Music (MUS)

David Reynolds, Head
Department of Music
Lincoln Music Hall 204
605-688-5187
e-mail: paul.reynolds@sdstate.edu

Faculty

Professor Reynolds, Head; Professors Crowe, Lis; Professors Emeriti Canaan, Colson, Hatfield, Johnson, McKinney, Piersel, Walker, D.; Associate Professors Brawand, Crawley, Diddle, Grives, Toronto, Walker; Assistant Professors Jorgensen, Peterson, Ragsdale, Walsh; Instructors Coull, Quam.

Programs

The Music Department offers three degree options: Bachelor of Arts, Music Major; Bachelor of Science in Music (Merchandising); and Bachelor of Music Education.

Bachelor of Arts – Music Major (B.A.)
This program takes advantage of the types of courses central to a liberal arts education. Although the degree is not tied to any specific career aspiration, the flexibility of the curriculum is sometimes used by students to pursue a more performance-based course of study.  

Bachelor of Science in Music (Merchandising) (B.S.)
This program is recommended for those with a strong background in music who wish to pursue careers in one or more of the many aspects of the music industry. The B.S. in Music Merchandising degree enables students to continue developing their musical skills along with in-depth study in Economics, Communications, Advertising, and Computer Science. The coursework for this degree culminates in an on-site internship in a music business setting.

Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.)
This program is recommended for students wishing to become certified to teach elementary and secondary school music. An emphasis in choral or instrumental teaching may be elected, or, by adding appropriate hours, students may prepare in both areas. Those preparing in both areas must complete both choral and instrumental music education sequences, including both sets of pedagogies.

Music Minor
The Music Minor is for students wishing to undertake an in-depth study of music without majoring in it. The program requires twenty-two hours of specialized coursework plus major ensemble participation.

General Student Information
Students not wishing to major or minor in music are welcome to participate in music ensembles, applied lessons, music appreciation classes, and in some music literature and history offerings. See course listings for details, requirements, and prerequisites.

Music Requirements: (All music majors)

1. Admission as a music major in any of the music degree programs requires the successful completion of an audition in the student’s major area of applied instruction.
2. Music majors in all degree programs must choose one area of applied instruction in which to specialize. Further, students must meet the applied proficiency standards of the Department in that area. To that end, students must:
   1. successfully complete a jury examination each semester.
   2. apply for and be granted approval to advance to upper level applied study (300-400 levels).
   3. complete a minimum of 6 hours of upper level (300-400) applied study.
3. Piano proficiency is required of all majors. Several approaches to meeting the requirements are available. See the Student Handbook for more specifics.
4. Fretted instrument proficiency is required of Music Education students. Proficiency may be met by successfully passing the guitar proficiency examination or by completing all requirements of the guitar class. Note: Piano and fretted instrument proficiencies must be passed before the senior recital may be scheduled.
5. Voice or instrumental proficiency is required of all keyboard majors.
6. Ensemble Requirements:
   1. All music majors must participate in at least one major ensemble each semester they are enrolled as a regular university student (Internship and Student Teaching semesters excepted). See the Student Handbook for more details.
   2. Participation in small ensembles is strongly encouraged for all majors and minors.
7. A minimum of four pedagogy courses is required for students in the B.M.E program, and while the required pedagogies develop proficiencies within the areas of specialization for B.M.E. students, a functional knowledge of instrumental or vocal techniques outside the specialty is also essential. For instrumental B.M.E. majors, this must include one semester each of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion pedagogies. Six semesters will assure the broadest preparation through multiple levels of woodwind and brass pedagogy. In addition, instrumental B.M.E. majors must take MUS 270/ 271 general voice for instrument majors. For vocal B.M.E. majors, the four required semesters of vocal pedagogy are augmented by MUS 270/271 general instrument for voice majors. An additional instrumental pedagogy will assure the broadest preparation. See the Student Handbook for options.
8. Recommendations for enrolling in student teaching will be issued by the Music Education Coordinator following an interview with the student and his/her adviser.
9. Recommendations for music merchandising students wishing to enroll for the Internship experience must be issued by the Music Merchandising Coordinator.
10. A senior recital is required of all music majors.
11. Majors and minors must enroll for Recital Attendance (MUS 185) each semester they are enrolled for applied music lessons. Specifics for this and all other music requirements are delineated in the Student Handbook. Music majors should refer to it regularly.