4 Current Student Policies and Procedures

4 Current Student Policies and Procedures

4.1 Advisors and Advising

A faculty advisor is assigned to each music major. The advisor may be the applied teacher or a full-time faculty member in the student’s area of specialty (e.g. music education or woodwinds). The advisor provides guidance in selecting courses and programs, assists with issues related to music studies, and refers the student to the appropriate person, department, or service for special issues.

The music office evaluates the transcripts of transfer music students and assigns an appropriate advisor. Students should consult the NDSU Undergraduate Bulletin and other publications as appropriate, and are ultimately responsible for meeting graduation requirements. Curriculum worksheets are on the NDSU Registrar’s website and are updated regularly.

4.2 Practice and Study Commitment

Music study is demanding and rigorous in time and energy commitment. Students must commit to organized practice schedules in order to improve musicianship and technical skills, and to reach expectations of degree programs. The expectations for weekly practice hours are delineated in individual studio syllabi.

If it is necessary to hold outside employment, the student must expect to extend the degree program beyond four years. Careful discussion with your advisor in this matter is recommended.

4.3 Academic Honesty

The NDSU policy on Academic Responsibility and Conduct can be found at the following link:
http://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/335.pdf

4.4 Special Needs

The NDSU policies and procedures on Nondiscrimination and Accommodation can be found at the following link:
https://www.ndsu.edu/disabilityservices/student_handbook/ndsu_policies_related_to_disability/

4.5 Health and Safety of Student Musicians

The Challey School of Music is committed to good practices in health and safety. General safety guidelines always apply, and, for musicians, special attention should be given to issues regarding hearing and repetitive motion.

Ear plugs are recommended in high volume situations, and applied studio teachers have developed recommendations about repetitive motion problems specific to their instruments or voices. Heavy lifting when transporting equipment and/or staging a performance should be done with care.

4.6 Attendance

4.6.1 Classes

According to NDSU Policy 333 (www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/333.pdf), attendance in classes is expected. Instructors may individually choose to reward or penalize students for not upholding these obligations through grades, section placement, admission to groups and ensembles, or recommendations for scholarship or stipend adjustments.

Notice of illness, injury, or hospitalization may be provided by the Student Health Service, a family physician, or the Vice President for Student Affairs. For unusual circumstances, a temporary leave of absence may be obtained from the Director of the School of Music, or the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Veterans and student service members with special circumstances or who are activated are encouraged to notify the instructor as soon as possible and are encouraged to provide activation orders. Neither absence nor notification of absence relieves the student of meeting all course requirements.

4.6.2 Applied Lessons

The School of Music policy on class attendance applies to applied lessons as well. The highly specialized nature of individualized instruction and professional etiquette require that the instructor be notified in advance of any absence.

Makeup lessons are given only for bona fide reasons, such as certifiable illness. Your instructor may have additional requirements.

4.7 Studio Classes

Each studio faculty member schedules required studio class meetings as an integral part of applied study. These classes permit a group study approach to common performance issues, offer informal performance opportunities, and provide exposure to repertoire. These classes are generally scheduled each Wednesday at 2 p.m., or occasionally as arranged by your instructor. The studio classes are required for all music majors studying an applied instrument or voice.

4.8 Ensemble Requirements

Performance ensembles are open to all students, including non-music majors. Auditions are held at the beginning of Fall semester for placement in those ensembles requiring auditions, and some ensembles may re-audition before the beginning of Spring semester. Audition notices will be posted on the bulletin boards outside the Instrumental and Choral Rehearsal Rooms (Reineke 118/122) indicating the time and place of the auditions. The director of the ensemble can provide more specific information concerning audition procedures.

4.8.1 Ensemble Degree Requirements

  • Music education majors must be enrolled in seven different semesters (not credits) of approved major ensemble participation, and two semesters (not credits) of minor ensembles. Instrumental music education majors must participate in marching band for two semesters.
  • Music performance majors must be enrolled in eight different semesters (not credits) of approved major ensembles, four semesters (not credits) of minor ensembles, and may have additional ensemble requirements, determined in consultation with applied teacher and advisor.
  • BA/BS music majors must be enrolled in six different semesters (not credits) of major ensembles.
  • Music minors must be enrolled in two different semesters (not credits) of major ensembles.

The following instrumental ensembles fulfill the credit requirements for instrumental degree tracks:

Major Ensembles

  • Wind Symphony
  • Marching Band
  • University Band

Minor Ensembles

  • Chamber Ensembles (Mixed, Brass, Percussion, Woodwind, etc.)
  • University Symphony Orchestra
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Jazz Combo

4.8.2 Expected Ensemble Participation

  • All instrumental music majors must audition for and, pending successful audition, participate in Wind Symphony in each semester of fulltime residence.
  • It is also encouraged that students participate in the Jazz groups throughout their degrees if their primary instrument is part of the standard big-band instrumentation (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, guitar, bass).
  • Failure to participate in ensembles as directed by your advisor may result in the adjustment of music scholarships (if applicable).
  • Exceptions to the above policies (such as substituting ensembles) will be considered and approved by your advisor and the instrumental area.

4.9 Piano Study and Proficiency

4.9.1 Piano Class and Private Study

Music Performance and Music Education degrees require students to pass the piano proficiency examination, preceded by up to four semesters of study in piano classes (MUSC 160, 161, 260, and 261). Placement examinations for incoming students may be administered at the beginning of each semester. Depending on the result of placement examinations, students may pass out of a portion of piano class or be placed in applied lessons instead. For students with established piano skills, up to two semesters of private study may be recommended instead of piano classes.

4.9.2 Piano Proficiency Requirements

The Piano Proficiency Examination is administered during final examination week each semester. Students should plan to complete various parts of the examination throughout their enrollment in piano class and/or lessons; in other words, as soon as possible. Music Education majors will not be placed for student teaching until they have successfully passed all parts of the piano proficiency examination.

4.10 Degree Program Checklist/Timetable

The degrees and programs of the NDSU Challey School of Music have been approved and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

4.10.1 4-Year Plans of Study

The curricula for all degrees offered in the NDSU School of Music can be found on the NDSU Registration and Records website under curriculum guides:
https://www.ndsu.edu/registrar/academics/curricula/ahss/

Note for Music Education Majors:

To stay on track in music education generally requires an average course load of 17–18 credit hours. Even at this level, you may need at least 1–2 semesters of summer school if you intend to complete the degree in four years. Otherwise, you should plan on completing the degree in 9–10 semesters.

4.10.1.1 First Year

  • Students take the Music Theory Placement Exam at the beginning of their first semester of study. Based on the results of that exam, students will be placed in either MUSC 101 (Fundamentals of Music) or MUSC 130 (Theory and Analysis I). Students must take courses in Theory and Analysis and Ear Training and Sight Singing concurrently.
  • Consult your degree plan check-sheet: NDSU Curricula
  • Complete ENGL 110 and 120
  • Take MUSC 189 (Skills for Academic Success)
  • Music Education-Instrumental: if possible, complete at least one semester of vocal ensemble (preferably both semesters)
  • Music Education-Vocal: if possible, complete at least one semester of instrumental ensemble (preferably both semesters)
  • Music Education: Instrumental majors need two semesters in marching band
  • Consult with your advisor and work out an 8–10 semester plan for graduation (this may not be the person that you originally consulted during orientation)
  • Coursework to avoid later scheduling issues:
    • Theory and Analysis I & II; Ear Training/Sight Singing I & II
    • Piano Class I & II
  • Music Performance: Your entrance audition admits you to the pre-performance track. After the first year (two semesters) of study as a music major, students wishing to pursue the performance track must audition for entrance into that track.
  • Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts: Consult with your advisor to explore/determine your minor and/or second major

4.10.1.2 Second Year

  • Complete Sophomore Screening Jury
  • Complete piano proficiency requirements
  • Be mindful of the rotation of music courses required for graduation
  • Scheduling issues: you must take the following courses:
    • Theory and Analysis III & IV; Ear Training/Sight Singing III & IV
    • Piano Class III & IV
    • Music Education: Brass Methods (fall) and Percussion Methods (spring)
    • Music Education: Your choice: Woodwind Methods I & II (this year or in the 3rd year)
  • Music Education: Take EDUC 321 (Introduction to Teaching) and PSYC 111 (Introduction to Psychology)
  • Music Education: Apply for and be admitted into School of Education by the end of this second year:
    • Must apply by September 15 (fall) or February 15 (spring)
    • Complete EDUC 321 with a grade of C or better
    • Maintain a GPA of 2.75 overall and in MUSC and EDUC courses
    • Take and pass the Praxis I (PPST) exam
    • Complete 20 hours of field experience working with youth
    • Provide at least one letter of recommendation
    • Pass Sophomore Screening Jury

4.10.1.3 Third Year

  • Scheduling issues: you must take the following courses:
    • Music History I & II
    • Music Education: Woodwind Methods I & II (if not taken in 2nd year)
    • Basic Conducting (fall); Instrumental Conducting (spring)
    • EDUC 486 in the spring
  • Complete MUSC 380 recital (required for Music Performance, optional otherwise)
  • Complete process for admission to School of Education (if not already complete)
  • Continue ensemble participation; complete cross-ensemble requirements
  • Begin professional-level courses (e.g., EDUC 481)
  • Begin considering schools for student teaching
  • Talk to Drs. Moe, Olfert, or Weber about student teaching placement two semesters before you intend to teach

4.10.1.4 Fourth Year

  • Complete MUSC 480 recital or equivalent capstone
  • Finish professional education courses, general education, conducting, and music courses
  • Take Choral Conducting (fall)
  • Apply for student teaching (around September 15 or February 15)
  • Request and complete a degree audit the semester before student teaching
  • Take Praxis II and PLT exams prior to student teaching
  • Apply for certification/licensure
  • Begin job search, graduate, and start your career

Rotation Courses (2nd–4th Year)

Students should work with their advisor to schedule these based on prerequisites:

Instrumental

  • Wind Band Literature (odd falls)
  • Vocal Pedagogy I (odd falls)
  • Instrumental Arranging (even falls)

Choral/Vocal

  • Song Literature (odd springs)
  • Vocal Pedagogy I (odd falls)
  • Vocal Pedagogy II (even springs)

4.10.2 Other Music Education Issues

Appealing to the School of Education

Students may take one 400-level education course prior to full admission, pending a successful appeal:

  • Fill out the appeal form on the School of Education website
  • Include a letter requesting a waiver and a plan to meet deficiencies
  • Submit a full application for admission, complete except for missing requirements

As a general rule, avoid appealing. Apply in your second year to avoid this.

Join NAfME-Collegiate

  • Membership is optional but highly recommended
  • Dues are $33/year
  • Monthly meetings cover relevant topics
  • Discounted or free registration for MMEA or NDMEA
  • Leadership opportunities within the School of Music

4.11 Jury Expectations

Juries occur at the end of each semester, performed for the area faculty. It is your responsibility to secure an accompanist if your assigned repertoire is with piano. Instrumental accompanying policies and procedures are available here:
http://bit.ly/InstrumentalAccompanimentForm

A jury sign-up sheet is posted in the student lounge during the last week of the semester.

4.11.1 Sophomore Screening Performance Guidelines

  • The sophomore screening performance is a special jury. All students must successfully pass the screening jury in their third or fourth semester of study (as recommended by their applied instructor).
  • A screening jury may be deferred a semester at the discretion of an applied instructor.
  • Students who are unsuccessful in passing the screening jury may re-take it in the next semester. However, no student may take upper division courses (i.e., 300-level and higher) until they have passed a screening jury, with the exception of a 300-level course that is offered on rotation.
  • Because of the extent of the screening requirements, students should sign up for two jury slots.
  • Screenings will be heard by the area faculty as a jury. After discussion, the faculty will approve the screening jury, or not approve (with an explanation of requirements for successful completion).
  • Screenings may be recorded at the discretion of the faculty.
  • If a student fails a screening jury a second time, they may petition in writing for a third opportunity in the following semester. However, failure to pass the screening the third time will prohibit the student from continuing as a music major.
  • The content of sophomore screenings as described below applies to all undergraduate degree programs in the School of Music.

4.11.2 Instrumental Sophomore Screening Content

  • Scales: All major and/or minor scales, arpeggios or other requested scales according to the student’s studio syllabus, from memory.
    Scales may be performed in any form as taught by the studio (diatonic, 3rds, etc.). Scales may be cyclic or as requested by the jury.
    The jury may choose to hear as many or as few scales as necessary to determine the student’s range of expertise.

  • Rudiments:
    Percussionists must perform snare drum rudiments as required by the instructor. All keyboard scales will be performed two octaves.

  • Repertoire:
    At least one major work for the instrument, with accompaniment (if applicable).
    If the work is multi-movement, only one long movement or two shorter movements need be performed, at the discretion of the jury.

4.12 Undergraduate Capstone Recital Requirements*

NDSU recitals are generally used as the “Capstone” experience, showcasing a student’s solo performance on their major instrument.

  • Music Education students must present at minimum a half recital (MUSC 380)
  • Music Performance students must present both a half recital (MUSC 380) and full solo recital (MUSC 480)
  • Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts students present a capstone project as approved by their advisor, such as (but not limited to) a solo recital, lecture presentation, composition recital, or other topic as approved by applied instructor and advisor.

The student’s applied instructor must approve all aspects of the recital, including the works to be performed, date, time, location, etc.

A screening panel of two or three faculty members from the student’s area will hear works with accompaniment either in their entirety, or in excerpts, and provide written and/or verbal feedback. Unacceptable performance at the hearing will result in postponing or cancelling a recital.

4.12.1 Recital Types

  • MUSC 380 – Preparation and presentation of a half-recital, typically presented in a student's junior year for performance majors, or senior year for music education and BA/BS majors.
  • MUSC 480 – Preparation and presentation of a full recital, typically presented in a student's senior year for performance majors.
  • Note: Students may perform more recitals than their minimum degree requirements, through consultation and recommendation of their applied instructor, and dependent upon availability of faculty mentoring and facilities.

4.12.2 Timeline for Recitals

  1. 4 (or more) months prior: Select your recital date and dress rehearsal date.
    Forms and schedule for Beckwith Recital Hall are available on the School of Music Sharepoint webpage at:
    http://bit.ly/PerfArtsSharepoint
    Students must submit all necessary forms for both the dress rehearsal and the recital date. Dates must be approved by instructor and all collaborating musicians.

  2. 1 (or more) months prior: Schedule the recital hearing and submit the first draft of the recital program, along with and program notes (if required) to the applied teacher.

  3. The Hearing: a. The hearing must occur at least two weeks before the recital (one month for vocal).
    b. The final version of the program and program notes (approved by applied teacher) must be submitted at or before the hearing.
    c. The collaborative pianist (and other collaborators unless excused by the applied instructor) must be present and perform at the hearing.
    d. Failure to abide by the above will automatically result in postponing or cancelling the recital.
    e. Insufficient preparation for the hearing will result in postponing or cancelling the recital at the discretion of the hearing committee.

  4. Immediately after successful recital hearing: Submit the final recital program (approved by applied professor and advisor) to the Director of Promotions.

  5. 1 week prior: Submit stage diagram(s) and discuss dress rehearsal/recital logistics with the Concert Facilities Manager.

4.12.3 Additional Considerations

  1. Fees and Amenities:
    If a student is registered for MUSC 380 or MUSC 480, the recital hall fee is waived and recording services are provided. All recitals are held in Beckwith Recital Hall unless prior faculty permission is granted for an off-site location. If the recital is off-site, the student is responsible for any rental fees, program printing, and recording.

  2. Repertoire:
    Suitable repertoire must be approved with the applied teacher well in advance of the semester of the recital performance. Students are expected to purchase and secure all repertoire performed on the recital, unless the work is unpublished or out of print, in which case permission of the applied teacher is required to use photocopies.

  3. Collaborative Pianists:
    Secure a collaborative pianist and make sure they are available for the recital, dress rehearsal, and recital screening dates. Students are responsible for any payment to the collaborative pianist.
    a. Instrumental: Through the accompanying pool, accompanist request forms can be found here: http://bit.ly/InstrumentalAccompanimentForm — Forms must be submitted by the fourth week of the semester.
    b. Vocal: In most cases, your collaborative pianist in lessons is also your recital collaborator.

  4. Recital Program:
    A template for the program can be found on the NDSU Music website under “Current Student Resources.” Proofed programs are submitted to the Director of Promotions (Amanda Booher) at least one week before the recital. The recital may be cancelled if this condition is not met.

  5. Program Notes:
    Program notes are not necessary for undergraduate recitals, but if they are to be included, they must be approved by the studio instructor before the recital hearing, and must use proper annotation and citations. Students are responsible for printing their own program notes.

BA/BS students may elect a different capstone experience, in consultation with their advisors.

4.13 Recital, Concert, and Convocation Attendance

Through attending live performances, music students will be exposed to a wide range of musical repertoire and performance genres. NDSU performances and other regional performances, including the Fargo/Moorhead Symphony and Opera, count for attendance credit.

4.13.1 Area-Specific Requirements (Instrumental)

Each instrumental music major is expected to attend student recitals in their respective areas, and these can be used toward music-major recital attendance requirements. For example, majors whose main instrument is saxophone should attend saxophone recitals, trombone majors should attend trombone recitals, etc. Each applied studio teacher will notify students of required recitals for each instrument. Attendance at Faculty recitals is expected for each studio. Attendance is important to learn repertoire, support student colleagues, and observe the recital and performance process.

4.13.2 Convocation

Convocation takes place Fridays at 2:00pm in Beckwith Recital Hall. Attendance is mandatory. Convocation activities include student recitals, guest lectures, and guest recitals.