Special Music Requirements

Applies to all music degrees.

Applied Music Examination (Jury)

All music majors taking private lessons must participate in a jury examination for the music faculty.

Directed Study for Music Majors

Under normal circumstances, music classes will not be offered as directed or independent studies for music majors. In extenuating circumstances, students may petition the music faculty for a directed study or independent study one semester in advance. The petition must be in the form of a letter addressed to the Music Division Chair. The letter should list the independent or directed study being requested and the rationale for the request. Requests for direct study or independent study to be granted by the music faculty must be approved by the Senior Vice President.

Ensembles

All full-time music majors must be enrolled in an ensemble every semester based on their principal performing area. Voice principal must be enrolled in a choral ensemble each semester. Instrumental majors must be enrolled in an instrumental ensemble each semester. Keyboard principals will be given latitude on ensemble selection based on interest. Guitar majors must enroll in the Guitar Ensemble each semester beginning with the sophomore level of applied study (MUS 250G).

Piano Proficiency

All music majors are required to pass all components of the piano proficiency prior to upper-level applied study. Students who can- not pass the proficiency skills may enroll in Piano Proficiency Skill Classes. Students must enroll in the appropriate piano proficiency class until all proficiencies have been passed.

Recital Attendance

Each semester enrolled, music majors must attend a minimum of 80% of all recitals. Music students will automatically be enrolled in MUS 101. Recital Lab.

Upper Level Evaluations

This evaluation will take place no sooner than a student's forth semester of private performance area instruction. It will replace the end of semester jury examination.

Upper Level Examinations will include the following:

1. Performance in the student's performing area. (BA students will present a 10 minute performance.) Following the performance, the music faculty will engage the student in conversation concerning literature performed, stylistic traits of the music,pedagogy problems with the literature, etc.
2. The faculty will engage the student in conversation concerning the student's career goals and education.
3. The Upper Level examination will include four components: a) Performance; b) Sight-Singing Proficiency Exam, c) Piano Proficiency Exam, and d) Voice Proficiency Exam.

The music faculty will recommend that a student continue as a music major in a chosen performance area based on performance in music classes, lessons, juries, and successful completion of all components of the Upper Level Examination.

Transfer students will enter the evaluation process at a time equivalent to that of BCF students. Transfer students who enter a the junior level must complete the Upper-Level Evaluation during their first semester of study at BCF.

Church Music Practicum

All Church Music majors must complete the following Church Music Practicum Requirement. Students must complete a 10 week consecutive church music practicum leadership experience. The Practicum experiences will be designed in agreement with supervising church music faculty.