Student Handbook

Welcome to the UAA Department of Music 

Located in Southcentral Alaska and the state’s largest population center, the University of Alaska Anchorage is an open-enrollment university of over 19,000 students, offering baccalaureate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences and a variety of technical and professional programs. Post-graduate studies are available in a growing number of major fields.  UAA serves a diverse ethnic population of students, not only from within Alaska and across the United States, but from Pacific Rim countries and Latin America as well.  With a focus on academic excellence, the University has a dedicated faculty that has gained national recognition for creative work and research.  UAA’s main campus offers small classes, new student residence halls and commons, intercollegiate sports, an Honors program, and numerous student clubs and organizations. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Department of Music is a division of the College of Arts and Sciences at UAA and an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.  We offer two degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Music and Bachelor of Music. Bachelor of Music degree offers two possible areas of emphasis: Music Education and Music Performance. 

Dedicated to providing leadership in the musical arts, not only in Anchorage but throughout the state of Alaska, UAA music faculty participates actively in community music organizations and performs with local symphonies, opera companies, concert choirs, and orchestras.  They provide a vital link to public education by offering performances and master classes at area schools, directing or assisting with youth symphonies, adjudicating district and state solo/ensemble competitions, and hosting jazz, keyboard, guitar, and choral festivals.  Members of the faculty have gained national recognition as composers/arrangers, writers, conductors, and recording artists, and have presented concerts statewide, throughout the United States, and internationally.

Music Department at UAA offers a wide variety of courses, talented and dedicated faculty, an optimum physical learning environment, and a friendly and diverse student body.  Classes are held in the Fine Arts Building, a modern facility with a state-of-the-art recital hall, well-lighted classrooms, computer access, an audio lab, soundproof practice rooms, lockers, and quiet, comfortable student areas for study and relaxation.  The Fine Arts Building has easy access to parking, student housing, and the campus shuttle.

During their career at UAA, our majors often find opportunities to perform in local music events, to teach in the community, to work at local music stores, or to participate in Anchorage music organizations.  Membership in the campus chapter of NAfMEC and SNATS may provide an opportunity for travel to academic seminars or performances.  Annual events such as the Jazz Week, the Symphony of Sounds concert, Alaska Piano Competition, the Guitar Symposium, and the UAA campus-wide Student Showcase offer a venue for solo performance and recognition of excellence.  Local chapters of music societies create opportunities to bid for entry in district and national competitions.

This handbook is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and the University of Alaska Anchorage.  Although every effort is made to ensure its correctness, regulations of the university and this program’s requirements change from time to time during the period any student is attending the University of Alaska Anchorage; to the extent there is a conflict between this handbook and university policies, regulations, rules, or procedures, the university policies, regulations, rules, or procedures will control.

  • Section 1: ENTERING A DEGREE PROGRAM

    Which music degree should you choose?

    Students wishing to earn a baccalaureate degree in music must apply to UAA for formal admission.  The required Undergraduate Application for Admission form will ask for the specific music degree you are seeking.  Our department offers the following degrees:

    • Bachelor of Music (BM) with an Emphasis in Performance and/or Education
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music

    Your choice of degree depends on many factors, including future professional plans and the amount of musical training and performance experience you have had prior to entering UAA. Please meet with an Academic Advisor or any Department of Music full-time faculty member to discuss your degree choice before declaring your major.

    Students electing in BM degree options may also choose to complete a Jazz emphasis.

    University Admission Requirements

    Please click here to receive more information on how to apply to UAA.

    Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

    Scholarships, tuition waivers, grants and loans are administered by the UAA Office of Student Financial Assistance, located in the University Center.  Several different sources are available for financial assistance:

    1. Music scholarships, private scholarships, and UA Foundation scholarships can be found through the UAA Financial Aid website: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/financial-aid/scholarships/ .

      The UA Foundation manages 25 or more scholarships, some of which have specific qualifications. The deadline for most of these applications is February 15. Call 786-6170 for more information on financial assistance.  Specific applications may be requested by e-mailing scholarships@uaa.alaska.edu.
    1. Federal grants and state loans:
      The University can also assist students in applying for federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, Stafford Loan, or PLUS; and for AK Advantage state loans offered by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (www.acpe.alaska.gov).
    1. Assistance to Veterans:
      Paperwork for Veterans benefits for education and assistance to Veterans’ survivors can be filed through our campus financial aid office.

    Occasionally the Department of Music is able to offer a tuition waiver or other special scholarships.  Application deadlines and audition dates for these awards will be posted by the Department as they are made available.

    Admission Requirements for Incoming Majors

    Enrollment as a music major assumes evidence of musicianship and performance ability. To demonstrate music skills, all incoming first-year and transfer students are required to complete an audition/performance evaluation prior to their first semester. This assists faculty in determining each student’s readiness for entry into juried private-lessons, ensembles, and academic music classes. Students judged not ready for juried private lessons will be required to complete non-juried private lessons to build performance skills. Upon completion of the performance evaluation, faculty advisors will assist students in planning a first year of study best suited to their needs.

    Click on Academic Programs | Department of Music | University of Alaska Anchorage for more information.

  • Section 2: Advising

    Initial Advising Session

    Upon completion of entrance evaluations, an Academic Advisor from the Department will assist you in selecting classes for your first year of study. Recommendations will take into account not only requirements for the degree, but also your individual experience and specific needs. Registration codes will be issued at this time. This initial advising session is important in helping to guarantee your success as a college student.

    New auditioning students that are not quite ready for juried private lessons will be required to improve their performance skills and repertoire by taking a semester or more of preliminary non-juried lessons. A Functional Piano course (MUS 156) is available to students to help them prepare for the Piano Proficiency Exam which should be completed by the end of the 2nd year of study. 

    Advising Requirements

    Majors should meet with their Academic Advisor each semester. You have a number of advisors available to you: 

    • The Academic Advisors act as the liaison between the student, the Music Department, and Enrollment Services. They assist students with specific questions relating to general university requirements, and can advise you in your major as well. As an incoming student, you are strongly encouraged to set up an initial advising appointment with the Academic Advisor. You may find their contact information here.
    • Faculty Advisors are permanent faculty members well versed in degree requirements who act as your point of contact within the department on academic issues. They will monitor your progress through juries and piano proficiency exams, and are the ones who issue private lesson codes each semester. For the current advisor list, navigate to the link on the website “Students” from the homepage and select “Academic Advising.” This is located on the Department of Music website at www.uaa.alaska.edu/music
    • Both advisors review academic records, assist with transfer credits and petitions, and help their students in scheduling rotating courses. They also advise of application deadlines for graduation, national records exams, and scholarships.

    DegreeWorks

    All students (and advisors) have access to the DegreeWorks auditing software. Access is available via the university's UAOnline website.

    All students should have access to UAOnline; if you need assistance with password setup or other login issues, contact the UAA Helpdesk at: (907) 786-4646

    To access DegreeWorks through UA Online please follow the following steps:
    Login → Student Services and Account Information → DegreeWorks/Electronic Degree Audit →UAA DegreeWorks → Click to Redirect to DegreeWorks

    In this program, students and advisors can easily track a student’s degree progress. DegreeWorks allows us to see how completed courses, as well as courses in which a student is currently enrolled, are applying toward the requirements of a student’s current degree program.

    Please note: to adequately track and assess progress towards a music degree, each student must have officially declared music as his/her major, or the degree audit in DegreeWorks will not automatically be displayed.

    If you are undeclared and considering entering a Music program, you may use the “What If” option in DegreeWorks to see how your completed classes would apply toward the current requirements of your choice of Music program. Directions for using the “What If” option can be found in the “DegreeWorks – Frequently Asked Questions” on the DegreeWorks webpage.

    If you are still undeclared, but are actively participating in the music program and wish to be a music major, be sure to fill out Change of Major form with either your Academic or Faculty Advisor. (In addition, if you are currently a music major, but want to change degree within the department, you still need to complete a Change of Major form.)

  • Section 3: STUDENT FACILITIES

    Access to the Fine Arts Building

    The Fine Arts Building is open from 8:00 am to 8:30pm Monday through Saturday, and 9:00am-5:00pm on Sundays.  After hours, students may use their WOLFcard to access the building. 

    Lockers

    Lockers are available in the Fine Arts Building and are located in room 125, which is adjacent to Room 124. Rental fees per year are: $10 (large lockers), $7 (medium lockers), and $5 (small lockers).  Lockers are managed by members of NAfMEC and are assigned to students based on the size of their instrument(s).  Plan early to reserve a locker that meets your needs, and check the NAfMEC Bulletin Board in the locker area for the name of the person to contact for rental payment.  Checks should be made payable to UAA, although you should put NAfMEC in the memo.  Students must provide their own locks.  Locks will be cut from any locker for which a student has not paid.

    Access to Rooms and Equipment

    Practice rooms are located on the third floor in the Music wing.  Most are unlocked at all times and available for students to use.  Sign-up sheets are posted on practice room doors at the beginning of each new semester.  Your reservation is valid through the end of the semester; however, students who do not claim their practice room within 15 minutes of the posted time lose that session for the day to other students who may need access.

    Practice room doors should be closed during use, as a courtesy to others in the area. Please keep the room and equipment clean by limiting food and beverages to lounge areas on the second and third floors.  Empty your practice room of all personal items upon leaving.  This way, you avoid interrupting others to retrieve your belongings.  The University is not responsible for personal items left in the building.  Please make sure the practice room is not locked when you leave.

    Faculty and advanced piano majors are given priority to Practice Rooms 336 and 362, which contain studio grand pianos.  These rooms are locked and accessed by codes which can be obtained from the Administrative Assistant in room 356.

    Keys

    Students needing keys for percussion equipment, instruments and amplifiers, or renting lockers in 125C, will need to obtain keys from the Administrative Assistant in room 302. Students that do not return keys on time will have a hold placed on their accounts and records by the University.  Be sure to return keys when your permit expires.

    Instrument Rental

    A limited number of instruments are available through the Department for use by students enrolled in an ensemble or in the methods courses. Use of these instruments for ensembles must be cleared through the appropriate ensemble director.  Use of university instruments is assigned by Dr. Cochran (room 358) for woodwinds, brass, and percussion, Dr. Lutterman (room 364) for strings, and Dr. Abdihodžić (room 366) for guitars. Use policies for instruments needed for methods courses will be explained by each individual instructor in their semester course outlines.  Students must complete and sign a rental form, which is also signed when the instrument is returned. Students returning damaged instruments, or have borrowed instruments stolen due to negligence will be held responsible for their replacement. A hold will be placed on the student’s Academic Record until the repair/replacement cost is submitted.

    Music Stands

    The Department of Music provides music stands for student and classroom use. You are asked to help protect this service by leaving stands in the rooms to which they have been assigned.  Please return your stand to its rack at the end of each class.  Stands may NOT be removed from the Fine Arts Building unless under direct supervision of music faculty and only for a performance sponsored by the Department of Music.  If you see UAA music stands in another area of campus or in the community, please contact the Fine Arts Building Manager at 786-1782 so they can be retrieved.

    Lost and Found

    Lost and found items from the Fine Arts Building are stored in the Student Information Office, room 302.

    Computer Lab

    Room 339 is lab the digital audio lab, a shared spaced, that has desktop computers. Room 372 and 302 also have desktop computers and a
    printer for student use. To gain access to the lab, enrolled students may check with the Administrative Assistant in room 356.

    UAA Computer Policy Statement

    Access to computing systems, facilities, and equipment is granted to members of the University community for the conduct of University business and instruction with the understanding that such access is a privilege and carries with it certain responsibilities. Access is revoked upon termination of employment or student status. Research data or work done in the course of employment remains with the University unless otherwise noted by BOR Policy & Regulation 08.06 - Information Technology. Use of the facilities to interfere with the privacy or security of other users, for political purposes, for personal financial gain, or use that is in violation of current UAA or IT computing policies is prohibited and may result in the loss of computing privileges.

    Usernames are to be used only by the individual to whom it has been assigned. Usernames may not be borrowed, loaned, bought, or sold. The University reserves the right to disclose the identity of a user to appropriate authorities in the course of a bona fide investigation of alleged misuse.

    Please read the posted Rules of the Lab signs at the lab. Individuals who use the lab facilities are responsible for knowing and adhering to the policies and posted rules of the lab. As a member of NorthWestNet, the University adheres to the policies of appropriate use governing this network. Further information on policies and procedures governing computer access and system resource allocations is available through consultants or your local computer coordinator.  The following statement is signed by students when they receive their UAA e-mail account:

    “I have read the above and agree to abide by its provisions. I understand that a violation of the provisions stated in the policy may cause suspension or revocation of network access and related privileges, and could lead to disciplinary action as specified in the UAA Catalog and UAA Student Handbook.”

    Library Resources

    The Consortium Library, housing collections for both the University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University, has over 750,000 volumes of texts, reference books, and periodicals.  In addition, the Library houses extensive electronic resources, music scores and CDs. Students are encouraged to take some time to explore the Library and become acquainted with its materials.  Music resources are located in several different areas of the Library.  To locate these resources, please ask at the front desk.  Reference Librarians are available to assist you in using the Library’s electronic resources and to answer questions about finding materials.  You may also access the UAA/APU Consortium Library homepage  to find links to the Joint Library Catalog and electronic databases. Consortium Library reference desk is available at 786-1848.

    The Consortium Library also has a listening room, which contains listening stations as well as two small viewing rooms.  It also serves as a place for pulling all materials together for onsite use (journals, collected editions, reference books, scores, and recordings).

    To find a list of recordings available through the Library, search the Joint Library Catalog, restricting your search to ‘UAA/APU Consortium’ then ‘Limit Results’ then ‘CD/tape.’ Your instructor may have placed some recordings on reserve.  Requests for recordings, both those on reserve and those available generally, are answered by Library personnel. Recordings are for in-library use only.

    • Interlibrary Loan:
      If you find a citation to a magazine article or reference to a book or musical score that is not in the Library, the item can be obtained through Interlibrary Loan.  This service is free to the UAA/APU community, but allow ten days or so for items to come by mail.  Items that can be electronically transmitted, such as journal articles, may arrive more quickly.  You can file an electronic ILL form by clicking on ‘Library Services’ then ‘Interlibrary Loan’ on the Library’s homepage.

    • Using Anchorage Public Libraries:
      UAA students can check out books, CDs, and videos from the Anchorage public library system using their WOLFcard.  These titles are listed in the Joint Library catalog.  The Loussac Library at 36th Avenue and Denali Street has a media collection with a large selection of CDs and DVDs.
  • Section 4: CURRICULUM, ADVANCEMENT THROUGH THE DEGREE, INCLUDING FUNCTIONAL PIANO REQUIREMENTS

    Core Academic Courses

    Core academic courses are courses that are required in all the music degree programs:

    • MUS A131, A132, A231 and A232 (Music Theory I, II, III & IV)
    • MUS A133, A134, A233 and A234 (Aural Skills I, II, III & IV)
    • MUS A220 (Music in Western Culture)
    • MUS A331 (Form and Analysis)
    • MUS A380 (Conducting)

    Students should plan to take these courses as soon as possible.  In general, 100-level courses are for first-year students, 200-level courses for sophomores, 300-level for juniors, and 400-level for seniors. If you fall behind, you will delay the completion of your degree.

    Music Theory and Aural Skills are co-requisites, and should be taken concurrently and in numerical order, beginning with a fall semester. Courses labeled I and III are offered only in the fall, II and IV only in the spring.

    MUS 232 must be completed before taking MUS 331, Form and Analysis, the capstone course for all music degrees.

    Functional Piano

    While MUS A156 (Functional Piano) is not a required course, the department recommends that students take this class to prepare them for the Piano Proficiency Exam. 

    Piano Proficiency Requirements

    Functional piano (MUS A156) is offered to assist students in preparing for their piano proficiency juries. Functional piano juries are required of all music majors and all facets of the functional requirements must be completed by jury before the junior year. More specifically: Bachelor of Arts music majors must pass their piano proficiency requirements by the time they have 60 semester credits, and no later than upon completion of MUS A262 (this includes completion of the two-year Music Theory and Aural Skills sequence). Bachelor of Music majors must meet requirements by the time they have completed their fourth level of juried lessons. 

    All music majors must pass the piano proficiency exam to graduate. 

    All degrees must fulfill the following requirements: 

    1. PERFORMANCE: One memorized piece consisting of either a Two-Part Invention by J.S. Bach or the first movement of one of the Op. 36 Sonatinas by Clementi (excluding Op. 36 No. 1).  Repertoire other than the above pieces must be approved prior to the performance jury.
    2. HARMONIZATION and TRANSPOSITION: PART ONE: Demonstrate an ability to harmonize a melody using I, IV, V7 chords in piano position.  The instructor and student will select four melodies from the text Harmonization-Transposition at the Keyboard (Alice Kern ISBN 0-87487-059-3). These will be prepared for the jury exam in all twelve keys. The jury will select at least one melody from the list to be performed. Students will demonstrate ability to transpose this melody to another key (chosen by the jury). The melody must be played in a lively manner that would make the performance usable in a public-school classroom to lead children singing.
    3. Chorale/Hymn reading proficiency:
      B.A. majors: Through the course of a semester students will read through three basic four-part hymns. For the piano exam, the jury will pick one of those hymns to be read.  Students may choose from any hymnal/public domain collection as long as the hymns chosen have four voices. 
      B.M. majors: Through the course of a semester students will read through three four-part Bach Chorales. For the piano exam, the jury will pick one of those chorales to be read.  The chorales will be chosen from the collection found at this link: (Please note that only 4 voice chorales may be considered.)
       https://vmirror.imslp.org/files/imglnks/usimg/7/7b/IMSLP318117-SIBLEY1802.26185.dcca-39087032500649score.pdf

    B.M. majors are also required to fulfill the following requirements:

    1. Arrangement of a popular melody.  B.M. students are required to make a keyboard arrangement of one of the following songs:
        • Alaska's Flag (in E-flat major)
        • The Star-Spangled Banner (in A-flat major)
        • America, the Beautiful (in B-flat major)
        • America (My Country 'tis of Thee) (in F major)
        • Happy Birthday (in G Major)
        • Lift Every Voice and Sing (in Ab major)
        • Peace Like a River (in G major)
        • This Little Light of Mine (in G Major)
          • The selected song and harmonization may be performed either from score or from memory. Students will not be asked to transpose these melodies. Sample accompaniments will be discussed during class sessions. The arrangement must be played in a lively manner that would make the performance usable in a public-school classroom to lead children singing.
    2. IMPROVISATION: B.M. students are required to improvise a simple melody in tempo over a given simple chord progression (I, IV, V7). The first four measure phrase must end with a half cadence (Tonic to Dominant), and the second four measure phrase must end with a full cadence (Dominant to Tonic).

    3. ACCOMPANYING: B.M. students are required to prepare an accompaniment pattern to one folk song. For the piano committee, students will sing the tune and accompany themselves. The tune should be prepared in 3 different keys. The following are suggested songs: 

      • You Are My Sunshine
      • Pop, Goes the Weasel
      • Skip to My Lou
      • This Land Is Your Land
      • This Old Man
      • House of the Rising Sun
      • Oh, My Daughter Clementine
      • Puff, the Magic Dragon
      • Blowin’ in the Wind

    Other song selections will be considered only with the instructor's prior approval.


    4. VOCAL WARM-UPS: B.M. students are required to play vocal warm-ups in all 12 keys. This component will be tested in class.

    Core Performing Classes

    Private Lessons

    All incoming music majors are evaluated for their ability to begin juried private lessons. Students who are deemed ready will be placed in MUS A161. Course numbers for subsequent levels of juried lessons that apply toward a music degree end in either -61 or -62: 161, 162, 261, 262, 361, 362, 461 and 462.

    Private lessons are a mutual contract between the student and the teacher. Instructors set their private lesson schedules at the beginning of the semester. Attending private lessons on a weekly basis is required to show growth and progress in repertoire and performance skills and to advance through juried instruction. Students who regularly fail to attend lessons, and therefore cannot demonstrate progress, will be dropped. If you find it necessary to miss a private lesson, please contact your instructor as early as possible prior to the scheduled time. The instructor may choose to reschedule a lesson that you miss but is not required to do so. However, lessons canceled by faculty due to illness, performance, or travel will be made up.

    Students are expected to practice daily and to maintain a consistent, structured practice schedule that adequately prepares them for each weekly lesson. A minimum of one hour daily for a half-hour lesson and two hours daily for an hour lesson is expected. Some students may find it necessary to work more than this ‘recommended daily allowance’ into their study schedule to build confidence in performance.

    At the end of each semester, students enrolled in the -61 and -62 courses are required to participate in a juried performance. Juries are composed of the student’s private instructor, the division head, who coordinates the jury process, and other faculty members appointed to the jury by the division head.  Juries are held during Finals Week. Sign-up schedules are posted two weeks in advance so that students may choose an individual time that is the most convenient. Pieces selected for performance must be from the semester’s study and are chosen cooperatively by students and their instructors. Some performance areas, such as piano, guitar, and voice, require memorization of all performed works.  The jury is a major component of the private lesson grade.

    Repertoire chosen for study at each level of instruction is dependent on the current student’s ability but must also meet a predetermined minimum standard of difficulty at each level. Each individual instructor is responsible for guiding students through a course of study that most effectively develops their potential.

    Repertoire developed through the eight-semester sequence of juried lessons (four semesters for the Bachelor of Arts major) should include representative pieces specific to each historical period, from the Renaissance or Baroque through the 21st century. Students should perform music from at least two contrasting periods or styles at each jury. Pieces may not be repeated in subsequent jury examinations unless they are being presented as a pre-performance exercise for a junior or senior recital.

    Students recommended for movement to a non-juried track are those who have failed their jury exam but have received passing marks for their private lesson effort. Other students, however, who have not prepared adequately for lessons or juries, or who have missed lessons, will receive a grade that reflects that lack of progress. Students earning a D or F in juried lessons must repeat that level.

    Non-juried lessons for music majors are offered at the 163 level only. These courses are designed for:

    1. incoming music majors who need a semester or two of private instruction to improve performance skills before entering the juried track;
    2. music majors taking instruction on a secondary instrument (not their performance area for the degree);
    3. majors at the 262 level who have not demonstrated sufficient progress toward completion of Piano Proficiency exams; in such cases, students will be moved to a non-juried semester of lessons to maintain skills on their primary instrument while devoting more time to mastering keyboard basics;
    4. majors in the juried track who, as an outcome of their jury performance, have not demonstrated mastery of the material sufficient for recommendation to the next level of juried instruction, but who have applied themselves to their private studies and have attended lessons regular. For example, a student jurying at the 162 level may be required by adjudicators to complete a semester of 163, non-juried lessons, and to pass a second jury before re- entering the juried track at 261.

    Lessons are also offered at the 164 level. These courses are for non-majors wishing to take private lessons for college credit from a UAA faculty member.

    Master Class

    Serving a venue for developing performance skills, master classes offer instruction in technique, interpretation, memorization, stage presence, and gives students an opportunity to perform for their peers in an informal setting. Private-lesson repertoire and pieces developed as part of a small ensemble requirement are often used for master class.

    The number of semesters and the number of credits of master class required of each major is dependent upon degree choice. It is important to discuss master class requirements with your Department Academic Advisor. The semester that you begin your master class sequence is also dependent upon degree choice, as well as your progress in private lessons. Again, check with your Academic Advisor for eligibility.

    All students in the BM degree (both Performance and Education emphasis) wishing to complete their degree in four years, must take juried private lessons and master class concurrently. Presentation of the senior recital (and the junior recital for Performance students) may be delayed if the requisite number of semesters of master class has not been completed.

    Major Ensembles

    Like the master class, the major ensemble experience is linked with private lesson advancement. Students should choose the class appropriate to their major instrument (given in parentheses). See the following faculty for more information about their respective ensembles:

    • Dr. Timothy Smith, Chamber Music and Accompanying (piano)
    • Dr. John Lutterman, Chamber Music and Accompanying (piano)
    • Dr. Armin Abdihodžić, University Guitar Ensemble (guitar)
    • Dr. Armin Abdihodžić, Jazz Ensemble (saxophone)
    • Dr. Grant Cochran, University Singers (voice)
    • Dr. Bruce Wood, University Sinfonia (brass, winds, strings, percussion)

    Eight semesters of major ensemble are required for all B.M. degree students. Five semesters are required for the B.A. Starting with 2023-2024 catalog year, all music majors may take up to two semesters (four credits) of an ensemble outside of the one designated for their major to fulfill their "Major Ensemble" requirement.

    Chamber Ensembles

    All majors must meet a two-semester, small (chamber) ensemble requirement. This requirement is fulfilled by performing in one of these courses:

    • Dr. Mari Hahn, Chamber Music and Accompanying 
    • Dr. Mari Hahn, Opera and Music Theatre Workshop
    • Dr. John Lutterman, Chamber Ensemble
    • Dr. Armin Abdihodžić, University Jazz Ensemble

    Course Rotations

    Some courses, such as methods courses, upper-division theory, and history seminars, are offered on a rotating schedule. Plan accordingly so that you have access to these courses when they are available.

    Conducting:

    • MUS A380 (Conducting): offered every Spring in odd-numbered years (‘23, ‘25)

    Methods and Techniques:

    • MUS A371 (Brass Methods and Techniques): offered every Fall in odd-numbered years (’23, ’25)
    • MUS A372 (Woodwind Methods and Techniques): offered every Spring in even-numbered years (’24, ’26)
    • MUS A373 (String Methods and Techniques): offered every Fall in odd-numbered years (’23, ’25)
    • MUS A374 (Voice Methods and Techniques): offered every Spring in odd-numbered years (’23, ’25)
    • MUS A375 (Percussion Methods and Techniques): offered every Fall in even-numbered years (’24, ’26)
    • MUS A376 (Elementary Music Methods): offered every Spring in odd-numbered years (’23, ’25)

    Upper-Division History Courses:

    • MUS A220 (Music in Western Culture): offered every Fall semester
    • MUS A424 (A History of Music in the 20th and 21st Centuries): offered Spring ’24, Spring ’27
    • MUS A425 (A History of Vocal and Choral Music in Europe and North America): offered Spring ’25, Spring ’28
    • MUS A426 (A History of Instrumental Music in Europe and North America): offered Spring ’26, Spring ’29

    Upper-Division Theory Courses:

    • MUS A331 (Form and Analysis): offered every Fall semester
    • MUS A431 (Counterpoint): offered Spring even numbers (’24, ’26)
    • MUS A432 (Orchestration): offered Spring odd numbers (’23, ’25)

    Ethnomusicology Courses:

    • MUS/AKNS A215 (Music of the Alaska Natives and Indigenous Peoples of Northern Regions): offered every Fall semester
    • MUS/AKNS A216 (World Music): offered every Fall and Spring semesters

    Monitoring Your Own Progress

    A Course Planning Worksheet is included in this handbook to assist you in planning your degree. It is important to refer each semester to the chart in Section VII that applies to your degree and instrument and to note any courses that have not been completed on schedule. These charts are the best plan for completing requirements in a timely and organized fashion. Matters that have been considered in preparing these charts are course prerequisites, requirements for concurrent classes, schedules for rotating courses, and logical matriculation through courses that are closely related.

    Students who are planning to complete their undergraduate degree in four years must follow these charts carefully. If you are a part-time student, be logical about your choice of classes each semester. All majors must have their schedules approved by their Academic Advisor.

    We encourage you to keep a portfolio throughout your undergraduate work at UAA that includes a Personal Repertoire List of all pieces performed as part of your degree; jury reports and memos from faculty or Academic Advisors; copies of recital programs in which you have performed; term papers and compositions that you feel represent your best work; and awards and recognition that you have received. This portfolio will be invaluable when preparing a resume for future employment as a music professional.

    Obviously, you should develop a portfolio of the music in your repertoire, preferably scores that have been used in private lesson instruction and contain notes on breathing, fingering, rhythm, dynamics, and interpretation.

  • Section 5: RECITALS AND RECITAL ATTENDANCE

    Student Recitals

    Students enrolled in juried private lessons must perform at least once during the semester in a student recital. There are approximately 9-10 recitals each semester, usually presented on Fridays at 3:00 pm and beginning in the fourth or fifth week of the semester. Your choice of music should be from your private lessons and must be approved by your instructor. Plan to perform only pieces that you have mastered. Some performance areas, such as piano, guitar, and voice, require memorization of all recital works.

    Students who wish to perform on a “Friday Student Recital” should sign-up using the online form available on the department’s website. Click here and find the “Student Recital Program Listing form.” Each recital is limited in length as a courtesy to both the performers and the audience. In addition, students are limited to two pieces.

    Plan to arrive to the ARTS building at least one hour prior to the recital to warm up. You may check the program for your performance time. The printed program order is always followed, so students missing their slot in the program will perform last. Check in with the Recital Technician at least 25 minutes before the recital time.

    Recital Dress Codes

    Always check with your private instructor to receive guidelines regarding appropriate performance attire. If choosing attire is left to you, keep in mind that concerts of classical music are usually considered formal events and require certain etiquette in presentation and behavior. The clothing you choose should reflect this.

    Clothing should appear professional and not distracting, which means that low necklines, short hems, exposed midriffs, and low-rise slacks are not acceptable. Hairstyles should be neat and off the face as much as possible. Dress shoes are a must! Running or other sports shoes are not considered "dress shoes." Remember that the objective is to appear professional. 

    If you have questions about dress code, please check with your private instructor or ensemble director regarding jewelry and accessories. For example, while jewelry may be acceptable for singers, instrumentalists should not wear anything that might impede their performance.

    Concert Etiquette

    Walking and bowing should be simple and gracious. Walk on stage with a confident demeanor, at a moderate speed, to a definite spot. Face the audience and bow with your feet close together, looking at the floor as you do so. If you are being accompanied, remember to bow and gesture graciously to your pianist at the end of your performance. Precede your pianist when leaving the stage. If you are performing in a chamber ensemble, everyone should bow together; taking the lead from the person in the center, and the order for filing off stage should be decided ahead of time. Do not reflect dissatisfaction with your performance as you bow or as you leave. Think of bowing as an act that thanks the audience for attending, not as a commentary on your performance.

    Concert Etiquette for Audience Members

    As is typical in educational institutions, all facets of the discipline-specific educational process are inevitably left up to the affected discipline. One area that rarely gets the attention that it deserves is the education of audience members regarding appropriate protocol for music events. Students can help this process along by encouraging attendance and the appropriate level of participation by family members and friends at UAA music events. Please do not encourage attendance of music events by very young patrons, under the age of 5. As appropriate, please remind prospective attendees at music events of the importance of contributing to the positive atmosphere of attentiveness in the performance hall. This includes, but is not limited to, avoidance of using electronic devices such as cell phones for any activity in the hall during a performance; avoidance of talking or moving about the hall during a performance, etc. It is hoped, of course, that audience members who attend non-paid events remain for the duration of the event, but in the case that they choose to leave early, they should do so only at an appropriate interval during the performance.

    Accompanist

    Accompanists are employed by the Department to assist with recital presentations. To present the best performance possible, rehearsal with your accompanist is an obvious necessity. Accompanists will NOT be asked by the Department to sight-read on stage or to accompany a student who is not prepared for performance. For master classes or end-of-semester juries, a minimum of one rehearsal with your accompanist is required; for recitals, a minimum of two rehearsals are needed, within one week of performance. The accompanist may request additional rehearsals as he or she sees fit. Be sure to plan ahead with your accompanist. The five minute window of time before the start of a student recital is NOT the appropriate time to rehearse with your accompanist.

    If you are planning to present a junior or senior recital during the semester and are using the Department accompanist, the date of your recital must be approved not only by your instructor, adjudicators, and Department, but by the accompanist as well.

    Please see your private-lesson teacher with assistance in securing an accompanist.

    Junior-Senior Recitals

    Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts, Music degree are not required to present a Junior or Senior recital as part of their degree program.

    Students seeking the Bachelor of Music, Music Education Emphasis degree must present a 30-minute Senior Recital limited to repertoire mastered as part of juried private lessons at the 461-462 levels. Exceptions to this policy may be made only by your private instructor. This Senior Recital determines the private lesson grade for MUS 462.

    Students seeking the Bachelor of Music, Music Performance Emphasis degree must present a 30-minute Junior Recital limited to repertoire mastered as part of juried private lessons at the 361- 362 levels and a 60-minute Senior Recital limited to repertoire mastered as part of juried private lessons at the 461-462 levels. Exceptions to this policy may be made only by your private instructor. These recitals determine private lesson grades for MUS 362 and MUS 462.

    Junior and Senior recitals are major components of a Bachelor of Music degree and as such demonstrate your progress toward professional musicianship. Sponsored by the Department of Music, these public recitals reflect our teaching standards and our academic mission. All recital repertoire, including encores, must be approved by your private instructor in consultation with the Division Head at the beginning of the semester in which the recital will be given. Generally speaking, student compositions, popular music, and other pieces requiring non-traditional techniques, are not appropriate unless approval has been given by your pre-recital faculty. Junior and Senior recitals should reflect a mastery of music composed specifically for your instrument and should be representative pieces from contrasting historical periods. Pieces played in a Junior recital should not be presented again in a Senior recital.

    Pre-Recital Requirements

    Students getting ready to present a recital must reserve a date in the Recital Hall through the Fine Arts Building Manager, complete a Junior-Senior Recital Preparation Form, and submit the form with a publicity photo (jpg format preferred) to the Music Department at the beginning of the semester in which a recital will be given. Recital Preparation Forms are available from your Academic Advisor and must include a list of the approved repertoire, faculty jury members, pre-recital and recital dates, and accompanist, if applicable.

    All Junior Recital or Senior Recital repertoire, including encores, must be performed in a pre-recital hearing at least six weeks prior to the recital date. The complete text of the printed program, including all program notes, is due at that time. Plans for special lighting, staging, costumes, and choreography must also be presented and approved at the time of the pre-recital. Planning Junior and Senior recitals must be done efficiently, due to the difficulties of finding dates that fit the Department recital schedule, reserving the Recital Hall, coordinating with faculty, adjudicators, and accompanists, and meeting advertising deadlines.

    Recital Programs

     Recital programs are generated by the student and their private-lesson instructor with assistance from the Division Head.

    A draft of the recital program, including program notes if required by your instructor, must be presented to your Division Head at the time of the pre-recital. Deliver this text in a computer-generated draft form. Final drafts are also turned in to your Division Head before printing.

    Printed programs reflect Department and University academic standards, so any material that does not conform to those standards will be edited out. These materials also demonstrate your approach towards recital preparation and reflect professionalism so double check all the content to make sure that the information is correct and that grammar is used properly. 

    The Department of Music furnishes the Recital Hall and provides faculty support, an accompanist if necessary, a Recital Tech Support Team, and printed programs for each Junior- Senior recital. Students assume financial responsibility for publicity photos and receptions.

    Faculty Recitals and Department Events

    The Department strives to present a variety of programs each academic year that complement your growth as a music major. You are encouraged to attend as many events as possible; not only for your own education, but in support of the quality of musical experience the University can offer you. Faculty performs on a regular basis, and guest artists are contracted as budgets allow. In addition, such events as the Symphony of Sounds, Jazz Week, and the campus wide UAA Student Showcase give students an opportunity to increase their own performance skills in a public setting.

    Recital Archives

    Recordings are made of recitals and are archived by the Department. These are the property of UAA; we are required to maintain files in compliance with national accreditation standards. Students wishing to obtain a copy of these recordings may request them from the recital technicians. Copies of some of the performances are available on the department’s shared drive and may be downloaded directly by the Music faculty.

    Community Performances

    Attendance at music performances within the community, such as those offered by the Anchorage Symphony, the Anchorage Opera, or the Anchorage Concert Association, may be required as part of an academic course. If so, such requirements will be stated in specific course syllabi. If complimentary tickets are offered to the Department, they will be given to instructors for distribution. On occasion, blocks of tickets may be available at a discounted price to classes.

    Recital Attendance and Requirements

    Each semester that you are enrolled in juried private lessons, you are expected to attend a certain number of department concerts and recitals as either an audience member or as part of the Recital Crew. This requirement is intended to develop musical growth by exposing you to a broad variety of musical repertoire and performing media. You will also gain familiarity with concert etiquette, show support for your fellow classmates, and learn how to produce a public music program. The recital attendance and crew requirements are tied closely with the list of faculty, student, and guest artist performances each semester. Requirements, signup sheets, and performance schedules are posted on Blackboard, and/or on the departmental webpage at the start of each semester. Failure to meet the minimum attendance and crew requirements will lower semester private lesson grades by one letter.

    Lesson Level Tech Requirement Attendance Requirement
    161-162 4 events 8 events
    261-262 4 events 6 events
    361-362 4 events 4 events
    461-462 4 events 4 events

    It is important to understand that performing and fulfilling the recital attendance requirement are two separate things. Performance in a student recital, or as a member of an ensemble, is part of the course requirement for receiving credit for private lessons, masterclass, or the ensemble. Recital Attendance and Crew requirements are separate departmental requirements for all full-time music majors. You can only fulfill one requirement on a concert/recital. If you are performing, please do not sign up to crew. If you are performing or crewing, you cannot also claim attendance credit.

    • Recital Attendance: A lead event-technician is assigned to each Department of Music concert and recital to monitor student attendance. The lead event-technician will check off the names of students in attendance. You are responsible for introducing yourself to the lead event-technician and confirming that your name has been checked. 

      To receive Recital Attendance credit, you must be alert, present, and attentive to the performance. Credit will not be given if you arrive late, leave early, bring homework, use electronic devices, or are otherwise disrespectful to the performers.

    • Recital Crew: The lead event-technician creates an online spreadsheet of all the events and shares it with faculty and all students enrolled in juried private-lessons. The same spreadsheet is used to track attendance. 

      “Dressed in blacks” means all black, work-appropriate clothing with minimal skin exposed, and comfortable, close-toed shoes. Hair should be unobtrusive and off the face.

      Missing your shift or failing to perform the job assigned will result in one credit being subtracted from your semester total. Arriving late, unprepared, or inappropriately dressed will result in zero credit if, at the discretion of the Recital Technician, they are able to use you on the crew and a negative credit if they are not.

    • Assignment of Duties: The Division of Performing and Fine Arts employs several students as technicians, box office staff and house managers. These student employees are also assigned to be Recital Technicians for Music Department events. The Recital Technician assigns the Recital Crew as they arrive. If there is a position that you need to learn or prefer to work, show up early and let the Recital Technician know. Recital Technicians arrive at least 1 hour before every event and are happy to answer questions and teach mini-lessons on the equipment to students who arrive early. Recital Crew workshops will also be scheduled as needed, typically at the beginning of the Fall semester. An overview of Recital Crew duties is below:

        • Stage Hand: The Stage Hand is responsible for the stage and backstage areas. They move pianos, music stands, and chairs on and off stage; open and close the stage doors, and communicate with the Recital Technician and Light Board Operator to let them know when the performers are ready. After the performance, the Stage Hand is responsible for clearing the stage and resetting the backstage areas, including sweeping, removing trash, and putting equipment back in the proper location.
        • Light Board Operator: The Light Board Operator sets up the light board and controls the lighting during the performance, preshow, and postshow. This involves choosing and executing the appropriate preset on the display screen at the appropriate interval in the performance, making sure that performers have light on stage when needed and that the lights do not dim too quickly after the performer has left stage. The Light Board Operator and Stage Hand communicate with each other over headsets to coordinate when performers are ready to enter and exit the stage. After the performance, the Light Board Operator is responsible for turning off the light board, cleaning up the booth, locking the booth windows, and assisting with stage breakdown.
        • Video Camera Operator: The Video Camera Operator operates the video camera in the booth. They are responsible for making sure the camera is on, the lens is clean, they have a freshly formatted SD card, and a clean audio feed. Headphones are essential to this position. They should be worn at all times during the performance. If the Video Camera Operator hears any issues with the audio feed, they should be reported to the Recital Technician immediately. At the end of the performance, the Video Camera Operator is responsible for turning off the camera, giving the card to the Lead Technician, sweeping and removing trash from the booth.
        • Recording Tech: The Recording Tech is responsible for the digital audio, and DVD recordings of the performance. When done well, this is the most technically demanding position. Headphones are crucial to this position. As much as possible, the different audio feeds should be monitored. If anything is wrong with the audio or video feeds, this must be reported to the Recital Technician immediately. At the end of the performance, this position is responsible for finalizing the recordings and DVD, shutting down the computer, and cleaning up the booth. This position may also be asked to set up the recordings before the performance starts.
        • House Manager: The House Manager is the Department’s liaison with the concert-going public. The House Manager is responsible for the lobby and audience areas of the Recital Hall.  They make sure these areas are clean and presentable, open the house doors for the audience, communicate with the Recital Technician to decide when it is appropriate to start the performance, close the house, supervise the ushers, take tickets, monitor intermission, supervise any post-concert activities, and make sure the house and lobby are clean after the show.
        • Usher: Ushers assist patrons and the House Manager throughout the performance. They should know the locations of the nearest exits, restrooms, first aid kit, and water fountains. Ushers also make sure that patrons do not bring food and drinks, or other inappropriate items into the venue. If a patron is being disruptive or disturbing other patrons, the Ushers should ask them to stop. In the event of an emergency evacuation, the Ushers will assist patrons with exiting through the nearest exit and ensure that all patrons have left the auditorium before exiting themselves.
  • Section 6: SPECIFIC DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

    This section includes comprehensive schedules for each of the music degrees offered by UAA, with requirements specific to your area of concentration.  We suggest that you:

    1. Find your degree and instrument, and follow the recommendations made for scheduling courses; this is your best guarantee of completing degree requirements in four years;
    2. Take courses in the order suggested; this satisfies prerequisites and assures the most success academically;
    3. Observe the deadlines for completion of Piano Proficiency requirements and application dates for national exams;
    4. Check off each course as it is completed;
    5. Use the Course Planning Worksheet to keep track of your progress, especially if you find you must deviate from the schedule;
    6. Meet with your Academic and Faculty Advisors regularly; they have the best knowledge of your degree program and its nee

    Changing Degrees

    Students should consult carefully with their Academic Advisor before undertaking a change of music degree, as each degree has specific requirements and expectations. For example, performance requirements for the Bachelor of Music is more demanding than those for the Bachelor of Arts, so it may take an extra semester to meet private lesson requirements.  Students changing from the BA to BM will also have to make up the portions of the piano proficiency exam required for BM students.

    Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts, Music

    • Students are required to take the following:
      37 credits of General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees
    • Complete the following major requirements:

    Core Academic Classes:

    • MUS A131 Music Theory I  3c
    • MUS A132 Music Theory II  3c
    • MUS A133  Aural Skills I  2c
    • MUS A134  Aural Skills II  2c
    • MUS A220 Music in Western Culture 3c
    • MUS A231 Music Theory III  3c
    • MUS A232  Music Theory IV  3c
    • MUS A233  Aural Skills III  2c
    • MUS A234  Aural Skills IV  2c
    • MUS A331  Form and Analysis  3c
    • MUS A380 Conducting  3c

    Complete one of the following:          

    • AKNS A215  Music of Alaska Natives   3c
    • AKNS A216  World Indigenous Music   3c

    Though not a requirement, the department encourages students to take MUS 156 (Functional Piano) in their first two years to prepare them for the Piano Proficiency examination.

    Total credits: 32

    Core Performing Requirements:

    Private lessons on your major instrument:

    • MUS A161  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A162  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A261  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A262  Private Lessons  2c

    Total Lesson Credits: 8

    All music majors enrolled in juried private lessons must complete the following during each semester of enrollment:

    • Perform in a least one student recital
    • Stand for jury finals
    • Attend department-approved recitals and concerts which provide a variety of musical experiences and expand the curriculum. A minimum attendance requirement is set by the department each semester.  Failure to meet this number will lower the grade assigned for private lessons by one letter grade.

    Select the class appropriate to your major instrument. 5 semesters of the “Major” ensemble are required:

    • MUS A301B  University Singers (voice)   2c
    • MUS A302B   Chamber Music and Accompanying (piano) 2c
    • MUS A307B   University Sinfonia (brass, winds, strings, percussion) 2c
    • MUS A405B  University Jazz Ensemble (saxophone) 2c
    • MUS A409B   University Guitar Ensemble (guitar) 2c

    Total Major Ensemble credits: 10

    Select the class appropriate to your major instrument. 4 semesters of master class are required:

    • MUS A466  Instrumental Master Class   1c
    • MUS A467  Piano Master Class  1c
    • MUS A468  Voice Master Class  1c

    Total Major Ensemble credits: 4

    Total degree credits for Bachelor of Arts, Music degree: 120

    Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Music

    Students are required to take the following:

    • 37 credits of General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees

    Complete the following major requirements:

    Core Academic Classes:

    • MUS A131  Music Theory I  3c
    • MUS A132  Music Theory II   3c
    • MUS A133  Aural Skills I   2c
    • MUS A134  Aural Skills II   2c
    • MUS A220 Music in Western Culture  3c
    • MUS A231  Music Theory III   3c
    • MUS A232  Music Theory IV  3c
    • MUS A233  Aural Skills III  2c
    • MUS A234  Aural Skills IV  2c
    • MUS A331  Form and Analysis   3c
    • MUS A380 Conducting  3c

    Complete one of the following:          

    • AKNS A215  Music of Alaska Natives  3c
    • AKNS A216  World Indigenous Music  3c

    Total credits: 32

    Core Performing Requirements:

    Private Lessons

    Private lessons on your major instrument. 8 semesters of lessons are required:

    • MUS A161  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A162  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A261  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A262  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A361  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A362   Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A461  Private Lessons  2c
    • MUS A462  Private Lessons  2c

    Total credits: 16

    All music majors enrolled in juried private lessons must, during each semester of enrollment:

    • Perform in a least one student recital;
    • Stand for jury finals;
    • Attend department-approved recitals and concerts which provide a variety of musical experiences and expand the curriculum. A minimum attendance requirement is set by the department each semester.  Failure to meet this number will lower the grade assigned for private lessons by one letter grade.
    Major Ensemble

    Select the class appropriate to your major instrument. 8 semesters of Major Ensemble are required. All music students may take up to two semesters (4 credits) of an ensemble outside of the one designated for their major to fulfill their Major Ensemble requirement:

    • MUS A301B  University Singers (voice) 2c
    • MUS A302B  Chamber Music and Accompanying (piano) 2c
    • MUS A307B  University Sinfonia (brass, strings, winds and percussion) 2c
    • MUS A405B University Jazz Ensemble (saxophone) 2c
    • MUS A409B  University Guitar Ensemble (guitar) 2c

    Total Credits: 16

    Of the 16 required credits, piano majors must choose 2 semesters (4 credits) from the following ensembles:

    • MUS A301B  University Singers  2c
    • MUS A307B  University Sinfonia  2c
    • MUS A405B  University Jazz Ensemble 2c
    Chamber Ensemble

    All majors must meet a two-semester, small ensemble requirement. This requirement is fulfilled by performing on the major instrument in one of these courses:

    • MUS A302A  Chamber Music and Accompanying  1c
    • MUS A313  Opera and Music Theatre Workshop  1c
    • MUS A365  Chamber Ensemble  1c
    • MUS 405A  University Jazz Ensemble 1c
    • MUS A408A  University Percussion Ensemble  1c

    Total Credits: 2

    Master Class

    Choose the class appropriate to your instrument. 8 semesters of master class are required:

    • MUS A466  Instrumental Master Class  1c
    • MUS A467  Piano Master Class  1c
    • MUS A468  Voice Master Class  1c

    Total Credits: 8

    In addition to these classes, students in the following tracks must take the following:

    BM, Performance Emphasis

    Music History Electives

    Choose two from the following (6 credits):

    • MUS A424  A History of Music in the 20th and 21st Centuries  3c
    • MUS A425 A History of Vocal & Choral Music in Europe & North America 3c
    • MUS A426 A History of Instrumental Music in Europe & North America 3c

    Music Theory Electives

    Choose one from the following (3 credits):

    • MUS A431  Counterpoint  3c
    • MUS A432  Orchestration  3c

    Select one additional music history or theory course from the lists above (3 credits).

    Total Credits: 15

    Total degree credits for BM, Performance Emphasis: 120 

    Students choosing the Performance Emphasis must complete a 30-minute junior year recital and a 60-minute senior year recital.  In these recitals students must demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily perform a program of artistic merit in public.

    BM, Education Emphasis

    Complete the following courses:

    • MUS A371  Brass Methods and Techniques  2c
    • MUS A372  Woodwind Methods and Techniques  2c
    • MUS A373  String Methods and Techniques   2c
    • MUS A374  Voice Methods and Techniques   2c
    • MUS A375  Percussion Methods and Techniques   2c
    • MUS A376  Elementary Methods and Techniques   2c

    Choose one of the following:

    • MUS A424  A History of Music in the 20th and 21st Centuries 3c
    • MUS A425 A History of Vocal & Choral Music in Europe & North America 3c
    • MUS A426 A History of Instrumental Music in Europe & North America 3c

    Total credits: 15

    Total degree credits for BM, Education Emphasis: 120.

    Students choosing the Education Emphasis must complete a 30-minute senior year recital.  In this recital students must demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily perform a program of artistic merit in public.

  • Section 7: CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

    NAfMEC Collegiate Chapter

     With more than 90,000 members nationwide, NAfME (National Association for Music Education) is the largest association of its kind dedicated to the advancement of music education and to offering professional growth opportunities for its members.

    The purpose of collegiate chapters is to offer students an opportunity for professional orientation and development while they are still in the process of pursuing their undergraduate degree.  UAA’s local chapter works to raise money that often allows student members to travel to district and regional conferences to meet prominent educators in their field and to hear of the newest developments in the areas of classroom technology, materials and pedagogy.

    If you are a BM student with an Education Emphasis, membership in NAfMEC is highly recommended.  Students may apply for membership directly on the website: https://nafme.org/

    Students of National Association of Teachers of Singing (SNATS)

    The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) has fostered the formation of student chapters in order to advance knowledge about the Association and the professions of teaching and singing. SNATS Chapter is an organization of students that meets, holds events and discussions, participates, practices, and learns more about voice teaching as a profession.

    The Faculty Advisor for SNATS is Dr. Mari Hahn.  Each academic year, a SNATS executive will be established that will organize workshops and events.  Annual competitions in Musical Theater and Classical genres are held in the fall and spring.  All voice majors studying with a NATS teacher can compete for comments and prizes.  Guest adjudicators are usually renowned educators and performers from out of state.  These guest artists regularly offer workshops and discussions with members of SNATS.

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