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Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Students entering the music major program must audition. Students interested in sound recording technology must complete an additional application.

Freshman and Transfer Admission

• Admission to the School of Music is contingent upon admission to Texas State. In addition to meeting University admission criteria, students intending to major in music must audition on their principal instrument or voice. Admission to the School will be based upon the audition and the available space in each studio. Moreover, a successful audition does not automatically ensure acceptance to Texas State. Prospective music majors will not be permitted to enroll in applied music and other music major classes until they have passed the audition.

• Auditions are held periodically throughout the year for enrollment the following academic year. Those prospective music students unable to audition in person due to geographic distance from campus may submit an audio or video recording representative of their performing abilities. Deadline for recorded audition is April 1 (Fall admission) or November 1 (Spring admission). Audition requirements are available upon request and on the School of Music website.

School Policies

Those planning careers in music must have a high level of musical skill and understanding. To help evaluate musical skills for counseling and placement purposes, the School of Music requires all music majors to take several evaluations.

Music Theory Proficiency

All music majors must pass a theory proficiency examination. A passing score is a prerequisite for advanced theory coursework. Students seeking teacher certification must pass the test before student teaching. All other students must pass the test before graduating. Theory proficiency requirements are available upon request and on the School’s website.

Piano Proficiency

All music majors must pass a piano proficiency examination. Students seeking teacher certification must do so the semester before student teaching. All other students must pass their piano proficiency before graduating. Students will enroll in class piano as their secondary instrument until they have passed the proficiency. Piano Proficiency requirements are available upon request and on the School’s website.

Upper-Level Competency Review

The upper-level competency review helps music majors select and pursue the most suitable career. On completion of four long semesters as a music major, the student’s total record is reviewed by the music faculty. This review is completed before the student enrolls for 3000-level courses in the degree area. The upper-level competency review is offered at the end of each long semester. Specific information and requirements are available in The Music Student Handbook. Transfer students with four or more semesters of music study should complete the exam at the end of the first long semester of study at Texas State.

Senior Recital

A senior recital is required for all undergraduate degree programs except Sound Recording Technology and the Bachelor of Arts. Students seeking teacher certification must present the recital the semester before student teaching. Specific requirements for the senior recital are described in The Music Student Handbook.

Recital Attendance Requirements

Each semester, various recitals and concerts are presented by students, faculty, and visiting artists. The minimum recital attendance requirement is met by completing MU 1000-4000 each semester (except the student teaching semester). In addition, applied music teachers may require attendance at all recitals in the individual performance area of each student.

Grade Requirements

Students majoring in the School of Music must achieve a grade of "C" or higher on all required music (MU, MUSE and MUSP) courses. Student Teaching Requirements. Before being allowed to enroll for student teaching, music students must have: (1) completed all major coursework for the degree with a “C” or higher; (2) presented the senior recital; (3) passed the piano and theory proficiency examinations; and (4) fulfilled the requirements for teacher certification as determined by the College of Education.

Ensemble Requirements

All music majors (except SRT and BA majors) must participate in the appropriate major ensemble each semester. The Music Student Handbook describes ensemble requirements for each degree program. Only one major and one secondary ensemble will be counted toward the degree per semester. Music majors may contact the School of Music for a list of ensembles fulfilling the ensemble and degree program requirements.

Specializations

The School of Music offers specializations in jazz and mariachi music. These specializations require courses beyond the basic degrees. Requirements for these specialization programs are described in The Music Student Handbook. Music Fees (In addition to registration fees). This is a partial listing. Please consult the schedule of classes for other fees.

• Music practice room fee...............................................................................$30 semester

• Instrument rental fee.....................................................................................$20 semester

• Recital program, typing & printing..............................................................................$10

• Recital recording..........................................................................................................$15

NOTE: Students enrolled in private voice lessons or instrumentalists preparing for recital performances are responsible for the cost of providing their own accompanist for lessons, rehearsals, and recitals.

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