Requirements of Major in Music at Sam Houston State University
Monday, March 2nd, 2009Program Specific Requirements
General Requirements for Music Majors
General Requirements for Music Majors - Students desiring to major in music must have previous musical experience.
Audition - All students entering the School of Music as music majors must audition in their major performance area and be accepted for a specific degree plan (e.g Bachelor of Music: Performance, Teacher Certification, Theory/Composition; Bachelor of Music: Music Therapy). Music therapy majors must also schedule and pass an interview with the Director of Music Therapy.
Grades – Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses required in the major. If
they receive a grade lower than a “C” they will be placed on academic probation until they retake
the course with the “C” or better grade.
Jury - All students enrolled in applied classes (private studio instruction) must take jury examinations at the end of each semester.
Ensemble - All students enrolled in applied classes should perform in an ensemble. Sophomore barrier – Before students majoring in music are allowed to enroll for 300-level courses in applied music, they must pass a proficiency examination/barrier. The exam is normally administered at the end of their fourth semester of study. NOTE: students are given/allowed three opportunities to pass the barrier. If they do not pass by the third attempt, they cannot continue as music majors.
Piano proficiency - Students must pass a proficiency examination in piano. Students who do not have the requisite skills may enroll in piano classes. Completion of the piano classes with a grade of “C” or better meets the skills requirement for the keyboard proficiency.
Concert attendance – Students are required to attend 12 performances (from a specified list) each semester for six semesters in all undergraduate Bachelor of Music major tracks. Transfer students may receive a credit or waiver for up to three semesters. Details of this requirement are printed in the School of Music Student Handbook.
Large ensemble – Enrollment in a large ensemble is expected of full-time music majors each fall and spring semester. Music therapy majors must enroll in an ensemble for 6 semesters. The minimum requirement is seven semesters for B.M. Music Education/Teacher Certification track; eight semesters for other B.M. tracks; and six semesters for Music Therapy majors.
For piano principals (non-performance majors), accompanying (ENS 110/310) will satisfy a portion of this requirement.
For piano performance majors, Collaborative Piano (ENS 110/310) satisfies the major ensemble requirement.
Further details are printed in the School of Music Student Handbook.
Freshmen and sophomore students enroll in 100-level ensembles; juniors and seniors enroll in 300-level ensembles.