Music

Majors:

Music (B.A.)
Music Composition & Recording Arts (B.M.)
Music Education: Instrumental (B.S.)
Music Education: Choral (B.S.)
Vocal Performance & Pedagogy (B.M.)

Minor:

Music

Purpose
The Music Department supports the mission of the university by providing students with access to quality music instruction, opportunities, and services. Students are prepared for graduate school and employment by offering curricula leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Music Education, a Bachelor of Music in Theory Composition, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance. Students who are committed to developing their vocal talent for service to God and to humankind are encouraged to apply.

Application for Admission
Music majors must fulfill all the general admission requirements of the University. Acceptance to the University, however, does not guarantee admission to the Music Department as a music major. Students who want to major or minor in music at Oakwood University will need to audition on their instrument or voice. The Admission Audition for the music faculty can be either in person or by audio/ video tape. This audition must be accompanied by three letters of recommendation. Students must take a written examination in music theory.

How to Prepare for Auditions
Naturally, study and practice on an instrument or voice is very important. While it is not a requirement for admission as a music major, most students auditioning for acceptance as music majors have had private lessons. All music majors at Oakwood, regardless of performance area, are required to reach a basic proficiency in piano, so piano study before attending the university is useful. If a deficiency is found in this area at the Admission Audition, the student will be required to take the Piano Proficiency course MU 161-164, which must be completed by the end of the sophomore year to be admitted into the music degree program. Failure to accomplish this task may prolong the time for fulfilling the degree requirements. Foreign language study is also helpful particularly for voice majors; French, German or Italian is required.

Music Ensemble Participation
Majors and minors must participate in a departmental ensemble eight consecutive semesters (except when student teaching or doing internship) . Students may enroll in more than one ensemble, but must remain for the entire year. Large ensembles include Aeolians, University Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra. Small ensembles include composition, piano, chamber ensembles, vocal and instrumental.

Recital Requirements
Every student majoring in music is required to enroll in and successfully complete a recital class for eight (8) semesters. Graded on a pass/fail basis, this course receives zero (0) hours credit. A passing grade is based on the attendance of seven approved recitals per semester. This requirement is prorated for part-time students according to hour load. The requirements for transfer students are determined on an individual basis by the department chairperson.

Examinations

Placement. All entering students into the music department are required to take written and aural placement examinations in music theory, piano proficiency, and in the applied area. The results of these exams are used to place students in classes appropriate to their level of ability. To obtain Freshman standing as a music major, the student must qualify for MU 211, Theory I and MU 165, applied area.

Piano Proficiency. All music majors must demonstrate keyboard proficiency by passing a piano proficiency examination. Students who fail the exam will be required to take piano proficiency courses until the exam can be passed. This must be completed by the sophomore year. Keyboard proficiency includes the ability to play hymns, scales, triads, several moderately easy compositions and accompaniments, and harmonize simple folk melodies.

Solo Recital. Solo recitals are required for juniors, seniors, and minors. Individual instruction is required and must be preceded by a pre-recital four weeks prior to the recital date.

Exit Examinations. All majors in the Music Department are required to take a written exit examination, administered during the fall semester of the student’s senior year, and pass with the minimum score of 70 percent.

Career Opportunities
Study in the field of music offers a general creative education as well as skills in communication and analysis that are essential in most careers. Some students pursue careers closely related to music, such as performers, educators, songwriters, church musicians, conductors, arrangers, composers, musicologists and music business attorneys. Others choose careers behind the scenes, or in the business area of music in careers such as producers, engineers, managers, agents, and in publishing and sales. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Thus, some graduates pursue careers in fields quite unrelated to music. Regardless of your career choices, increasing your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in university activities are important. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions, but for advancement in an area of specialization, an advanced degree may be required.