Art | Music | Theatre

Music Student Handbook

Music Student Handbook

I. USE OF FINE ARTS CENTER

A. Fine Arts Center Hours
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
<These hours apply to normal academic sessions. The building is not scheduled to be open during official university holidays.>

B. Passes for 'after hours' use may be obtained from the Music Office subject to written approval from the student's applied instructor. Only students with significant needs will be issued passes.

C. Practice is restricted to assigned practice areas. Pianos and practice rooms are limited to use by music students unless authorized by the Department Chair.

D. Lockers are available to music majors through the Music Office. Band instrument lockers may be checked out from band staff members. Only music department combination locks are to be used on lockers. All lockers should be closed and locked when not in use.

E. Keys are issued through the Music Office subject to approval by appropriate faculty and the Department Chair.

F. School equipment <instruments, etc.> must be checked out following established procedures and guidelines. Failure to do so may result in loss of equipment use privileges.

G. Registration holds will be activated if keys, locks and instruments are not returned.

H. Food and drink are not allowed in classrooms, practice rooms, and rehearsal and performance areas.

I. Smoking is not permitted in the Fine Arts Center

II. GUIDELINES FOR MUS 1100 - Recital Attendance

I.GRADING FOR THIS CLASS IS CR (pass or credit) OR NC (fail or no credit)IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT CR FOR MUSP 1100-RECITAL, YOU MUST ATTEND 10 EVENING AND 6 DAY-TIME RECITALS.  USE THIS FORM TO VERIFY YOUR ATTENDANCE.  LIST THE DATE, RECITAL, AND APPROVAL FOR EACH EVENT. 
II.EVENING RECITALS-CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR RECITALS YOU ATTEND.  NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR THOSE RECITALS THAT YOU PERFORM OR PARTICIPATE IN.
III.DAY-TIME RECITALS/MASTERCLASSES-CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR RECITALS YOU ATTEND AND FOR RECITALS THAT YOU PERFORM OR PARTICIPATE IN.

  1. "APPROVAL" may be given by a music department faculty member who also ATTENDS the concert.  You MUST get the "APPROVAL" immediately after the recital/concert. 

  2. You must attend the entire recital to get credit.    

  3. Do not lose this form!  It is the ONLY one you will receive.  In addition, all entries must be legible.

  4. Sports events, preview days, regularly scheduled studio classes, etc.  may not be used as recital credit. 

  5. Off-campus non-ASU concerts generally do NOT count for MUSP 1100/RECITAL.  Please check w/ Mr. Jorgensen before entering them on your form. 

  6. Master classes with visiting guest artists should be listed as “Day-time” recitals.

  7. This method of verifying your attendance at concerts will only work with your cooperation and your honesty. Any attempt to falsify this document will result in automatic failure of MUSP 1100

  8. Please sign this form before you turn it in.  Your signature on this form is verification of your honesty.

  9. If you are using the “ALTERNATE REQUIREMENTS FORM,” it must be submitted with this
    “RECITAL ATTENDANCE FORM” at the end of the semester

Any questions about this form or MUSP 1100 should be directed to Mr. Jorgense

  1.  
    1. RJorgens@AState.edu  (please try this method first)
    2. 972-3772-Office Phone
    3. Room 248-FA Office during office hours or between lessons
    4. Faculty mailbox/Music Department Office

    2. Transfer students may be given credit for recitals based upon the number of semesters completed as a music major at another institution subject to the approval by the Music Department Chair.

    Alternative Requirements for recital credit through listening to tapes are available for students who are unable to fulfill recital requirements due to work responsibilities, family obligations, etc. An application for Alternative Requirements is available from Mr. Jorgensen.

Guidelines for Alternative Requirements include:

    1. An application must be filed within the first two weeks of the semester.
    2. A log of taped recitals that are listened to must be kept by the student and turned in during the week of final examinations.
    3. Only half of the required recitals for any semester may be achieved through Alternative Requirements.


E. Other variations of recital requirement rules must be submitted in writing and approved by the Recital Attendance Coordinator, Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and Department Chair.

III. RECITAL BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

    Proper audience etiquette is important for many reasons. Not only does it reflect a positive image of the department and university to those who may be visitors in the audience, but also establishes an appropriate environment for those performing on stage.

    Guidelines for proper concert audience etiquette include:

    A. Be on time. If late to a program, do not enter during the performance. Wait until the conclusion of a piece and enter during applause.

    B. Respect the performers. Unnecessary noise from whispering, talking, candy wrappers, etc. during a program is not acceptable. Reading, studying, and writing letters during a program are also inappropriate. Turn off pagers and cell phones!!

    C. Applaud performers. However, laughter, cheers, or other vocal expressions directed at performers or stage set-up crew are not acceptable.

    D. Dress appropriately. Normal school clothing is appropriate for attendance at most performances, but students are encouraged not to wear caps and hats during a performance.

IV. RECITAL PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES

    A. Student Recital performances <Tuesday morning> are required once a semester for all music majors <first-semester freshmen excluded>. Applied teachers can provide details and assist in filling out applications for these recitals. Dr. Robin Dauer serves as Program Coordinator for the Student Recital Series.

    B. Substitution for Student Recital requirements are at the discretion of the appropriate applied teacher who may allow other solo performances to replace this requirement.

    C. Composition majors are required to have original works performed within any semester as deemed appropriate by composition faculty.

    D. MUS 3130, Junior Recital <half-length> is required of all Bachelor of Music majors. Dress appropriately- consulting the applied teacher.

    E. MUS 4131, Senior Recital <full-length> is also required of all Bachelor of Music majors. Dress appropriately consulting the applied teacher.
    Note: All recitals must be approved by the appropriate applied teacher. Bachelor of Music Education majors are encouraged, but not required, to present a junior and/or senior recital. BME students may enroll in MUS 4131, Senior Recital, for elective credit.

Guidelines for planning a recital

    1. Consult Recital Calendar and Recital Hall Schedule in the Music Office for available dates.

    2. Confirm the date by consulting with your applied teacher and accompanist.

    3. Schedule the date by submitting a completed Performance Schedule Reservation Form to the Music Department secretary. Requests will be honored in order of receipt.

    4. Schedule rehearsal times in the Recital Hall Schedule book. Only schedule rehearsal times that will be used and please remove rehearsal times that are canceled.

    Note: In most instances, performance times will take preference over rehearsal times in the Recital Hall. It is requested that if such a conflict occurs, that the recitalist will so notify the party who has scheduled a rehearsal.

    5. Clearing the stage of any equipment after rehearsals is the responsibility of the recitalist.

    6. Program preparation/printing and any recital costs are the responsibility of the recitalist.

    7. Stage crew assistance is provided by Tau Beta Sigma music fraternity, and an assigned stage crew member will contact the recitalist before the program. When necessary, the recitalist should be prepared to furnish a diagram of any special stage setups for the stage crew to follow.

    8. Recording of recitals appearing on the Fine Arts Calendar will be done by Music Department staff. Events added after the publication of the calendar will be recorded only if staff is available, and only if the recitalist contacts Dr. Ross, Recording Coordinator, in advance.

    9. Recital CDs are retained in the Dean B. Ellis Media Services Center. To receive a copy of the CD at the time it is recorded, the recitalist must provide the recording technician with a blank CD and timings of the music being performed.

V. APPLIED MUSIC GUIDELINES

Students enrolled in applied music <private lessons> are subject to the following policies:

A. Lesson times are determined by the applied teacher. The student is expected to present a class schedule to the teacher during the first week of each semester for the purpose of arranging lesson times.

B. Lesson attendance is expected every week. Advance notice should be made to the teacher for any missed lessons.

C. Rescheduling lessons is at the discretion of the teacher when students miss lessons. If a teacher cancels a lesson, it will be rescheduled if at all possible.

D. Grading policies, practice requirements, required materials, etc. may be provided by individual applied teachers. During any semester, students should feel free to direct questions about any of the above items to their applied teacher.

E. Jury examinations <performance of required material before faculty members in the performance area> are required as a final examination at the end of each semester for most music majors enrolled in applied music. Juries are also used for the purpose of auditioning students for admission to upper-level applied music or for admittance into performance degree programs.

Policies concerning applied music juries are as follows:

    1. Juries are scheduled during the final two scheduled class days of each semester or first two days of exams. Most music classes are canceled during juries.

    2. Jury sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board near the Music Office about one week before juries.

    3. Students should sign up for five minutes of jury time for each credit hour of applied music; up to a maximum of fifteen minutes.

    4. Students may be excused from a jury if the student has performed during the semester.

    5. Students should be prepared and on time for jury performances. Dress appropriately; consult with your applied teacher.

    6. Bring at least two copies of music to the jury for panel members to observe.

    7. A Repertory Sheet, which is a record of student work for the semester, will be completed each semester and presented at the jury. The applied teacher may require the student to assist in completing this form.

    8. The jury will be graded with the applied teacher determining the jury grade's affect on the total semester's grade.

    9. Jury panel members may offer the student written and/or verbal comments at the conclusion of the jury.

    10. Applied composition students must present a taped or MIDI performance of their work for the semester and be able to discuss and defend each piece presented.

F. Levels of applied music are divided into lower <MUSP 1111, 1112> and upper <MUSP 3111, 3112, 3113, 3114> categories.

VI. PROFICIENCIES

    All candidates for BM and BME must pass proficiency exams in their major instrument/voice and on secondary instruments.

    A. BM Composition, Instrumental and Voice Proficiencies
    At the end of the fourth credit hour of lower division applied study on the major instrument/voice, all BM candidates must pass a proficiency exam to be admitted into upper level study on the major applied. Specific requirements for each applied major may be obtained from the applied teacher. BM candidates must pass junior and senior recital auditions before the recital may be given, and must pass junior and senior recitals before graduation requirements are met.

    B. BME - Instrumental Proficiency
    At the end of the sixth credit hour of applied study on the major instrument, all BME - Instrumental candidates must pass a proficiency exam to be admitted into upper level study on the major applied instrument. Specific requirements for each instrument may be obtained from the applied teacher. Before receiving departmental approval for student internships, BME - Instrumental majors must complete playing proficiencies on flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium or tuba, and percussion. Requirements for these exams are available from each individual techniques class instructor. The proficiency exams must be evaluated by at least two instructors. Exit proficiency exams in the major applied instrument must be passed in the final semester of applied study. This may be waived with completion of a full- or half- recital in the final semester of study.

    C.  BME - Vocal Proficiency
    At the end of the sixth credit hour of applied vocal study, all BME - Vocal candidates must pass a proficiency exam to be admitted into upper level study in voice. Specific requirements may be obtained from the applied teacher. BME - Vocal majors must pass a proficiency during their final semester of applied study by demonstrating adequate performance skills in a jury. The proficiency may be waived with the completion of a full- or half-recital given during the last semester of applied study.

    D. Piano Proficiency
    All music majors <except BA and BM - Keyboard> must pass a Piano Proficiency Exam. Most students enroll in class piano and take the proficiency at the end of their fourth semester of class. Students with sufficient background to take private piano lessons may take the proficiency at the end of any semester of study. If the entire proficiency is not passed during the fourth semester of class or private lessons, a grade of 'Incomplete' is issued. The student will then have one semester to complete the remaining requirements for removal of the 'I'.
    Requirements for the Piano Proficiency are as follows:

ASU PIANO PROFICIENCY:

    Rev. 10/04
    ____________________________ has successfully completed the requirements of the Piano Proficiency Exam checked below.


    _____ 1.  Scales:  All major scales and white key minors scales, two octaves, hands separately only.  In eighth notes, with quarter note = 80.
      _____  2.  Sight-reading.

      
      _____  3.  Quick-study piece:  The student will be given a piece 24 hours before the exam.


      _____  4.  One prepared solo, memory optional, equal in difficulty to Sonatina in C Major, Op. 36, No. 1, First Movement, by Clementi.  Prepared works must be pre-approved by keyboard faculty.


      _____  5.  One prepared accompaniment with a soloist.  Prepared works must be pre-approved by keyboard faculty.  Preferably the piece will be for the student’s own instrument or voice.


      _____  6.  The Star-Spangled Banner, arrangement provided by keyboard faculty.


      _____  7.  America, arrangement provided by keyboard faculty.


      _____  8.  Harmonize a melody at sight. 


    Examining Committee:
    _______________________
    _______________________
    _______________________
    Date all areas completed: _______________

Challenge Examinations

    It is possible for students to waive required courses through challenge examinations administered and approved by the Music Department. Students should consult the Undergraduate Bulletin for policies concerning these exams <see Department Challenge Examinations>.

VII. ACCOMPANISTS

    Collaborative Pianists (ACCOMPANISTS)

    Dr. Lauren Schack Clark (lsclark@astate.edu) and Mrs. Joy Fiala

    (jfiala@astate.edu) are available to do a limited amount of playing each semester.  Students seeking a pianist may contact one of them directly, or they may contact Lauren Schack Clark at lsclark@astate.edu  or 870-680-8029 to get phone numbers for:
    Mrs. Joy Sanford 
    Dr. Ann Swaty
    Mrs. Frances Gray
    Ms. Harmony Fortson

    Please check with your pianist for individual fees per service.  The following fee schedule serves as a guideline.

    Full Recital - $100.00
    - to include 4 hours rehearsal and performance

    Half Recital - $50.00
    - to include 2 hours rehearsal and performance

    Single Performance - $25.00
    - to include 1 hour rehearsal and performance (Student Recital)

    Voice Juries - $25.00
    - to include 1.5 hours rehearsal and performance
    (If additional rehearsal time is needed, performers will pay the accompanist at the rate of $15 per hour.)

    Some student collaborative pianists are enrolled in a collaborative piano class, and therefore can perform for free as part of their coursework.  Contact Dr. Clark for an updated list of names and contact information. 

Sylvia Strawbridge ~ Music Office ~ FA201 ~ 972.2094

Faculty Listing by Subject Area

    Conducting

    Name 870 area code Email Title/Area
    Hatch, Ken 680-8049 khatch@astate.edu Clarinet
    Miller, Dale 972-3841 rdmiller@astate.edu Director of Choral Activities
    Oliver, Timothy 972-3811 toliver@astate.edu Director of Bands

    Guitar

    Crist, Tim 680-8441 tcrist@astate.edu Theory, Composition, Guitar

    History

    Bonner, Joe 972-3760 jbonner@astate.edu Flute
    Julien, Ellis 972-3793 ejulien@astate.edu Music History/Voice
    Horton, E. Ron 972-2799 rhorton@astate.edu Jazz Studies/History

    Jazz Studies

    Horton, E. Ron 972-2799 rhorton@astate.edu Jazz Studies/History

    Music Education

    Fiala, Joy 972-3771 jfiala@astate.edu Piano/Theory/Music Education
    Miller, Dale 972-3841 rdmiller@astate.edu Director of Choral Activities
    Oliver, Timothy 972-3811 toliver@astate.edu Director of Bands

    Piano

    Fiala, Joy 972-3771 jfiala@astate.edu Piano/Theory/Music Education
    O'Neal, Harriet 972-2094 Organ
    Schack-Clark, Lauren 680-8029 lsclark@astate.edu Piano

     Strings

    Jonathan Kirkcsey Cello/Bass
    Kate Ryan Violin/Viola

    Theory

    Crist, Tim 680-8441 tcrist@astate.edu Theory/Composition/Guitar
    Fiala, Joy 972-3771 jfiala@astate.edu Piano/Theory/Music Education
    O'Connor, Tom 972-3999 toconnor@astate.edu Chair, Department of Music

    Voice

    Carey, Matthew 680-8426 mcarey@astate.edu Voice/Diction
    Julien, Ellis 972-3793 ejulien@astate.edu Voice/Music History
    Lansford, Julia 972-3801 lansford@fastdata.net Voice/Opera
    Seay, Sandra 972-3037 sseay@astate.edu Voice
    Winds and Percussion
    Bartee, Neale 680-8028 nbartee@astate.edu Director of Orchestral Activities/Trombone
    Bonner, Joe 972-3760 jbonner@astate.edu Flute
    Carrolll, Kenneth 972-3763 kdcarroll@astate.edu Director of Athletic Bands/Saxophone
    Clark, Dale 680-8029 dclark@astate.edu Bassoon
    Collison, Craig 972-3769 ccollison@astate.edu Percussion
    Dauer, Robin 972-3779 rdauer@astate.edu Horn
    Hatch, Ken 680-8049 khatch@astate.edu Clarinet
    Jorgensen, Richard 972-3772 rjorgens@astate.edu Trumpet
    Owen, Edward 972-3862 eowen@astate.edu Tuba/Director of Graduate Studies in Music
    Ross, Daniel 680-8054 dross@astate.edu Double reeds