Music
About Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides students with a solid training that encompases traditional as well as contemporary music and practical application with hands-on experience. Students can choose from five different concentrations: Composition, Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Jazz Instrumental Performance, and Contemporary Urban and Popular Music. Students broaden their knowledge with courses in theory, harmony, aural skills, keyboard, music history, and analysis. Throughout this course of study, students also participate in ensembles and private lessons specific to their concentrations.
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Music Website
For Orientation
Before arriving on campus, all Music students must fill out the Music Student Area of Focus survey and complete the Music Theory Assessment.
The Theory Assessment is our way of evaluating the level of musical knowledge and skills you bring as an incoming student in order to place you at the appropriate level of music theory coursework.
If you don’t have any background in music theory or don’t know how to read music, don’t worry! Work your way through as much of the assessment as you can. Whether or not you have studied music, this assessment serves as a tool to help determine your skill level.
The assessment will take you through a series of questions and exercises on the computer. It will ask you to identify intervals, key signatures, different kinds of scales, and chords, and demonstrate your knowledge of part writing. All students should start by taking the Beginning Music Theory Assessment. You will have 35 minutes to complete the assessment. If you feel as though you didn’t perform at your best, you may take the exam one additional time after a period of 48 hours has elapsed. You will need your Oasis number to complete the Music Theory Assessment.
As soon as you submit your answers, you will see your score.
If you achieve a score of 0-38, no further assessment is necessary. At Orientation you should plan to register for 32-1100 Introduction to Music Prep.
If you achieve the score of 39-47, please plan to register for 32-1120 Theory I, 32-1110 Aural Skills I, and 32-2131 Keyboard I.
If you achieve a score of 48 points or better, please complete the Intermediate Music Theory Assessment.
If you achieve a score of 0-38 on the intermediate level assessment, please plan to register for 32-1120 Theory I, 32-1110 Aural Skills I, and 32-2131 Keyboard I.
If you achieve a score of 39-50 on the intermediate level assessment, you are invited to meet with the theory coordinator at Assessment Day (August 29, 1-3pm) to be placed into the appropriate theory and aural skills course.
For the time being, please plan to register for 32-2121 Theory II, 32-1110 Aural Skills I, and 32-2131 Keyboard I.
Students with Keyboard Experience:
If you achieve a score of 39-50 on the beginning assessment, please plan to register for 32-2131 Keyboard I.
If you believe your playing ability is beyond Keyboard I, please be prepared for further assessment at Assessment Day. Please prepare to demonstrate knowledge of keyboard registers, note names, and finger positions. You will also be asked to play scales, chords, and sight-read.
Primary Performance Area - Guitar:
If you achieve a score of 0-38 on the beginning theory assessment, please plan to register for 32-1000-03 Recital Attendance – Workshop for Year One Guitarists at orientation.
If you achieve a score of 39-50 on the beginning assessment, please plan to register for 32-1321 Guitar Techniques I.
If you believe your playing ability is beyond Guitar Techniques I, please bring your guitar to Assessment Day for further assessment. Prepare to play scales, chords, and sight-read.
Primary Performance Area - Voice:
If you achieve a score of 39-50 on the beginning assessment, please plan to register for 32-1700 Introductory Private Voice and 32-1511 Techniques in Singing I.
If you have taken college-level private voice instruction and believe you should be placed beyond these classes, please be prepared for further assessment at Assessment Day. Prepare to sing one selection, in any style or genre, that demonstrates your vocal abilities.
Recommended First-Semester Classes
First semester courses are ultimately determined by placement results during Orientation or Assessment Day. However, many students begin with some of the following:
- 32-1000 Recital Attendance
- 32-1100 Introduction to Music Prep OR 32-1110 Aural Skills I with
- 32-1120 Theory I and
- 32-2131 Keyboard I
