Music
Music Department Dates
- Fall Open House: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 (Click to RSVP)
- Fall Auditions: Saturday, December 3, 2016
- Spring Auditions: Saturday, February 11, 2017
- Spring Open House: Monday, February 20, 2017
Scholarship Auditions Information
In addition to a performance audition, students will be required to have two (2) non-familial adults fill out the recommendation form and mail to the Department of Music at Methodist University no later than one (1) week before his/her audition date. At least one form must come from his/her music teacher. Students will also be required to take a written theory test and write a brief essay on the day of the audition
Mission
The music department provides training in music, music education and performance. A concentration in Arts Management is also offered in conjunction with the B.A. in Music. The objective is to produce graduates who are prepared to teach music, perform, conduct, further advance their study of music in graduate school, and/or promote the arts in the larger community.
Goals
- Students who complete the music component of the General Education/Core curriculum by taking Music 1510 will have a basic understanding of musical vocabulary and the evolution of musical styles.
- Students who complete the music component of the General Education/Core curriculum by taking applied/proficiency courses, theory, or ensemble courses will develop skills and basic understanding of the technique and literature of a specific instrument, analytical/theoretical skills or ensemble/performance skills.
- Students who complete the music component of the General Education/Core Curriculum by taking MUS 1520 will have a basic understanding of jazz vocabulary, instrumentation, musicians, history, development of recorded media, and the evolution of various jazz styles.
- Music majors will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a wide selection of musical literature, principal eras, genres and cultural sources.
- Music majors will demonstrate an understanding of the theory and analytical techniques applicable to music of the common practice period, the 20th century and beyond.
Music majors must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher in all music courses required for their degree. For each semester a full-time student is enrolled as a music major, a passing grade must be earned in MUS 0710 (Concert Attendance).
All music majors are required to pass the piano proficiency exam. Non-music majors can enroll in music courses for which they are qualified, including private instruction in applied music and ensemble. All music majors are required to be enrolled in applied music lessons the semester their senior recital is performed.
Sophomore Gateway Review
All music majors at Methodist University must successfully pass the sophomore gateway review. This normally consists of a face to face meeting with all full time music faculty (and student’s applied music instructor) at the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year. It is generally conducted in tandem with the student’s jury follow up interview. During this interview the faculty will determine if the student is in good standing and qualifies to continue, and ultimately, complete their major. The decision will be based upon the following criteria:
- Students have had to have completed requisite course work (including ensembles).
- Students have had to have completed four semesters of applied lessons and performances in students recitals.
- Students must have attained no less than a “C” average in their applied area as well as all academic music courses.
- Music Education majors must have completed MUS 1090 (Prelude to Music Education).
Transfer students (junior or senior standing) are required to meet these same criteria after one semester at Methodist. Freshman or sophomore transfer students are allowed up to 2 additional semesters to meet the criteria.
Requirements for the major in Music (B.A.)
- To be accepted as a candidate for a B.A. in Music, the student must audition successfully no later than the end of the fourth semester.
- Continuous enrollment in MUS 0710 (with a passing grade). 8 semesters total.
- 32 s.h. of MUS 1070, 1080, 1600 (if necessary), 1610, 1620, 2070, 2080, 2600, 2610, 2620, 3110, 3130, 3610, 4190, plus 2 additional courses in 4640, 4650, or 4660, and foreign language courses in one language through the 1020-level or demonstration of competence (German, French, or Italian recommended).
- Continuous enrollment in the major instrument is required. A minimum of 16 continuous semester hours of applied lessons (C or higher) is required for graduation. All students receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Music are required to complete 16 semester hours on one instrument or in voice Percussionists must complete no fewer than 16 semester hours of applied lessons, with at least 10 semester hours in applied percussion- orchestral. All students receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Music are required to complete 16 semester hours on one instrument or voice.
- For students whose major instrument is not piano, satisfactory completion of the Piano Proficiency Exam is required.
- Continuous enrollment in ensemble in your major instrument or voice is required. A minimum of 8 credits of large ensemble (Concert Band, MUS 3480/3490), Noblemen (MUS 3280/3290), or Women’s Chorus (MUS 3860/3870), approved string or orchestra ensemble, or Guitar Ensemble (MUS 3260 -3270) is required for graduation. Guitar majors must enroll in one of these ensembles whether guitar ensemble is scheduled or not in any given semester.
- A half recital in the major instrument is required for graduation.
- Enrollment in upper 3000-4000 level courses is predicated on successful completion of 1000-2000 level classes.
- Instrumental majors (wind, brass, and percussion) are required to participate in Marching Band for no fewer than two years. Qualified piano majors may be asked to accompany one of the choirs to fulfill requirement. Guitar majors, though not required, may participate in either the Marching Band or Concert Band with instructor’s permission.
Click here for information on the Arts Management concentration available within the B.A. in Music.
Requirements for the minor in Music
16-19 s.h.—8-11 s.h. in music courses, including MUS 1070, 1080, 1600 (if necessary), 1610, 1620, plus 4 s.h. in applied lessons and 4 s.h. in major ensembles (Marching Band, Noblemen, or Women’s Chorus). Four semesters of MUS 0710 (with a passing grade). No senior recital is required for the minor.
Requirements for the Minor in Secondary Instrument/Voice
Applied lessons (8 semester hours – 4 semesters). No senior recital is required, but student must perform on semester student recitals and juries. This minor is only available to music majors.
Requirements for the A.A. Concentration in Music
29-32 s.h.—17-20 s.h. in music courses, including MUS 1070, 1080, 1600 (if necessary), 1610, 1620, 2610, 2620, 2070, 2080, and 2600 plus 8 s.h. in applied music and 4 s.h. in major ensembles, (Marching Band, Noblemen, or Women’s Chorus) Four semesters of MUS 0710 (with a passing grade). No senior recital is required for the A.A.
