FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

The Ten Most Commonly Asked Questions:

1. I love music but I don't think I want to major in it. Can I still be involved in music?

2. As a non-major can I study privately on my instrument for credit?

3. Are lessons expensive? And who teaches them?

4. If I decide to major in music, what degree options are available?

5. How do I get into a music ensemble?

6. Do you have an electronic music studio?

7. Are there any courses that will teach me basic theory?

8. Does the department have any music courses for students who like music but don't have any performance background?

9. Can I use the practice rooms in Fulton Hall?

10. Does the department have any graduate programs?

* * *

1. I love music but I don't think I want to major in it. Can I still be involved in music? Yes! Some students are double majors, with concentrations in music and in another area. Others choose to minor in music. The minor requires twenty-four credits, including two core courses. However, many students simply participate in the Department's performance ensembles or take music electives as an undergraduate. All music courses are open to students of all majors provided appropriate pre-requisites are met.

* * *

2. As a non-major can I study privately on my instrument for credit? Yes! Non-majors may register for MUSA 390 - Applied Study, sections 001-011. Students may register for either one or two semester credits. Students wishing to take applied study must have at least a minimum of high-school performance experience or permission from the instructor prior to registration for the course.

* * *

3. Are lessons expensive? and who teaches them? A lab fee of $200.00 per semester credit is charged as part of your registration fee. Applied lessons are taught by a member of our full-time music faculty or by an applied, adjunct faculty member.

* * *

4. If I decide to major in music, what degree options are available? The Department of Music offers five large ensembles (as well as a variety of small ensembles) for students of all majors. Our large ensembles include Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, University Chorale and Musical Theatre. Small ensembles include Accompanying Class, Chamber Choir and Chamber Ensembles in all instruments. In addition, the Department of Music has a University-Community Chorus. See "music ensembles" for more detailed information. (#5 below)

5. How do I get into a music ensemble? Entrance into all large ensembles is by audition at the beginning of each semester. Audition information for each ensemble is available through the Department of Music by contacting us at (410) 543-6385.

* * *

6. Do you have an electronic music studio? Yes! The Department of Music has a state-of- the-art academically based electronic studio. Students use this studio in conjunction with technology and composition based music courses.

* * *

7. Are there any courses that will teach me basic theory? The Department of Music offers one entry level Theory offering: MUSC 201 - Introduction to Theory. For most non-majors, this is a pre-requisite course for upper level theory courses.

* * *

8. Does the department have any music courses for students who like music but don't have any performance background? Yes! The Department offers several introductory courses, MUSC 114 Music Appreciation, MUSC 201 Introduction to Theory, IDIS 285 Introduction to the Creative Arts, MUSC 318 Wellness in Performance and a variety of special topic music history and theory courses. Please check current and upcoming course offerings.

* * *

9. Can I use the practice rooms in Fulton Hall? The practice rooms and, the piano and electronic labs are on the second floor of Fulton Hall. These rooms are open to all students taking music courses. Piano majors have access to studios and classrooms with a grand piano. There is card access to these practice facilities via permission of their instructors and specific room access through Mrs. Karen Noble, Administrative Assistant to the Department of Music. Through this security system, the Department has a complete log of who enters the practice facilities.

* * *

10. Does the department have any graduate programs? Two graduate degrees are offered through the Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies. The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.) allow students to take six to nine elective graduate credits in music. Interested students should contact the Seidel School of Education and Professional Study at (410) 543-6385 for further information regarding those graduate programs. Students with an undergraduate music degree may also accumulate a limited number of graduate credits in music as a non-matriculating student.

* * *

Other Questions? Come visit the Department of Music in the Fulton School of Liberal Arts or call the department at (410) 543-6385. Write to: Chair, Department of Music, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD 21801-6860.

* * *