2 Undergraduate Applied Lessons

Undergraduate Applied Lessons

Assignment of a Primary Studio Teacher

Each new voice student is assigned a primary studio teacher with whom they take voice lessons. Beyond lessons, voice students also have the opportunity to work with all voice faculty in classes, performances, and studio masterclasses.

• The assignment of a primary studio teacher occurs at the end of Week 1 of the Fall semester.
• At the first Wednesday 2:00 p.m. voice studio class (Beckwith Hall), each new student sings one song of their choice for voice/choral faculty and current students.
• An accompanist is provided, though students must bring sheet music.
• A list of assigned teachers is emailed and posted on the Voice/Choral board (outside choir room).
• Studio assignments are based on vocal characteristics and logistical considerations (e.g., space, scheduling).

Note: The student’s studio teacher and academic advisor are not always the same. Advisors are assigned during the first month of the Fall semester.

Note: Spring semester entrants are assigned a studio teacher and advisor based on their audition to the CSoM.

Scheduling Lessons

Students must provide their availability to their voice teacher to schedule a recurring weekly lesson. Lessons begin in Week 2 of each semester.

Applied Voice and Supplementary Applied Study Course Numbers

• MUSC 167, 267, 367, 467 (collectively: MUSC X67)

  • Half-hour private lessons
  • Taken every semester until curriculum requirement is fulfilled
  • Register under section taught by primary studio teacher

• MUSC 173, 273, 373, 473 (collectively: MUSC X73)

  • Adds an extra 30 minutes of weekly lesson time
  • Must be taken concurrently with MUSC X67
  • No fee if taken for a required recital or by performance majors meeting degree requirements
  • Otherwise, requires permission and incurs a fee

Course Registration and Credit Hours

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science – Vocal Music

BA Curriculum | BS Curriculum

*BA and BS students may elect to complete a capstone experience other than a recital.

Bachelor of Music – Vocal Music Education

BM Vocal Music Education Curriculum

Bachelor of Music – Vocal Performance

BM Vocal Performance Curriculum

*Junior recital (MUSC 380) may be given earlier with studio teacher approval.

Studio Class

Studio Class is required for all applied voice students to supplement individual lessons.

• Held every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.
• Locations vary; a schedule is provided by the teacher each semester
• Alternates between area-wide and individual studio meetings
• Attendance is mandatory
• Performances must be memorized unless approved otherwise
• Students must perform repertoire studied in lessons
• Professional attire is expected (e.g., suit/tie, formal dress, pantsuit)

Concert Attendance

• Required for students enrolled in MUSC X67
• Worth 20% of the final grade
• Required events are listed by the Voice-Choral Area each semester
• Events may occur on evenings or weekends
• Student Convocations (Fridays at 2:00 p.m., Beckwith Recital Hall) count toward this requirement

Collaborative Pianists and Accompanying Fees

• Students are paired with collaborative pianists (graduate or community)
• Pianists attend all lessons and offer extra rehearsal time per contract
• Available for additional performances (e.g., NATS, gigs, auditions)
• Pianist fees and expectations are outlined in a contract distributed with the MUSC X67 syllabus

Music Scores and Materials

• Students must purchase required materials and scores for lessons
• Choral scores are provided by the ensemble and must be returned
• Students must purchase Oxford edition of Handel’s Messiah
• Opera participants must purchase their own vocal scores

Regular Juries

Held as the final exam for applied voice study each semester:

• Typically during Tuesday and Wednesday of Finals Week
• Sign-up posted ~1 month in advance
• All students take a jury except those completing a Barrier Jury
• Recital performers may be exempt
• 10-minute slot per student; consult with pianist for scheduling
• Begins with student-selected piece; faculty selects the second piece
• Students should be able to answer questions about all repertoire
• Professional dress required

Barrier Juries

Held at the end of the second semester of MUSC 267:

• Two 10-minute slots required
• Students perform all four jury pieces in chosen order
• Faculty also reviews academic progress
  • If satisfactory: register for MUSC 367
  • If unsatisfactory: faculty gives recommendations for improvement
• If unsuccessful, student must repeat MUSC 267 and reattempt

Jury Repertoire Requirements

All repertoire must be memorized.

• MUSC 167 (all students)

  • 3 songs/semester
  • Foreign language not required in first semester
  • Teacher may assign etudes/vocalises

• MUSC 267, 367, 467 (BA, BS, Music Ed)

  • 4 songs in 2–3 languages
  • By junior year, include 4 of: English, Italian, German, French, Latin, Spanish

• MUSC 267, 367, 467 + X73 (Vocal Performance)

  • 6 songs in at least 3 languages
  • By junior year, include 5 of: English, Italian, German, French, Latin, Spanish

• Barrier Juries

  • 4 songs in at least 3 languages
  • At least 2 different musical periods

Applying to the Vocal Music Education Degree Track

Students must:

• Successfully pass the barrier jury
• Apply to the NDSU School of Education

Until then, students are classified as Bachelor of Science – Pre-Music Education.

Auditioning for Vocal Performance Degree Track

• Freshmen may audition at their second regular jury (4 selections, varied styles/languages)
• Transfer/current students may audition with permission of studio teacher/advisor
  • Must have completed at least two semesters of applied study