Horton School of Music and Performing Arts

Required Minimum Skills for Eligibility to Participate in the Music Major Degree Program
Audition for intent to seek admission to the Horton School of Music
Admission Requirements for the Music Program

Location: Lightsey Music Building and Whittington Hall

Dr. Marshall Forrester, Division Director, Horton School of Music and Performing Arts

Dr. Nicholas Holland, Department Chairperson for Instrumental Performance
Dr. Jill Terhaar Lewis, Department Chairperson for Vocal Performance
Dr. Jennifer Whipple, Department Chairperson for Music Therapy
Mr. Matthew McCall, Program Coordinator for Music and Worship Leadership
Mr. Thomas Keating, Program Coordinator for Theatre

Faculty:
Mr. Ricard Bordas, Dr. Marshall Forrester, Dr. Nicholas Holland, Jr., Mr. Thomas Keating, Dr. Jill Terhaar Lewis, Dr. Jennifer Luiken, Mr. Matthew McCall, Dr. Dustin Ousley, Dr. Richard Pressley, Mr. Mark Sterbank, Dr. Julie Stordahl, Dr. Jennifer Whipple, Dr. Soohyun Yun

The Horton School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Therapy program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association.

Admission Requirements for the Music Program (Majors and Minors)

Prospective Music Majors and Minors must demonstrate aptitude in music. This includes the ability to relate musical sound to notation and terminology both quickly and accurately enough to undertake basic musicianship studies during their first year in the degree program. This aptitude also includes a demonstration of competence on at least one performance instrument.

Performance Auditions All prospective students who seek to enroll in a music degree program must perform a satisfactory audition on their primary instrument for a faculty jury. This audition must occur prior to enrolling in any studio lesson at the 200 level. Performance requirements are as follows:

Voice: perform two (2) contrasting solo compositions, preferably one in English and one in a foreign language. Auditioning students should strive to show variety in style, ability, and vocal range; therefore, one song may be selected from two of the following categories: classical art song, aria, musical theatre, traditional hymn arrangement, and CCM styles. Performing from memory is required. Sight-singing may be required.
Piano: perform two (2) classical solo compositions in contrasting styles. Playing major scales and sight-reading may be required. Performing from memory is recommended.
Wind and Percussion: perform a solo, preferably with piano accompaniment, or an extended etude or technical exercise from a standard method book (comparable to an All-State solo). This should demonstrate lyrical and technical facility. Students should be prepared to perform major and chromatic scales as well as sight-read.
Guitar: perform pieces or excerpts in several styles which best show the students’ range of abilities. Excerpts featuring advanced technique and scales are recommended.

Music Skills Assessment (MUSI 098) Every student entering the Horton School of Music must complete the Music Skills Assessment (MSA), which includes basic elements of theory and aural skills. The audition and MSA may occur no more than one year prior to enrolling in music classes. Information regarding auditions and the MSA can be found on the Horton School of Music website.
Notification of Admission to the Music Program (MUSI 100) Admission into the Horton School of Music degree programs is required for all Music Majors and Music Minors. Students may attempt admission to the Horton School of Music degree programs twice. Notification of admission status will appear on student transcripts upon completion of the admission requirements. Students will also be notified via letter.
1. Grade of C or better in MUSI 198 Musicianship I (4 credits)
2. Grade of B or better in MUSI 281 or 282 primary instrument Studio Lessons or MUSI 15132 Class Voice (for voice primary students who take this course prior to beginning Studio Lessons)
3. Grade of B or better in MUSI 121 Ensembles
4. Recommendation of the Horton School of Music faculty

Satisfactory Progress and Degree Program Probation All Horton School of Music Majors and Minors must be able to demonstrate growth and progress toward a level of proficiency in both music coursework and performance. Therefore, every facet of the student’s academic record and musical career will be reviewed in making an admission decision. Area advisors and related music faculty evaluate Horton School of Music degree program students at the end of each semester of study. Potential areas for consideration:

The student displays a level of achievement in studio lessons that exhibits appropriate growth and potential for continued success at the college level
The student consistently contributes to all ensembles through their musicianship, professionalism, and collaborative spirit, .
The student is attentive in class and their coursework displays both seriousness and academic integrity.
The student contributes to the culture of excellence in the Horton School of Music.

If one or more music faculty members have evidence or concern that a student is unable to demonstrate satisfactory progress in their respective degree program, the student will be notified by letter and placed on probation for the following semester.

During the one-semester period of probation, the student will be expected to correct their trajectory of progress in their respective degree program. At the end of the probationary semester, the Horton School of Music faculty will again evaluate the student. If the student has demonstrated a return to growth and progress within their degree program, the student will be removed from probationary status. If, in the opinion of the faculty, a return to growth and progress is not evident, the student will be dismissed from the degree program and will lose any Horton School of Music scholarship awards. Horton School of Music Majors and Minors are only permitted to go on probation once. Any repeated lack of growth and progress will result in dismissal from the Horton School of Music degree programs.

Refer to the College of Education section of this catalog for specific requirements for the Music Education major (Choral or Instrumental ).