Music
Opportunities in Music
The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance offers the Bachelor of Music degree in music education, jazz studies and performance and the Bachelor of Arts degree in music. The Master of Music degree is offered in music education and performance. The department also offers a minor in music, traditional music and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Certificate Program.
Music performance opportunities for all Morehead State University students are virtually unlimited. Regardless of the major area of study, students may continue to make music at MSU by becoming active in one of the department's many large and small ensembles. Some of the groups available include the MSU Marching Band, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles I and II, Concert Choir, University Chorus, Chamber Singers, OperaWorks, Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Black Gospel Ensemble, Traditional Music Ensemble and numerous other small ensembles. All departmental ensembles and private lessons are scheduled classes that earn University credit.
Entrance Auditions and Placement Assessment
All new and transfer students planning to major or minor in music must audition before the music faculty on their principal performing instrument or voice prior to enrollment. The audition process is used to determine the student's readiness for entry into a music degree program. A scholarship audition may serve as a student's admission audition.
Placement examinations are given in piano prior to enrollment. The results are used for advisement as to course and program enrollment. Credit by examination for courses in the class piano sequences must be validated by the faculty and processed through the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, the Testing Center and the Office of the Registrar.
Transfer Student Admission
The music major entering the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance by transfer must submit an official transcript of all previous college work. The applicant should be prepared to validate achievements in the area of applied music, music theory, ear training and sight singing, keyboard proficiency, and the history and literature of music. Resolution of any deficiency must be initiated during the first registration period.
Advising and Program of Study
Students who are approved for unconditional entry into a music major or minor program must declare their intended program of study. A student who is not ready for entry into a music program may enroll in the prescribed music courses on a probationary basis until performance standards are met. These performance standards must be met by the end of the first academic year of enrollment. Students receive their initial program advising by the chair of the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance and thereafter by their private applied instructor. Students wishing to choose a different music degree program or principal applied area of study must receive departmental approval. The appropriate members of the music faculty, in consultation with the department chair, determine the student's eligibility and suitability for the change and which previously earned credits, if any, apply to the new program of study.
Music Scholarships
Music scholarship awards are available to qualified students as determined through a scholarship audition. These awards serve numerous students annually. All awards are contingent upon admission to the University.
The Music Scholarship Committee considers many criteria before recommending a candidate for a scholarship award including the candidate's performance ability, potential for academic success, anticipated contribution to the program and the needs within the department. Music scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years provided the student meets the expectations of the scholarship agreement.