Requirements for All Music Majors

Piano Proficiency

All music majors will be expected to demonstrate an adequate proficiency in piano. This requirement will normally be satisfied by taking a number of piano classes. All entering students are required to take a Piano Placement Test, which will allow them to register for the appropriate piano class which best meets their level of skill. After taking the Piano Placement Test, some students may be deemed proficient, and allowed to waive a part or all of the Piano Class requirements. Only students who have completed Piano Class 231, or have been deemed proficient upon admission by passing the Piano Placement Test may register for private piano or organ lessons.

Ensembles

All full-time students pursuing the BM degree must enroll in at least one ensemble for each semester in which they are at Centenary. Students pursuing the BA in Music degree must enroll for four semesters. Although the Hurley School of Music wishes to encourage enrollment in all of its music ensembles, students pursuing a music degree must enroll in particular ensembles, according to their primary applied area:

  • Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion majors must participate in Wind Ensemble.
  • Keyboard majors must participate in Accompanying.
  • String majors must participate in Hurley Chamber Orchestra.
  • Voice majors must participate in a choral ensemble (153-154).

Students holding music scholarships are responsible for fulfilling ensemble requirements listed on their music scholarship contracts.

Qualifying Exam

Examinations in applied music are held at the end of each semester before the appropriate music faculty in the student's specialty area. At the end of the sophomore year, or the completion of the 200, 250, or 270-level applied study, all music majors will be expected to pass a qualifying exam in the area of their primary applied area before a full faculty jury. The recommendation of the jury will determine whether or not these students continue in the applied music course sequence they have elected.

Recital Attendance and Participation

Music majors will enroll in MUS 001-002 each semester. In addition, Music Education majors will enroll in MUS 003 each semester.

Music students in both BM and BA degree programs are required to perform at least once each semester in the area of their applied major or concentration at the weekly Student Recital Hour (MUS 001-002).

Many of the music curricula require the successful public performance of an approved junior and/or senior recital. Students should refer to the Music Student Handbook for specific recital requirements in their degree area.

Admission

In addition to meeting the admission requirements of Centenary College, students wishing to major in music must first pass an audition in their major performing medium in order to be admitted to the Hurley School of Music. Such students must also take placement tests in music theory and piano before registering for music courses. Arrangements for auditioning should be made prior to registration with the Dean of the School of Music.

Students who meet all admission requirements for the College, but fail to meet School of Music standards in their principle performing medium will be allowed to register for MUS 170 (Applied Secondary), until such time as they attain minimum applied music standards. Such students may then be admitted to the School of Music and allowed to enroll in the normal applied music course sequence for the degree to which they have been admitted at a level consistent with their achievement.

Transfer Students

Transfer students will be required to audition in the area of their applied major or concentration to determine whether or not equivalent standards have been met. Placement examinations in music history and music theory may also be required.