BM with an emphasis in Piano Performance

• Program Description
• Admission and Audition Requirements
• Ensemble Requirements
• Candidacy Examination
• Degree Requirements
• Required Courses
• Course Descriptions

Program Description

The BM in piano is designed for students with a serious commitment to the highest level of performance. In addition to solo recitals, piano majors are expected to participate in chamber music ensembles and to serve regularly as vocal, instrumental, or ensemble accompanists.

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Admission and Audition Requirements

To be admitted as an undergraduate music major or music minor, applicants must complete an in-person audition/interview with the music faculty and complete a music theory diagnostic examination. The examination is used to assist faculty in placing students in the proper classes. The score does not affect acceptance or denial to the department.

Auditions are arranged through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (314-246-7800 or 1-800-753-6765). Students who are unable to audition in person may submit a videotape but will also have a telephone interview and complete the theory placement examination.

Specific information on the audition requirements for each music degree program is available from the Department of Music (314-968-7032) or the department's Web site. Students will not be accepted into the department or nominated for financial aid before the completion of an application, which includes submission of official transcripts, ACT or SAT test scores, two letters of recommendation (with at least one letter from a current or former music teacher), and a completed essay.

Priority consideration for financial aid is given to students who complete all admission requirements before March 30 of the application year.

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Ensemble Requirements

Each of the undergraduate degree programs in music includes multiple semesters of participation in a major ensemble. De-pending upon specific degree requirements, the major ensembles include Chamber Singers, Choral Society, Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble (combo), Jazz Singers, Big Band, and New Music Ensemble.

Music scholarship students are expected to participate in performing ensembles in addition to those for which they receive credit. In general, music majors are expected to participate in at least two ensembles per semester.

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Candidacy Examination

Each undergraduate music major must take a Candidacy Examination in spring of the sophomore year or upon completion of 45 or more credit hours as music majors (whichever comes first). The Candidacy Examination assesses a student's success in the first two years of music study. The examination helps the music faculty determine a student's potential for graduation within a given degree program.

The examination includes the performance of one or more works and an interview with the faculty. While most students declare their intention from their first semester (BM in performance, BA in music, and so on), no student is actually accepted into the department as a major until the Candidacy Examination is completed successfully.

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Degree Requirements

• 83 required credit hours
• 12 general election credit hours
• 33 elective credit hours

The Department of Music recommends at least 40 credit hours in courses outside the department.

Music majors with an instrumental performance emphasis should expect to perform in University-sponsored ensemble concerts, including choral concerts, musical theatre performances, or Opera Studio as designated by the faculty.

All music majors with an emphasis in piano performance must spend a minimum of one hour per week accompanying vocalists and/or instrumentalists. This requirement is in effect beginning with the sophomore year or earlier at the discretion of the teacher.

Students with a piano performance emphasis are expected to perform in a student recital at least twice every semester. Students with this emphasis will also spend time as performance assistants for recitals.

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Required Courses

Major Ensemble — 8 hours to be selected from the following:

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