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School of Music

Undergraduate Handbook

Admission to the Music Major

Students seeking the BM or BA degree in Music must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the University. The School of Music also requires an entry audition and one letter of reference from a qualified teacher who can attest to your musical interests and accomplishments, and your academic record. The letter should be sent to the prospective studio teacher. Students should contact the appropriate studio teacher for specific information regarding audition requirements and an audition appointment.

To determine appropriate placement in music classes, new students (including transfer students) must audition with the appropriate studio teacher and take the diagnostic examination in music theory and aural skills. The examination is administered during audition days and the first week of classes each semester. Transfer students coming from institutions with which Fresno State has articulation agreements may be exempted from all or part of the diagnostic tests.

Advance Placement Examination in Music Theory

Students who earned a non-aural theory sub-score grade of 3 on the Advanced Placement Examination receive 3 units of credit for Music 40. Students who earned a non-aural theory sub-score grade of 4 or higher on the AP Examination receive 3 units of credit for Music 40 and 3 units of credit for Music 41.

Students who earned an aural theory sub-score grade of 3 on the AP Examination will receive 1 unit of credit for Music 1A. Students who earned an aural theory sub-score grade of four or higher on the AP Examination receive one unit of credit for Music 1A and one unit of credit for Music 1B.

Pre-Music Major

Upon acceptance into the program, all students (including transfer students) are automatically enrolled in the Pre-Music Major option. Students who wish to earn their BA degree in the Music as a Liberal Art option must pass the Jury I on their declared performing medium with a grade of "C" or better by the end of the fourth semester of residence.

Those who wish to pursue BM options in music performance, composition, or music education must complete an application and meet the standards for those options,

Performance and Composition

Students must satisfy the following for enrollment from the Pre-Music option to the performance (instrumental and vocal), jazz studies and composition options. Please note that these are the School of Music's minimum requirements. Individual studio instructors may have additional requirements.

  • Successful completion of Jury I during first academic year in residence, with a grade of "B" or better
  • Successful completion of the following music core courses (with a grade of "C" or better or CR):
  • Music 1A, 1B, 1C, & 1D (aural skills - all performance options)
  • Music 4A, 4B, & 4C and/or passing the piano proficiency examination (piano proficiency classes - all performance options)
  • Music 14 and 114 (piano students only)
  • Music 31-39(P, J, or unspecified), 48 (applied lessons - specific to option)
  • Music 40-43 (theory - all performance options)
  • Music 49 and successful completion of the Composition Jury I (composition students only)
  • Music 64 & 65 (jazz improvisation – jazz studies only)
  • Compliance with all other Departmental policies and requirements (ensemble participation, Music 20, etc.)
  • Maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.67
  • Signed approval or letter of recommendation from the studio teacher

Students who do not meet these requirements during the first two years in residence may reapply, provided they demonstrate rapid progress to their studio teacher in the area(s) of their initial deficiencies within two semesters.

Music Education

Students must satisfy the following requirements for admission to the music education option:

Maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 (NOTE: The candidate shall have obtained a grade point average of at least 2.67 in all baccalaureate and post baccalaureate (sic) coursework or a grade point average of at least a 2.75 in the last 60 semester units attempted.)

  • Successful completion (with a grade of "C" or better or CR) in the following music core courses:
  • Music 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D (aural skills)
  • Music 4A, 4B, & 4C and/or passing the piano proficiency examination (piano proficiency classes)
  • Music 31E-39E (applied lessons)
  • Music 40 - 43 (theory)
  • Successful completion of Jury I with grade of "C" or better during first year of residence
  • Compliance with other School of Music policies and requirements, (ensemble participation, Music 20, etc.)

Scholarship Qualification and Retention Policy

Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (cumulative and within music-major courses), attend all classes regularly, maintain enrollment in at least twelve units of course work, and make steady progress toward completion of the degree.  Scholarship recipients who do not fulfill all of these expectations may lose their scholarships. That decision is the responsibility of the main supervising instructor (typically the studio teacher or ensemble conductor), who is expected to consult with the School of Music Chair and/or the Scholarship Committee.  If no qualified music major is available to accept a scholarship for a position that needs to be filled (e.g., within the President's Quintet), the School of Music reserves the right to award the scholarship money to another musically qualified student who can fill a key position in a School of Music ensemble.

Music Scholarships

  • Melvin Baddin Memorial Grant. Preference given to a string player.
  • Roland P. Beiden Memorial Scholarship. Preference given to a pianist.
  • Charlotte Chilpigian Memorial Fund Scholarship. For a full-time undergraduate vocal or part time graduate choral/vocal student.
  • Clendenin Brass Quintet Scholarship Information.$1000 Annual Scholarship ($500 per semester). For information regarding auditions, contact Dr. Thomas Hiebert, 278-4096
  • Bud Easton Scholarship. For students participating in the Fresno State Jazz program.
  • Richard L. Grauel Memorial Woodwind Scholarship. For woodwind players.
  • Martha Hagan Memorial Scholarship in Music. For a sophomore, junior, or senior music major who shows excellent promise and has demonstrated financial need.
  • Russell & Maxine Howland Memorial Scholarship. Any music major studying clarinet.
  • Arthur E. Huff Scholarship. For a full-time undergraduate or graduate choral music student.
  • Amparo Iturbi Memorial Scholarship. For a piano student.
  • Philip Lorenz Piano Scholarship. For a piano student.
  • School of Music Endowment Fund Scholarships. Any music major.
  • Music Teacher Association of California, Fresno County Branch Scholarship.
  • Loretta Ann Price Awards. Any music major and a graduate who is in the credential program.
  • Allen Skei Musicology Scholarship. Preference given to music majors with a special interest in musicology.
  • Soroptomist Music Scholarship. For an undergraduate in their junior year and one graduate student.
  • Friends of Gary Unruh Scholarship. For undergraduate and graduate students in choral conducting, preference given to graduate students.
  • Arthur C. Wahlberg Family Scholarship. Preference given to a student in vocal or choral music.
  • Alumni Scholarships (watch for announcements listing requirements)
  • Mary Renning Phillips Scholarship for study of piano.
  • King Scholarships (to be determined by the School of Music faculty)
  • Vern Delaney Scholarship for the study of voice.
  • President's Quintet For information contact Prof. Ashlea Sheridan at asheridan@mail.fresnostate.edu.

Marching Band Stipends

Scholarship Application Form

The Marching Band offers a stipends as payment for playing in the Bulldog Beat. Stipends for playing in the Bulldog Beat can be as high as $2000 per academic year.

For information about applying, contractual obligations, and the like, see the Director of the Marching Band or the Marching Band administrative assistant.

Students should seek on-going advising from their principal teachers on matters specific to their various concentrations such as choice of elective classes while in the School of Music, career opportunities, choice of graduate schools, competitions, special opportunities for financial aid or internships, and the like. Generally speaking, the music education faculty will provide this kind of support for students in music education, studio teachers for those in the performance options, and music history/literature/theory faculty for those in the Music as a Liberal Art option.

Mandatory Advising

All music majors are REQUIRED to schedule a meeting with a member of the School of Music's undergraduate advising committee before registering for courses each semester. Without this conference, students cannot receive credit for Music 20 and will have an advising block placed on course registration until advising is complete. Normally mandatory advising begins two weeks before students are allowed to register for courses in the subsequent semester.

Advisers

Music faculty members serve on the undergraduate School of Music advising committee. Before registering for classes each semester, all students must see one of these faculty members, who will assist in scheduling courses and check to make sure students have satisfied all prerequisites for the courses in which they wish to enroll. The advising committee will also help the student maintain "satisfactory progress" through the degree program.

Members of the advising committee will be available at designated special office hours during the bi-annual (twice per year) advising period listed above prior to the online registration period for each upcoming semester. Watch for announcements of hours. Current members of this committee are:

DR. EMILY MASON: MUSIC EDUCATION – ALL A-M
(All Intended/Approved – LAST NAMES A-H) M-218; emason@csufresno.edu

DR. TONY MOWRER: MUSIC EDUCATION – ALL N-Z
(All Intended/Approved – LAST NAMES H-R) M-246; tmowrer@csufresno.edu

DR. MATTHEW DARLING: INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE - BOWED STRINGS
(ALL Intended/Approved) M-224; matthewd@csufresno.edu

DR. NATHAN SOBIERALSKI: INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE - BRASS & WOODWIND
(ALL Intended/Approved) M-146; nsobieralski@mail.fresnostate.edu

DR. COREY WHITEHEAD: INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE - GUITAR
(ALL Intended/Approved) M-150; cwhitehead@csufresno.edu

DR. MATTHEW DARLING: INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE - PERCUSSION
(ALL Intended/Approved) M-224; matthewd@csufresno.edu

DR. PETER KLIMO: INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE – PIANO
(ALL Intended/Approved) M-159; 278-4096; pklimo@mail.fresnostate.edu

DR. MARIA BRIGGS: VOCAL PERFORMANCE
(ALL Intended/Approved) M-163; mbriggs@csufresno.edu

PROF RICHARD GIDDENS, JR. : JAZZ STUDIES
(ALL Intended/Approved) M-142; rgiddensjr@csufresno.edu

DR. KENNETH FROELICH: COMPOSITION
(ALL Intended/Approved) M-250; kfroelich@csufresno.edu

DR. JOHN KARR: MUSIC AS A LIBERAL ART
(ALL Intended/Approved - LAST NAMES A-M) M-238; jkarr@csufresno.edu

DR. TONY MOWRER:MUSIC AS A LIBERAL ART
(ALL Intended/Approved - LAST NAMES N-Z) M-246; tmowrer@csufresno.edu

DR. RUSS ZOKAITES: MUSIC MINOR ADVISOR
(All Intended/ Approved) M-144; Zokaites@mail.fresnostate.edu

DR. MICHAEL KRIKORIAN: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MINORS
(All Intended/ Approved) M-244; michaelkrik@mail.fresnostate.edu

Dr. KENNETH FROELICH: GRADUATE ADVISOR
(All Grad Non-Credential) M-250; kfroelich@csufresno.edu

If you have any questions, contact the Advising Chairs:

Dr. Tony Mowrer, tmowrer@csufresno.edu. 
Dr. Nathan Sobieralski, nsobieralski@mail.fresnostate.edu

Major Performing Ensemble

Because performance is a core experience of music, all music majors with music education, instrument/vocal performance as their option are required to participate in at least one major ensemble [Music 103CC, 103SB, 103SO, 103WO, or 103JO (jazz studies students only)] each semester they are enrolled in lessons, regardless of concentration. Undergraduate music majors fulfill their ensemble requirements playing their major instrument in the performing group most appropriate to their major instrument or voice.

Students audition for ensembles and are placed through consultation between their respective studio instructors and the ensemble directors. Normally voice students fulfill requirements in Concert Choir, string players in Orchestra, wind and percussion players in Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. Students who are not selected for Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra or Wind Orchestra will be assigned to an appropriate alternative ensemble. Once admitted into the Instrumental Jazz Performance option, those students must be enrolled in one jazz ensemble.

Guitar and piano students will fulfill 50 percent of the major ensemble requirement by enrolling in Guitar Ensemble, Keyboard Ensemble, Chamber Music Ensemble, Music Accompanying, Music 130T (or any other minor ensemble as specified/approved by their instructor). The remaining 50 percent must be fulfilled by enrolling in Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band or Concert Choir.

Policy on Auditions/Ensemble Participation by Music Majors

  1. All music majors must audition on their primary instrument/voice for placement into an appropriate major ensemble every semester through the senior recital, except where indicated by option. Guitarists and pianists must follow the guidelines outlined in their Catalog.
  2. All music majors must play their primary instrument/voice in a major ensemble every semester through the senior recital, except where indicated by option. Guitarists and pianists must follow the guidelines outlined in their Catalog.
  3. Music majors who do not earn a spot via audition in an appropriate major ensemble will be placed in an appropriate alternate minor ensemble at the discretion of the studio professor and in consensus with the School of Music Chair and the major ensemble director.

Exceptions

Students in Music as a Liberal Art must participate in Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band or Concert Choir for a minimum of four semesters. Piano and guitar students fulfill 50% of the major ensemble requirement by enrolling in alternative ensemble classes.

Generally, participation in all rehearsals and performances of major performing ensembles takes precedence over any conflicting performance activity. Conflicts within the School of Music will be resolved by consultations among the ensemble directors involved and the School of Music Chair.

In rare cases, a student's responsibilities to the major ensemble may conflict with legitimate extra School of Music requirements. Any such conflicts will be resolved through consultations among the student, the School of Music Chair, the ensemble director involved, and the student's studio teacher.

Attendance:

School of Music Addendum to APM 232

The following activities do not qualify as excused absences for

School of Music courses:

1. Academic activities scheduled independently by the student, including observations required for other School of Music courses 
2. Performances in which the student is NOT performing
3. Volunteer and/or service duties for ensembles, festivals or other events hosted by the School of Music (students: volunteer for times when you do not have regularly scheduled classes).

Piano Proficiency

All music majors, except students in the piano performance option, must enroll in piano class (Music 4A, 4B, 4C) until the Piano Proficiency examination has been passed. Music 4B & 4C may be waived for students who can pass the Piano Proficiency Examination upon entry into the program. Requirements are as follows:

  1. Prepare scales, arpeggios, and primary chord progressions (I-IV64-I-V65-I; i-iv64-i-V65-i) in all major and harmonic minor keys. Scales and arpeggios are to be played hands-together, one octave in parallel motion ascending and descending. A note will be randomly selected and you will perform the major and harmonic minor technical elements in that key.
  2. Perform 2 prepared pieces: one sonatina and one contrasting piece of similar length and complexity. You may substitute two shorter pieces for the one contrasting piece.
  3. Sight-read a 2-handed musical passage composed of broken primary chords in the LH and a 5-finger melody in the RH.  The passage may be in any key, which you will be asked to identify prior to starting.
  4. Harmonize at sight a simple 5-finger melody with I, IV64 and V65 chords (or with minor i and iv64 chords if the melody is in a minor key). Chords may be executed using any pattern that is appropriate for the meter (i.e. blocked or broken chords.)
  5. Score Reading a two-part vocal score in one of several combinations of voices:  SA  ST   SB  AT  AB  or TB.  All tenor parts must be transposed down the octave.
  6. Concert Pitch Realization of an instrumental part in Bb, Eb, or F.  The passage will need to be transposed down to concert pitch by a M2 (Bb), M6 (Eb), or P5 (F) depending on the instrument.

Note that students must pass the Piano Proficiency Exam before attempting their studio’s Jury II. You must pass the Piano Proficiency Exam in order to receive a passing grade in Music 4C. 

NOTE: Students in Music Education (all emphases) must concurrently enroll in an additional piano class, Music 179L, Choral Techniques Lab, during the semester they enroll in Music 179, Choral Techniques and Methods.

Students in the Piano Performance Option fulfill their piano proficiency requirement through enrollment in Music 14 Accompaniment I and Music 114 Accompaniment II.

Conducting Proficiency (Music Education students)

The Conducting Proficiency Examination (CPE) for instrumentalists will normally be offered at the end of each semester. The CPE for vocal/choral students is offered at the end of each Spring semester. Students wishing to take this test should notify (in writing) the Director of Bands or the Director of Choral Activities at the beginning of the semester in which the exam will be attempted.  Prerequisites for taking the exam are (1) a pass on the piano proficiency exam at least one semester prior to taking the conducting exam, and (2) successful completion of advanced conducting or current enrollment with a passing grade in advanced conducting (Music 158).  Grading for the Conducting Proficiency exam is Pass/Fail.

Convocation (Music 20)

All music majors must register for Music 20, Convocation, each semester of residence until completion of the Senior Recital. Music 20 encompasses both Departmental enrichment (recital/concert attendance and special programs) and advising. This class carries 0 units of credit; students receive CR/NC grade for the class. Students receive credit (CR) for this course if the following requirements are completed by the end of the final examination period for the semester. Failure to meet ALL the requirements results in a grade of NC (no credit). Important: A grade of Incomplete will only be given if the formal procedures are followed in the current General Catalog.

  1. Attendance of a minimum of seven (7) live performances during the regularly scheduled Convocation hours of TU/TH 12:30-1:20 PM. Live performance includes recitals, concerts and special programs. Important: Students do NOT receive attendance credit for the following reasons: (1) any concert in which they perform; (2) if they do not attend the entire concert.
  2. Students meet with their advisor prior to the end of final examination period for the semester. Advising days and times will be posted throughout the music building approximately two weeks before course registration begins. Major advisors will forward the original advising worksheet to the School of Music office. Important: In addition to receiving an NC grade, students who fail to meet with their advisor will have their registration blocked until such time as they do meet with their advisor.

Collaborative Pianist Service Guidelines

General Guidelines

  • A hard copy of music and information for event (i.e. jury, performance exam , recital, etc…) must be given to the pianist at earliest opportunity, but no later than two weeks before the first rehearsal.
  • Any information and/or changes that involve the pianist (repertoire, event information, cancellations or rescheduling, etc...) must be shared with said pianist at the earliest opportunity. 
  • Sight-reading in a lesson, while not encouraged, will be available at the pianist's discretion.  It is expected that the work being sight-read is not in regular preparation for an upcoming recital, performance exam, or jury, and will happen on special occasions only, when needed for a pedagogical reason.
  • Voice students will have sessions arranged by the pianist in coordination with faculty and student schedules.
  • Scheduling for instrumental coaching/rehearsals and lessons will be arranged via sign-up sheets that will be posted outside of M220 in the first week of semester. These will be allotted available times on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scheduling and cancellation must be made 24 hours prior to the appointment or risk no coaching/rehearsal for two weeks in the future.
    • Regular sign-ups are available for anyone who has prepared a work and wishes to study it in its fuller context with piano.  
    • Available sign-up dates/times may vary each week based on the changing requests and needs of the semester. If need be, appointments outside of the provided times may be accommodated.
  • Efforts will be made to accommodate wherever possible, but pianists may not fulfill every requested circumstance due to workload considerations and existing scheduled appointments, etc..

Details of Services

  • Voice students will have a pianist for five to six sessions per semester (either during lessons or outside coaching in M222) arranged by the pianist in coordination with faculty and student schedules.
  • Instrumental studio coaching/rehearsals/lessons will be scheduled via regular sign-up sheets. Each student may sign up for a 30-minute session per week. Extra appointments may be accommodated.
  • Student Degree Recitals: three to four 30-minute coaching/rehearsals/visits of lesson per student. Extra sessions may be accommodated.
                 2-3 sessions     hearing     1 session     dress rehearsal     recital   
  • Faculty Recitals and Performances: case-by-case basis; two to three rehearsals per each event.
  • Guest Recitals: case-by-case basis; need notice and music at least one month in advance, prefer more. 
  • Convocation Performances (12:30 pm-1:20 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays): use studio lessons and rehearsal times as stated above. The convocation application must be signed by the pianist.
  • Opera Rehearsals/Coaching for Fresno State Opera Theater: require notice when the selection is made and music at least three months in advance, prefer one semester in advance.  In the event of unforeseen fluctuations in enrollment, changes are accepted within the first two weeks of the semester. 
  • Choir Rehearsals and Performances (Including Tours): need music at least one week in advance; for large scale works (e.g., song cycle, mass, requiem, etc.), one month in advance.
  • Studio Recitals: two 30-minute coaching/rehearsals or visit of lesson per student. Extra appointments may be accommodated.
  • Instrumental Juries: one 30-minute coaching/rehearsal or visit of lesson per student. Extra appointments may be accommodated.
  • Master Classes: one to two 30-minute coaching/rehearsals or visits of lesson per student. 
  • Festivals: one to two 30-minute coaching/rehearsals per student.
    • Provide a tentative schedule one week before the event.
    • A hard copy of music must be sent no later than two weeks prior to the event.
    • Please remind all participants that recordings are for personal use only and that it is illegal to post video on media sites without written permission from the performers.   
  • Concerto Competition: three to four 30-minute coaching/rehearsals per student (including one coaching/rehearsal during performance week). A hard copy of music must be provided two weeks prior to the first meeting. 
  • Audition Day: Information and request should be made two weeks prior to the event.
    • Prospective voice students will audition with a provided collaborative pianist without prior rehearsal.
    • Current students participating in any Audition Day performance are entitled to one rehearsal prior to event.
  • Additional Services: The collaborative piano services are provided in order to fulfill Fresno State curricular activities. Any private uses, such as offsite events and recording sessions, are not included but may be requested as an external hire at the pianist's 

Juries

A jury is a performance in which the student demonstrates a prescribed set of competencies before a faculty committee. Juries are assessments of the student's progress in the development of his/her artistic and technical abilities on the student's declared performing medium. The faculty for whom the student performs will judge your performance according to an established set of criteria.

Grading for All Juries

Students must pass ALL COMPONENTS of the Jury Examination SIMULTANEOUSLY to receive credit; minimum grade for passing is a "C" for students in the Music as a Liberal Art and Music Education options. A minimum grade for passing is a "B" for students in the Performance (Instrumental, Vocal, Jazz) and Composition options.

The Jury letter grade will be counted as the "final exam" in applied lessons for the semester in which the jury is completed.

Jury I

Upon conclusion of the second semester of music 31-39, or 48, students must attempt Jury I in their declared area of concentration before being permitted to continue their major. Students are allowed two attempts, taken in consecutive semesters, to pass Jury I.

Jury II

To qualify to take Jury II and upon completion of their second year of residence, students must have passed Music 1A, 1B, 40, and 41 with a grade of "C" or better, and passed the Piano Proficiency Examination. Students are allowed two attempts, taken in consecutive semesters, to pass Jury II. Failure to pass a second attempt will result in the student being dropped from the Vocal Performance, Instrumental Performance, Composition, and Music Education options. These students will be allowed to continue their studies in the Music as a Liberal Art option.

Jury Requirements

Teachers from each respective studio establish specific skills, which must be mastered, to pass Jury I and Jury II. See the syllabus for your applied lessons class for these. Your studio teacher may also specify repertoire to be used on your jury exams. The following are general standards for the various performance areas.

Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

Jury I

  • Unaccompanied work which may also include an etude or a caprice.
  • Two pieces in contrasting styles, or two contrasting movements from a large work like a sonata or concerto. 

Jury II

  • Unaccompanied work which may also include an etude or a caprice.
  • Two pieces in contrasting styles, (or two contrasting movements from a large work like a sonata or concerto)
  • The selections in Jury II must be more advanced compared with Jury I and must be performed from memory, with the exception of chamber music works, including sonatas.

Wind & Brass

Jury I

  • Play major and minor scales up to four sharps and flats
  • Perform an etude
  • Perform an accompanied or unaccompanied solo 

Jury II

  • All major and minor (natural, harmonic, melodic) scales; chromatic scales
  • Perform an etude
  • Perform an accompanied or unaccompanied solo

Percussion

Jury I:

  • Play major and minor scales (harmonic, melodic) up to four sharps and flats
  • Perform a snare drum and timpani etude
  • Perform a memorized solo with accompaniment on a mallet keyboard instrument.

Jury II:

  • All major and minor (harmonic, melodic) scales; chromatic scales
  • Perform a multiple percussion and timpani etude
  • Perform a memorized four-mallet solo on mallet keyboard instrument

Piano

Jury I:

  • Perform 3 Contrasting works from memory.
  • Appropriate repertoire will be chosen in coordination with your teacher.
  • The Technique Exam (requirements below) will also be taken concurrently with Jury I.  
  • The Jury may only hear portions of your selected pieces and may ask to hear specific sections so be prepared to perform each complete work.
  • The total duration of both portions is roughly 20 minutes.

Technique Exam:

Prepare major, harmonic and melodic minor scales with hands a 3rd, 6th, 8ve, and 10th apart as well as major and minor arpeggios in all inversions in all keys. Include also dominant 7th chord arpeggios (V7 of the key) in all inversions and the diminished 7th chord (viio7, no inversions needed). All scales and arpeggios should encompass four octaves up and down. The Jury will select one key at random in which you will perform all scales and arpeggios. Your tempo should be approximately ♩=142 for scales and ♩=120 for arpeggios as played with 16th notes.

Jury II:

  • Perform 3 Contrasting works from memory.
  • Appropriate repertoire will be chosen in coordination with your teacher and should be of increased scope and difficulty as compared with Jury I.
  • Total Duration 15 minutes.

Guitar

Jury I:

  • Scales (1 and 2 octave): major and minor scales, emphasis on correct left and right hand fingering
  • Studies from any of the following: Tarrega, Sor, Carcassi, Giuliani
  • A solo selected from the intermediate level repertoire for guitar; must be memorized

Jury II:

  • Scales (3 octaves): all major and minor, from the Diatonic Major and Minor Scale book by Andreas Segovia; emphasis on tone quality and correct fingering
  • Studies from any of the following: Tarrega, Sor, Carcassi, Giuliani
  • A solo selected from the guitar repertoire or appropriate transcription from other instruments; must be memorized

Voice

Jury I (attempted after the first semester of study; retaken if necessary, after end of second semester):

  • At least seven memorized solos, two or more of which must be in a foreign language
  • Vaccai Studies in Italian - Level 1
  • Major scale and selected triads
  • Check of tonal memory

Jury II (taken after 4 semesters of study):

  • Sixteen memorized solos complete to date
  • Vaccai Studies in Italian - Level 2
  • All minor, chromatic, and whole tone scales; the Alma Mater

The vocal and choral areas have separate handbooks to cover juries and related matters. See these for more specific information about jury requirements. If you do not already have the appropriate handbook, ask your studio teacher for one.

Composition

Composition Jury:

  • Works submitted must demonstrate that the student shows adequate promise to continue with the composition emphasis and ultimately mount a successful composition senior recital
  • A portfolio of 3 recent compositions (including recordings or MIDI realizations).
  • A list of works/curriculum vitae
  • A reflective essay that addresses professional goals, musical aesthetics, and compositional intent.
  • A self-assessment of sample works.

Jury II:

  • Works submitted must demonstrate that the student shows adequate promise to generate works of a high enough quality for the composition senior recital.
  • A portfolio of 3 compositions composed as a student at CSU Fresno (including recordings or MIDI realizations)
  • A list of works/curriculum vitae
  • A reflective essay that addresses professional goals, musical aesthetics, and compositional intent.
  • A self-assessment of sample works.

Works submitted must demonstrate adequate sensitivity (appropriate to the student's level) regarding important musical issues, such as: musical invention, structural clarity, formal unity/cohesion, accurate and practical notation, successful use of performance medium and sense of musical detail.

Instrumental Jazz Performance

Jury II:

  • All major(modes) and minor (natural, harmonic, melodic) scales; chromatic scales, diminished scales, whole tone scales
  • Perform an etude or transcription
  • Perform one accompanied tune

Instrumental Jazz Performance - Percussion

Vibraphone

  • Scales (full range and including arpeggios) consisting of all major modes, altered dominant, Lydian dominant, diminished, diminished dominant and whole tone
  • Prepare one tune from the standard jazz repertory including melody, accompaniment and two improvised choruses

Drum Set

  • Prepare one tune from the standard jazz repertory improvising over form while interpreting melodic and harmonic information.
  • Sight read a rhythmic style etude or drum chart equivalent
  • Perform one time-keeping or solo transcription (transcribed and notated by student)

School of Music Collaborative Pianist Rehearsal Policy

Students are fortunate to be able to work with professional pianists and need to respect their time.  Please adhere to the requirements below.

  1. Juries and convocation performances:  students need to give their pianist the music as early as possible and no later than two weeks before the first rehearsal. The first rehearsal should be no later than one week in advance of the performance.

For juries:  if a student does not follow the requirements above, then the student will be required to perform the jury in the following semester.  Any grading penalty is explained in the lesson syllabus.

For convocations:  if a student does not follow the requirements above, then the student will not be allowed to perform on the convocation.  Any grading penalty is explained in the lesson syllabus.

  1. Recitals:  students need to give their pianist the music as early as possible and no later than four weeks before the recital hearing.  The first rehearsal should be no later than two weeks in advance of the recital hearing.

If a student does not follow the requirements above they will be required to perform the recital the following semester.  Any grading penalty is explained in the lesson syllabus.

Requirements For Satisfactory Progress Toward Degree

General -- All Music Majors

Satisfactory progress toward the BA in music is measured for ALL majors by:

  • maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 2.0
  • maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5 in music classes
  • passing each course in the 24 unit music core with a grade of "C" or better, or Credit
  • participating in appropriate major ensemble each semester
  • being current in recital attendance ( Music 20, Convocation)

Students entering as freshmen should have accomplished the following by the time they have completed 30 units in residence:

  • Receive credit for Music 1A-1B
  • Pass 4A-4B or other appropriate piano courses
  • Pass Music 40-41
  • Pass Jury I

All entering lower division students should have accomplished the following by the end of their 4th semester in enrollment or have completed 60 units:

  • Pass Piano Proficiency
  • Complete the following Foundation courses or their equivalents with a grade of "C" or better:
    • Area B4 (select one from the following courses:)
      DS 71 - Quantitative Reasoning
      MATH 45 - What is Mathematics
      MATH 75 - Mathematical Analysis I

The above foundation requirements must be met in order to avoid being administratively dis-enrolled from the University and prior to taking courses in certain areas in Breadth.

Transfer students may have completed some or all of the above at another approved institution. Any of these requirements that have NOT been met upon entry into Fresno State School of Music must be met by the time the student has completed 30 units (Sophomore Year).

Students must receive credit for Music 1B and pass Piano Proficiency before taking Jury II. Advanced Standing is granted upon the successful completion of Jury II.

Students will be allowed two attempts, taken in consecutive semesters, to pass Jury II (see "Grading for Juries" above). Failure to pass the second attempt will result in the student being dropped from the Music Education, Vocal Performance, Instrumental Performance, Instrumental Performance Jazz Studies and Composition options. These students will be allowed to continue their studies in the Music as a Liberal Art option.

NOTE: Semesters of residence commence withacceptance into the music program.

Performance and Composition Options

Students in the Performance and Composition Options will measure satisfactory progress by:

  • Maintaining an overall minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the music major
  • Pass each course in the 24 unit music core with a grade of "C" or better, or Credit
  • Successfully completing piano proficiency and Jury II by the end of the fourth semester in residence. Please note: Students must complete piano proficiency and Music 1B before taking Jury II
  • Successfully completing the lower division music theory core (Music 40-43) by the end of the sixth semester of residence (for freshmen) or fourth semester of residence (transfer students)

Music Education Options

Students in the Music Education Option will measure satisfactory progress according to the following guidelines:

Sophomore Year

  • Apply for admission to the Music Education Program (see Admission Standards above)
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (The Credential Program candidate shall have obtained a grade point average of at least 2.67 in all baccalaureate and post baccalaureate coursework or a grade point average of at least a 2.75 in the last 60 semester units attempted

Junior Year - Continuation in program, students mustcomplete all sophomore competencies

  • Pass Jury II
  • Pass Conducting Proficiency
  • Pass Upper-Division Writing Exam
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (See Sophomore year above for Credential Program GPA requirements)

Senior Year - Advancement to Credential Program

  • Interview with Music Education faculty
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (See Sophomore year above for Credential Program GPA requirements)
  • Pass CBEST
  • Apply for admission to Credential Program
  • Apply and pay for graduation - this is NOT automatic!

Roadmapsfor all options within the Music Major can be found in Appendix A

Senior Recital Requirements and Process

The Pre-Recital Hearing

Students, with the approval of the studio teacher, will be responsible for creating recital committees. These committees must have two faculty members, one of whom is the studio teacher.

Students will be responsible for securing accompanists for their recitals.

Students must present a pre-recital hearing of their entire recital program (with all accompanying personnel that will be performing at the actual recital) no later than 4 weeks in advance of the recital date. Using the Recital Program Template, the entire recital program, typewritten with accurate timings for each composition to be performed, must be submitted to the recital committee at the pre-recital hearing for approval. If applicable, text & translations and/or program notes must be submitted along with the program for the committee's approval. If not submitted at the time of the pre-recital hearing, the student will be responsible for distributing these at the recital. The pre-recital hearing for composition majors is held to evaluate the merits of the works to be performed and the readiness of performers for the recital. Tape recordings of live performances and/or MIDI realizations are acceptable formats in which the composer can submit works for the hearing. Failure to pass the pre-recital hearing will disqualify the student from presenting the recital on the arranged date. During the hearing, composition majors will present their music in a lecture-discussion format, using examples from their compositions to create a clear and concise discussion of their composition techniques, style preferences, and aesthetic intent.

The Recital

Students in the Performance Options will perform a complete recital (45 - 55 minutes of music maximum on the declared performing medium with one 5-minute intermission). Students in orchestral strings must perform at least fifty percent of the recital from memory. Voice, piano, and guitar students must perform the entire recital (100%) from memory, except by advisement of the student's teacher. At the studio instructor's discretion, wind students may be required to memorize. Percussion students must memorize solo works performed on mallet instruments.

Students in the Composition Option will mount a complete recital (45 - 55 minutes of music maximum duration with one 5-minute intermission) of their own original works. The specific format of the recital is flexible, and will be determined by the student in consultation with the studio instructor. The recital may include not only compositions for more traditional instrumental/vocal combinations, but also works for electronic or computer-generated sound, live instruments with electronics, or various other multi-media configurations.

Students in the Music Education Option will perform half of a recital (23 - 30 minutes of music maximum on the declared performing medium with no intermission). Students in orchestral strings must perform at least fifty percent of the recital from memory. Voice, piano and guitar students must perform the entire recital (100%) from memory, except by advisement of the studio teacher. At the studio instructor's discretion, wind students may be required to memorize. Percussion students must memorize solo works performed on mallet instruments.

Senior Recital Booking Procedures

Revision in progress. Call the School of Music office for information: 559.278.2654

Facilities

Student Responsibilities

In an effort to maintain our beautiful building, please observe the following guidelines:

  • Take pride in our School of Music and facilities. Do not leave papers, soda cans, cafeteria trays and similar items around the building. Use the trashcans provided, and don't be afraid to remind others to do the same.
  • Do not sit on tables, pianos, equipment, etc. Use the benches and chairs provided.
  • Keep your feet off the walls.
  • Refrain from putting any kinds of stickers or labels on the lockers.
  • Post announcements ONLY on bulletin boards, NEVER on the walls. Use tacks or push pins never staples.
  • Get permission from the School of Music office to post items on any restricted bulletin boards.

Practice room rules

  • NO FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED
  • Do not use the acoustical panel as a bulletin board.
  • Do not use the piano as a shelf.
  • Brass players will please use towels or newspaper to catch condensation from your instruments. The oil from it will quickly ruin carpeting.
  • Do not cover the practice room window.
  • Do not lock the doors.
  • Please return any equipment (i.e. stands, chairs, instruments, etc.) to the place where you found it. If you practice in a classroom, put stands and chairs away when you finish.

Practice Room Hours

Practice rooms are open M-F 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 11: 00 p.m. on weekends. The campus is closed between December 25 and January 1.

Rehearsal Spaces

These are arranged in the School of Music office on a space-available basis.

Non-degree Recordings

Music majors can request to use one of the School of Music's performing venues for recordings that serve other purposes than their required senior and graduate recitals. Requests will be honored depending on the availability of the selected performing venue and appropriate recording technologist. A minimum recording fee of $50 will be assessed at the time of booking and guarantees the student one hour of recording time. Students will be charged $12.50 per fifteen-minute increments of recording time beyond the minimum fee if more recording time is needed. Under no circumstances will the recording session last longer than 2 hours on a given day. An additional piano/harpsichord tuning charge of $50 will be also be assessed if such instruments are used for the recording session.

Instrumental Rental Procedure

The Fresno State School of Music has a fairly large inventory of musical instruments that are available for check out to students; these instruments are provided as a benefit to students for ensembles, pedagogy classes, etc. The Department charges a rental fee for all school instruments checked out. This helps defray repair and new instrument costs.

The rental fee is $20 per trimester per ensemble/course.

For purposes of instrument rental the year is divided into three trimesters as follows:

  • Fall
  • Spring (including the preceding Winter Break)
  • Summer

Fall & Spring Semesters (Trimesters)

For the Fall and Spring semesters (trimesters), instruments are due back to theInstrument Shop by the last day of finals at the latest. Therefore instruments are late for Fall and Spring semesters if returned AFTER THE LAST DAY OF FINALS.

Summer Trimester

For the Summer trimester, instruments are due back to the Instrument Shop by the second day of Fall course instruction at the latest. Therefore, instruments will be late for the Summer (trimester) usage if returned AFTER THE SECOND DAY of Fall course instruction.

A $20 LATE FEE will applied to all instruments that are returned after due dates, and an ADMINISTRATIVE HOLD will be placed on the corresponding student's registration. Once late, there will be a two-week grace period before the following trimester fee is added. Therefore, if a student fails to return a rented instrument after the due date a $20 late fee applies, and if the instrument is not returned within two weeks of the due date ANOTHER $20 fee will be added. Normal trimester rental fees as well as additional late fees per trimester will accrue until an instrument is returned or paid in full.

Use of Special Instruments

The Elizabeth V. Lyles Pipe Organ in the Concert Hall was built by the Martin Ott Pipe Organ Company in St. Louis, Missouri and installed in 1996. It is a two-manual (56 note) and pedal (30 note) instrument of twenty stops, with mechanical key and stop action. This instrument is used for teaching, practice, concerts and other community/educational events. In order to accommodate the variety of uses, scheduling and care of the instrument is under the aegis of the Department's organ instructor. Contact the Department office for additional information.

The Ruckers Harpsichord is housed in the Concert Hall in a special enclosure to control temperature and humidity. This instrument is used only in the Concert Hall, and is not moved to different locations. Students using harpsichord will ordinarily practice on the Neupert harpsichord, which is also housed in the Concert Hall. Practicing in preparation for recitals or other performances may be done on the Ruckers, but must be scheduled through the Department office.

The Disk-Klavier is a special piano that allows soloists to practice with a pre-recorded accompaniment. Use of this instrument must be scheduled through the Department office and is for the use of music students only. Because this instrument is heavily used, practice times are limited to 2 hours at a time. Please use the sign up sheet on the door ofthe practice room to insure your time with this instrument.

Some of the practice rooms are designated for the use of piano majors only. Piano students who are currently studying with our piano faculty will be given their own key to use these practice rooms. State keys issued to students should not be copied under penalty of state law.

Library

The Library is located in the center of the campus. It is the largest academic library building in the CSU system, with a modern new wing that opened in February 2009, and holds more than one million volumes, to which thousands of new items are added each year.In addition to print materials many online resources are available to students. The new library building provides state-of-the-art research and study space, a laptop lending program, individual study carrels and group study rooms.

You will find the Music & Media Library http://libguides.csufresno.edu/musicandmedia on the 3 rd floor of the Library.Shelved here are more than 45,000 music scores, 23,000 compact discs, 42,000 LP's and 6,000 videos.Listening and viewing equipment is available in the department and most materials may be borrowed to use at home.Online streaming music services, such as Naxos Music Library and Smithsonian Global Sound, are available for student use as well.

Visit the library and help yourself to some of the information sheets available, or introduce yourself to one of the staff at the Reference Desk and in Music & Media to get started in your exploration of this excellent campus library.

Computer Labs

The East Wing of the Music Building houses the School of Music computer lab for use in connection with music courses. Access to the lab, Room 234A, is through School of Music approval. High quality laser printers are provided for use in any of the computer labs on campus at a charge of ten cents per page. Students may add printing costs to their University Student ID cards using any of the mini manager machines located around campus.

Room 234A is exclusively for the use of the School of Music and is provided with the hardware and software needed to support courses in composition, arranging and music technology. It has been provided with Macintosh computers, to which MIDI capabilities (including keyboards) have been added. The stations also have special music software used in some theory and arranging classes, as well as software used in marching band techniques classes.