Fine Arts - Music Concentration

Students majoring in Fine Arts may select music as an area of concentration. An audition before a faculty member is required of all Fine Arts Majors wishing to concentrate in music. A theory placement examination is required of all incoming students. This evaluation is to determine the level at which a student must begin in the theory sequence.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes and Competencies

1. To interpret musical scores of various musical styles and genres using basic music vocabulary, including the elements of music (pitch, rhythm, intensity and timbre),
2. To interpret and create and perform music through proper vocal and instrumental techniques (including breathing, intonation, phrasing, and stage deportment),
3. To present musical performance practices of various historical periods and ethnic traditions.
4. To illustrate musicianship through ear-training, sight singing, repertoire study and keyboard proficiency.
5. To discuss intelligently various types of music and composers from the western musical arts tradition and from other global cultures.

Students must complete the equivalent of 6 semesters of large ensemble (i.e. Choir, Concert, Marching, or Jazz bands) and applied music (Instrumental, Piano, and/or Vocal participation.) Students are required to participate in an ensemble each semester they are enrolled at BSU. (Note: Only 8 credits may be applied to the concentration.) Students in Vocal Concentration are required to take MUSC 301 and 304 (Diction and Vocal Literature). Four credits of music electives may be used for this purpose.

Audition Requirements

Vocal

One Italian Art Song and one song from the following categories: German Lied, French Chanson, English or American Art Song, African-American Spiritual, as well as sight-reading.

Piano

Major and minor scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, three contrasting pieces from different periods (i.e. Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary).

Instrumental

Wind instrumentalist (i.e. trumpet, clarinet, etc.), guitarist, pianist, bassist, and percussionist should prepare published solo literature that best exhibits technique and musicianship. Instrumentalist will be asked to play major scales including the chromatic scale. In addition, percussionist will be asked to execute the 26 Essential Rudiments as required by the National Association of Rudimental Drummers.

Percussionist must perform on three of the following instruments: Snare Drum, Melodic Percussion (Marimba, Xylophone, etc.), Timpani, and/or Trap Set.

Rhythm section instrumentalist (Keyboard, Bass, Trap drums, etc.) must display competence in playing “time” as well as demonstrate solo ability in any three of the following styles of music: Swing, Latin, Jazz Waltz, or Contemporary (Funk, Gospel, Rock, Fusion, etc.).

All instrumentalists will be required to demonstrate sight- reading skills.

Proficiencies

A student must demonstrate standard proficiencies in musicianship and piano. Each student must pass periodic performance evaluations. Specific requirements include:

1. Basic scale in 2-3 octaves (studied during that semester)
2. Basic chord progressions
3. 2 prepared pieces
4. Traditional arrangements of the Star Spangled Banner, America, Maryland My Maryland and Lift Every Voice and Sing

Recitals

All recital repertoire must be selected, by the Instructor, from music studied during applied lessons at Bowie State University.

Each student will be required to perform a, 45 to 60 minute, recital at the end of their senior year as a final requirement for graduation. The following prerequisites must be satisfied or accomplished prior to the presentation of a senior recital:

1. Recommendation by the student’s advisor.
2. A grade of “B” or better in all performance-related courses.
3. Students must register for seminar each semester they are enrolled in the DFPA Music Concentration and perform in at least one student seminar per semester prior to junior recital.
4. Satisfactory rating in all performance evaluations.
5. Students preparing for the Senior Recital will be expected to perform excerpts of the program before a committee of music faculty members at least 30 (thirty) days prior to the scheduled recital date.
6. All repertoire must be pre-selected by the applied music instructor and memorized.

Junior Recitals

1. The length of the recital should be at least 30 minutes
2. Music is selected from repertoire studied in applied lessons
3. Junior recitals should be scheduled for the second semester of the student’s Junior year

Senior Recitals

(Must be performed as a partial fulfillment of requirements for graduation from Bowie State University)

1. The length of the recital should be at least 45 minutes
2. Music is selected from repertoire studied in applied lessons
3. Should be scheduled at the end of Senior year
4. All music must be memorized
5. Students preparing for the Senior Recital will be expected to perform excerpts of the program before a committee of music faculty members 30 (thirty) days prior to the scheduled recital date.

Jury

Juries are required of all music students, at the end of every semester, prior to Final Exams

See Jury Form*

Juries will measure progress in applied lessons. Preparation for juries should include the following:

1. Two prepared pieces of contrasting styles (i.e. Etudes, Hanon Studies, Scales, Arpeggios)
2. Literature as designated by Applied Instrumental or Vocal Instructor.

The objectives are:

1. To offer students with a variety of practical experiences in performing groups and other environments;
2. To provide multi-cultural experiences that will facilitate effective interaction in diverse environments; and
3. To provide experiences in the latest technology in Music.

Piano Requirements: Three contrasting pieces, five scales, Sight-reading, and Arpeggios, as well as demonstrated knowledge of history and literature of the compositions

Vocal Requirements: Four pieces in contrasting styles and two different languages, as well as know the keys and poetic content of each song

Instrumental Requirements: As designated by applied teacher in keeping with the requirements of Department of F&PA/Music

Click the link below to see the requirements for a Music Minor

MUSIC MINOR