Music (B.A.) - Music Studies Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

David Reynolds, Director
School of Performing Arts
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center 123B, Box 2830
605-688-5187

Program Information

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, students often use the degree as preparation for careers in musicology, composing, music librarianship, and private studio teaching. The flexibility of the curriculum is also used by students desiring a performance-based course of study and to prepare for graduate school.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate a common body of knowledge and skills including technical mastery for artistic self-expression, an understanding of the repertory in a major performance medium, the ability to perform from a cross-section of repertoire, the ability to read at sight with fluency, knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation, keyboard competency, and growth in artistry.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interaction, and the ability to employ this understanding in aural, verbal, and visual analyses, and the ability to take aural dictation. 
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of and capability with musical forms, processes, and structures.
• Students will demonstrate a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music.
• Students will demonstrate a basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to work on musical problems by combining, as appropriate, their capabilities in the above-described outcomes.    
• Students will demonstrate through a senior project the achievement of a professional, entry-level competence in music including significant technical mastery, the capability to produce work and solve professional problems independently, and a coherent set of artistic/intellectual goals.

Music Program Application Requirements

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 program 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 published and available from the program for more specifics. The piano proficiency must be passed before the senior recital may be scheduled.
4. Voice or instrumental proficiency is required of all keyboard majors.
5. 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.
6. A minimum of five 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 /MUS 271  general voice for instrument majors. For vocal B.M.E. majors, the four required semesters of vocal pedagogy are augmented by MUS 270 /MUS 271  general instrument for voice majors.
7. Recommendations for enrolling in student teaching will be issued by the Music Education Coordinator following an interview with the student and his/her advisor.
8. Recommendations for music entrepreneurship students wishing to enroll for the Internship experience must be issued by the program Coordinator.
9. A senior recital is required of all music majors.
10. Majors and minors must enroll for Recital Attendance (MUS 185 ) each semester they are enrolled for applied music lessons.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

South Dakota State University’s music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (good standing reaffirmed in 2011).

Academic Requirements

A grade of “C” or above is required in all major MUS, MUEN and MUAP courses.

Course Delivery Format

The program offers coursework in classroom, studio, and performance settings. The program allows for internship experiences and independent studies.