Music Proficiencies

Admission to the University neither implies nor guarantees acceptance into a Music degree program. The University may discourage any individual from attempting to complete preparation toward a Music concentration if, in the opinion of the Music Faculty, he or she fails to meet acceptable professional standards. (See Rudimentary Music Skills Exam and Upper-Division Hearing)

Students desiring to complete any concentration in Music should adequately prepare for the rigors of college-level music study. Additional coursework may be necessary to meet graduation standards.

All students intending to complete a concentration in Music must complete the following placements/exams:

Entrance Requirements:

• Instrument/voice placement audition
• Piano placement audition
• Music theory placement exam

Rudimentary Music Skills Exam:

• Given as part of coursework in MUTH 131, 230.
• Exam consists of written theory, sight singing, and dictation.
• Exam must be passed before taking the Upper-Division Hearing.

Upper-Division Hearing:

• Applied Audition Recital (12-15 minutes of music, to be performed during the fourth semester of college-level applied study)
• Completed application for the Teacher Education program (Music Education majors only)
• Composition portfolio (Music Composition majors only)
• Interview with Music faculty (refer to Music Department handbook)
• Upper-Division Prerequisites:
  • Successful completion of the Rudimentary Music Skills Exam
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • GPA of 2.75 in music courses
  • Grades of “C” or higher in all required Music courses

Students may declare a Music concentration only upon successful completion of the Upper-Division Hearing. This evaluation will be completed at the end of the fourth semester of college-level applied study. Transfer students with freshman or sophomore standing will complete the Upper-Division Hearing at the end of the fourth semester of college-level applied study. Students who transfer with junior standing must complete the Upper-Division Hearing as part of the audition process. Music students will receive a progress report at the end of each semester identifying deficiencies toward meeting the upper-division requirements. Students who are unsuccessful in meeting the prerequisites and prescribed criteria will not be permitted to register for required upper-division Music courses and will be eligible for re-evaluation after one additional semester of study. Any student failing to meet the prerequisites and prescribed criteria upon the second attempt will not be permitted to complete a Music concentration.

Music courses may be offered in specified sequence or on a rotating basis. Students should take notice of these requirements in order to complete Music concentrations in a timely manner.

Piano Proficiency Exam: Students pursuing any Music major must pass the Piano Proficiency Exam. Students majoring in Music Education must complete the exam prior to student teaching and the senior recital. Students with a Music Ministry major must complete the exam prior to the internship and the senior recital. Other Music students must complete the exam prior to the senior recital/project.