Music Major

MUSIC and MUSIC EDUCATION

Area of Music Mission Statement

We will strive to educate, train and develop students to excel as musicians and educators, as a career and passion. Our professional and supportive ensembles will develop the musicianship in all students, whether seasoned performers or new to their instrument. Our diverse, talented faculty will broaden students’ appreciation of musical styles and genres and give them a sound understanding of the importance of music in society past and present to provide the best possible education at the undergraduate level.

Stillman College offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music with certification in Music Education. Did you know that music is the only activity that stimulates both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously? Research also demonstrates that music education improves physical health and cognitive functioning, including information storage, and increases positive social interaction. Your musical training in our department may improve your performance in the general education classes you take as part of the liberal arts curriculum! 

In order to earn the degree and teaching certification, students majoring in this department will fulfill the College’s general education requirements, the School of Education’s requirements, and major requirements, including a capstone thesis and recital. Also, the Alabama State Department of Education requires students to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to qualify for teacher certification.

The Music Education certification, conferred on successful completion of STEP (the Stillman Teacher Education Program) will prepare degree candidates to teach P-12 learners in the public school system. Students will train in pedagogical theory and methods and enjoy an immersive field experience, as they work side-by-side with cooperating teachers in P-12 settings.

Our music program enhances educational and cultural programs at the College by providing:

•   musical performance opportunities to talented students;

•   creative musical experiences to enrich the life of the college; and

•   public performances for the surrounding and extended communities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Music major, students will be able to:

1. Display a working knowledge of music history and theory (Content & Critical Thinking).
2. Display an appropriate level of competency in solo and ensemble performing (Critical Thinking & Communication).
3. Display the ability to prepare and lead an ensemble rehearsal and performance (Content & Communication).
4. Display the ability to effectively communicate about music in a written and oral form (Content, Critical Thinking & Communication).

Program Outcomes

As a result of successful completion of the Music Program, graduates will:

1. Be prepared to pursue graduate study.
2. Be prepared to pursue viable careers in music.
3. Be prepared to effectively communicate about music in written and oral form.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music

Students in the Bachelor of Arts degree program in music enroll for studio instruction in one major or principal applied instrument (piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, and percussion). An audition or permission from the applied instructor is required to enroll in applied study. Music majors must enroll in principal applied study (MUS 113-114, 213-213, 313-314, 413-414), major ensemble participation (MUS 111-112, 211-212, 311-312, 411-412), in every semester of their undergraduate experience. Music majors also must complete 12 hours of music theory courses (MUS 131-132, 231-232), including an aural skills laboratory. Ear training, sight-singing, dictation, and keyboard skills are practiced throughout the sequence. The required sequence of 6 hours of music history and literature (MUS 335-336) provides a basic knowledge of music history through the present time. Conducting (MUS 426) is required of all music majors.

Sophomore Qualifying Examination

The Sophomore Qualifying Examination is to be completed at the end of the fourth semester of principal applied study (or the equivalent) and must be passed to proceed to 300-level applied study. Grading will be Pass, Fail, or postponed (the exam may be rescheduled one time). The Sophomore Qualifying examination may only be taken once per semester.

Piano Proficiency Examination

The piano proficiency examination is to be completed at the end of the second semester of class piano studies. Grading will be Pass, Fail. The student must fulfill the requirement of passing the piano proficiency examination to graduate. Students who enter the department as a music major with previous piano experience may be exempted from the class piano requirement by passing the piano proficiency examination. The student will be required to attempt the piano proficiency examination during each semester until the requirement is fulfilled.

Junior and Senior Recitals

A junior recital (30 minutes) and a senior recital (45 minutes) are required of all music majors. Students must register for the appropriate recital course (Junior Recital MUS 301, or Senior Recital MUS 401) in the semester in which the recital is to be performed. A faculty jury holds a pre-hearing of each recital before it can be performed publicly. The jury may pass, postpone, or cancel the recital.  

Semester Plan

Included below is a sample semester-by-semester plan of the major in Music. Note that if a student is pursuing the Certification in Music Education, the ideal sequence will be different, to accommodate STEP classes. Your advisor or the department chair will be able to provide details.