Applied Music
Applied Instruction Degree Requirements
(Private Instruction in Primary Area)
“ Applied Instruction” refers to individual voice or instrument study. Applied music instruction usually begins the second week of classes. In applying to a music degree program, each student declares a primary or major performing medium (e.g., voice, clarinet, piano) and auditions on that instrument or voice. Non-music major students will receive a 30-minute lesson (0000-level) each week. Music majors will receive a 60-minute lesson (1000-level and above) each week. Each student should submit a copy of his or her schedule to the Music Office in order to be scheduled for a private lesson.
The required credit hours of applied instruction for each degree program are:
| B.A., Music (1 credit hour per semester) | Minimum 2 semesters of applied study at 1000 level (2 hours) | Applied study or ensemble participation required each semester of residence |
| B.M., Music Education (1 credit hour per semester) | Four (4) semesters at 2000 level (4 hours), and three (3) semesters at 3000 level (3 hours) | [Study not required during Student Teaching semester] |
| B.M., Performance (2 credit hrs per semester) | Four (4) semesters at 2000 level (8 hours), and four (4) semesters at 4000 level (8 hours) | [MUSP] |
| B.M., Composition (1 credit hour per semester) | Four (4) semesters at 2000 level (4 hours), and four (4) semesters at 3000 level (4 hours) | |
| B.M., Music Therapy (1 credit hour per semester) | Four (4) semesters at 2000 level (4 hours), and three (3) semesters at 3000 level (3 hours) |
Levels of Applied Instruction
(see Table in Appendices section, page 19)
| 0000 level | Available for non-majors and students who simply want to improve by taking applied lessons. Instructor approval required. Half-hour lesson. $100 applied music fee. No semester-end jury. May not be accepted as applied credit for any music degree program or minor. |
| 1000 level | Required for BA Music major and Composition minor. Available for Music majors studying a secondary applied area. Non-Music majors may take if they wish to improve their skills to enter the MUS 2000 level in order to be a Music major or minor. Audition required. One-hour lesson. $200 applied music fee. Semester-end jury required. |
| 2000 level | Required for 4 semesters (MUS) for Music Education, Music Therapy, and Composition majors and Performance minors. May be taken by BA Music majors. 4 semesters (MUSP) required for Performance majors. Audition required. One-hour lesson. $200 applied music fee. Semester-end jury required. |
| 3000 level | Required for 3 semesters for Music Education majors and 4 semesters for Composition majors. This may also be taken for upper-level study by BA Music majors or Music Performance minors. Prerequisites: 4 semesters of MUS 2000 and passing audition on Semester-End Jury prior to the junior year or department head approval. One-hour lesson. $200 applied music fee. Semester-end jury required. |
| 4000 level | Advanced applied study for BM Performance majors only (MUSP). Prerequisites: 4 semesters of MUSP 2000 and passing audition for Division Jury or department head approval. One-hour lesson. $200 applied music fee. Semester-end jury required. |
| 5000 level | Graduate students only; Division Jury audition required |
Standards for Applied Instruction Levels
These standards identify what skills and competencies are expected at each level of applied instruction They are NOT audition requirements for entry into the Music program or for Performance Grants. See Audition Requirements for more information.
Upon entry, each music major or minor must audition for the appropriate instrumental or vocal division to determine the applied music level. Arrangements should be made in the Music Office, Fine Arts Center 308. Students may express a preference for an applied instructor; however, the Department Head will make studio assignments in consultation with the applied faculty. Students will be assessed an applied music fee of $100 per semester for a 30-minute lesson (1 credit hour) and $200 per semester for a one-hour lesson (2-4 credit hours).
How to Register for Applied Instruction
- Know the appropriate course number, section and required credit hours.
- Go online to register (must have advisement PIN). Select CRN for the correct course and section number.
- Choose credit hours: 2 hours for BA, BM: Music Education or Composition; 4 hours for BM: Performance.
Studio Policies
Each instructor has established studio policies governing attendance, expectations and requirements. These policies are described in the instructor’s syllabus for the course. It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with all policies and abide by them.
Semester End Juries
Semester End Juries are required for music majors in the primary area of applied study at the end of each semester of study. The requirement is waived during the semester in which a student 1) presents a junior or senior recital, or 2) passes a Division Jury performance. Students should consult with the applied instructor to be informed of proper jury procedures for their area.
A Jury consists of at least three (3) members of the Music Faculty, and is advisory to the applied instructor. The applied instructor will determine the final semester grade.
Sign-up sheets for jury appointments will be posted outside Fine Arts 308 one week prior to the jury date. Students may download the required jury form.
The Semester End Jury is the means for students to audition for upper level (3000 level) study and may also be an occasion to audition for a Performance Grant (music scholarship)
Recital
Students planning to present a recital should request a date and performance hall as soon as possible, but not fewer than two (2) months prior to the requested date. The reservation is not finalized until the student has passed the Division Jury audition. Programs and stage crew will be provided by the Department for all required recitals. Students performing a non-degree recital must pay for programs and stage crew. Program information must be submitted to the Music Office at least three (3) weeks prior to the performance date (i.e., when the student auditions for Division Jury. Materials submitted after this date will not be guaranteed for the performance date. All printed programs must receive Department Head approval. An audio recording of the recital is available for a $10 fee payable to the Music Department.
Accompanists
The accompanist program is administered through the Music Office. Student accompanists are supervised by the faculty Keyboard Area Coordinator and assigned to specific studios. Professional accompanists are contracted by the Music Division for their services. For required performances and juries, the Music Division will provide an accompanist for a prescribed number of rehearsals, depending upon the nature of the performance, as described below. “Rehearsals” means both rehearsal time with the accompanist and time spent in the applied lesson with the accompanist. Students may find it more feasible to ask the accompanist to work in half-hour segments.
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- Seminar performance, plus one hour of rehearsal
- Semester end jury, plus two hours of rehearsal
- Division Jury (upper division audition or pre-recital hearing), plus three hours of rehearsal
- Recital, plus four hours of rehearsal
In the case of collaborative recitals involving several instrumentalists or singers, the total paid shall not exceed the normal compensation provided for a single accompanist. For additional rehearsals or performances, students are responsible for any accompanist compensation.
Accompanist Policy
- The student contacts an accompanist from the approved departmental list, available from the Music Office or the applied instructor. Do not wait until the last minute. Difficult repertoire requires advance preparation on the pianist’s part. We suggest a minimum of two months ahead of time for recitals and one month for all other performances.
- Students must schedule rehearsals, lessons, and performance times directly with the accompanist in consultation with their applied instructor.
- Both the student and the accompanist should keep a written records of rehearsal hours to plan time wisely and ensure correct billing.
- The professional accompanist is responsible for submitting invoices to the department.
- If students wish to have additional rehearsal time, they must pay the accompanist out of their own funds. For major recitals, students may wish to give the accompanist a little performance “bonus” (amount discretionary).
Stage Crew
The Music Stage Crew provides technical assistance for all faculty, ensemble, and required student performances. Arrangements for non-degree student recitals (B.A. or Music minor) must be made at least three weeks prior to the performance date. Any costs associated are the responsibility of the student since these performances are not required for the degree.