Music
Undergraduate Programs
The two undergraduate degree programs offered through the Department of Music,
the Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Bachelor of Music, prepare students for
graduate work in music and music literature, for research and professional work
in musical activities, and for state licensure (certification) to teach vocal/choral
or instrumental music on the elementary and secondary school levels.
Through its strategic plan, Music Outreach and the Teaching Professions, the
Department of Music enables students to pursue worthwhile vocational goals as
teachers, performers, conductors, and composers. The department also seeks to
educate its students to reflect a concern for cultural and humanistic values as
future ambassadors and advocates of music and the other arts. Through innovative
learning experiences, the department provides all students in the B.A. and B.M.
programs with opportunities to become effective musicians, teachers, and advocates
of music. Teaching music is the principal area in which students can find employment
in the private studios, public and private schools, academies, and higher education
within the ever-changing workplace. Because of this, all music majors at George
Mason receive some training in the teaching of music.
The Department of Music also recognizes the critical outreach role it provides
in serving students from all majors as well as members of the community who significantly
benefit from the values and experiences of an education in music. The department
seeks to provide unique educational opportunities through its various course offerings,
workshops, presentations, and performances for those seeking music enrichment.
Entrance to all music degree programs is by audition. Arrangements for an
audition must be made in advance by contacting the Department of Music before
the scheduled audition date. Auditions are held in November, January, and
March through August (normally on the first Monday of each month except for January
and August, when dates are scheduled during the university registration period).
A fundamentals of music test is given during the first week of classes
to all students enrolled in MUSI 115 (Theory I). This test consists of the following:
standard musical notation in treble and bass clefs; key signatures; all intervals
up to a perfect octave; and all major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic
minor scales (ascending and descending).
Competency placement tests are required of all transfer students who
desire to present transfer credit in any of the following areas: sight singing,
ear training, and keyboard skills, including keyboard harmony.
|
