Music Division

Purpose

The Division of Music is committed to preparing men and women to be the best possible musicians who recognize that all gifts and talents are from God, to be cultivated to their highest potential for humble service to God and others. Since 1994, Indiana Wesleyan University Division of Music has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), http://nasm.arts-accredit.org or phone 703-467-0700. Music scholarships are available for Music majors by audition. Contact the division for applications.

General Education Competencies

Students in this major meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses.

Admission to the Music Major

Permission to declare a music major at IWU is neither automatic nor assumed merely because a student wants to study music. Students must demonstrate a degree of aptitude and preparedness, both academically and musically. Those conditions can be met by the following means:

1. Academic readiness can be demonstrated by completing a placement exam in music theory. If students are not prepared for the exam, equivalency can be met by taking MUS-160, Introduction to Music Theory, and earning a grade of "C" or above.
2. Performance readiness can be proven by an audition before selected music faculty or by submitting an audio or video recording of pieces showing appropriate levels of accomplishment.
3. Audition for the music faculty. Two pieces in contrasting styles must be performed in the student's applied area. One additional piece may be performed in a second applied area. No taped accompaniments; an accompanist will be provided if needed.
4. All students are required to submit three letters of reference from former music teachers, from music directors, or from other musicians who can verify the student's readiness to study music at the collegiate level.

This policy applies to both transfer students and entering freshmen. Students living a considerable distance from Marion may be accepted as provisional majors pending an audition/interview following arrival on campus.

If an applicant fails in any of the above requirements but still wishes to be admitted as a major, the status of provisional music major will be granted. The student will be expected to re-audition and successfully complete MUS-160 at the end of the first semester of study. Upon satisfactory completion, the applicant will be classified as a music major.

Admission to Upper-divisional Studies

Admission to upper-level studies is granted by the music faculty through the Upper-divisional Hearing. This consists of a performance and written examination in which the candidate's applied and academic progress is evaluated, and the candidate is questioned regarding content of courses completed and progress toward career goals. An overall grade-point average of 2.75 is required for admission to upper-divisional studies and no grade below a "C" in any music class.

Other Requirements for all Music majors

MUS-200 Recital Attendance (seven semesters)

Class Piano Requirements

Large Ensemble Participation (participation in major ensemble each semester)

Upper Divisional Hearing

Young Performer Series Recital

Music Programs

Applied Music - A.B.

The major in Music with an emphasis in Applied prepares the student for graduate study, or private studio teaching. It may be effectively combined with other majors such as Christian Ministries, Christian Worship, or Christian Education. Emphasis may be choral (C), instrumental (I), or general (G).

APPLIED MUSIC

Applied music (private study) is offered in voice, piano, organ, and all brass, woodwind, percussion, and string (including guitar) instruments. All applied study requires a private lesson fee.

Church Music - A.A., A.B.

The major in Music with an emphasis in Church Music prepares the student to be a minister of music in the evangelical church. The program has a choral/vocal emphasis; therefore, most students will study voice as their applied major. There may be some other options; i.e., if the student is a keyboard major, 3 hours will be in keyboard and 1 hour in voice, and the required ensemble will be choral.

If an instrumentalist desires a church music major, 3 hours will be on the instrument and 1 hour in voice. The required ensemble will be divided between instrumental and choral. The student may elect to take additional semesters in any ensemble or applied study.

MUSICAL ORGANIZATION AND ENSEMBLE

Participation is by arrangement with the music faculty. Four credits in ensemble may be counted toward a degree. Music majors must participate in an ensemble of their major area each semester (excluding semester of student teaching). General majors must also spend one year (2 semesters) in a major ensemble of their second applied area.

In the event that an instrumentalist plays a non-traditional ensemble instrument, such as guitar, the ensemble will be determined by consultation with the division chair.

Students must follow the specific requirements of their ensemble director. Each student is expected to participate for the entire year.

Church Music Minor

The minor provides preparation for work in the music program of a local church. It may be combined with a variety of majors.

Music Composition - B. Mus.

This program will prepare the student in the liberal arts tradition for graduate school, further study in composition, or as a private teacher of music theory and composition.

Music Education Major

See the education section of the catalog for a list of specific courses required for this teaching major.

Music Programs - Other

Music Minor

The Music minor is designed for the student with a major in another discipline who has an interest in music. The curriculum strengthens and enriches the music background.

Ensembles may be taken for credit but cannot be counted for the elective hours needed in the music minor.