Music
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The Dickinson State University Music program serves all students in their understanding of music. A comprehensive professional program is available to music majors, music minors, and non-majors, as well as to students certifying to teach public school music. A strong music curriculum is also available to students interested in pursuing advanced study. The program also offers fundamental courses to serve the general education needs of the University and promotes the understanding and enjoyment of music on campus, in the community, and in the region.
Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Science degrees require General Education, the major, a minor, Professional Education and electives to equal a minimum of 128 semester hours. Note: Bachelor of Science degrees in Composite, Choral, and Instrumental Music do not require a minor.
Bachelor of Arts degrees require General Education, 16 credits of foreign language, the major, a minor, and electives to equal 128 semester hours.
Bachelor of Science in
Education Degree
(Composite Music Education Major)
A Composite Music Education Degree is selected once a student has decided to certify in both choral and instrumental music. Each student must select a performing instrument or voice in his/her major area (choral or instrumental). The other performing instrument or voice (choral or instrumental) becomes his/her minor area. A major performing area consists of seven semesters, not semester hours, of applied lessons during which at least two semester must be at the 300 level. Composite (choral emphasis) must include at least four semesters of applied instrumental lessons other than keyboard. Composite (instrumental emphasis) must include at least four semesters of applied vocal lessons. Composite majors are required to participate in a major ensemble (concert band or chorale) in the major performing area for a total of seven semesters and a major ensemble (concert band or chorale) in the minor performing area for a total of four semesters. All, including transfer, students must participate in at least Chorale or Concert/Marching Band, as appropriate to their major area, each semester that they are enrolled on campus in their major area, with the exception of the semester of student teaching.
Bachelor of Science
in Education Degree
(Instrumental Music Major or Choral
Music Major)
Seven semesters, not semester hours, of applied lessons must be completed, of which at least two must be taken at the 300 level. All majors are required to participate in a minimum of seven semesters in a major performing ensemble (concert band or chorale) in their major performing area. All, including transfer, students must participate in at least Chorale or Concert/Marching Band, as appropriate to the major, each semester that they are enrolled on campus in their major area, with the exception of the semester of student teaching.
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Music Major)
A Bachelor of Arts in music major may select a band instrument, voice, or keyboard as the major performing area. He/she must complete a minimum of eight semesters of applied lessons, of which at least one must be taken at the 400 level. A minimum requirement of eight semesters in a major performing ensemble (concert band, chorale) must also be fulfilled in his/her major performing area. (The Bachelor of Arts major with keyboard as the major performing area may substitute accompaniment for an approved vocal ensemble for major ensemble credit. However, the eight credits still must be earned over eight semesters).
All music minors must select an instrument or voice and complete a minimum of four semesters, not semester hours, of lessons in that area. All music minors are also required to participate in at least five semesters in a major ensemble (concert band or chorale).
APPLIED LESSONS
Applied lessons are the study of an instrument or voice with a faculty member of the music program. Lessons involve one-on-one instruction with a music faculty member. Each number listed under applied music represents a level of study with specific requirements. Each level may be repeated until the student is recommended for advancement by the instructor. Only music majors and music minors may register for applied lessons.
300 Level Requirement
Students may register for applied lessons at the 300 level after:
1. At least two semesters of applied lessons at the 200 level
with an average of 2.5.
2. Receiving permission from their applied instructor.
3. Passing the piano proficiency examination.
Piano Proficiency Requirement
As a requirement for graduation, all music majors and minors must pass MUSC 230 Piano Proficiency Exam. It is highly recommended that this requirement for graduation be met no later than the end of the sophomore year.
Theory, Keyboard Requirement
Students registered for MUSC 122 – Music Theory I are required to take MUSC 130 – Piano Keyboard Skills I during the same fall semester as preparation for Piano Proficiency Exam (MUSC 230). Students registered for MUSC 124 – Music Theory II are likewise required to take MUSC 131 – Piano Keyboard Skills II the same spring semester.
Recital Requirement
Music majors must present a recital in the major applied music area during the senior year of study. It is recommended that all music majors present a junior recital. Students must have permission from their private lesson instructor prior to registering for the recital. For the senior recital, students must be registered in at least the seventh semester (for B.S. degree) or eighth semester (for B.A. degree) of private lessons for the major applied instrument. Students must have achieved 300 level (for B.S. degree) or 400 level (for B.A. degree) for lessons at least one semester prior to the semester of the recital. For the junior recital, students must be registered in at least the sixth semester of private lessons for the major applied instrument and must have achieved 300 level by the semester of the recital.
Jury Examinations
Music majors and minors must perform on their major instrument for jury examination at the end of each semester that they take applied lessons.
Performance Class Requirement
All music majors must enroll in and satisfy requirements for Performance Class (MUSC 135N) during each semester that they are a declared music major. The only exception is the semester that students are student teaching. All music minors must enroll in and satisfy requirements for four semesters of Performance Class (MUSC 135N) during the semesters they are registered for private lessons. At a minimum, every student enrolled in private lessons must perform at performance class at least once each semester. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a failing grade for the private lesson.
Ensemble Participation
See above for ensemble requirements for majors and minors. Music ensembles are open to all students regardless of academic major. Students who are not music majors or minors are encouraged to participate in the music programs ensembles and activities.