A minor is required. Students enrolled in a B.A. in Music degree program must take electives to reach a total of 124 credits for the degree. In order to meet national standards that help ensure students will develop a range of knowledge, skills, and competencies, no more than two of these elective credits may be in music.
An applied audition, musicianship assessment, and interview are required prior to being accepted as a music major. To schedule an audition and musicianship assessment, prospective majors should contact the Department of Music at (989) 964- 4159; from Midland, call 695-5325, ext 4159. Email inquiries may be sent to: music@svsu.edu . The B.A. in Music provides a broad general education in the liberal arts combined with comprehensive music studies, with an emphasis in performance.
Advising and Applied Juries
All music and music education students must see a music faculty advisor at least once each academic year to help maintain regular and intelligent advancement toward finishing their degrees. Students failing to meet with their music faculty advisor will be unable to register for classes the following academic year. Refer to the Music Student Handbook for details.
Applied Juries will be given at the end of fall and winter semesters, and are required for all music and music education majors enrolled in applied music courses. Other students may be advised to take Juries if their occupational goal would suggest it. Minimum performance standards in each performance medium will be determined by the music faculty, and each students must satisfy these performance standards in order to graduate. Juries and/or senior recitals will be used for evaluation. Failure to meet applied performance standards will result in additional requirements in the applied area having to be met prior to graduation.
Transfer Students
An applied audition, interview, and appropriate placement tests (in music theory, aural skills, and music history) are required prior to being accepted as a music major. Transfer students must be enrolled in a major ensemble and in an applied lesson on their major instrument or voice every semester they are at SVSU. A minimum of 8 credits is required in each (ensemble and applied lessons) for graduation. At least 2 credits of each must be taken at SVSU. Transfer students may count ensemble and applied lesson credits gained at another institution towards the 8 credits of each required for graduation. Remedial work may be assigned, if necessary.