Music Policies:
The following policies have been instituted to maintain high standards of performance proficiency. Refer to the School of Music and Theatre Handbook for a comprehensive list of policies. In order to guide and assist students in preparation, permission of the instructor is required for performances outside the School of Music and Theatre. All music majors must attend faculty and student recitals and other University music programs in accordance with MUS 051-058: Performance Class requirements, published at the beginning of each semester within the School of Music and Theatre.
Application to Bachelor of Music
Students interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Music must audition to demonstrate musical achievement in the applied area of study either before the first semester or during finals of their second semester.
Diagnostic Testing
A Musicianship diagnostic is taken prior to enrollment in the School of Music and Theatre. A low diagnostic score requires remediation in MUS 105: Music Fundamentals; or, an equivalent that is approved by the Director of the School of Music and Theatre prior to enrollment in MUS 121: Music Theory I.
Applied Area
An Applied area is the student’s primary area of performance study. Applied instruction is available in the following areas: voice, woodwind, brass, percussion, string, keyboard (piano or organ), and composition. A student’s applied area determines their major lesson placement (MUS 125- 425), major ensemble participation, recital requirements, degree eligibility and/or additional requirements. Studio placement for major lessons within an applied area is determined by the Director of the School of Music and Theatre with consultation from area coordinators.
A student may change applied area until the end of the sophomore year with approval of the applied faculty member in the new applied area and the Director of the School of Music and Theatre prior to the change and observing the following provisos: a) a student has successful auditioned in the new applied area b.) student in Music Education must accrue credit hours in the new applied area equivalent to the required hours in the junior and senior years; c) a student in Performance must accrue credit hours in the new applied area equivalent to the required hours in the sophomore, junior and senior years; d) a student in Theory/Composition must accrue the total hours required for the major. Procedure for changes in applied area is outlined in the School of Music and Theatre handbook.
Applied Areas
Euphonium (section A), Bass Violin (section B), Bassoon (section C), Cello (section D), Clarinet (section E), Flute (section F), French Horn (section G), Guitar (section H), Harp (section I), Oboe (section J), Organ (section K), Percussion (section L), Piano (section M), Saxophone (section N), Trombone (section O), Trumpet (section P), Tuba (section Q), Viola (section R), Violin (section S), Voice (section T), Composition (section U).
Dual Applied Areas
Students qualified by audition may pursue two applied areas within a Bachelor of Music degree. Students will be required to fulfill degree requirements for both applied areas, which may require additional time beyond four years. Course substitutions will be allowed where there is content overlap, as authorized by the Director of the School of Music and Theatre.
Dual Majors
Students qualified by examination to pursue two majors within the Bachelor of Music will plan their schedules in consultation with the Director of the School of Music and Theatre. Students who wish to meet music education requirements while preparing for professional careers in performance must complete the requirements for both the Performance major and the Music Education major. The completion of two majors may require five or more years.
Grade Requirements
Students earning a Bachelor of Music degree are held to the major course grade requirement policy listed within the Academic Policies and Resource section of this catalog. However, the School of Music and Theatre established a set of core courses that will meet this policy. These courses are identified within each major section.
Ensembles
The School of Music and Theatre offers major and small ensembles open to all Heidelberg students. Major ensembles (Concert Choir, University-Community Chorus, Heidelberg Band, Orchestra, Piano Chamber Music, Theatre Production, and Performance) provide the foundation of our curricular and performance platform for all music majors, introducing repertoire, performance practice and pedagogy. Major ensemble placement is determined by applied area and audition. Small ensembles (Jazz Band, Studio2Stage, Chamber Singers, and other Chamber Ensembles) are complementary ensembles that offer opportunities to explore different musical styles and genres. Small ensembles are required for Bachelor of Music degrees and open to all Heidelberg students. Placement requirements for small ensembles vary depending on the instructor.
All Music Majors must register for a major ensemble during each semester of enrollment. Exceptions to this rule will be considered for students involved in international study opportunities, internship requirements resulting from a second major. Ensemble assignments are based on auditions held each fall during the first week of classes. Major ensemble placement is determined by the ensemble directors in collaboration with the Director of the School of Music.
Performance Major Small Ensemble: Performance majors in the Instrumental (brass, woodwind, percussion) applied area are required to participate in Marching Band unless excused by the School of Music and Theatre.
Music Education Major Ensemble: In addition to the major ensemble requirement, Music Education majors are also required to complete two additional ensemble experiences. Voice: two semesters of instrumental ensemble; Keyboard (Piano): opposite ensemble from the one selected in the Major Ensemble; String: appropriate instrumental ensemble; or, Instrumental (brass, woodwind, percussion): two semesters of a choral ensemble.
Music Education Small Ensemble: In addition to the major ensemble requirement, Music Education majors are also required to complete two small ensemble experiences. These experiences should relate to the primary applied area of the student.
Music Education Academic Progress
Music education majors are subject to a review of academic progress after three semesters of full-time study. Consult the School of Music and Theatre Student Handbook for specific details about the review process.
Music Education Examination/Exemption
Majors with a strong background in the applied areas of keyboard may complete credit by exam to exempt out of the secondary area requirements (MUS 185, 186, 285, 286.)
Performance Class
All majors must register for Performance Class (MUS 051-058) each semester of enrollment. A P (passing) grade is necessary to complete degree requirements.
Piano Proficiency
A music major with a strong background in the applied area of piano may take a piano proficiency. When proficiency is passed before the number of piano hours required, a student may complete the required hours through piano instruction, or study organ with permission of the keyboard instructor.
