Department of Music

Deborah H. Kavasch, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Kavasch, Thomas
Associate Professors: Afonso, Davies, Mulder, Sims, Weddle, Wiggett

Office: Music Building — M3
Phone: (209) 667-3421

Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Minor in Music
Liberal Studies degree concentration in Music

Department Requirements

All students who wish to declare a major or minor in music are required to audition in their major performing medium (vocal, instrumental, or keyboard) before a faculty panel. Upon passing the audition, students will take studio instruction in their major performing medium in accordance with their program requirements. At the end of each semester of applied study, all music majors and minors will be evaluated by a faculty jury and must demonstrate minimum performance levels established by the criteria set forth in their degree programs.
All entering students are required to take a theory placement examination, usually prior to the first week of classes. Entering first-year students must receive a passing grade on the test to begin the lower division theory sequence. Transfer students must be evaluated by the Department before registering for their first semester on campus. This evaluation includes an audition in the major performing medium as well as placement examinations in keyboard skills, theory, sightsinging, and dictation. Depending upon audition results, one to four units of lower division applied study and/or lower division Major Repertoire may be waived.
All majors (both BA and BM) must earn at least 8 semesters of credit in Directed Listening in order to graduate. Music minors are required to register for a minimum of four semesters of Directed Listening (MUS 2880/4880). Transfer students will be evaluated upon entry into the music program as to the number of Directed Listening semesters required. During each semester of applied study, all music majors and minors are required to enroll in Directed Listening (MUS 2880/4880) and to perform in public each semester of applied study, normally during the Directed Listening Recital Hour.
All music majors are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of performance skill in piano. All majors must enroll in an appropriate piano course until the requisite piano proficiency examination has been passed. Students should consult with the Coordinator of Keyboard Studies to obtain information about the proficiency examination for their degree track. Lower-division students must fulfill these requirements by the end of the sophomore year and before enrolling in upper-division music courses. Students transferring in at the upper-division level normally complete these requirements by the end of the junior year.
Ensemble participation requirements for the various degree programs are as follows:
1. Music majors in the Bachelor of Music degree program are required to participate each semester of applied study in a major performing ensemble (Concert Chorale, University Chamber Singers, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, or Jazz Ensemble) appropriate to their major performing medium. Keyboard and guitar majors normally enroll in Concert Chorale as their major performing ensemble, but may enroll in an instrumental ensemble if selected for the ensemble through the audition process, and approved by the major adviser and chair. For wind and percussion majors, Wind Ensemble is the required major ensemble. For string majors, Orchestra is the required major ensemble.
2. Music majors in the Bachelor of Arts degree program are required to participate each semester of applied study in a major (see above) or a secondary performing ensemble (Symphony Band, Instrumental Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Chamber Ensemble). Bachelor of Arts students must enroll in a lower division ensemble each semester until achieving junior standing. Thereafter, a total of four semesters of upper division ensemble credit is required for completion of the Bachelor of Arts, Music degree.
3. Any other student enrolled in applied lessons must enroll in an appropriate ensemble.
All music majors must pass a junior qualifying examination before registering for upper-division applied music. Students should consult with area coordinators for specific requirements for their performing medium. Upon passing the junior qualifying examination, students in the Bachelor of Music Jazz Studies program will begin upper-division applied music with the appropriate jazz instructor as determined by the Coordinator of Jazz Studies.
To be approved for graduation, music majors and minors must maintain a 2.0 GPA in all music coursework. In addition, music majors and minors must earn a grade of C– or better in all music classes required by their degree programs. All courses receiving a grade below C– in the major will not be considered a passing grade and the course must be repeated.

Liberal Studies Concentration in Music

Please refer to the Liberal Studies section of this catalog.

Learning Objectives

Students will perform on a principal instrument/voice with a proficiency appropriate to their degree program/concentration and level of study, and demonstrate this skill in solo and ensemble performance situations.
Students will perform on a principal instrument/voice at a level appropriate to their degree program or concentration and apply this skill in both large and small ensemble situations.
Students will demonstrate technological literacy throughout the curriculum.
Students will demonstrate understanding of theoretical and formal principles of music through coursework that emphasizes composition, analysis, and improvisation.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in aural and keyboard skills.
Students will demonstrate understanding of the development of world musics and the historical foundations of European and American styles.
Students will show integration of curricular goals through capstone performances and/or projects.