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College of Arts, Education, & Sciences
VAPA | Music

Music Program Handbook

(revised 5-30-2023)

Contents

Introduction

Admission Requirements

Recital Procedures

Music Program Committees and Coordinators

Degree Program Descriptions

General Undergraduate Music Degree Requirements

Piano Proficiency for All Degree Programs

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Juries

Degree Program Checksheets

Additional Requirements by Concentration and/or Area

Health and Safety Information

 

INTRODUCTION

The Music Program at the University of Louisiana Monroe is housed within the School of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), a component of the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences. The University of Louisiana Monroe is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, and offers the Master of Music Education degree, the Bachelor of Music degree in Performance (vocal or instrumental), Theory and Composition, Piano Pedagogy, Music Education (vocal or instrumental), and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. 

 

GRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A valid teaching credential is required for admission into the program in addition to all admission requirements of the Graduate School at ULM.

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All students seeking admission to an undergraduate program in music must first meet general admission requirements to the University of Louisiana Monroe. A student applying for admission as a music major must successfully complete an entrance audition and a theory placement exam. The theory placement exam is administered during the PREP orientation program held during the summer or during the week immediately preceding the first week of classes. At the time of the admission audition, the prospective student may also audition for a Talent Grant scholarship for the purpose of participating in a ULM music ensemble. Transfer students must also successfully complete and entrance audition and a music theory placement exam.

Contacts for audition information and appointments

For contact information, please see the Personnel Directory.

Choral

Deborah Chandler, Ph.D.

Vocal

Claire Vangelisti, D.M.A.

Winds/Percussion

Kathryn Irwin, D.M.A.

Allen Parrish, D.M.A.

Piano

Richard Seiler, D.M.A.

Theory/Composition  

Mel Mobley, D.M.A.

Music Education

Carlton Kilpatrick III, Ph.D.

Kenna Veronee, Ph.D.

Prospective students may also contact the School of Visual and Performing Arts Office at 318-342-3811 or the appropriate studio faculty member for information. A complete list of music faculty is available at http://ulm.edu/music/facultystaff.html.

Undergraduate Admission Audition Procedures

All auditions for admission as a music major should be heard by a minimum panel of the appropriate studio professor and the director of the student’s major performance area, i.e. band or choral. In cases where the student is interested in theory/composition, the appropriate professor in that area should be included on the audition panel if possible.

The Music Program audition form must be used and that form kept on file in the School of Visual and Performing Arts office for three years following the audition. If the audition is for talent grant assistance, the director of that performance area should complete a Talent Grant Acceptance Form, obtain all required signatures, and mail the form to the student at the earliest possible opportunity. A date should be specified as a deadline for the student to return the signed form, according to NASM Standards. Failure to return the form by the deadline is not necessarily a rejection of the offer and the area director should contact the student to determine if the offer has been accepted or rejected. The original signed Talent Grant Acceptance Form must be kept in the School of Visual and Performing Arts Office for a minimum of three years.

Audition Requirements by Area

Brass and Woodwind

All woodwind and brass players wishing to pursue a music degree at ULM are required to audition for admission, and should begin by contacting the School of Visual and Performing Arts Office, 318-342-3811, or the appropriate applied teacher.  The student should be prepared to schedule a time to visit the campus, meet with the band director and/or applied teacher, and play an audition. (It is not necessary to do all of these in one visit.) 

Generally, prospective students should be prepared to play:

Piano

Major/harmonic minor scales and arpeggios, parallel motion, 4 octaves. Two memorized pieces in contrasting style from standard keyboard literature. The following examples may be used as a guideline:

Percussion

(Live or recorded audition acceptable)

Potential students must complete an audition, representing themselves in the areas listed below. Though the list contains suggested repertoire, the student is not limited to the repertoire listed. Solos or etudes that show a similar level of technical and musical achievement may be used in conjunction or in substitution. LMEA All-State materials are acceptable audition repertoire, however, it is highly suggested that the student perform the complete etude/selection and not just the All-State bracketed sections.


1. Snare Drum
Perform a concert/orchestral-style etude or solo. A rudimental-style solo may also be performed in addition to the concert solo/etude.

A selection from the following concert etude books would be appropriate:

A selection from the following rudimental etude books would be appropriate:

Selections from the 40 PAS Rudiments and sight-reading will be requested.

2. Keyboard Percussion - Marimba, Xylophone, and/or Vibraphone
Perform a two-mallet and/or four-mallet etude or solo.

A selection from the following list would be appropriate:

Two-mallet sight-reading will be requested.

3. Timpani
Potential students should demonstrate a basic knowledge of tuning timpani and perform a timpani etude or solo.

A selection from the following books would be appropriate:

4. Drum-set: Optional*
An audition on drum-set is not required but highly encouraged. Potential students should demonstrate the following basic styles/grooves:

  1. Rock/Funk
  2. Jazz/Swing
  3. Latin/World

*Students auditioning for ULM Music Talent Grants should represent themselves in every area, including drum-set.

 

Non-major Instrumental Audition Requirements

Voice Major Audition Requirements

Before being accepted as a music major, a student must successfully complete an entrance audition and a theory placement examination. The applicant will audition for the voice faculty and a representative of other areas of study as appropriate.

Theory and Composition

An instrumental or vocal audition is required of prospective students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in theory and composition. In addition to the audition, an interview with members of the theory and composition faculty is required in which the student’s initial knowledge and understanding of music theory will be explored. The student is encouraged to bring representative samples of compositions to this interview.

RECITAL PROCEDURES

Requirements

Students with a concentration in Music Performance are required to present a Junior (half) and Senior (full) Recital. Composition majors are required to produce a Half-recital of original music. Students with a concentration in Music Education are required to present a Senior Recital/Project, the requirements of which are to be determined by the studio instructor. Students performing a school sponsored recital must be enrolled for both applied credit and the appropriate junior (MUSC 3090) or senior (MUSC 4090) recital course with the studio professor, except in the case of MSED 4053, in which case only the recital course (MSED 4053) should be taken. Junior recitals consist of a minimum of twenty-five minutes of music and Senior recitals consist of a minimum of forty-five minutes of music. Content of the recital is determined by agreement of the student and professor. Voice and piano students are required to memorize their recital music except when participating in a chamber work. Wind, guitar, and percussion students may also be required to memorize pieces at the discretion of the studio professor.

Scheduling

Senior recitals may be scheduled Monday through Friday evenings. Students requesting a time other than weekday evenings may petition the full-time music faculty and must have approval of the Recital Committee. Junior recitals are typically scheduled for Tuesday or Thursday at 11:00 am. Normally, all student recitals will be held in the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall. Special exceptions must have approval of the Director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

Recital hearings must be arranged and performed at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled recital date. All requests for Junior recital dates must begin with the Recital Hour Coordinator, who will schedule the recital date when it occurs during the 11:00am recital hour schedule. All requests for evening recital dates and times (outside of the 11:00am recital hour schedule) must be made with the VAPA Events Coordinator, along with all other scheduling that includes hearing and rehearsal dates and times. For more information, refer to the “Detailed Procedures for Student Recitals.”

Committees

Undergraduate recital committees consist of three faculty members. In forming the committee, the studio professor and student will select and secure tentative availability from three appropriate faculty members who would be willing to serve on the student’s recital committee.

Hearings

Recital hearings must be performed at least two weeks before the recital date. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the Director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. At the hearing, the student will provide a typed draft copy of the program to each committee member, and the major professor will provide a Recital Hearing Form (obtained from the VAPA office). Upon completion of the hearing, the committee may approve, disapprove, or approve conditionally the presentation of the recital. The studio professor will then inform the student of the committee’s decision and the hearing forms will be filed in the student’s academic folder in the School of VAPA office.

Reserving the Recital Hall

All requests for use of VAPA facilities must be directed to VAPA Facilities and Events Coordinator. The student is entitled to adequate, but not excessive, rehearsal time in the recital venue prior to the performance.

Recital Request Form

As part of the recital scheduling process, the student and studio teacher must fill out completely the Music Program Recital Request Form, obtain the signature of the Recital Hour Coordinator (if scheduling on the 11:00am Recital Hour slot) and Director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, and file that form with the Events Coordinator.

Programs

The student should take extreme care in preparing a draft of the printed recital program. Accuracy of dates should be verified and the program proof-read for correct grammar and spelling. Following the successful recital hearing, the draft should be presented to the VAPA Administrative Assistant in the VAPA office (BIED105) who will produce the finished program in accordance with the standard ULM Music Program format. The student and studio professor are responsible for proofreading the program before it is duplicated.

Evaluation

The studio professor will provide a Recital Grading Form to each Recital Committee member before the recital. This form is completed by the committee member and returned to the studio professor following the performance. The  studio professor then places the forms and a copy of the recital program in the student’s academic folder in the VAPA Office.

Detailed Procedures for Student Recitals

1. The Studio Professor and the Student select several possible dates for the STUDENT HEARING and RECITAL.

2. Studio Professor and Student select and secure tentative availability from three appropriate faculty members who would be willing to serve on the student’s recital committee.

3. Studio Professor and Student meet TOGETHER with the VAPA Events Coordinator* to determine both the HEARING date and the pending RECITAL date and to initiate the STUDENT RECITAL REQUEST. (Professor and Student should be prepared with all student information needed as well as the list of committee members.)

*Any requests for Recitals scheduled during the RECITAL HOUR course time must obtain the approval of the faculty member in charge of the Recital Hour prior to meeting with the Events Coordinator. The Recital Hour Faculty member must sign the Student Recital Request form.

4. The Events Coordinator will submit the completed and signed request to the Director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

5. The Events Coordinator will notify the Studio Professor and Recital Committee members of the approval for both the Hearing date and the pending Recital date, and of the selection of the Recital Committee members. Any Recital Committee member who cannot attend either the Hearing or the Recital is responsible for securing an appropriate substitute and notifying the Professor and the Events Office.

6. The Studio Professor is responsible  for securing the appropriate Grading Forms for both the Hearing and the Recital from the VAPA office prior to each event.

7. The Studio Professor is responsible for collecting the signed grading forms from the Recital Committee and returning the forms to the VAPA Office for filing.

 8. The Studio Professor should inform the Events Coordinator of the result of the Hearing who will record the judgment of the committee. If the status is “Delayed“ the pending Recital date will be released from the calendar. If the status is “Granted” the Recital date will be secured and the Events Office will inform the Recital Committee.

9. If the Status of the Hearing grants a Recital, the Professor should make sure that the student submits their program to the VAPA Administrative Assistant within 24 hours after the hearing. The program is part of the permanent file and should be complete with the following: order of the performance, composer identifications and biographies, translations and/or interpretations. and proper recognition of assisting musicians and recital personnel.

10. The Studio Professor may reserve and use the Recital Hall for Student rehearsals (depending on availability) with the Events Coordinator, with the expectation that the Studio Professor will personally attend all rehearsals/sessions.

11. All original paperwork related to a Student Recital becomes part of the student’s permanent record. It is ultimately the responsibility of the Studio Professor to check in the VAPA office to ensure that all paperwork has been placed in the student’s file.

 

MUSIC PROGRAM COMMITTEES

Recruitment and Retention Committee

Outcomes Assessment Committee

Website Committee

Composer-in-Residence Committee

Student Advisory Committee

MUSIC PROGRAM COORDINATORS

Piano Area Coordinator, Richard Seiler, D.M.A.

Voice Area Coordinator, Claire Vangelisti, D.M.A.

Awards and Honors Coordinator, Sandra Lunte, D.A.

Instrumental Performance Coordinator, Sandra Lunte, D.A.

DEGREE PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

The Music Program offers the Master of Music Education degree, Bachelor of Music degree with the following concentrations: Instrumental Music Education, Vocal Music Education, Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Piano Pedagogy, Theory and Composition, and the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. Undergraduate degree plans include required core courses in general education, core music courses in theory and ear training, piano, ensemble performance, and applied study. Students are encouraged to carefully consider which program best suits their needs based on interest, abilities, and career goals. For more information, please refer to the current Undergraduate Catalog: http://catalog.ulm.edu/

Master of Music Education

The focus of the Master of Music Education degree at ULM will be on developing master music teachers and professional leaders for music in an on-campus, summer-only program.

The degree has two concentrations available, Choral General Music and Instrumental.  Each concentration consists of 36 credit hours and course rotations are designed to allow a student to complete the program in 3 summer sessions.

A valid teaching credential is required for admission into the program in addition to all admission requirements of the Graduate School at ULM.

Bachelor of Music, Instrumental or Vocal Performance

Prior background in the degree concentration is assumed and the highest degree of performance proficiency is expected. Students pursuing the Instrumental or Vocal Performance Concentration should be strongly self-motivated and disciplined, and receive satisfaction from solitary practice and ensemble rehearsal. Awareness, interest, and curiosity about the field of music and the fine points of style and aesthetics are desirable traits for the Instrumental or Vocal Performance student as well as an ability to deal comfortably with public performance and recognition.

Bachelor of Music, Theory and Composition

Bachelor of Music, Piano Pedagogy

Bachelor of Music, Music Education

The Bachelor of Music with concentrations in Instrumental or Vocal Music Education is designed to prepare students for successfully teaching K-12 music classes in schools.  The degree leads to teacher certification in Louisiana, required by all public schools, and provides a foundation for certification in other states.  The ULM Music Education program offers a broad range of curricular experiences, such that students graduate with confidence they can successfully teach students at any level.  Prior to the one year residency (student teaching), students must document an overall GPA of 2.75, a music specific GPA of 3.0, and successful completion of all PRAXIS exams. Other program requirements are embedded as course assignments to streamline the process and minimize student opportunity for mistakes.   Additional required advising also helps to monitor student progress, problem solve, and teach independence across the program.

Bachelor of Arts, Music

The primary purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA) is development of knowledgeable, skillful, and creative individuals who emerge from the college experience with a well-rounded education, and who are prepared for productive futures.  This liberal arts degree aims to serve students with an interest in having music as a valuable part of their education and career, but who do not intend to become professional musicians or music teachers.  To facilitate this goal, candidates for the BA will develop knowledge in at least one additional area, hereafter referred to as a concentration.  The concentration is different from a minor in that the concentration requires more credit hours and can be specifically designed to address what the student wishes to do with the degree upon completion.  The ULM BA differs from a professional Bachelor of Music program (BM) and other BA programs in purpose, design, and flexibility.  

Music Major Advising

Upon admission to pursue a degree in music, the student will be assigned to an academic advisor within the Music Program or the Student Success Center. Academic advising takes place at designated times during the semester. The student must make an appointment to visit with his/her academic advisor to determine courses for the next semester and to discuss overall progress toward degree completion. Following advisement, the student is encouraged to register for those classes promptly since any delay could result in the classes filling up and being closed. Once the semester has begun, any consideration of dropping courses must be discussed and approved by the academic advisor. For more information, visit https://www.ulm.edu/studentsuccess/advising.html

General Undergraduate Music Degree Requirements

All music majors must pass all common courses and courses specific to their respective concentration with a grade of “C” or better.

Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in instrumental music education or vocal music education are required to pass parts I and II of the Praxis examination as a prerequisite for student teaching. Students pursuing a concentration in Instrumental or Vocal Music Education should see specific requirements pertaining to teacher education and the Praxis exam in College of Arts, Education and Sciences section of this catalog.

To receive credit for performance courses, students are required to practice a minimum of four hours per week for each semester hour of credit carried; must perform before a faculty committee at each final examination period. Students completing their fourth semester in the major performance area must appear before the music faculty for examination purposes. Instrumental students must perform a “scale jury” in a semester decided by the studio teacher.

Students in concentrations that require credit hours in minor-level performance study must include 4 hours of piano if piano is not the student’s major instrument.

Students registered in major performance courses are required to perform at least once during each academic year in student recitals. Those pursuing a performance concentration must present at least a half recital during the junior year and a full recital during the senior year.

Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in instrumental music education or vocal music education are not required to enroll in a performance course during the semester in which they student teach.

Students majoring in music with a concentration in music theory and composition must complete by the end of the junior year a composition for their major instrument, a vocal composition, and a fugue. By the end of the senior year they must complete a movement of a sonata for chamber group and a composition for full orchestra or band. Scores and parts of a selected number of these compositions must be permanently filed with the department. Students pursuing this concentration whose major performance area is in voice or an instrument other than a keyboard instrument are required to take their 6 hours of minor performance studies in piano.

All candidates for degrees with a major in music, regardless of the curriculum followed, will be required to pass proficiency examinations in piano and must enroll in piano until the proficiency level appropriate to the major program is passed. Students whose major performance medium is other than keyboard must pass Piano Proficiency VI. Except for those students pursuing a concentration in Piano Pedagogy and those students pursuing a concentration in Instrumental Performance whose major performance area is in a keyboard instrument, the piano sequence MUSC 1015, MUSC 1016, MUSC 2015, MUSC 2016 must be completed before enrolling in private instruction. Permission for exceptions to this may be granted by the Coordinator of the Division of Music.

All music majors must participate in at least one of the major music organizations, band or choir, on a full time basis, for credit or non-credit, during every fall and spring semester enrolled. Participation in a particular organization must be directly appropriate to the student’s major performing medium. Membership in the various organizations shall be determined by the director concerned. Music majors must obtain a grade of no less than “C” in the course. Music majors with a concentration in music education are not required to perform in a major ensemble during the semester in which they student teach. Qualified non-music majors may participate in these organizations for credit or non-credit and must be approved by the respective director. Qualified students may enroll in more than one ensemble per semester. Students with a concentration in instrumental performance must enroll in four semesters of MUSC 4034 (Chamber Music) for one credit in addition to the major ensemble requirements detailed above.

All music majors must enroll in Recital Class (MUSC 1000/MUSC 2000/MUSC 3000/MUSC 4000) each semester of attendance and obtain a grade of no less than “CR” in the course. Music majors with a concentration in music education are not required to enroll in Recital Class during the semester in which they student teach.

 

PIANO PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

The following information outlines the course of study for students who are pursuing piano as a minor instrument to fulfill degree requirements. This program is designed to assist students in acquiring functional keyboard skills necessary for completing the Piano Proficiency Examinations required of all music students. It is the student’s responsibility, as well as the instructor’s, to see that the requirements in each level are properly fulfilled.

All students registered for credit must take a piano proficiency level jury at the end of each semester. It is expected that a minimum of one proficiency level will be completed each term. If a student fails to meet the minimum requirements for a particular level and/or does not pass the jury, that level (and course number) will need to be repeated the following semester.

A student who has prepared two or more proficiency levels for examination in one semester must fulfill all the requirements in each level. The student will be examined on all requirements. Once a level has been satisfactorily completed, the examination material of that level will not be covered again.

SYLLABUS OF PIANO PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

This document contains an outline of the required course of study that is designed to assist students in acquiring functional keyboard skills necessary for completing the four levels of Piano Proficiency Examinations required of all non-piano music major students. It is the student’s responsibility (as well as the instructor’s) to see that the requirements in each level are properly fulfilled.

All students registered for group piano lab credit (or private applied lessons and who have not completed all four proficiency levels) must take a piano proficiency level jury at the end of each semester. It is expected that a minimum of one proficiency level will be completed each term. If a student fails to meet the minimum requirements for a particular level (i.e., does not pass a jury), that level (and course number) will need to be repeated the following semester.

A student who has prepared two or more proficiency levels for examination must fulfill all the requirements in each level. The student will be examined on all requirements. Once a level has been satisfactorily completed, the examination material of that level will not be covered again.

DEGREE PROGRAMS FOR WHICH FOUR LEVELS OF PROFICIENCY ARE REQUIRED

Bachelor of Arts in Music (all concentrations)

Bachelor of Music – Instrumental Performance (non-piano)

Bachelor of Music –Vocal Performance

Bachelor of Music – Instrumental Music Education

Bachelor of Music – Vocal Music Education

Bachelor of Music – Theory/Composition

FINANCIAL AID

Talent Grants

Prospective students may audition for a Talent Grant Award at the same time they audition for acceptance as a music major.

When students accept a Talent Grant, they acknowledge a mutual commitment with the university and agree to not consider any other offer from an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) after May 1 of the calendar year of matriculation at the undergraduate level, or before April 15 of the calendar year of matriculation at the graduate level. For further information on NASM policies, see https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/students-parents/, Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress as measured by the following criteria:

1. Enrolls in nine hours of university core requirements each semester until those courses are completed.

2. Maintains a minimum cumulative GPA no lower than 2.0 in core requirements.

3. Maintains a minimum overall cumulative GPA no lower than 2.0

4. Maintains status as a full time student (12 hours) throughout the semester.

5. Complies with all ensemble requirements of the Major Area Director.

6. Music majors must take major applied lessons on their primary instrument or voice and must complete each semester of applied study with a minimum grade of “C” each semester in which they receive a Talent Grant.

7. Music majors are required to enroll in Recital Hour (MUSC 1000/2000/3000/4000) each semester in which they receive a Talent Grant.

8. Talent Grants are renewable on a semester-by-semester basis for four years.

9. All Talent Grant awards are contingent on the availability of state and university funds.

Academic Scholarships

These awards are for incoming undergraduate students and are based on academic achievement. For more information, refer to the ULM Scholarship Office: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/index.html

Out-of-State Tuition Waivers

These fee waivers are available to undergraduate students whose permanent residence is outside of Louisiana. For more information, refer to the ULM Scholarship Office: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/outofstate.html

ULM Foundation Scholarships

Foundation scholarships are funded by the generosity of alumni and friends of ULM. These scholarships are awarded based upon a variety of criteria, including program of study, classification, college affiliation, and more. For a list of Foundation Scholarships available to Music Majors, visit https://ulm.academicworks.com/

INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL JURIES

Music majors are required to complete a graded jury at the end of every semester of studio instruction. The results of the jury will be used to determine the student’s final studio grade for the semester. The jury will cover the material studied during that semester. It is the student’s responsibility to sign up for a jury time, complete a jury information sheet, and present it to the faculty at the appointed jury time. More information on the content of juries for instrumental and vocal majors is contained in the sections of this handbook specific to those areas.

Jury Forms

Course Syllabi

Information on how students are graded in a particular course is available in the course syllabus. Course syllabi are available on Moodle, and it is the student’s responsibility to know what is required by the course even if a hard copy of the syllabus is not handed out in class.

 

Additional Brass Area Requirements

Music majors who play brass instruments are required to perform a jury for the brass faculty during exam week each semester. Requirements for the jury will include scales, etudes, orchestral excerpts, solos, and sight-reading. The instructor and student will decide on repertoire prior to the jury examination. The jury will count as 20% of the student's overall grade for the semester. Minors are not required to perform a jury, but can schedule one upon recommendation of the studio teacher.

Majors enrolled for their fourth semester of lessons will perform a scale jury and a full faculty jury instead of a brass faculty jury. The scale jury should be scheduled for no later than the middle of the semester, and will consist of all major and minor scales with arpeggios, as well as a full range chromatic scale. The scale jury is graded on a pass/fail basis, and must be passed before giving the full faculty jury. For the full faculty jury, students will perform a fifteen-minute recital with piano accompaniment. The entire instrumental faculty will evaluate this jury, and the jury must be passed before a student can enroll in 3000 level lessons.   

Undergraduate Music Performance majors are required to perform a half recital during their junior year and a full recital during their senior year. Undergraduate Music Education students are required to present a Senior Recital/Project, the requirements of which are to be determined by the studio instructor.

 

Additional Voice Area Requirements

Studio Assignments

Students desiring private instruction will be placed in a studio at the discretion of the voice faculty; students must obtain permission of the instructor to register for credit. Assignments will be based on availability, and every attempt will be made to honor the student’s requested studio.

Attendance

Though specific requirements are determined by each teacher, students are expected to attend ALL private lessons, except in the case of illness or a family emergency. In either of these exceptional situations, paperwork must be provided by the student to their studio instructor in order to verify the validity of their absence. Excessive unexcused absences will affect the semester grade and jeopardize the student’s eligibility for future private lessons.

Repertoire

Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to the departmental guidelines for repertoire.

Music 1021/2021 

Basic vocal technique. Simple songs from the early Italian and English schools; art songs from the 18th and 19th centuries; or literature of a comparable level.

Music 1041    

Basic vocal technique. Simple songs from the early Italian and English schools; art songs from the 18th and 19th centuries; easy German and French if proficiency permits; or literature of a comparable level.

Music 2041    

Further development of vocal technique. Easier arias from the opera of Handel, Gluck, and Mozart. Arias from the oratorios of Handel, Bach, and Mendelssohn; Lieder of Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms; song by English and American composers; or literature of a comparable level.

Music 3041    

Advanced vocal technique. Arias of greater difficulty with recitatives from opera and oratorio; the German lieder of Wolf and Strauss; French songs and arias by Fauré, Debussy and others; contemporary English language repertoire; or literature of a comparable level.

Music 4041    

Advanced vocal technique. Arias from the standard repertoire of opera and oratorio; introduction to modern contemporary song literature; song cycles from the German and French schools; or literature of a comparable level.

Juries

All students enrolled in Applied Voice study are required to sing a jury at the end of each semester. Juries are adjudicated by the voice faculty, the director of choral activities, and representatives of other areas as appropriate. The following components are assessed:

  1. repertoire:  students must be prepared to present the required number of repertoire pieces for semester from memory. The student will choose his or her first selection, and the faculty will request additional selection(s).
  2. musical accuracy, interpretation, diction, style, and presentation.
  3. knowledge of literature:  students should be prepared to discuss and/or present basic information about the literature performed, including the composer, period, style, form, translation, and plot/character if applicable.
  4. technical development; body alignment, breathing, registration, dynamic contrast, and control, even vibrato, clear tone, correct diction, and other desirable vocal qualities.
  5. eligibility for talent grant renewal.
  6. advancement to next level of private study or repetition of current course level.

The semester jury is to be performed by all students in private lessons, with the exception of Senior Vocal Performance majors who have presented a full recital during the last four weeks of the current semester and have received a passing grade from their appointed recital committee.

Requirements for regular semester juries

Bachelor of Music with Music Education Concentration

Course

Number of songs studied

Number of songs memorized

Languages required

Additional requirements

Music 1021 and Music 2021

6

4

 

English

At least one early Italian song recommended.
One Broadway song at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire

Music 1041

6

4-5

English, Italian

 

One Broadway song at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire

Music 2041

 

8

6

English, Italian,  German

 

One Broadway song at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire

Music 3041

8

6

English, Italian, German, French

 

One Broadway song at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire

Music 4041

8

6

English, Italian, German, French

 

One Broadway song at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire

 

Bachelor of Music with Vocal Performance Concentration

 

Course

Number of songs studied

Number of songs memorized

Languages required

Additional requirements

Music 1021 and Music 2021

6

4

 

English

At least one early Italian song recommended.

One Broadway song at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire.

Music 1041

6

4-5

English, Italian

 

 One Broadway song at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire.

Music 2041

 

8

6

English, Italian, German

One Broadway song at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire.

Music 3041

10

8

English, Italian, German, French

 

Two Broadway songs at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire.

Music 4041

12

8

English, Italian, German, French

 

Two Broadway songs at the appropriate level of study may be included in required semester repertoire.

 

Freshman year performance degree barrier

A freshman year performance degree barrier will be sung at the end of the freshman year. This jury determines whether a student will be allowed to continue as a performance major. Students wishing to pursue the performance degree must demonstrate a high level of vocal potential and must demonstrate consistent progress in performance and academic related endeavors. The recommendation of the private teacher is required to continue in the performance degree program. Students who do not pass this jury will be advised as to an appropriate alternative course of study.

Full Faculty Jury

Will be sung at the end of the sophomore year or after the 2nd sucessful semester of MUSC 2041. This jury determines eligibility to proceed to junior level or MUSC 3041 voice study. The jury is typically 15 minutes in length, therefore, students should expect to perform selections in English, Italian, German and French if applicable. Students unable to pass the full faculty jury after two attempts will be advised as to an alternative course of study.

Additional Recital Requirements for Vocal Majors

Voice Recital Hearings

All students presenting voice recitals at ULM will be required to pass a recital hearing at least two weeks prior to the public performance of a junior, senior, senior project, capstone project, or non-degree recital. This recital hearing will be presented for a panel of three ULM Voice Area faculty members.  Vocal performance majors’ recital hearing committee will also serve as their recital committee.  Music Education majors’ senior projects and Bachelor of Arts majors’ Senior capstone projects do not require a recital committee, only a recital hearing committee.  

The student is responsible for the following:

  1. Assembling the recital hearing committee/recital committee with approval from their private teacher and Director of VAPA.
  2. Scheduling the hearing: students should check with each member of his/her committee to find a suitable time and venue for the jury; confirm the time and place with each member 1 week prior to the hearing; and reserve the Recital Hall.
  3. Recital program, program notes, and translations: students will type entire recital program, complete with correct titles, composers, dates, translations, and program notes as instructed by their individual studio instructor. The student recital program will be turned in to their studio teacher two weeks before the recital hearing so that appropriate editing may take place and will then be presented to the recital hearing committee at the time of the hearing.
  4. Collaborative pianist: student will arrange to have their collaborative pianist and any other assisting chamber musicians available for the recital hearing, the recital dress rehearsal, and the recital performance.

Undergraduate Degree Recitals

Vocal Performance Majors

Undergraduate Voice Performance majors are required to perform degree recitals during the Junior (MUSC 3041) and Senior (MUSC 4041) year of study.  

Junior Recitals:

Will consist of vocal selections meeting the requirements of study at the MUSC 3041 level as outlined in the Music Program Handbook and will be a minimum of 30 minutes in total length. The junior recital will be performed during the ULM Music Program Recital Hour unless approval otherwise is granted by the combined voice faculty and the Director of VAPA.

Senior Recitals:

Will consist of vocal selections meeting the requirements of study at the MUSC 4041 level as outlined in the Music Program Handbook and will be a minimum of 50 minutes in total length.  The senior recital will be scheduled during the week unless approval otherwise is granted by the combined voice faculty and the Director of VAPA.

Vocal Music Education Majors

Vocal Music Education majors are required to perform a recital in their senior year.  This recital must be at least 30 minutes in length (a half recital) or may be longer at the student's and primary vocal instructor's discretion.  There will not be a recital committee for this performance, but there will be a recital hearing two weeks prior to the performance too assure preparedness for the public performance of the student’s program. The primary studio instructor will assign an overall grade for the MSED 4053 senior project/recital preparation and performance course.  MSED 4053 recitals will be held to the same performance standards as recitals with juried committees.  

Bachelor of Arts Majors

Bachelor of Arts majors may choose to perform a recital to fulfill requirements for their senior capstone project. This recital must be at least 30 minutes in length (a half recital) or may be longer at the student's and primary vocal instructor's discretion.  There will not be a recital committee for this performance, but there will be a recital hearing two weeks prior to the performance too assure preparedness for the public performance of the student’s program. The primary studio instructor will assign an overall grade for the senior capstone recital preparation and performance course.  These recitals will be held to the same performance standards as recitals with juried committees

MUSC Non-Degree Recitals

Non-degree recitals may be performed by Theory/Composition majors and Music Minors who have chosen voice as their principal instrument, and who have consistently studied voice during the completion of their degree program. These recitals may be either half recitals or full recitals, at the discretion of the student’s primary vocal instructor. There will not be a recital committee for these performances, but there will be a recital hearing two weeks prior to the public presentation too assure preparedness of the program. Each non-degree Recital must follow the above-mentioned guidelines, as well as be approved by the combined voice faculty.  Although non-degree recitals will not have a juried recital committee, they will be held to the same performance standards.  

Performance Expectations

Vocal Performance majors are expected to participate in annual Opera Scenes and Opera Theater productions, as well as Masterclasses given by guest clinicians.  They may also perform in ULM's annual Broadway productions.

All voice majors (Music Education, Voice Performance, Bachelor of Arts) must enroll in a major performing ensemble (Concert Choir or Chamber Singers) each semester of study, as well as MUSC 4007 Voice Seminar. 

Collaborative Pianists

Students are responsible for finding a collaborative pianist to play for lessons, master classes, juries, and recitals, unless arranged by the Voice Area Faculty. Students are encouraged to seek a collaborative pianist as early in the semester as possible, as scheduling becomes increasingly difficult as the semester progresses. Students must provide collaborative pianists with hard copies of each semester’s repertoire in a timely fashion, as determined by the studio teacher.  Under no circumstances should a collaborative pianist be asked to sight-read for a performance or jury.

NATS Competition

Students are encouraged to participate regularly in the student adjudications sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Class Voice

Class voice is offered for non-music majors interested in beginning vocal studies. Students on talent grant may choose to take private lessons or group voice class. These class sessions will meet twice a week, and include both lecture style and practical instruction in vocal technique and literature. Class sizes will range from 6-8 students. Final jury in class only.

Ensembles

Choral ensembles are open to any student enrolled at ULM. Placement is determined by the Choral Department on the basis of audition. Incoming students should contact the Director of Choral Activities the week prior to the beginning of classes to arrange an audition. The audition will consist of a short solo selection. The applicant may also be asked to sight-read and vocalize, depending upon choral placement. Continuing students do not need to re-audition for choral placement; semester juries will serve as your placement audition for the following semester. ULM offers the following ensembles:

University Chorale

Available for Major Ensemble Credit. Chorale is a non-auditioned group consisting mainly of ULM freshmen and, by choice, upperclassmen. They sing a variety of choral music and participate in two concerts each year, as well as the annual ULM Christmas Concert.  It is usual that the freshmen sing in the Chorale for two semesters before being considered for Concert Choir.

Concert Choir

Available for Major Ensemble Credit. This large choir is the premiere choral ensemble; entrance is by audition only. The choir performs a variety of literature, both sacred and secular. In addition to the seasonal concerts given during the academic year, the group serves as one of the recruiting ensembles for the Music Program by performing at high schools and colleges in the area. Members of the Concert choir will participate in the annual ULM Christmas Concert, as well as the Spring Concert Choir Tour.

Chamber Singers

This ensemble is a select group of 20-24 voices chosen from the Concert Choir.The audition for Chamber Singers includes a sight-reading component. The Chamber Singers perform accompanied and a cappella music of all styles and periods. The singers perform in various concerts during the school year, including the annual ULM Christmas Concert. The Chamber Singers also participate in Spring Choir Tour, as well as sing at social functions in the community. Along with Concert Choir, Chamber Singers serve as a recruiting ensemble.

Warhawk Singers & Bayou La Belle

NOT available for Major Ensemble Credit. They are non-auditioned groups consisting mainly of non-music majors and, by choice, music majors of any level. They sing a variety of choral music and participate in two concerts each year, as well as the annual ULM Christmas Concert.

Concert Choir

Available for Major Ensemble Credit. This large choir is the premiere choral ensemble; entrance is by audition only. The choir performs a variety of literature, both sacred and secular. In addition to the seasonal concerts given during the academic year, the group serves as one of the recruiting ensembles for the Music Program by performing at high schools and colleges in the area. Members of the Concert choir will participate in the annual ULM Christmas Concert, as well as the Concert Choir Tour.

Chamber Singers

This ensemble is a select group of 20-24 voices chosen from the Concert Choir.  The audition for Chamber Singers includes a sight-reading component.  The Chamber Singers perform accompanied and a cappella music of all styles and periods.  The singers perform in various concerts during the school year, including the annual ULM Christmas Concert.  The Chamber Singers also participate in Choir Tour, as well as sing at social functions in the community. Along with Concert Choir, Chamber Singers serve as a recruiting ensemble.

Opera Workshop

Opera workshop offers several opportunities to learn to prepare and perform opera and Broadway literature. Workshops provide information on resumes and bios, headshots, and audition techniques and strategies. Each student becomes involved in areas of production such as costuming, publicity, set design, and outreach. The class presents a full production of either an opera or a musical each year, and will also present a scene program each year. Students should obtain the permission of the Director of Opera and Musical Theatre before enrolling.

 

An Introduction to Music Education at ULM: A Culture of Excellence

Student selection and preparation in music education at ULM are based upon a very simple premise--every person involved as a learner should have the best instruction possible.

This premise implies that every teacher should be committed to music and its use with people.  This commitment should be apparent in the academic and social behaviors of each prospective music teacher, both in and out of the university environment, and is characterized by diligent pursuit of musical and academic excellence and an active dedication to the improvement of the quality of life.

For those who value knowledge, the learning process is perpetual throughout life.  To be an EFFECTIVE music educator, one must develop:

  1. The ability to think, and thus, value and discriminate
  2. The ability to feel, and thus, become sensitive to aesthetic qualities in music and life, and
  3. The courage to act, and thus, translate these abilities to think and feel into overt behaviors.

Successful music educators evidence personal qualities of leadership, intellectual curiosity, and social commitment.  They approach life, music, and the teaching profession in a positive, creative, and enthusiastic way.

A successful music teacher, as defined in the effective teaching research literature, possesses the following skills and behaviors:

The Road to Residency-the final two semesters

Checksheets for Music Education Program

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION

 

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