All music majors and minors are required to participate in at least one college music-performing organization during each semester of on-campus enrollment at Black Hills State University. Vocal majors must participate in concert choir; instrumental majors must participate in concert band. Note: only 6 hours of performance group grades will be included in the grade point average and will be credited toward the graduation requirement.

Jury Exams

All students who take applied voice or instrumental lessons (MuAp numbers 200 and above) are required to take a performance exam at the end of the semester. The exam will be evaluated by the entire music faculty, and the average exam grade will comprise 30 to 50% of the final grade in the applied music course (at the discretion of the individual instructor). Students who wish to take MuAp classes at the 300 level or above must pass an audition before being registered.

Concert and Recital Attendance

All music majors and minors are expected to attend all on-campus recitals and concerts. Attendance will be taken at each Tuesday afternoon recital, and final attendance tallies will be given to each instructor of private lessons.

Piano Proficiency Exam

All music majors are required to pass a proficiency exam in piano in order to graduate. Music Education majors must pass the exam prior to student teaching. See Dr. Larsen for a copy of the requirements. Entering students who do not have a background in piano must enroll in keyboard class each semester until they are able to complete the proficiency requirements.

Senior Recital

All music majors are expected to declare a principal instrument or voice for study by the second semester of their freshman year. Each student will be expected to take an applied music course in the principal area every semester. All majors are required to present a recital during their senior year. The recital must be approved by the entire faculty at least one month before the recital is presented to the public. Each student will be required to have a 40-45 minute program with representative music from at least three style periods, including the 20th century. The program must include at least one chamber music selection (an ensemble with 3 or more performers). Vocal majors should sing 12-14 memorized songs or arias, and demonstrate an ability to sing in three languages. Instrumental majors should perform at least one sonata or concerto, at a level of skill deemed appropriate by the private teacher. (In rare cases, a substitute project may replace the senior recital if it is approved by a majority of the music faculty.)

Individual Practice

All music students are expected to practice a minimum of one hour per day for each applied music lesson. In order to acquire the level of skill and artistry necessary for the senior recital, one to two hours per day is recommended for the major instrument.

Exit Exam

The Music Department will be administering assessment examinations to graduating students. Your advisor will inform you about the nature of these exams. All music education students are required to take the PRAXIS exam. All non-teaching majors are required to take the MFAT exam. There may be a student fee attached to these exams.