General Background

The department recommends that the music major entering the university should have:

1. Several years of ensemble experience (choir or band) on a primary area of specialization.
2. Experience performing as a soloist.
3. Four or more years’ experience in an area of primary specialization (brass, composition, guitar, percussion, piano, voice, or woodwinds) on which they will pursue further study.
4. Basic note-, sight-, and rhythm-reading skills.
5. Basic keyboard skills (helpful, but not required).
6. Basic familiarity with different musical styles (classical, popular, music theater, jazz, etc.).

Characteristics

To be successful as a music major, a student must possess the following characteristics:

1. A passion for music.
2. A desire to practice diligently and improve skills in a primary area of specialization.
3. An enjoyment of performing both within a group and as a soloist.
4. Effective study skills which must include time management, organization, and effective note-taking.
5. A desire to learn and an ability to be receptive and responsive to teaching.
6. A sense of gratification from music-making and music studies.
7. An interest in understanding how music works.
8. A drive to be tenacious in pursuit of excellence.