B.Mus. Performance Degree

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

Music

1. 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.ii. 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.
     2. 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.
     3. 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.
     4. Music Therapy majors are required to go through an interview process as there are a limited number of Music Therapy majors accepted in the program each year.
   • 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.
2. 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.
3. Other Requirements for All Music Majors
   • MUS-200 Recital Attendance (seven semesters)
   • Class Piano Requirements
   • Large Ensemble Participation (participation in large ensemble each semester).  In the case of music education majors whose main instruments are brass, woodwinds, or percussion, the IWU Marching Band (MUS 166) must be taken for a minimum of 3 semesters.
   • Upper Divisional Hearing
4. • Young Performer Series Recital (see requirements)
   • Departmental Recital Participation (varies with different programs)