Additional Requirements for All Music Majors
All incoming students must audition for acceptance as a music major (BS or BM). Music Majors must complete Freshmen Success Seminar (COH 111). In addition, each music major must (1) enroll for a major ensemble each semester until all music degree requirements are met; (2) pass six semesters of recital attendance (MUS 100R Recital); (3) meet the keyboard competency requirement; (4) pass the barrier examination in applied music study, and (5) present one or more public recital(s).
Keyboard Competency Requirement
Requirements for keyboard skills vary according to the major. Instrumental majors may demonstrate keyboard competency through proficiency examination or by completion of MUS 236 Class Piano C. Vocalists must pass two proficiency exams: the first to move from MUS 151 Minor Applied to MUS 351 Minor Applied Music, and the second to complete study at the upper division level (MUS 351 Minor Applied Music). All students must demonstrate keyboard competency before conferral of their degrees.
Applied Barrier Exam Requirement
A barrier exam is required of all music majors to achieve advanced standing on their principal applied instrument before registering for upper division applied study. The examination is administered at the end of the fourth semester of study, but may be taken earlier upon the recommendation of the applied teacher. (Regardless, all students must complete the required total number of semester hours in applied music as specified on the various degree plans.) Students who do not satisfactorily pass the initial exam have, at the discretion of the principal applied professor, one additional long semester to complete the exam requirement. Students who do not satisfactorily pass the second attempt at the barrier exam will be dismissed from the A&M-Commerce music program. Upper division applied credit (MUS 352 Principal Applied) must be completed at A&M-Commerce to be counted toward a music degree.
Recital Performance Requirement
After enrollment in upper division applied study, students must present one or more public recitals. Performance majors must present a junior half (30 min.) recital and a senior full (60 min.) recital; education majors must present a half recital (30 min.) during their junior or senior year. The applied faculty must approve the scope of the recital.
Music Education Emphasis (20 sh)
Elementary General Emphasis
| MUS 310 | Music Technology | 3 |
| MUS 321 | GBL/Instruments in Elem Mus | 2 |
| MUS 450 | GLB/Mus and Mov for Child I | 3 |
| MUS 465 | GLB/Mus & Movmnt for Child II | 3 |
| 9 |
| Total Hours | 20 |
Secondary Instrumental Emphasis
Secondary Vocal Emphasis
Professional Development (21 sh)
| PSY 300 | Learning Processes and Development | 3 |
| RDG 380 | Comprehension and Vocabulary in Middle and High Schools | 3 |
| SED 300 | Teaching Profession | 3 |
| SED 400 | Pedagogy and Classroom Management in Field-based Environments | 3 |
| SED 401 | Technology Infused Curriculum and Assessment in Field-based Environments | 3 |
| SED 405 | Secondary Residency in Teaching | 3 |
| ELED 452 | Student Teaching in Field-Based Teacher Education Programs | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 |
Prerequisites to Student Teaching in Music
Prior to student teaching, a music major in the Teacher Education program must be:
- admitted to upper division and complete three semester hours of upper division credit in his/her major applied music area,
- complete the courses in his/her area of emphasis and the required professional development courses,
- complete the piano requirements (n.b. Piano requirements are designed for three levels of achievement depending upon the student’s major applied area.),
- be on campus as full-time music majors either two full semesters or one semester and a full summer session prior to registering for student teaching.
A grade of “C” or higher must be earned in all courses in this Major.
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