Academic Overview

General Admission Requirements for the B.M. and B.A. in Music Degree Programs

1. A student must successfully pass an audition in the selected performing medium to be admitted to any music degree program. (See audition requirements below.)
2. A placement examination in music theory will be given to all entering students in order to determine their level of ability. In the event that a student lacks sufficient background in the area of music theory, the student may be admitted on a probationary basis; however, it is expected that the student will make sufficient progress within a year's time, which will allow him/her to become a regular student and be admitted to the regular program, in good standing.
3. Each major course required in the degree program must be passed with a minimum grade of C-. No major course may be repeated more than once. If a student repeats a course and is still unable to pass with a minimum grade of C-, he/she will be reassessed by the music faculty with regard to his/her potential to complete the program in a timely manner.
4. All students will be assessed at the end of the sophomore year.
5. All students are required to take a jury examination each semester of applied study.

Music Audition Requirements

Piano:

1. Major scales, parallel motion, hands together Minor scales (at least one form), parallel motion, hands together Arpeggios – Major and minor triads for 4 octaves
2. A Bach Invention or work of comparable difficulty
3. A contrasting work from the Classic, Romantic, or 20th Century repertoire

Voice:

1. A voice of attractive quality: agile and resonant with a range of two octaves
2. The ability to reproduce tones when played or sung
3. A repertoire that includes art songs and/or folk songs
4. A background that includes participation in secondary choral programs and community-based organizations

Instrumental:

Woodwind, Brass and String

1. All major scales - Each scale is to be played through the most accepted and practical range of your instrument
2. Chromatic scale - This scale is to be played throughout the practical range of your instrument. It should be slurred ascending and tongued descending or vice-versa
3. One piece selected from the following:
   • Standard etude on your chosen instrument (Rose for the clarinet, etc.)
   • Composition chosen from the Band and Orchestra Directors Manual of your home state or a piece with comparable music content
   • A piece of band or orchestral literature that best demonstrates your technique, musicianship and interpretation

Percussion:

1. Play the following rudiments:
   • Long Roll Seven Stroke Roll Double Drag
   • Flam Flam Accent # 1 Double Paradiddle
   • Ruff Flam Paradiddle Single Ratamacue
   • Five Stroke Roll Flamacue Triple Ratamacue
   • Single Drag Lesson 25 Nine Stroke Roll
     (Must be played open and closed.)
2. Mallet players are expected to play all scales which include two octaves
3. Perform one piece from the following list:
   • Standard etude on your chosen instrument
   • Composition chosen from the Band and Orchestra Directors Manual of your home state or a piece with comparable music content
   • A piece of band or orchestral literature that best demonstrates your technique, musicianship and interpretation