Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between the instrumental and vocal tracks?
The difference is reflected in a few of the courses that are required. Students who decide to follow the vocal track are required to take two diction courses along with a few courses that emphasize choral literature and conducting. Students who decide to follow the instrumental track are required to take instrumental method classes along with a few courses that emphasize instrumental literature and conducting. The track that a student is placed in depends on the applied area (voice or an instrument) that the student chooses to study privately.
If I follow the instrumental track can I only teach band? What if I want to teach both band and chorus?
No matter which track you decide on, you will be certified to teach both band and chorus, along with general music and basic theory classes.
I don’t play the piano, is that a problem?
Yes and no. All music majors and minors are required to pass piano proficiency. Students with previous piano experience have a definite advantage in preparing for this step. However, several beginning and intermediate piano classes are available to help students who have little or no piano background prepare for the piano proficiency exam.
Will I be here for more than four years?
All music majors and minors are required to pass piano proficiency. Students with previous piano experience have a definite advantage in preparing for this step. However, several beginning and intermediate piano classes are available to help students who have little or no piano background prepare for the piano proficiency exam.
Do I have to do a solo recital?
Yes. All music majors are required to do a senior recital. Music Education majors are required to present a thirty minute recital on their applied instrument either first or second semester of their senior year. Music students are also required to perform a single piece on one of the several student recitals during the semester. Don’t worry! You’re applied teacher will help you select an appropriate piece when the time comes.
It is the objective of the Department of music to provide training and experiences to properly qualify students for positions as teachers or supervisors of music in the public schools. The program meets the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education and of the Illinois Limited State Special Certificate which qualifies the holder to teach and supervise music in grades K-12. Students interested in music education have the option of selecting one of two tracks: general/instrumental and general/vocal.
Requirements: