Advisory Statements & Policies
Space limitations do not permit inclusion of many rules and regulations in the catalog. Therefore, it has become necessary for the School of Music to distribute these items separately. Those which follow attempt to answer general questions and to provide explanations of topics of general concern.
Music Majors - When is a Freshman a Music Major?
Students who have successfully auditioned for acceptance as a music major and who are taking an applied music course for two hours credit plus are registered for Theory 1, Aural Training 1, Sight Singing 1, Large Ensemble, and Piano or Group Piano are considered music majors. Formal declaration of major occurs earlier for music students than for other majors on campus. Changes in declaration can be made with advisor approval.
Applied Music
All music majors must be enrolled in applied music at the concentration level during the freshman year - two (2) credit hours. Students who are permitted to take additional applied lessons in an area other than the concentration will normally register for one (1) credit hours. Those taking applied music for two credit hours will receive two half-hour lessons or one 1-hour lesson per week. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange a lesson time with the instructor.
Music Organizations and Ensembles
All music majors are required to be registered for a large organization each semester of full-time residence. For purposes of satisfying this requirement, the following ensembles qualify as large organizations:
- Concert Chorale
- Wind Symphony
- Chamber Singers
- Jazz Band 1 -(2 semesters only)
- Women's Chorus
- UNI Singers
- Orchestra
- Marching Band
- Symphonic Band (Spring semester only)
These organizations are open to all university students, by audition. Music majors receive one (1) credit for each ensemble, up to a total of sixteen (16) over a four-year period. A maximum of two ensemble credits per semester will be allowed. A maximum of 7-8 credit hours may be counted toward the minimum requirements for the degree.
Freshman Music Core Requirement
All students who have been admitted to the School of Music and wish to pursue a music major curriculum should take the following courses during the freshman year:
^Theory 1*,2 4 hours ^Aural Training 1, 2 2 hours ^Sight Singing 1, 2 2 hours Introduction to Music Studies 2 hours Applied Music (2,2) 4 hours Ensembles (1,1) 2 hours Liberal Arts Core 16-18 hours
*Some students may need to take Introduction to Theory prior to Theory 1.
Piano Proficiency
Piano proficiency is required of all music majors. Most freshmen should enroll in group piano class or applied piano continuously (semester by semester) until the piano proficiency examination has been passed. See further stipulations in the NOTES listed on each degree's Plan of Study.
Conducting Course Pre-Requisites
Students must have completed the Theory/Aural Training/Sight-Singing sequence before enrolling in Conducting 1. Students must have received a grade of C or better in Conducting 1 before enrolling in Conducting 2.
Recital Attendance
All music majors who are registered for 12 hours or more (full-time) are required to attend 8 approved recitals during each of the Fall and Spring semesters.
Part-time majors will attend in the following manner:
Student Load Recitals 9-11 hour load 6 recitals 6-8 hour load 4 recitals below 6 hours no requirements
Students may secure their Recital Cards from their Applied Music Instructor. These recital cards must be stamped at the time(s) and place(s) designated each semester. The recital cards must be retained until the end of the semester and turned in with the jury card at jury time. It is the student's responsibility to retain the card. If it is lost, the student must begin the attendance pattern anew.
Failure to achieve the minimum number of recitals in any semester will result in a deficiency. This deficiency requires that a grade of Incomplete be filed for the Applied Music concentration. Grades of incomplete convert to an "F" automatically after six months have passed. The deficiency in recital attendance should be removed at the beginning of the subsequent semester by attending "extra" recitals.
School of Music sponsored recitals/concerts and programs involving the Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra qualify for recital attendance credit. A printed program must be presented to the applied instructor to receive credit for these concerts and recitals.
It is hoped that all students will view the recital attendance policy as an encouragement to enjoy the various performances sponsored by the School of Music.
Practice Room Policy
Practice rooms are for the use of university students with priority in scheduling given to music majors. Any practice room vacated for more than five (5) minutes may be considered unoccupied, whether or not equipment and/or study materials have been left by a previous occupant. most "reserved" practice rooms, such as percussion, piano, etc. require a key. These keys will have to be arranged for through your instructor and the Administrative Assistant.
Studio Changes
Requests for studio changes should be made directly to the Director of the School of Music or the Associate Director for Undergraduate Studies at any time during the academic year.
Spring Registration
All freshmen must consult with their advisor prior to registering for classes for the Spring semester. Registration will begin in mid-November and end in early December. Advisor names and registration times are listed in your MyUniverse Portal. ALL changes in class schedules and registration must be approved by your major advisor.
Wind and Percussion Majors - Ensemble Audition
All full-time wind and percussion music majors are required to audition for a major ensemble each semester - regardless of preference for ensembles. Each student must audition even though he/she may be planning to play only in Marching Band or Jazz One. Auditions will be heard by a panel of music faculty to include conductors of the major ensembles and members of the applied faculty. Audition dates and times for each semester will be posted on the School of Music Homepage and on the bulletin board outside Davis Hall. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they are present for these auditions! If you have not received an audition time, please contact the Music Office at 319-273-2025 to be connected to the appropriate faculty member.
Music Scholarship Opportunity
Eligible music majors who have not received a music scholarship may audition for a continuing student scholarship. Information is listed under the Music portion of the On-line Common Scholarship page maintained by the UNI Financial Aid Office.
