Al Wojtera*, Chairperson

http://music.asp.radford.edu

Undergraduate Programs

The undergraduate professional programs in the Department of Music offer opportunities for students to prepare for careers as teachers of music in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, and also for careers in music therapy, the music business and for advanced professional graduate study. The undergraduate liberal arts program in the Department of Music offers opportunities for the study of music irrespective of specific career aspirations, for emphases which may meet the needs of individual students, and for preparation to study music at the graduate level. The department provides and promotes music activities for the university and community; and provides instruction and experiences in music for majors and non-majors, enhanced by multi-cultural/global perspectives and the benefits of new technology.

The Department of Music offers major degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and a minor in music at the undergraduate level. Courses are also open to students whose primary interests are in other fields. Radford University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

The curriculum in music therapy, which is in accordance with the recommendations established by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), provides eligibility to take the national certification exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

Students may pursue the music major leading to either a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in music education, music business or music therapy; a Bachelor of Arts; or a Bachelor of Science degree.

Audition Requirement

Prior to acceptance as a music major in an undergraduate music degree program, each prospective student must demonstrate their performance ability through an entrance audition. Those students whose performance abilities are determined to be comparable to university level achievement, are assigned to Level 1 Applied Music, and are then eligible to major in music. Admission to the Department of Music as a music major is based on 1) acceptance to the university, and 2) a successful entrance audition. Audition dates are scheduled throughout the school year and posted on our department website. Information concerning audition requirements, forms for scheduling your audition, and our contact information, are all found on our department website.

Applied Music Study

Private applied music lessons are available to qualified music majors and non-majors in flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, piano, organ, voice, guitar, violin, viola, cello, string bass and composition at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Two credits per semester may be earned for a one-hour lesson per week. One credit may be earned for a one-half hour lesson per week.

Prior to registration each semester, students must have the approval of the Department of Music chairperson for placement.

Note: An applied music instruction fee is charged at the rate of $250 per credit per semester. Applied music fees may be waived for level system applied lessons with the approval of the dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts for students majoring in music. Fee waivers do not apply for MUSC 170 , MUSC 470  or MUSC 670.

In the Level System of Applied Music Performance, quality of performance is stressed through minimum level requirements for each curriculum and evaluation of student performance by faculty juries. Students may attempt one performance level per two credits of applied music study.

The content of each performance area is divided into eight levels. Minimum requirements in technique (including sight reading, general facility, language, etc.) and repertoire (including requirements in variety, scope, level of difficulty, quantity, etc.), are outlined for each level. Each applied area has specific requirements and representative materials at each level. These requirements are on file in the Music Department office. Successful completion of requirements for each level will be determined by a faculty jury.

Jury examinations for Levels 3 and 6 are considered to be screening juries. (Level 4 will be the screening jury for transfer students placed in that level upon admission.) At Level 3 the purpose of the screening jury is to determine the student’s progress for successful completion of applied music and music curricular degree requirements. At Level 6, the purpose of the screening jury is to determine the student’s comprehensive grasp of all degree-related music skills and information. Screening juries will include a review of the student’s current academic record.

Level Requirements in Applied Piano

Level 2 in applied piano is required for the Bachelor of Music concentration in Music Therapy; and for the Vocal/Choral option in the Bachelor of Music concentration in Music Education. Completion of this requirement normally takes four semesters. Level 1 in applied piano is required for the Instrumental option in the Bachelor of Music concentration in Music Education. Completion of this requirement normally takes two semesters.

Concert Attendance Requirement

Music majors are required to attend all departmental recitals and convocations (on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11 a.m.) as well as 10 other approved recitals or concerts each semester. Any exception to the above must be approved by the chairperson of the Department of Music. This requirement must be met a minimum of six semesters prior to graduation. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above in all music courses taken at Radford University is required for graduation with a baccalaureate degree in music.

Performing Ensembles

The following ensembles are open to all qualified music majors and non-majors:

No more than one major ensemble per semester may be counted toward degree requirements (transfer students who may graduate in fewer semesters than the number of ensembles required are excepted).

The Instrumental Option in the Music Education Concentration requires at least six (6) semester hours chosen from MUSC 151 , MUSC 310 , and MUSC 436 . The Vocal/Choral Option in the Music Education Concentration requires at least six (6) semester hours chosen from MUSC 145 , MUSC 147  and MUSC 456 .

Ensemble Limits (maximum number of semesters that may be counted toward requirement):

Four semesters: MUSC 145 , MUSC 147 , MUSC 435 , MUSC 455  and MUSC 457 
Two semesters: MUSC 434 
One semester: MUSC 433 , MUSC 437 , and 453

Transfer Student

A total of 35 semester hours of required courses may be transferred from another institution as follows:

Transfer students and students with degrees from other institutions seeking teacher licensure in music must take all other major degree requirements in music at Radford University. Exceptions may be granted by the Department of Music with the approval of the dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.