students enrolled in applied music courses are required to attend a specified number of recitals, concerts, and other approved performances. Solo recital performances are also required of music majors. For information regarding applied music requirements and keyboard proficiency requirements, students should refer to the Undergraduate Studies in Music student handbook.

Because of the cost of individual instruction, special quarterly fees are charged for applied music and, in certain cases, for accompanists. Applied music is also available to non majors on a limited basis and subject to instructor availability. A rental fee is charged for use of university-owned instruments in class instruction. There is no charge for use of these instruments in university ensembles.

All music degree programs require a minimum number of hours for graduation. A detailed, four-year curriculum outline for each major program is available in the Department of Music office.

All students in the university, as well as members of the community, are eligible to participate in performing groups. Some groups require individual auditions; prospective members should consult the various conductors to arrange auditions. The following instrumental groups are available: University-Community Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Chamber Players, Pep Band, Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Brass Choir, and Jazz Band. Choral groups include the University Chorus, Men’s Chorale, Women’s Chorale, Chamber Singers, and Paul Laurence Dunbar Chorale. Students majoring in other academic areas and members of the community may also take music courses especially designed for the nonmusic major.

Degree Requirements - Performance

Bachelor of Music Degree

The department offers majors in the following areas of performance: bassoon, clarinet, classical guitar, euphonium or baritone horn, flute, harp, horn, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, saxophone, string bass, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, violoncello, and voice. With departmental permission, students may major in fields other than those listed. Students must study continuously in their chosen disciplines until they meet all graduation requirements, including satisfactory public performance of specified recitals during the junior and senior years.

Each music performance major is required to participate in at least one university ensemble related to the student's applied music concentration during each quarter in which the student is enrolled full time. Assignment to an ensemble is made by the director of bands, director of choral studies, or director of orchestral studies; the appropriate ensemble director; and the student's full-time applied instructor. When the student’s applied instructor is not a full-time faculty member, approval must be given by the chair of the student's applied board.

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Music degree, the performance major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the major performing medium and a 2.0 in all other required music courses.

* As appropriate to instrument/voice and background, as determined by director of bands, director of choral studies, director of orchestral studies (as appropriate) in consultation with a student’s applied teacher.

** Applied Music Credit Hours

Freshman: 2/2/2 Sophomore: 2/2/2
Junior: 4/4/4 Senior: 4/4/4

Degree Requirements - Music Education

Bachelor of Music Degree

Students who major in music education may choose either an instrumental or a vocal-general music curriculum. Upon completing the require-ments of the music education program, students are able to apply for teaching licensure. To be eligible for the Bachelor of Music degree, music education majors must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in required music education courses and a 2.5 GPA in all other required music courses. An overall minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required.

Students planning to major in music education will be placed in the "Music: Unspecified" category until the following requirements have been met: a) satisfactory completion of MUS 101, 102, 151, 152, 155, 156, and two quarters of applied concentration and ensemble study; b) minimum grade of "C" in applied and ensemble studies for two consecutive quarters; c) no failing grade in music courses during two consecutive quarters; and d) minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in total course work after the completion of 30 quarter hours.

Each music education major is required to participate in at least one university ensemble related to the student's applied music concentration during each quarter in which the student is enrolled full time, with the exception of the quarter in which the student is student teaching. Assignment to an ensemble is made by the director of bands, director of choral studies, or director of orchestral studies; the appropriate ensemble director; and the student's full-time applied instructor. When the student’s applied instructor is not a full-time faculty member, approval must be given by the chair of the student's applied board.

Three hundred hours of field observation and clinical experiences are required prior to student teaching.

During the senior year, all students will perform in student recitals two or three times for a total of 25 to 30 minutes. With the approval of the studio teacher and the applied music board, students may present a half recital or a full recital in lieu of this requirement.

* As appropriate to instrument/voice and background, as determined by director of bands, director of choral studies, director of orchestral studies (as appropriate) in consultation with a students applied teacher.

** Not taken during the quarter of student teaching

* For keyboard majors, substitute MUS 357 (or proficiency), electives five (instead of three)

** Meet concurrently

* For keyboard majors, substitute MUS 357 (or proficiency), electives 5 (instead of 3)

* For keyboard majors, substitute MUS 111,112,113; MUA (voice, six quarters) six, MUS 357 (or proficiency)

Music History and Literature

The major in music history and literature is not a terminal degree, and students should expect to continue at the graduate level. Therefore, students should consult with the appropriate faculty advisor before entering.

Students planning to pursue this major will be placed in the "Music: Unspecified" category until the following requirements have been met: a minimum grade of "C", in MUS 121 and completion of MUS 103 and 153.

Students majoring in music history and literature must complete level III in the applied music concentration and pass all keyboard proficiency requirements. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in required major courses, and 2.0 in other required music courses. Senior students are required to complete a senior project. The project may consist of an extensive written research paper or a scholarly lecture or lecture/recital.

Degree Requirements -

Music History and Literature

Bachelor of Music Degree

*: As appropriate to instrument/voice and background, as determined by director of bands, director of choral studies, director of orchestral studies (as appropriate) in consultation with a students applied teacher.

Degree Requirements - Music

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree in music is designed for students who want to study music, but do not necessarily plan a professional career in music. Students will get a much broader, more general education than students seeking a Bachelor of Music degree. Required courses are kept to a minimum. Consequently, students must work closely with an advisor in selecting course electives. For graduation, students must complete the 200 level in the applied music concentration.

*: As appropriate to instrument/voice and background, as determined by director of bands, director of choral studies, director of orchestral studies (as appropriate) in consultation with a students applied teacher.

Music Honors Program

The Department of Music encourages students who have demonstrated superior academic ability to participate in the music honors program. In order to enter the program, students must be juniors or seniors with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and a 3.5 GPA in music. For additional information, students should contact the department chair.

Minor in Music

* Three quarters

** As appropriate to instrument/voice and background, as determined by director of bands, director of choral studies, director of orchestral studies (as appropriate) in consultation with a students applied teacher.

*** As part of General Education

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