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^ Grade of “C” or better required.
* This course has a prerequisite.
# Possible waiver by exam.
π A major course that meets a General Education requirement.
+ Possible waiver with a specified number of transfer credits upon first-time admission.
Music Learning Outcomes
Music majors will perform a variety of music styles with ensembles and on an individual basis. Students will demonstrate proficiency in performance, composition, conducting, and production skills. Students will analyze and articulate an understanding of music literature and theory. Students in the music major will be prepared for many different career possibilities of a professional musician including performance, composition, songwriting, music teaching, and graduate school.
Admission Requirements
Students must perform an entrance audition to be formally admitted as a music major.
Upper-level Course Requirements
Depending on which courses students choose in the music major, they may not acquire 36 upper-level credit hours (numbered 300-499) in their major coursework. However, students are required to complete 36 credit hours of upper-level courses in order to graduate. Students should include upper-level coursework in their electives to ensure they will meet graduation requirements.
Transfer Students
Coursework from other institutions is accepted in accordance with SAU’s transfer policies. The placement of students in music programs and courses is subject to verification of skills through an entrance audition and applicable departmental exams. Transfer students must perform an entrance audition to be officially admitted as a music major.
Juries, Sophomore Check and Recitals
Progress made by music majors is monitored in semester “juries” in which the students perform selected compositions and technical skills for the music faculty. At the end of the sophomore year, music majors must perform a sophomore check, a more elaborate jury that includes sight reading and technical skills. Successful completion of the sophomore check is required. Music majors must also perform a junior and professional recital, and faculty approval of the recital satisfies the jury requirement if all performance requirements have been met. (Details of all music department policies are available in the Music Department Handbook.)
Applied Lessons Credit Hours
Students must select a primary instrument and take 8 semesters of this same instrument to complete the requirement. Applied lessons meet for one half-hour (30 minutes) each week for 1 credit hour. To acquire 2 credit hours of applied lessons in one semester, students will meet for one hour (60 minutes) each week (by permission only). All applied lessons require significant individual practice outside of the meeting time, attendance of all music labs, and performance in at least two music labs a semester. Special topics courses may substitute for applied lessons as approved by the music department.
Piano lessons (MUS 310P1) are required and result in the passing of the MUS 487 requirement. If students are able to pass the proficiency in their first semester, the additional credit of MUS 310P1 can be used as a music elective credit. If students are unable to pass MUS 487 by the end of their freshman year, additional credits of MUS 310P1 will be required until the MUS 487 requirement is fulfilled.
Ensembles for Majors and Non-majors
Spring Arbor University offers a rich environment for musical participation. Interested students can participate in several different kinds of performance ensembles including Gospel Choir, Chamber Choir, University Singers, Concert Band, String Orchestra, Jazz Band, and contemporary Christian music ensembles. Students often perform in University events and are in demand in area churches. Music scholarships are available to all students, including non-majors, who are active in performance groups and/or accompanying.
Program Oversight
The music major is overseen by the Department of Music. Courses with MUS numbers are administered by this department. Questions about the music major should be directed to the department chair.
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