Department of Music Undergraduate Student Competencies Required for Graduation

Competencies Required of Students in Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs (BA)

Consistent with the mission, values and goals of the Department of Music, the music faculty expects all Bachelor of Arts degree candidates to demonstrate the following:

BA.1.  General Education

BA.1.1. The ability to think, speak, and write clearly and effectively, and to communicate with precision, cogency, and rhetorical force.

BA.1.2.  An informed acquaintance with the mathematical and experimental methods of the physical and biological sciences; with the main forms of analysis and the historical and quantitative techniques needed for investigating the workings and developments of modern society.

BA.1.3.  An ability to address culture and history from a variety of perspectives.

BA.1.4.  Understanding of, and experience in thinking about, moral and ethical problems.

BA.1.5.  The ability to respect, understand, and evaluate work in a variety of disciplines.

BA.1.6.  The capacity to explain and defend one’s views effectively and rationally.

BA.1.7. Understanding of and experience in one or more art forms other than music.

BA.2.  Musicianship

BA.2.1.a. An understanding of and the ability to read and realize musical notation. 

BA.2.1.b. The ability to hear, identify, and work conceptually with the elements of music -- rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre, texture, and so forth.

BA.2.2.  An understanding of compositional processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the ways these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces.

BA.2.3.  An acquaintance with a wide selection of musical literature, the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.

BA.2.4.  The ability to develop and defend musical judgments.

BA.3.  Performance

BA.3.1. Ability in performing areas at levels consistent with the goals and objectives of the specific liberal arts degree option being followed.

BA.3.2.  Ability to sight-read.

BA.3.3.  An understanding of procedures for realizing a variety of musical styles.

BA.4.  Music Electives

BA.4.1. Knowledge and/or skills in one or more areas of music beyond basic musicianship appropriate to the individual's needs and interests, and consistent with the purposes of the specific liberal arts degree option being followed.

Competencies Required of Students in ALL Bachelor of Music Degree Programs (BM)

Consistent with the mission, values and goals of the Department of Music, the music faculty expects all Bachelor of Music degree candidates to demonstrate the following:

BM.1.  Performance

BM.1.1.  Technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression in at least one major performance area at a level appropriate for the particular music concentration.

BM.1.2. An overview understanding of the repertory in the student's major performance area and the ability to perform from a cross-section of that repertory.

BM.1.3. The ability to read at sight with fluency demonstrating both general musicianship and, in the major performing area, a level of skill relevant to professional standards appropriate for the particular concentration.

BM.1.4.  Knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation, including rehearsal and conducting skills as appropriate to the particular music concentration.

BM.1.5.  Keyboard competency and experiences in secondary performance areas.

BM.1.6.  Growth in artistry, technical skills, collaborative competence and knowledge of repertory through regular ensemble experiences that are varied both in size and nature.

BM.2.  Aural Skills and Analysis

BM.2.1. An understanding of the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interaction, the ability to employ this understanding in aural, verbal, and visual analyses, and the ability to take aural dictation.

BM.2.2. Sufficient understanding of musical forms, processes, and structures in order to use this knowledge in compositional, performance, analytical, scholarly, and pedagogical applications, according to the requisites of their specializations.

BM.2.3.  The ability to place music in historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts.

BM.3.  Composition and Improvisation

BM.3.1.  Rudimentary capacity to create derivative or original music both extemporaneously and in written form.

BM.3.2.  The ability to compose, improvise, or both at a basic level in one or more musical languages, for example, the imitation of various musical styles, improvisation on pre-existing materials, the creation of original compositions, experimentation with various sound sources, and manipulating the common elements in non-traditional ways.

BM.4.  History and Repertory

BM.4.1.  A basic knowledge of music history through the present time.

BM.4.2.  An acquaintance with repertories beyond the area of specialization through exposure to a large and varied body of music by attending and studying recitals, concerts, opera and musical theatre productions, and other performances.

BM.5.  Technology

BM.5.1.  A basic overview understanding of how technology serves the field of music as a whole.

BM.5.2. Working knowledge of the technological developments applicable to the student's area of specialization.

BM.6.  Synthesis

BM.6.1. Professional, entry-level competence in the area of specialization, including significant technical mastery, capability to produce work and solve professional problems independently and a coherent set of artistic/intellectual goals, which are evident in the student’s work.

BM.6.2. The ability to work on musical problems by combining individual capabilities in performance; aural, verbal and visual analysis; composition and improvisation; and history and repertory.

BM.6.3.  The competency to form and defend value judgments about music, including the ability to communicate musical ideas, concepts, and requirements to professionals and lay persons.

BM.6.4  Acquirement of tools to know and experience a comprehensive repertory, including music from various cultures of the world and music of the student's own time.

BM.6.5.  Acquirement of teaching skills, particularly as related to one’s major area of study.

BM.6.6. The ability to understand interrelationships and multidisciplinary issues among the various professions and activities that include music, and to use the entrepreneurial skills necessary to assist in the development and advancement of the student's career.

Competencies Required of Students in the Bachelor of Music in Music Performance Degree Program (BMP)

Consistent with the mission, values and goals of the Department of Music, the music faculty expects Bachelor of Music in Music Performance degree candidates to demonstrate the following, in addition to those listed above in the BM section:

BMP.1.  General Studies. 

BMP.1.1. For performance majors in voice, ability to use foreign languages and diction. 

BMP.2.  Essential competencies.

BMP.2.1.  Comprehensive capabilities in the major performing medium including the ability to work independently to prepare performances at the highest possible level; knowledge of applicable solo and ensemble literature; and orientation to and experience with the fundamentals of pedagogy.

BMP.2.2. The ability to undertake successful solo and ensemble performances in a variety of formal and informal settings, including junior and senior recitals.

Competencies Required of Students in the Bachelor of Music in Music Composition Degree Program (BMC)

Consistent with the mission, values and goals of the Department of Music, the music faculty expects Bachelor of Music in Music Composition degree candidates to demonstrate the following, in addition to those standards listed above in the BM section:

BMC.1.  General Studies. 

BMC.1.1.  Understanding of areas such as computer science, acoustics, and aesthetics.

BMC.2.  Essential Competencies.

BMC.2.1. Achievement of the highest possible level of skill in the use of basic concepts, tools, techniques, and procedures to develop a composition from concept to finished product.  This involves the competency to work with both electronic and acoustic media;  work with a variety of styles, forms, and notations; and apply principles of scoring appropriate to particular compositions.

BMC.2.2.  Fluency in the use of tools needed by composers.  This includes keyboard skills, spoken and written language, conducting and rehearsal skills, analytical techniques, and applicable technologies.

BMC.2.3. The ability to arrange and oversee fully realized performances of the one's original compositions in public presentations, with critical assessments.

Competencies Required of Students in the Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree Program (BME)

Consistent with the mission, values and goals of the Department of Music, the music faculty expects Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree candidates to demonstrate the following:

BME.1.  Desirable Attributes

BME.1.1.  Personal commitment to the art of music, to teaching music as an element of civilization, and to encouraging the artistic and intellectual development of students, plus the ability to fulfill these commitments as an independent professional.

BME.1.2.  The ability to lead students to an understanding of music as an art form, as a means of communication, and as a part of their intellectual and cultural heritage.

BME.1.3.  The capability to inspire others and to excite the imagination of students, engendering a respect for music and a desire for musical knowledge and experiences.

BME.1.4.  The ability to articulate logical rationales for music as a basic component of general education, and to present the goals and objectives of a music program effectively to parents, professional colleagues, and administrators.

BME.1.5. The ability to work productively within specific education systems, promote scheduling patterns that optimize music instruction, maintain positive relationships with individuals of various social and ethnic groups, and be empathetic with students and colleagues of differing backgrounds.

BME.1.6.  The ability to evaluate ideas, methods, and policies in the arts, the humanities, and in arts education for their impact on the musical and cultural development of students.

BME.1.7.  The ability and desire to remain current with developments in the art of music and in teaching, to make independent, in-depth evaluations of their relevance, and to use the results to improve musicianship and teaching skills.

BME.2.  Music Competencies. 

BME.2.1.  Conducting.  Being a competent conductor, able to create accurate and musically expressive performances with various types of performing groups and in general classroom situations through knowledge of score reading and the integration of analysis, style, performance practices, instrumentation, and baton techniques. 

BME.2.2.  Arranging.  Competency to arrange and adapt music from a variety of sources to meet the needs and ability levels of school performing groups and classroom situations.

BME.2.3.  Functional Performance.   Functional performance abilities in keyboard, the voice, and instruments appropriate to the student’s teaching specialization.

BME.2.4.a.  Analysis/History/Literature. The ability to apply analytical and historical knowledge to curriculum development, lesson planning, and daily classroom and performance activities.                                              

BME.2.4.b.  Analysis/History/Literature. The ability to relate their understanding of music with respect to styles, literature, multiple cultural sources, and historical development to their students.

BME.2.5.  For General Music and Vocal/Choral Music.

BME.2.5.1.a.  Sufficient musicianship, vocal, and pedagogical skills sufficient to teach general music.

BME.2.5.1.b.  Sufficient vocal and pedagogical skill to teach effective use of the voice.                                                         

BME.2.5.1.c. Knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies, and curriculum development for general music and vocal/choral music.

BME.2.5.2.   The ability to successfully experience solo vocal, and small and large choral ensemble performance.

BME.2.5.3.  Performance ability sufficient to use at least one instrument as a teaching tool and to provide, transpose, and improvise accompaniments.

BME.2.5.4.a.  The ability to successfully teach general music classes.                              

BME.2.5.4.b. The ability to successfully teach beginning vocal techniques individually, in small groups and in larger classes.

BME.2.6.  For Instrumental Music.

BME.2.6.1.a.  Knowledge of and performance ability on wind, string, and percussion instruments sufficient to teach beginning students effectively in groups.                                                      

BME.2.6.1.b. Knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies, and curriculum development for instrumental music.

BME.2.6.2.  The ability to successfully experience solo instrumental performance, as well as participation in small and large instrumental ensembles.

BME.2.6.3. The ability to successfully teach beginning instrumental students individually, in small groups and in larger classes.

BME.3.  Teaching Competencies. 

BME.3.1.  Ability to teach music at various levels to different age groups and in a variety of classroom and ensemble settings in ways that develop knowledge of how music works syntactically as a communication medium and developmentally as an agent of civilization, including demonstration of skill in effective classroom and rehearsal management.

BME.3.2.  An understanding of child growth and development and an understanding of principles of learning as they relate to music.

BME.3.3.  The ability to assess aptitudes, experiential backgrounds, orientations of individuals and groups of students, and the nature of subject matter, and to plan educational programs to meet assessed needs.

BME.3.4.  Knowledge of current methods, materials, and repertories available in various fields and levels of music education appropriate to the teaching specialization.

BME.3.5.  The ability to accept, amend, or reject methods and materials based on personal assessment of specific teaching situations.

BME.3.6.  An understanding of evaluative techniques and ability to apply them in assessing both the musical progress of students and the objectives and procedures of the curriculum.

The above competencies are evaluated through the passing of courses including course work and examinations, applied music juries, recitals, public performances, proficiency tests, portfolios, and observation of student teaching.  Self-evaluation is encouraged through experiential music activities with peers and mentors.