3 Recitals Capstone Experience

Recitals / Capstone Experience

Students typically perform a solo voice recital (MUSC 380 or MUSC 480) as their capstone performance experience. Students in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs may opt for a different capstone project (MUSC 494) in consultation with their advisor.

Recital Repertoire

  • Repertoire must be selected in consultation with the applied teacher.
  • Programs should include a variety of styles and languages.
  • All recital music must be performed from memory.

MUSC 380

  • Music Education students present a half recital, typically shared with another student:

    • 25–40 minutes of music
    • Minimum of three languages
    • Wide variety of styles
    • Students wishing to give a full recital must register for MUSC 480, with advisor permission.

  • Vocal Performance students typically present a half recital in their junior year (or occasionally sophomore year with instructor approval):

    • 25–40 minutes of music
    • Performed in multiple languages and styles
    • Usually shared with another student also giving a half recital

MUSC 480

  • Vocal Performance students present a full recital in their senior year:
    • 50–60 minutes of music
    • Combined junior and senior recitals must include four languages and a variety of styles

Recital Scheduling

  • Students should consult the CSOM Shared Calendar for available recital dates.
  • Dates must be confirmed with the Concert Facilities Manager (production office) before submitting the reservation form.
  • A complete checklist of recital deadlines and requirements is available here:
    NDSU Music Guidelines for Current Students

Program Notes

Program notes should provide meaningful context to enhance the audience's experience. They may include:

  • Composer information
  • Author of the text (poet, librettist, etc.)
  • Context of the larger work (song cycle, opera, oratorio, etc.)
  • Date and circumstances of composition
  • Relevant performance practice considerations
  • Details about the text
  • Anecdotal or historical insights

Guidelines:

  • Students may personalize their program notes as long as they remain scholarly and research-based.
  • Translations of all foreign-language texts are required.
  • Cite all translators if using published translations.

Recital Hearings

A recital hearing must take place no less than three weeks before the scheduled recital date.

  • Students must perform the entire recital program from memory.
  • The hearing begins with a selection chosen by the student; faculty may select additional excerpts from the remaining program.
  • If the student does not pass:
    • A second hearing may be scheduled one week later.
    • If the second hearing is also unsuccessful, the recital must be rescheduled.