If you are interested in a career in music as a performer, teacher, composer, or researcher, you will need to develop your skills to expand your knowledge of music. The Department of Music provides intensive musical training on the collegiate level for musicians preparing for a profession in music education, music performance, jazz studies, musical theater and general studies in music, while serving non-music majors and music minors with a variety of offerings. Musical performance is a vital component of all programs. Individualized instruction allows for a nurturing environment reflecting high regard for the musical legacies of the past as well as preparedness for the future. Graduates in music have gone on to careers as professional performers, public school music teachers, band directors, choral directors, church musicians, and private music teachers.
As a music major or minor, you will be required to declare a major performing area (voice, piano, trumpet, etc.). In addition to being proficient on your instrument, music majors must also demonstrate a knowledge of music theory. Students who have a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of music theory upon entry into a music program are much more likely to succeed in all fields of musical study. All entering freshmen and those who have previous college credit but are new to the music major must take a music theory diagnostic examination before being advised into their first semester of coursework. This exam is given by the Music Departmental office. Those with adequate knowledge will be placed in MUSI 1211: Music Theory 1 and MUSI 1101: Ear-Training and Sight-Singing 1. Students who are not familiar with the rudiments of music theory will be placed in MUSI 1201: Music Fundamentals.
All entering music majors must also perform a placement audition before a faculty panel in their major performing area. These auditions will be scheduled prior to the start of classes. Students are expected to demonstrate background and experience through their high school programs or prior collegiate work in musical ensembles, private study, church music, etc. Students without this background must show extraordinary potential to be admitted as a music major. Students who are unable to demonstrate these abilities will not be admitted into the music program and will be advised to seek another major.
The Department of Music, a program fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of music offers two degrees: 1. Bachelor of Music in performance (instrumental, vocal, piano and jazz studies tracks), and Bachelor of Music in music education (vocal and instrumental tracks), and 2. Bachelor of Arts in Music.
BACHELOR OF MUSIC: Two areas of professional study are available in the Bachelor of Music degree: Performance prepares students for careers as instruments in symphonic, jazz and popular styles; as singers in opera, theater and popular music, and as solo recitalists, accompanists, private and college teachers, and church musicians. Music Education prepares musicians for careers as music teachers at all levels in public and private schools.
GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL MUSIC MAJORS
1. Music majors must achieve a grade of C or better in each courses required for the major, including those in the minor field.
2. All students declaring a music major are expected to show proficiency in functional keyboard (piano) and computer applications, as outlined in the Music Student Handbook (http://www.augusta.edu/pamplin/music/). This requirement can be satisfied through the following required courses: MUSI 1521 – Class Piano I, MUSI 1522 – Class Piano II, MUSI 2523 – Class Piano III, MUSI2524 – Class Piano IV, and MUSI 1810 – Music Technology. Keyboard (piano) majors will substitute the following courses for Class Piano I-IV: MUSI 2525 – Advanced Keyboard Skills, MUSI 3551 – Keyboard Accompanying (2 credits) and either MUSI 4670 – Keyboard Ensemble (1 credit) or MUSI 3660 – Augusta University Jazz Ensemble (1 credit).
3. Applied Lessons: Lesson in applied music (principal performing medium) must be taken each semester of residence according to the major field specifications. Composition lessons are not a substitute for lessons in a principal performing medium.
4. Major Ensembles: All music students are required to participate for credit in a minimum of one major ensemble each semester of residence, whether of full-time or part-time status. Exceptions may be granted through petition to and approval of the full-time music faculty. All students will be assigned to a major ensemble upon entrance, but are encouraged to participate in other small or large ensembles. Major ensembles are defined as the following: 1. Augusta University Wind Ensemble (all woodwinds, brass and percussion), 2. Augusta University Orchestra (all string instruments), and Augusta University Singers (all voice types). Students who choose piano or guitar as their principal performing medium will be assigned to one of the three depending upon their experiences in secondary performing areas.
5. Recital Lab and Studio Class: All music majors and minors are required to be enrolled in and achieve a passing grade in Recital Laboratory (MUSI 1500) and Studio Class (MUSA 2X05) during each semester that their degree requires applied study. Recital Lab and Studio Class are co-requisites to applied music study. For further details, please consult the Music Student Handbook (http://www.augusta.edu/pamplin/music/).
6. Advising: All music majors are required to have an advisor on the full-time music faculty; a student’s advisor is most often also their applied teacher. Self-advising for a degree in music is not allowed.
7. Exit Exams: All music majors are required to take the Music Major Exit Exam, which is given during the final semester of study.
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