Additional Requirements
Ensemble Requirement
In each of eight semesters as a music major, a student must perform in one of the following: Oratorio, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, or Symphonic Band. Transfer students must participate each semester until they have graduated or accumulated eight semesters. Membership in multiple ensembles in a given semester counts as only one semester towards the ensemble requirement.
Piano Proficiency
Each student must register for Class Piano or Applied Piano until an examination is passed. Examination Fact Sheets are available in the School of Music office. Students will not be cleared to graduate until they have passed the Piano Proficiency Examination, usually met at the conclusion of MUS 108.
Voice Class
All music majors without voice as their major performance area must take one semester of voice class or private voice.
Music Theory Proficiency
The Music Theory Placement Examination is given to incoming students who are not transferring credit for Music Theory I from another college or university. This examination is designed to measure the student's background in music theory, and to ensure placement at the appropriate level. Students who are not ready for Music Theory I will take Music Fundamentals for Music Majors, and then begin the Music Theory sequence in the next semester. The examination may be taken online. A grade of C or higher in Music Theory II is a prerequisite for enrolling in Music Theory III (Music Theory I and II can be repeated).
Grade-Point Average
Music majors must maintain a 2.5 grade-point average (GPA) for all upper-division music classes. (Upper division courses are those classified as 300-400 level classes.) Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0, or who are on probation, are not eligible to participate in a performing group other than Oratorio Choir.
Upper-Division Emphasis
Each student is required to select an upper-division emphasis in at least one of the following areas: Applied Music, Music Theory, Music Education, Church Music, or Commercial Music. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all of their upper-division emphasis classes. Otherwise, the class must be repeated.
Applied Music
- Each student is required to take at least eight units in one applied area. Voice Class may be substituted for the first semester of private voice. The student must then take seven additional units of Applied Voice.
- Jury examinations are required each semester for all students taking private lessons.
- All students, in conjunction with the instructor, are responsible for selecting
an accompanist for juries. There are three ways to select an accompanist:
- Your instructor may specify an accompanist.
- You may request a specific accompanist by submitting an accompanist request form available in the School of Music office.
- You may select an accompanist from a list of current student accompanists, which will be posted in the School of Music office.
- Private Lessons:
- Grades for private lessons are issued based on a minimum of 12 lessons per semester. Your grade will be lowered if you attend fewer than the minimum of 12 lessons or if you do not meet the mandatory performance requirements.
- A departmental representative will assign an instructor.
- When the student is ill and notifies the teacher in advance, a make-up lesson will be rescheduled if possible. "No-show" students do not receive make-up lessons.
- Recitals
- Senior recitals are required of all performance majors during their senior year.
- Junior recitals: Traditionally those students in the B.A. program are required to prepare a recital at the discretion of the applied professor involved. Students in the B.M. degree program are required to present a junior recital. Students giving recitals should follow guidelines in the Azusa Pacific University School of Music Etiquette Booklet (available through the School of Music office).
