A. Applied Music

1. Audition Requirements

As stated in the UNCP Catalog, all prospective music majors and lateral entry candidates must audition in order to gain acceptance into one of the music degree programs as well as gain approval of the specific performance (applied music) area. Additionally, any music major who is not enrolled in two credit hour private lessons for two or more consecutive semesters will be required to re-audition for the department.

Note:  Double Major – Only under unusual circumstances will a student be allowed to pursue a second applied music major. Such student must:

• Gain the approval of his/her applied music instructor in the area in question.
• Gain the approval of his/her advisor.
• Audition and be accepted for the second applied music area.
• Perform appropriately on all end-of-the-semester jury exams for both performance media.
• Successfully complete the required Evaluation Forum during the third semester of study for both performance areas.
• Successfully perform an appropriate Senior Recital in both performance areas.

           

2. Semester Evaluation (Jury)

At the end of each semester all music majors, music minors, vocal students, and students having a concentration in music taking applied music for credit must take an applied music jury. This jury is required. However, when the above-named students have met the requirements for applied lessons and choose to go beyond that point, a jury may no longer be required. Juries will be scheduled during exam week. Students should check with their instructors during the semester as to the nature of the jury in specific performing areas. Juries for students enrolled in applied music for elective credit will be handled at the discretion of the private instructor. Those students who have successfully completed a Junior or Senior Recital are exempt from the jury requirement.

 

3. Grading/Attendance Policy

Because private music instruction is such a critical and vital part of a music major’s education, the following policy shall be rigorously enforced with regard to all students enrolled in private lessons:

a. Grading Scale

Private lessons will be graded on a weekly basis employing a ten-point scale.

b. “Applied Music Repertoire and Evaluation” Form (Jury Sheet)

Prior to the jury, the student will complete a digital jury form and list all materials studied during the current semester.

c. Grade Percentage

The determination of the final grade will be made according to the following percentages:

Private lesson/Seminar grades (includes deductions for absences*)          80%

Jury grade average                                                                                                20%

* See Section III.A.2 for recital/concert attendance policy.

d. Absences

All unexcused absences in excess of one will be averaged into the final grade as a zero (0). If a student attends every lesson, the lowest grade will be dropped. When at all possible, excuses for absences should be submitted prior to their occurrence. Such absences will be excused in accordance with the official UNCP policy as described in the University Catalog or at the instructor’s discretion.

e. Make-up Lessons

Lessons missed except due to the instructor’s absence will not be made up. Students should recognize that

• The instructor’s busy schedule makes it very difficult to schedule make-up lessons.
• Part-time instructors teach for only a certain number of hours per week.
• The concept of a “make-up” lesson is unsound since there is some question as to whether regular work missed can be totally made-up.

f. Credit

Applied Music is offered for both one and two hours credit per semester. Enrollment for two hours credit is restricted to the major instrument for music majors only. All other students should enroll for one-hour credit.

Non-music majors at UNCP are fortunate that they are often able to study privately without additional charge with members of the UNCP music faculty. Private study is often not possible at many institutions because of the faculty load with music majors. A musician also advances on his/her instrument or voice through practicing the newly acquired skills in an ensemble setting. Private music students at UNCP are, therefore, expected to belong to an appropriate ensemble at UNCP while they are enrolled in Applied Music. In practical terms, this means that a non-major wishing to study privately will need to allocate one credit hour of his/her schedule to private instruction and participate in an appropriate ensemble.

4. Evaluation Forum (Third Semester of Applied Music Study)

All music majors are evaluated at the conclusion of their third semester of Applied Music. Transfer students at or above this level will be evaluated at the conclusion of their first semester of study. Additionally, any music major who is not enrolled in two credit hour private lessons for two or more consecutive semesters will be required to retake Evaluation Forum in the first semester of their return. Students who have already completed their lesson requirements and Senior Recital (if applicable) are exempt.

The Evaluation Forum involves an assessment of both the student’s performing ability and his/her overall academic accomplishments and professionalism. This process will determine whether or not the student will be allowed to enroll in upper level music courses.  A cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required for entrance into the Bachelor of Music in Music Education program, 2.000 for all other baccalaureate degrees.

Eligible (continuing or transfer) students will be evaluated by the music faculty for official acceptance into one of the three "professional"^[1] degree programs (the Bachelor of Music in Music Education, the Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, or the Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry) that are available to UNCP students or for continuation in the Bachelor of Arts in Music (Liberal Arts) degree program. This evaluation will consist of two parts:

Part I consists of a recital of several selections representing various contrasting styles and periods. The performance should be from 10 to 15 minutes in length. The intention of this part is to determine the student’s progress since the entrance audition and to ensure that, if accepted into one of the department’s three “professional” degree programs, he/she will be able to perform a satisfactory senior recital assuming that the demonstrated progress continues.

Part II consists of a colloquy with the faculty reviewing the student’s 1) academic accomplishment (a 2.50 minimum GPA is required of all teacher education students) and 2) professionalism with regard to class preparation, class attendance, class participation, punctuality, poise, commitment, service, and responsibility. Questions focus on the student’s:

• Previous musical training/background;
• Educational/professional goals;
• Related extracurricular activities;
• Knowledge of the recital repertoire in terms of composers, genres, style periods, etc.;
• Knowledge of the major instrument(s) involved (history, pedagogical concerns, etc.);
• Track record of concert/recital attendance;
• Other relevant experience.

For students wishing entry into teacher education an assessment is made with regard to both the requisite “knowledge and skills” and the “personal and professional qualities” required of all teacher education degree candidates.  

All music majors should be aware of the significance of this evaluation forum. Failure to meet appropriate standards in performance, academic accomplishment, and professionalism will result in the student's not gaining entry into the desired field of study. Passage of evaluation forum requires a two-thirds majority vote of the faculty present. The following are the possible outcomes with regard to this evaluation process:

• Passed – The student will receive written notification that he/she was successful in gaining entry into the professional degree program sought.
• Passed – The student will receive written notification that he/she may continue to pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (Liberal Arts).
• Not Passed – The student will receive written notification that he/she was not successful in gaining entry into the professional degree program sought. This written notification will state the area(s) of faculty concern (GPA, inadequate level of applied music preparation, lack of professionalism, etc.). The student may choose to remediate the area(s) of faculty concern and, at the point in time that the student (with the concurrence of his/her applied music instructor and advisor) feels that these deficiencies have been remedied, petition the faculty for entry into the desired degree program. This "petition process" would involve the student's repeating one or both parts of the Evaluation Forum sections outlined above as determined by the specifics of the original failure and must occur within a maximum of four semesters. If this option is pursued, the student is not permitted to enroll in the 3000 level of applied music instruction and should reenroll in the 1000 level (MUSP 1501-1861) of instruction. The student must understand that he/she may receive a maximum of six (6) credits at the 1000 level. If additional 1000 level courses are taken, no additional graduation credit will be earned. The additional grades are averaged with the previous grades unless the student chooses to replace an earlier grade with the most recent grade. To replace a grade, the student must complete the appropriate form in the Registrar’s Office. Furthermore, it should be noted that, should the student receive an "F" in the repeated course, that grade would supersede any previous grade earned.  Students who have not passed the Evaluation Forum in previous semesters must appear before the Forum every semester until they have successfully completed all requirements. 
• Not Passed – The student would be required to pursue another (non-music) major. Further course work in music would not be allowed (other than participation in performance ensembles at the discretion of the instructor). Students advised to pursue another major may not study privately without the express permission of both the department chair and the appropriate private instructor and only at the one-credit-hour level.

 

B. Piano Proficiency Examination

All music majors, regardless of the degree program, must successfully pass the Piano Proficiency Exam in order to graduate. For instrumental (other than piano/organ) and voice majors the Piano Proficiency Exam is taken as the final exam for MUS 1820 (Class Piano for Music Majors II) and for piano majors it is taken as the final exam for the appropriate semester of accompanying. Supplemental skills are developed by voice majors through an additional semester of required piano study, satisfied with MUS 2810 (Class Piano for Music Majors III). In all cases, the Piano Proficiency Exam may be taken early: if successfully completed, the non-keyboard major is exempt from additional piano requirements. MUSP 1021 may be substituted for MUS 1810 and MUS 1820 upon permission of the Keyboard Coordinator and Department Chair.

1. Requirements for the Instrumental (Brass, Woodwind, String) and Voice Major

• Piano Piece - a prepared piano solo of sufficient difficulty (a score must be provided)
• Scales - all major and harmonic minor scales, two octaves, hands separately
• Chord Progressions - chord progressions involving primary and secondary triads, and dominant-seventh chords
• Harmonization with Chord Symbols - harmonization of melodies using chord symbols
• Transposition - transposition of simple melodies, accompanied by primary chords
• Sight Reading
• Rudimentary Score Reading - a prepared two-part example (choral or instrumental) of sufficient difficulty
   

2. Requirements for the Keyboard Major

• Scales - all major and harmonic minor scales, four octaves, hands together, played in eighth notes with a quarter note tempo of at least 96
• Chord Progressions:
  • Primary chords and dominant seventh chords
  • Extended chord progression using substitute chords
  • I - IV - V7/V - V7 – I
  • Other secondary dominants and their resolutions
  • Major scale harmonization, ascending and descending
• Harmonization - create an accompaniment to a given melody placing chords in the right hand under the melody
• Harmonization with Chord Symbols - create an accompaniment to a melody through realization of chord symbols
• Transposition - transposition of a piece such as “America” played hands together (prepared in advance, but the key is selected by the faculty at the examination)
• Sight Reading
• Intermediate-Level Score Reading - a prepared three-part example (choral or instrumental) of sufficient difficulty
   

3. Additional Requirements for the Voice Major

• Intermediate-Level Score Reading - a prepared three-part choral example of sufficient difficulty
• Choral/Vocal Warm-Ups - four prepared warm-ups with singing
• Harmonization Using Accompaniment Patterns - create accompaniments to simple melodies that utilize various accompaniment patterns
• Vocal Accompaniment - a prepared accompaniment of a vocal/choral work of sufficient difficulty

 

4. Attempted but Not Passed

If an instrumental, vocal, or piano major fails the Piano Proficiency Exam, the student receives either an “F” or an “I” in MUS 1820 or MUS 3351. For a grade of “F”, the student must repeat the failed course until the exam is passed. The course may be repeated twice: exceptions to this limit require approval of the chair of the Music Department and the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. For a grade of “I”, a personal recommendation is given to the student as a plan for passing the exam in the next semester. Failure to pass the exam during this semester changes the “I” grade to an “F” and requires re-enrolling in MUS 1820 for instrumental and vocal majors or MUS 3351 for piano majors.

 

C. Class Attendance Policy and Code of Conduct

For the majority of the music courses, individual instructors will set their own class attendance policy. A student must remember that consistent and punctual attendance is an important aspect of professional behavior and will ultimately be considered as an indicator of the student’s potential for a professional career in music and/or music education. Music classes consist of lecture, discussion, demonstration, and cultivation of learning skills — all of which are difficult or impossible to “make up.” It has been observed that there is a direct relationship between class attendance and academic performance. It is to be understood that “working” and/or “living at home” does not provide an excused absence from class, rehearsal, performance, or recital attendance. A student who must work more than 20 clock hours per week is strongly advised to enroll in no more than 12 semester hours. For all students enrolled in music classes at UNCP, the following code of conduct is expected:

• Arrive on-time and stay until the end: Constantly entering late or leaving early disrupts the educational experience for your instructors and fellow classmates. Be respectful of their time and energies by being in your seat and ready to go when the concert, lecture, rehearsal, masterclass, or private lesson begins.
• Treat all people and things (including instruments) with respect: Your instructors, administrators, and staff have expended a great deal of time and energy to create the best possible learning environment for you here at UNCP. Show the same respect to them and to your classmates that you would hope to receive from them.
• Use instructional time to maximize learning: The faculty and students in the music department are one of the most valuable resources you will ever have access to for your growth and development as a musician, scholar, and pedagogue. Don’t come to class, rehearsal, or private lessons unprepared. Don’t stop class or rehearsal to ask a personal question. Don’t wear headphones or doze off during class. Don’t spend valuable face-to-face time looking at your device. Come ready to engage and assume that everyone has something to teach you. Just because it doesn’t involve your instrument or your narrow area of focus doesn’t mean it is not important or interesting.
• Don’t forget why you’re here: Music is a lifelong pursuit and one that requires an exceptional degree of focus and dedication to do well, but it is also an important source of fun, joy, and connection in our lives. Play music you love as often as you can and constantly discover new music that moves, excites, and challenges you. Play music as if it means something to you and listen to your friends and colleagues as though it might mean something to them.

 

D. Ensembles

1. Participation Requirements

a. Auditions

Auditions for University Chorale and University Band are required for placement only. Auditions for the Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Pembroke Singers are required for admittance. See the individual directors for audition times. 

Incoming freshmen will be limited to a maximum of two ensembles for their first semester of study (excluding marching band). Participation in more ensembles may be allowed with the approval of the advisor.  Students who meet the required grade point average for their degree programs (2.5 GPA for music education and 2.0 GPA for others) will have no limitations placed upon their ensemble participation. Incoming students who declare a desire to major in music education must meet the 2.5 GPA requirement as of their initial semester of study. Any student who drops below his/her required grade point average will be limited to two ensembles per semester (excluding marching band) until the point in time when he/she raises the grade point average to the required level.

b. Attire for University Band, University Chorale, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, & Jazz Ensemble

Tuxedos, formal black dresses, and/or professional concert black attire are expected for ensemble performances as specified in the course syllabus. Dress for specific ensembles and performances may vary according to director discretion

2. Ensemble Rehearsal Attendance

The individual directors set ensemble rehearsal attendance policies. The student should realize that attendance must be consistent and punctual and will be considered an indicator of the student’s professional commitment to musical performance and music education. Being absent from a rehearsal, tardy, or unprepared, means that the student has not only missed the rehearsal and material covered, but that he/she has effectively hindered the progress of the entire ensemble.

Attendance for ensemble rehearsals is vitally important for the success of every group. If even one member is missing from a piece it becomes very difficult to accomplish established goals. Doctor's appointments (including trips to the infirmary), class observations, other rehearsals are not excuses. School events are excused if prior permission is received. The key is always communication. Excessive absences can also result in the student's dismissal from the ensemble.

Tardiness is not a trait that is looked upon favorably in the professional music world.  Tardiness interrupts the flow of rehearsal and distracts those who arrive on time. Therefore, two “tardies” will equal an absence. If late to a rehearsal, the student must wait outside the rehearsal hall until the conductor reaches an appropriate point in the rehearsal to enter. A student is considered tardy if he/she is not prepared to perform when the conductor gives the downbeat for the rehearsal.

Any rehearsal for which a student is unprepared (not having correct music, not knowing the parts, not being set up before rehearsal starts) could be considered as an absence, and could, therefore, count against the final grade. The student is required to attend rehearsals of pieces in which he/she does not play. The student may use the time to practice in one of the practice rooms or to remain in the rehearsal hall in order to observe the rehearsal.  Failure to do so could count as an absence.

Attendance at all performances is required. See Section E3 below for attendance requirements for students on stipends and/or scholarships.

 

E. Music Scholarships

1. Administration

The chair of the music department will appoint a scholarship administrator. For the 2023-2024 academic year, this is Dr. Mark Tollefsen. The entire music faculty (full-time and part-time) will be engaged in the scholarship audition process. The entire full-time faculty will make the final approval of all scholarship applicants.

2. Scholarship Requirements

To apply for a Music scholarship, a student must audition for the music faculty and complete an application form that includes a letter of recommendation. The student’s GPA will also be a consideration.  In order for the scholarship to be renewed for the next term, the student must meet the following guidelines:

• Full-time status as a declared music major
• 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA
• B or better in major applied lessons during previous semester
• Participation in at least two ensembles (as approved by the scholarship coordinator) with an earned B or better, including enrollment in at least one. Piano majors are required to enroll in only one ensemble.

Scholarship auditions for returning students take place after the majors meeting on the first Wednesday of each semester. Returning students who wish to audition for a scholarship must submit names to the scholarship coordinator no later than 5:00 PM two business days before the audition date.

Musical Theatre majors are required to audition for all musical theatre program productions. These auditions may include monologues, vocal selections, and dance calls. Callbacks may also be required, which could include readings, additional singing, or continued dance work. Students are expected to carefully prepare for each audition and callback, including studying the complete script (when available), identifying the role(s) most suitable to them, and preparing any material required.

Musical Theatre majors must accept any role offered to them in the program’s productions. Students may petition for a waiver of this requirement by writing the program director prior to the audition explaining their reasons for wishing to be excused from participation in a given production. The program director, in consultation with the department chair, will make a decision whether to grant the waiver request. A student who does not obtain a waiver and fails to meet any portion of these requirements is subject to the loss of departmental scholarship awards, casting ineligibility for future productions, and/or removal from the musical theatre degree program.

 

3. Marching and Pep Band Stipend Requirements  (See D.1.a. for GPA Requirements)

At the beginning of the semester, after receiving the recommendation of the ensemble director, the student will be asked to complete the appropriate form(s) pertaining to receiving a stipend. In order for the documents to be valid and to obtain payment at the conclusion of the semester, the student must continue to be a contributing member of the ensemble.

 

F. Student Council and Student Forum

In departmental matters deliberated by the faculty, music students are to be represented by an elected Music Student Council. The membership of the council will be comprised of 6 students with seats apportioned thusly: four representatives coming from each of the four degree programs in the music department and then two at-large members elected by the student body. Council members will serve two-year staggered terms by degree with Music Industry, Musical Theatre, and one At-Large Member beginning in the fall semester of odd years and Music Education, Bachelor of Arts, and one At-Large Member in the fall semester of even years. If a rising senior graduates in the middle of their two-year term, they will be replaced by a vacancy election to fill the remainder of their term. Music faculty will solicit nominations each spring term with a student vote to take place at the fall majors meeting. All nominated candidates must have a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher at the time of the vote. Any music major student can nominate a candidate for election and the entire student body of music majors will be eligible to vote on every position, regardless of division.

 

Additionally, the departmental listserv (musforum) provides an opportunity for music majors to state opinions, suggestions, etc., regarding matters of concern to the department. The listserv promotes professional communication among both students and faculty.  Students are required to use their UNCP e-mail addresses for musforum.

 

---

^[1] As determined by NASM standards.