Music Handbook

Southeast Missouri State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

National Association of Schools of Music

11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21

Reston, VA 20190-5248

(703) 437-0700 Phone

(703) 437-6312 Fax
info@arts-accredit.org

Revised 2026

Applied Music Competencies

Applied music instruction is organized into four levels of study: 100, 200, 300, and 400 level. After a minimum of two semesters of study at each level, students must successfully complete the appropriate exit competency before advancing to the next level of applied study.

Successful completion of the required number of semesters at a given level does not automatically result in advancement. Students who do not successfully demonstrate the required exit competencies will remain at their current level of applied study until the competencies have been met.

Exit competencies are specific to each degree program and applied area. Students should consult the Applied Music Exit Competencies established for their instrument or voice and degree program. These competencies are available from the applied instructor and should be provided or referenced in the applied music syllabus.

Applied Jury Procedures

All music majors enrolled in applied music, except those specifically exempted below, are required to complete an applied jury at the end of each semester.

Students will perform a ten-minute jury for each credit hour of applied study, up to a maximum jury length of twenty minutes, unless otherwise specified by music faculty. Juries will be scheduled near the end of the academic term.

Area faculty, including part-time faculty as appropriate, will evaluate the student's performance. Jury evaluations and grades will be recorded using the Department of Music's designated jury assessment system and applicable performance rubric.

Applied Music Grades

The final grade in applied music will be determined according to the following procedure:

1. Prior to the jury examination, the applied instructor will determine a letter grade reflecting the student's work throughout the semester.
2. Immediately prior to the jury, the applied instructor may provide the jury with relevant clarification or context regarding the semester lesson grade.
3. Following the student's performance, the jury will evaluate the performance and assign a jury grade based on the collective evaluation of the participating faculty.
4. The applied instructor will determine and submit the student's final applied music grade. The final grade may be the same as the instructor's semester grade or may be adjusted by one letter grade in the direction of the jury grade.

The jury is therefore both a performance assessment and an important component of the student's overall evaluation in applied music.

Jury Repertoire and Requirements

Voice

Voice students will prepare four songs or arias for each credit hour of applied study, or the equivalent repertoire established by the applied area. During the jury, two selections will normally be performed: one selected by the student and one selected by the jury.

Instrumental

Instrumental students will perform prepared solo repertoire, excerpts, and/or etudes appropriate to their level of study.

Wind and percussion students may also be asked to perform selections from the semester's repertoire as chosen by a jury member other than the student's applied instructor.

Instrumental students will perform scales, scale routines, or other technical material appropriate to their applied area and competency level. Percussion students may substitute technical material designated by the applied instructor.

Instrumental students will also sight-read a short selection as part of the jury examination.

Keyboard

Keyboard students will prepare two selections for the jury. At the completion of each course level, students will also demonstrate scales and/or other technical exercises as required by the applied area.

Repertoire Records

Prior to the jury examination, students will file their repertoire record for the term in the Jury System. 

Advancement in Applied Music

Advancement from one applied level to the next requires successful completion of the established Applied Music Exit Competencies for the student's degree program and applied area.

Completion of two semesters at an applied level establishes eligibility for advancement but does not guarantee advancement. Faculty may determine that additional study at the current level is necessary when a student has not yet demonstrated the competencies required for the next level.

A student may be denied advancement to the next course level based on the evaluation of the applied jury.

Sophomore Review

All music majors must successfully complete the Sophomore Review before advancing to junior-level standing in applied music. The Sophomore Review will normally occur at the completion of four semesters of applied study and serves as a formal checkpoint for determining the student's readiness for upper-division study.

The Sophomore Review evaluates the student's progress toward the musical, technical, academic, and professional expectations of the degree program.

The applied performance component of the Sophomore Review will normally occur during the regularly scheduled jury examination and may be fifteen minutes in duration. It will include, as appropriate to the applied area:

• Prepared repertoire representing contrasting musical styles and demonstrating the competencies expected at the conclusion of sophomore-level study.
• Sight-reading selected by the applied instructor or area faculty for instrumental students.
• Oral questions addressing the repertoire performed, musical interpretation, and general knowledge of the student's performing medium.
• Scales, arpeggios, and/or other technical requirements established for the applicable competency level for instrumental students.

Faculty will determine the specific scales, technical exercises, or other materials to be demonstrated.

In addition to applied performance, the Sophomore Review will evaluate the student's overall readiness to continue into upper-division music study using the Department of Music Sophomore Review rubric. Evaluation will include the department's established criteria for musicianship, academic progress, degree progress, and professionalism.

Successful completion of the Sophomore Review is required for advancement to junior-level applied study. When deficiencies are identified, faculty may require remediation, additional study at the current applied level, or other appropriate actions before advancement. See the Sophomore Review Policy for more information. 

Recital Procedures

Students presenting a required solo recital are exempt from the regular applied jury during the semester in which the recital is presented.

A minimum of three faculty members, including the student's applied instructor, must hear and approve the recital at least two weeks prior to the scheduled performance.

For Bachelor of Music (BM) and Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree recitals, the recital committee will evaluate and grade the recital performance.

For Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree recitals, the recital will be evaluated and graded by the applied instructor and/or a faculty committee, as appropriate.

For Bachelor of Music candidates, the composite recital grade will become the final course grade for Junior Recital (MU-300) or Senior Recital (MU-400), as applicable.

For all other required recitals, the composite recital grade will become part of the student's applied lesson grade in the same manner as the jury examination grade described above.

Grading Scale

The following grading scale will be used for applied music:

• 90–100%: A
• 80–89%: B
• 70–79%: C
• 60–69%: D
• 59% and below: F

Grades ending in .5 or higher will be rounded to the next whole number.

Assessment and Records

Applied jury, Sophomore Review, and recital evaluations will be recorded using the Department of Music's designated assessment and recordkeeping processes.

These assessments provide evidence of student progress in applied music and may also be used by the Department of Music for program assessment and evaluation of applicable Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs).

All students wishing to participate in any music ensemble must audition at the beginning of the semester. 

Auditions are held at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters for the Wind Symphony.  Materials for those auditions are normally released one month prior to the audition date.  

Auditions for the Show Band are held at the beginning of the Fall semester.  Only members of the University Marching Band are considered for positions in the Show Band.  

Auditions for the Southeast Symphony Orchestra are held at the beginning of the fall semester. Studio Jazz auditions are held during the first class meeting time, 2:30 on Tuesday afternoon in CAC155. Auditions consist of major and minor scales, chromatic scale, prepared exercise(s), as well as sightreading.  

Auditions for Choral Ensembles are held at the beginning of Fall Semester. Individual auditions may be considered at the beginning of Spring Semester, at the discretion of the director.  

At the conclusion of auditions, lists of personnel for each ensemble will be posted. 

More about auditions.

Updated and Approved: Fall 2024

The Major ensembles of the Music Department are as follows:  

MU346: Drumline and Front Ensemble (Marching Band for percussionists, open with instructor permission) 
MU384: Guitar Ensemble (required of guitar majors, open with instructor permission)  
MU386: Marching Band (open with instructor permission) 
MU387: Jazz Band (Studio Band by audition, Lab Band is open with instructor permission) 
MU389: Choral Union (open)  
MU394: University Choir (by audition)  
MU390: Wind Symphony (by audition)  
MU391: Concert Band (Open with instructor permission)
MU392: Orchestra (by audition, and required of string majors) 

Department Ensembles Webpage 

Requirements by Degree 

• BA: minimum of five (5) semesters of major ensembles. 
• BME: minimum of seven (7) semesters of major ensembles. 
• BM (orchestral strings, winds, percussion, and vocal): minimum of eight (8) semesters of major ensembles, plus MU378 or equivalent as required by degree (see below).   

Ensemble participation guidelines:  

Each music major and degree plan requires a combination of major and chamber ensembles.  Specific area requirements can be found below. Ensemble placements are always at the discretion of applied faculty and ensemble directors.  

• Students are required to participate in an ensemble appropriate to their applied major performance area.    

• Students on Scholarship may be required to participate in ensembles beyond the semesters reflected in the policy, as per their unique scholarship agreement.   

• Only one major ensemble per semester is counted toward the degree requirements (even if the student is in multiple ensembles each semester, e.g., marching band, wind symphony, orchestra).   

• For each required semester of ensemble participation, each student will audition for and participate in ensembles as determined by the ensemble directors and as required on scholarship contracts.    

Information by area: 

Voice Majors are required to participate in major vocal ensembles.   

BM Voice Majors are required to take two (2) semesters of MU378 or Opera Workshop to satisfy the chamber music requirement.  

All Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Majors (BA, BM, and BME) must participate in at least one major ensemble (Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, or Jazz Band) for each of their 5 (BA), 7 (BME) or 8 (BM) semesters of residence at SEMO. Students may be assigned to more than one ensemble per semester, based upon auditions, scholarship requirements, and ensemble needs, as stated above.  

BME Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Majors must participate in Marching Band for 2 semesters. 

Orchestral Strings Majors are required to participate in the University Orchestra for each of their 5 (BA), 7 (BME), or 8 (BM) semesters of residence at SEMO. 

BME String Majors are NOT required to participate in the Marching Band but may choose to fulfill that credit hour requirement with the Marching Band. If a string student chooses not to be in the Marching Band, they must enroll in 1cr Applied Lessons on a secondary string instrument for two (2) semesters or they may choose to participate on a secondary instrument/voice in an ensemble for two (2) semesters to fulfill the marching band credit hours. A course substitution will be completed by the Department Chair if any of these options are chosen. ME400, Marching Band Techniques, is required of all Instrumental BME majors. 

All BM Instrumental Majors must take at least two (2) semesters of MU378, Chamber Music.  

BM Piano Majors  

All piano students are required to participate in major ensembles on piano. BM piano majors must take ten (10) credits on their primary instrument: four credits of major ensemble and six credits of chamber music/accompanying, (MU378) to be overseen by their applied instructor. Students enrolled in the piano section of MU378 will meet with piano faculty at or before the start of the semester to determine the assignment or combination of assignments that fulfill the credit hour. Piano faculty will determine major ensemble placements for piano students. The Department Chair will provide a waiver for two credits of MU378 to substitute for major ensemble on the degree works.

BME Piano (instrumental track) Majors: minimum of seven (7) semesters of ensembles, including at least two (2) semesters in a major ensemble, jazz ensemble, or opera workshop, on piano and at least one (1) semester on a secondary voice/instrument.

BME Piano (vocal track) Majors: seven (7) semesters of ensembles, including at least two semesters of singing in major vocal ensembles.  

BA Piano Majors:Five (5) semesters of major ensembles or chamber music/accompanying on piano.  

BM Guitar Majors:Eight (8) semestersof ensembles on guitar, 2 semesters of MU378 on guitar. 

BME Guitar Majors: Seven (7) semesters of ensembles of guitar.  

BA Guitar Majors: Six (6) semesters of any ensemble on guitar.

BA MCT: Five (5) semesters of instrumental or vocal ensemble, to include MU378 chamber music. This is intended for students whose primary instrument may be technology-based and the need for a New Music Ensemble is present. The Department Chair will provide a waiver to substitute M378 for large ensembles if needed.

Foreign language requirements listed in the course bulletin must be satisfied as follows, by area and degree:  

BM Vocal: six (6) credit hours of French or German 
BM Instrumental: six (6) credit hours of foreign language (not required to be the same language) 

The Department of Music strives to provide students, faculty, and staff with pertinent information regarding health-related concerns.  The following links provide information on musculoskeletal issues, hearing issues, and vocal health issues.   

Musculoskeletal Issues: 

• Musicians and the Alexander Technique 
• Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI) for Musicians and Dancers
• Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries for Musicians, by Donn LeVie, Jr.

Hearing Issues: 

• Hearing Loss in the Orchestra

Vocal Health Issues: 

• Classroom Acoustics 
• National Center for Voice and Speech: Vocal Health  
• Teaching and Voice Use

A limited number of concert and marching instruments are available for rental from the Department of Music. The rental fee is $50 per semester. The student must sign a legally-binding rental agreement. The rental agreement will list the type of instrument, serial number, university number, and accessories that are part of the agreement.  The rental fee covers the cleaning, maintenance, and normal wear and tear of the instrument.  In the event an instrument is damaged, the student will be assessed the cost of repairs. If the instrument is lost or stolen, the student is liable up to the replacement cost of the instrument. The cost of repair or replacement of a university-owned instrument will be billed directly to the student's account.  

Instruments must be returned to the instrument issue office on or before the Thursday of finals week each semester, or a student may renew the rental contract for the following semester. If a student fails to renew the contract or return the instrument on the due date, he/she will be assessed the replacement price of the instrument through the Cashier's Office.  

If two students "share" the same instrument, as is sometimes the case, both students must sign the rental agreement and are equally liable in the event of damage or theft.   

Often a student will need to rent a special instrument (e.g. alto flute, "A" clarinet, bass clarinet) for unusual repertoire requirements in various ensembles. In this case, the rental fee will be an additional $25.  

All percussion majors and drum line members will be accessed a $50 per semester instrument maintenance user fee.  

Note: Since applied music courses are not offered during the summer semester, instruments are available for rental during summer vacation months on a case by case basis. YOU MUST RECEIVE SPECIAL PERMISSION AS A PHYSICAL UNIVERSITY INVENTORY IS CONDUCTED EACH SUMMER. If permission is granted, a $50 fee will be charged to your student account.  

University-owned instruments are available for rental from Dr. Shane Mizicko or the Southeast Student Equipment Manager. 

Lockers for large and small instrument storage are available for rental from. Lockers are available at the River Campus in the Cultural Arts Center, room 154.  

The rental price is $25 per semester. Rental fees are non-refundable and are charged directly to the student account. Locks are provided for each locker and personal locks are not permitted.  

Lockers must be renewed for the following semester or cleaned out on or before the Thursday of finals week each semester. Failure to renew or clean out the locker by the due date will result in the removal of the contents of the locker. 

Updated: Fall 2026

Academic advising is an important part of each student’s progress toward a music degree. The Department of Music follows University policies and procedures regarding academic advising and registration.

Each music major is assigned an academic advisor within the Department of Music. Advising assignments are based on the student’s degree program and may be adjusted by the Department as needed.

Students are expected to meet with their assigned advisor during each advising and registration period and at other times when necessary to discuss academic progress, degree requirements, and plans for future semesters.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for understanding and completing the requirements of their degree program. Academic advisors assist students in planning their programs of study, but students retain responsibility for their academic progress and for ensuring that all degree requirements are completed.

Students should:

• Review their degree audit and academic progress regularly.
• Become familiar with the requirements and recommended sequence for their degree program.
• Meet with their assigned advisor prior to registration each semester.
• Prepare a tentative schedule before the advising appointment.
• Discuss any changes to the recommended course sequence with their advisor.
• Register for courses promptly after becoming eligible to do so.
• Monitor University communications, registration deadlines, and other academic requirements.
• Consult with their advisor before adding, dropping, or substituting courses when those changes may affect degree progress.

Because many music courses are sequential, offered only once per academic year, or serve as prerequisites for later coursework, deviating from the recommended course sequence may delay degree completion.

Advising Assignments

Advising assignments are generally made according to degree program:

• Bachelor of Music (B.M.) students are typically advised by faculty in their applied area.
• Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) students are advised by designated Music Education and/or applied faculty.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) students are advised by designated Department of Music faculty. Students completing a minor or second major should also consult with the appropriate advisor in that academic area.
• Students pursuing multiple music degrees or programs should work with the appropriate advisors to ensure that requirements for each program are being completed efficiently.

Students will be notified of their assigned advisor and should contact the Department of Music if they are uncertain about their advising assignment.

Degree Planning and Progress

Students should use the University's current degree audit, registration, and advising systems to monitor progress toward graduation and prepare for advising appointments.

The Department of Music maintains recommended course sequences for its degree programs. These sequences are intended to help students complete prerequisite and sequential coursework in the appropriate order and should be used in conjunction with the official University catalog and degree audit.

Students should consult their academic advisor whenever questions arise regarding degree requirements, course sequencing, transfer credit, substitutions, changes of major or concentration, or progress toward graduation.

The official University catalog and the student's degree audit are the authoritative sources for degree requirements.

The Department of Music offers many opportunities for you to interact with fellow music students to share ideas, make professional contacts and to obtain information about careers in your field.  

College National Association For Music Educators (CNAfME) 

This is a professional organization for music education majors. Members of this organization have the opportunity to attend discussion panels featuring local music educators and are able to attend the annual Missouri Music Educators Association convention.  

Faculty Advisor for CNAfME:  

Dr. Elizabeth McFarland  
Office phone: (573) 651-2398  
Office location: River Campus Seminary 354  
Email: emcfarland@semo.edu 

Sigma Alpha Iota/Phi Mu Alpha 

These are, respectively, the women's and men's sorority and fraternity for students involved in music. Both organizations sponsor activities and performance opportunities for students. Phi Mu Alpha hosts the annual Clark Terry Jazz Festival, which includes a concert with jazz trumpet legend Clark Terry.  
 
Faculty Advisor for Sigma Alpha Iota: 
Shane Mizicko 
Office phone: (573) 651-2343  
Office location: River Campus Seminary 260 
Email: smizicko@semo.edu 

Financial Advisor for Sigma Alpha Iota: 
Leslie Jones 
Office phone: (573) 651-2339 
Office location River Campus Seminary 359 
Email: ljones@semo.edu  

Faculty Advisor for Phi Mu Alpha:  
Tim Schmidt  
Office phone: (573) 651-2428 
Office location: River Campus Seminary 358  
Email: tschmidt@semo.edu 

Student American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) 

This is a professional association for future choral directors and educators with interests in choral music.  Members of this organization have opportunities to attend local, regional, and national conferences and clinics and volunteer services for choral festivals  

Faculty Advisor for ACDA:
Dr. Barb Lamont 
Office phone:  (573) 651-2342 
Office: RCC259A  
Email  blamont@semo.edu 
acda.org

Approved Fall 2026

All music majors, regardless of degree program, must demonstrate functional piano proficiency as a requirement for advancement to upper-division study in music.

Initial Placement and Functional Piano

Students who enter the music program with sufficient prior piano experience may attempt the Piano Proficiency Examination during their first semester of music study. The examination will be coordinated with the Head of Keyboard Studies.

Students who do not demonstrate sufficient proficiency to pass the examination will enroll in Functional Piano I, followed by Functional Piano II. The Piano Proficiency Examination serves as the final proficiency assessment for Functional Piano II.

Students who believe they are prepared to complete the Piano Proficiency Examination prior to completing the Functional Piano sequence may request an examination through the Head of Keyboard Studies.

Transfer Students

Transfer students will have their previous piano coursework and experience evaluated by the keyboard faculty upon entry to the music program. Equivalent coursework or demonstrated proficiency may satisfy some or all of the Functional Piano requirement.

When previous coursework does not establish equivalency, the student will complete the Piano Proficiency Examination or be placed into the appropriate Functional Piano course as determined by the keyboard faculty.

Transfer students remain subject to the same proficiency requirement for advancement to upper-division music study.

Relationship to the Sophomore Review

All music majors must pass the Piano Proficiency Examination before successfully completing the Sophomore Review and advancing to upper-division standing in music.

Students who have not passed the Piano Proficiency Examination by the time of the Sophomore Review have not completed all requirements for advancement to upper-division standing and must successfully complete the examination before advancement.

Students may attempt the Piano Proficiency Examination no more than once per semester, unless an additional attempt is specifically authorized by the keyboard faculty due to exceptional circumstances.

The examination will be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the student and keyboard faculty. Determination of successful completion of the Piano Proficiency Examination rests with the keyboard faculty.

Piano Proficiency Examination Requirements

Students must demonstrate functional keyboard competency in the following areas.

1. Pentascales and Major/Minor Scales

Pentascales

• Major pentascales (do–re–mi–fa–sol) in all major keys.

Scales

• One-octave major and harmonic minor scales, hands together, in all white-key tonalities.
• Two or three major and minor scales will be selected at random during the examination.

2. Cadence Chord Progressions

Students will perform cadence progressions in major and minor keys.

• Major:
  I – IV – I – V7 – I
• Minor:
  i – iv – i – V7 – i

Students should be prepared to perform the progressions in all keys. Two or three major and minor keys will be selected at random during the examination.

3. Prepared Repertoire

Students will prepare two selections representing the following repertoire or an equivalent level of difficulty:

• “The Star-Spangled Banner”
• J. S. Bach, Menuet in G
• J. S. Bach, Prelude in C Major, BWV 846, mm. 1–16
• Other repertoire of equivalent or greater difficulty approved by the keyboard faculty

4. Chording/Harmonization

Students will prepare and perform one melody requiring realization of an accompaniment from Roman numerals or other provided harmonic indications.

For example, a student might perform “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” with the given melody in the right hand and an appropriate chordal accompaniment in the left hand.

5. Transposition

Students will demonstrate functional transposition using material selected from the following:

• A short pentascale-based vocalise pattern transposed chromatically to multiple key levels; or
• The theme from Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” transposed to a different white-key tonality.

6. Sight Reading

Students will sight-read a short piano selection demonstrating basic rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and technical competency.

The expected level of difficulty will be approximately equivalent to selections found in a Bastien Level One piano method.

For courses except those listed below, the Department of Music follows University policy regarding repeating courses, found in the undergraduate bulletin:  

REPEATED COURSES (p. 36 – Undergraduate bulletin) 

Students who have received a grade below an ‘A’ in a course may repeat the course, provided they have not completed a course for which the repeated course is a prerequisite. When a course is repeated, the first grade remains on the permanent record, but only the last grade is used in computing the grade point average. Students must have the permission of the Registrar to repeat a course.   

Exceptions 

For all music majors: MM100 Music Fundamentals may only be repeated once. If not successfully passed with a ‘C’ after the second attempt, the student will be removed from the music program. Notification of removal will occur within 2 weeks after the end of the semester.

For music education majors: Professional education courses may only be repeated once. If not successfully passed with a ‘C’ after the second attempt the student will be removed from the Teacher Preparation Program (TPP). ME222 must be passed with a minimum grade of ‘B.’  

Appeals: In the case of extenuating circumstances, students may appeal removal from a program. For MM100, the student must direct the appeal to the Department Chair within two weeks of receiving the notice of program removal. For professional education courses, the student must direct the appeal to the Associate Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Studies. Appeals must be made within 10 days of dismissal from the TPP. 

Practice rooms are available to students who are enrolled in either applied music or music ensembles. All rooms will be locked and entry can only be gained through the use of a practice room access card issued by Beverly Delph, administrative assistant in the Department of Music. There will be one room for piano majors only, one organ practice room, and two rooms set aside for percussion practice.  

Practice rooms are not available during winter break. 

Access cards are available through Beverly Delph in room 254 of the seminary building on the River Campus for a fee of $5 which is charged to the student account. Cards which are lost will be replaced for an additional $5 fee.  

Practice rooms in Brandt Music Hall on the Main Campus are unlocked, however an ‘After Hours’ pass is needed to access the building after 8:00 pm Monday-Friday and on weekends.  An ‘After Hours’ pass may be obtained from Beverly Delph or from an ensemble director.   

NOTE: ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR DRINK IS PERMITTED IN ANY PRACTICE ROOM! 

Approved 10-10-89  

The following course prefixes will be employed for courses offered in and developed by the Department of Music:  

MM: Music Theory and Musicianship  
MH: Music History and Music Literature  
MP: Applied Music  
ME: Music Education and Techniques  
MU: Non degree-specific music courses, General Education (lower division) courses, music electives and ensembles  
UI: Interdisciplinary General Education/Music courses (upper division) 

Music majors are required to complete the recital, culminating performance, or culminating project requirements established for their degree program. Recital repertoire, length, format, and readiness for public performance are subject to approval by the student's applied instructor and, when applicable, the appropriate applied area.

Students should plan degree recitals and other culminating experiences in consultation with their applied instructor and academic advisor to ensure that all curricular and performance prerequisites have been completed.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

B.A. students must complete a culminating performance or project during upper-division study.

Students may fulfill this requirement through one of the following:

Performance Option

A performance of approximately 12–15 minutes of representative repertoire for the student's primary applied instrument or voice.

The performance may be presented as part of an approved public recital, departmental recital, or other performance setting approved by the applied instructor.

Project Option

A substantive culminating project appropriate to the student's academic, artistic, professional, or interdisciplinary interests.

The nature, scope, format, and expectations of the project must be mutually agreed upon in advance by the student and their academic advisor, in consultation with other appropriate faculty when necessary.

Possible projects may include creative, scholarly, technological, entrepreneurial, interdisciplinary, or community-engaged work, provided the project represents an appropriate culminating experience for the B.A. in Music.

Students must complete any registration or documentation required by the current curriculum for the culminating experience.

Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.)

B.M.E. students must complete a culminating performance of approximately 25–30 minutes of representative repertoire for the student's primary applied instrument or voice.

The recital must be presented in an approved public setting and should occur during upper-division applied study.

With approval of the applied instructor, the recital may be shared with another student.

Students wishing to present a longer solo recital may do so with the approval of their applied instructor and applied area. Appropriate chamber music may be included when the student performs a principal or otherwise significant musical role.

Bachelor of Music in Performance (B.M.)

Junior Recital

Performance majors must present a Junior Recital of approximately 25–30 minutes of representative repertoire for the student's primary applied instrument or voice.

The Junior Recital should normally be completed during 300-level applied study and must be presented in an approved public setting.

Students must enroll in the appropriate Junior Recital course during the semester in which the recital is presented.

Junior recitals may be shared with another student when appropriate and approved by the applied instructor.

Senior Recital

Performance majors must present a full Senior Recital of approximately 45–60 minutes of representative repertoire for the student's primary applied instrument or voice.

The Senior Recital should normally be completed during 400-level applied study and must be presented in an approved public setting.

Students must enroll in the appropriate Senior Recital course during the semester in which the recital is presented.

Chamber music may comprise a portion of the recital with the approval of the applied instructor. The recitalist must perform a principal or otherwise significant musical role in any chamber work included on the program.

Recital Approval and Scheduling

Degree recitals must be approved by the student's applied instructor and scheduled according to current Department of Music procedures.

Students are responsible for initiating the scheduling process sufficiently in advance to secure an appropriate performance venue and complete all departmental requirements associated with the recital.

Degree recitals may not be scheduled during the final week of classes, the weekend immediately preceding final examinations, or during final examination week, except when specifically authorized by the Chairperson of the Department of Music due to exceptional circumstances.

Students should not advertise a recital or make other public arrangements until the recital date and venue have been officially approved.

Any required recital hearing, preview, or other faculty approval must be completed according to the policies of the student's applied area.

Recital Programs

Degree recitals must have an official recital program prepared or approved according to current Department of Music procedures.

Students are responsible for submitting complete and accurate program information by the departmental deadline. Program information should include, as applicable:

• Complete titles of works and movements;
• Composers' names and dates;
• Names of collaborative performers;
• Required translations, texts, or program information; and
• Other information required by the Department or applied area.

Because degree recital programs become part of the official record of the student's academic work, all programs must conform to Department of Music formatting and content standards.

Students should consult current departmental recital procedures for submission deadlines, program preparation, venue policies, recording arrangements, and other production requirements.

Recitals and Concerts Requirement (MU110)

• Attendance Requirement: Each student must attend a minimum of 12 departmentally sanctioned musical performances and/or activities per semester. Off-campus performances may be pre-approved for credit by the department chair.
• Full-Department Meetings: Four (4) full-department meetings will be held each semester. These presentations will focus on music-related topics designed to broaden your perspective as an aspiring professional and will count toward the attendance requirement.
• Department Representation: If you are asked to be a department representative for a recruitment event, you may get pre-approved R and C for some of these services to the department.
• Completion of Requirement: Students who fail to meet the recital attendance requirement in any semester will have their diplomas withheld until the deficiency is remedied.

Minimum Semester Requirements by Degree:

• BA: 6 semesters
• BME: 7 semesters
• BM: 8 semesters

River Campus Building Hours 

Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. 
Saturday/Sunday CLOSED (Accessible with key card)  

Brandt Music Hall Hours  

Monday – Friday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.  
Saturday/Sunday CLOSED - (Admittance allowed by calling DPS (573) 651-2215 and presenting a valid University ID)  

NOTE: These hours may be modified during summer months. There will be no special permission to remain in the building past the 12:00 a.m. "student" closing hour 

Revised 2026

Purpose

The Sophomore Review is a required mid-program assessment for all undergraduate music majors. It serves as a formal checkpoint between lower-division and upper-division music study and evaluates each student's progress in performance, musicianship, contextual understanding, technical development, and professional preparation.

The purposes of the Sophomore Review are to:

• provide students with a clear standard against which to evaluate their development and readiness for continued study in music;
• evaluate each student's readiness to advance to upper-division applied music study;
• provide students with formative feedback regarding strengths and areas requiring continued development;
• assess students' ability to integrate knowledge and skills developed across applied study, music theory, music history, and other areas of the curriculum;
• evaluate student progress toward applicable Department of Music Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs); and
• provide the Department of Music with assessment evidence that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and support continuous program improvement.

Eligibility and Timing

All music majors must successfully complete the Sophomore Review before advancing to junior-level (upper-division) applied music study.

The Sophomore Review will normally occur near the completion of four semesters of applied study and in conjunction with the student's required exit competency for advancement from the 200 level to the 300 level.

To be eligible for advancement, students must:

• have a minimum music GPA of 2.5;
• have completed sufficient coursework and credit hours to support advancement to junior-level standing;
• successfully demonstrate the applicable 200-level Applied Music Exit Competencies; and
• successfully complete the Sophomore Review.

Completion of four semesters of applied study does not automatically result in advancement to upper-division standing.

Components of the Sophomore Review

The Sophomore Review consists of an applied performance assessment and a faculty evaluation and interview addressing the student's musical, academic, technical, and professional development.

1. Applied Performance

The performance component of the Sophomore Review will be completed as part of the student's applied jury.

The student will perform repertoire appropriate to the conclusion of sophomore-level applied study and sufficient to demonstrate the established exit competencies for the student's degree program and applied area.

As appropriate to the performance medium, the applied jury may also include:

• scales, arpeggios, or other technical materials;
• sight-reading for instrumental students; and
• other area-specific requirements established in the applicable Applied Music Exit Competencies.

The student's performance will be evaluated according to the Performance category of the Department of Music Sophomore Review Rubric.

2. Musicianship Skills and Analysis

Students must demonstrate the ability to discuss and analyze their performed repertoire using appropriate musical terminology.

Students should be prepared to:

• identify and discuss musical form and structure;
• discuss relevant harmonic and melodic elements;
• explain phrasing, interpretation, and other musical decisions; and
• demonstrate the ability to connect musical analysis to performance.

3. Historical and Stylistic Context

Students must demonstrate an understanding of the historical and stylistic context of their performed repertoire.

Students should be prepared to:

• identify the composer and relevant historical period;
• discuss stylistic characteristics of the repertoire;
• identify relevant performance-practice considerations; and
• explain how historical and stylistic knowledge informs their performance decisions.

4. Technical and Applied Integration

Students must demonstrate an understanding of the technical and practical processes involved in preparing and performing their repertoire.

Students should be prepared to:

• describe effective practice strategies;
• identify significant technical challenges and explain how they addressed them;
• demonstrate understanding of technical concepts appropriate to their instrument or voice; and
• explain how technical preparation supports musical interpretation.

Voice students should demonstrate appropriate understanding of text, translation, diction, and related vocal considerations.

Instrumental students should demonstrate appropriate understanding of instrument-specific technical concepts such as embouchure, articulation, bowing, stick control, breathing, tone production, or other applicable techniques.

5. Professionalism and Preparation

Students are expected to demonstrate professional preparation and engagement throughout the Sophomore Review.

Evaluation will consider the student's ability to:

• arrive prepared and organized;
• communicate clearly and appropriately about their musical work;
• respond thoughtfully to faculty questions;
• articulate musical and interpretive intentions; and
• receive and respond constructively to faculty feedback.

Sophomore Review Committee

The Sophomore Review will be evaluated by a faculty committee that includes the student's applied instructor and other designated Department of Music faculty.

The Department Chair will oversee the Sophomore Review process and the determination of advancement to upper-division standing.

The committee will consider:

• the student's Sophomore Review Rubric results;
• successful completion of the applicable Applied Music Exit Competencies;
• the student's academic and musical progress to date; and
• any additional information relevant to the student's readiness for upper-division music study.

Evaluation and Passing Standard

Each student will be evaluated using the Department of Music Sophomore Review Rubric.

The rubric contains five assessment categories:

1. Performance
2. Musicianship Skills & Analysis
3. Historical & Stylistic Context
4. Technical & Applied Integration
5. Professionalism & Preparation

Each category is evaluated on a four-point scale:

• 4 – Exemplary
• 3 – Proficient
• 2 – Developing
• 1 – Beginning

To successfully complete the Sophomore Review, a student must:

• earn a minimum total score of 12 out of 20 points; and
• earn a score of at least 2 (Developing) in every category.

Meeting the numerical passing standard does not supersede the requirement that students successfully demonstrate the applicable Applied Music Exit Competencies and meet departmental requirements for advancement.

Results and Advancement

Following completion of the Sophomore Review, the Department of Music will determine whether the student is approved for advancement to upper-division applied music study.

Students will receive written notification of the outcome of the review.

Possible outcomes include:

Approved for AdvancementThe student has successfully completed the Sophomore Review and applicable exit competencies and may advance to upper-division applied music study.

Not Yet Approved for AdvancementThe student has not yet demonstrated one or more competencies required for advancement. Faculty will identify areas requiring additional development and may establish appropriate remediation or additional study before the student may be reconsidered for advancement.

A student who is not approved for advancement may request reconsideration during a subsequent semester in accordance with Department of Music procedures. The student may be required to remain enrolled at the lower-division applied level and/or complete specified remediation before being reviewed again.

Transfer Students

Transfer students seeking to begin applied music study at the junior level must demonstrate competencies equivalent to those required of Southeast Missouri State University students completing the Sophomore Review.

The Department of Music will evaluate transfer students through an appropriate applied audition, placement examination, review, or combination thereof before placement into upper-division applied study.

Transfer credit or academic classification alone does not guarantee placement into junior-level applied music.

Students who do not demonstrate the competencies required for upper-division placement will be assigned to the appropriate applied level and may subsequently seek advancement after satisfying the applicable departmental requirements.

Assessment and Records

Sophomore Review results will be maintained as part of the Department of Music's student assessment records.

Because the Sophomore Review serves as a mid-program assessment, aggregate results may also be used to evaluate student achievement of applicable Program Learning Outcomes, identify curricular strengths or areas for improvement, and inform departmental assessment and continuous improvement activities.

Collaborative Pianist Guidelines 

Collaborative Pianist Guidelines, effective Fall 2024:

The Department of Music provides collaborative pianists for students for all degree recitals.

According to the department handbook, the duration of the MUSIC performed on a student's recital (not counting staging, entrances, exits, and time backstage) is to be as follows: 

• B.A.: 12-15 minutes
• B.M.E.: 25-30 minutes
• B.M. junior: 25-30 minutes
• B.M. senior: 45-60 minutes

As recital repertoire is chosen for the student's recital, it is the student's obligation to ensure that these time requirements are met. Students should work closely with their applied instructor to determine appropriate repertoire for the recital carefully considering music that is pedagogically appropriate and diverse while being mindful of the time commitment for collaborative pianists.

 All students needing to schedule a degree recital will do so by the end of the previous semester with Mr. Yount's supervision as instructor of record for recital credits. By the end of the previous semester, the student will know the date of the degree recital and the repertoire to be performed. After all dates have been scheduled, available accompanists will confer and divide up recital accompanying assignments as they deem appropriate (considering repertoire, the calendar dates, Mr. Yount's load, etc.) Students will then be notified which accompanists have been assigned to which recitals. Accompanists’ decisions are final.

Accompanists may include Matt Yount, Barb Lamont, Rachael Rule, or approved piano majors taking chamber credit (MU378) coached by Mr. Yount as instructor of record and assigned to the student's recital as appropriate. Any recital accompanied by Mr. Yount will be counted towards his faculty load and he will offer students weekly lesson/rehearsal time comparable to that of an applied lesson credit. Any other faculty member accompanying a degree recital will do so in addition to his/her faculty load and will be compensated by the Department of Music.

For Department-assigned accompanists, the maximum amount of time granted for each type of performance is given below. Common Hour recitals or Studio Masterclasses may be agreed upon pending the accompanist's availability and willingness. The times can be broken up as needed. For instance, a BME student may schedule seven 30-minute rehearsals, two common-hour performances, and a one-hour dress rehearsal, plus the hearing and recital. 

• BA Recital: 5.5 hours
• BME Recital: 7.5 hours 
• BM Junior Recital: 7.5 hours 
• BM Senior Recital: 11.5 hours

Compensation for rehearsal time needed beyond the aforementioned allotment is the responsibility of the student. Students should work closely with their applied instructor to determine when they are prepared to begin rehearsals. Students will schedule at least one rehearsal with the accompanist with the applied instructor present before the performance. In this context, the applied instructor serves as an extra chamber coach, NOT as a studio teacher over-emphasizing the minutiae of voice-, string-, woodwind-, or brass-specific details. 

Students requesting accompanists for performances outside of degree recitals (juries, competitions, graduate school auditions, etc.) will be responsible for finding an accompanist at their own expense or compensating their department-provided accompanist for the additional time involved.

Students must provide scores to their accompanist as soon as accompanists have been assigned. Digital PDFs are preferred and must be scans (not photos from a phone or tablet). Scans from a copying machine or scanner are also preferred. The ARC furnishes a copying machine that will scan scores for free. If the student must give a published hard copy of the score to the accompanist, the student should retain a photocopy or scan of the piano score for personal study.

Before being approved to perform the recital, the student must perform a recital hearing. This will involve performing the recital program in front of a panel of three or four faculty members who will deliberate and vote on whether the recital is prepared well enough to proceed as planned. Recital hearings need to be scheduled approximately two weeks before your recital date, in order to give students time to incorporate any suggestions the committee may make in preparing the performance. In the case that the committee finds that the student is not adequately prepared for your recital, it will most likely be postponed and a second hearing will be scheduled. B.A. students alone are exempt from the recital hearing requirement. 

 A faculty or adjunct accompanist will become a de facto member of the student's recital hearing committee (because they can speak to the rehearsal process and preparation and will be in attendance at the performance anyway). Students are encouraged to invite any faculty member to participate, even faculty members outside their area of study (woodwinds, brass, percussion, keyboard, strings, voice, composition, music education). Instrumentalists should provide copies of their music to the committee members.

Recital hearings are generally recorded so that the product offered to the committee is preserved.

Faculty accompanists reserve the right to determine if any student's absence for a scheduled rehearsal is excusable and if a make-up rehearsal is appropriate. Students must be punctual for rehearsals, warmed up, and ready to begin. They must conduct themselves professionally, part of which requires adequate notice for any rehearsal that must be missed and/or rescheduled.

Any student failing a recital hearing or the recital itself must provide for their accompanist at their own expense for subsequent attempts at the degree recital. 

All students must agree to these terms. Questions about these policies may be directed to the head of the piano area (Mr. Matt Yount, myount@semo.edu) or the department chair (Dr. Nicholas Kenney, nkenney@semo.edu).

1. For admission to any degree program, transfer students will need to present an official transcript to their assigned advisor before they register for courses. Students transferring to Southeast with less than 24 credit hours must attend First STEP Orientation., enroll for UI100 ("Music Makers" section if possible), enroll for CL001 Career Proficiency I and CL002 Career Proficiency II, and meet requirements of the sophomore review process. Students transferring with more than 24 credit hours have the option of attending a Transfer Orientation or meeting one on one with a music faculty advisor. To attend a Transfer Orientation, students must register with New Student Programs: (573) 651-2007.  
2. All transfer students must perform an applied music audition to ascertain competency level. 100- and 200- level applied music courses from other institutions may be accepted as transfer credit, but Southeast Department of Music reserves the right to assess incoming applied competency and place students accordingly.  
3. Transfer students are expected to take the piano proficiency test upon entering Southeast. Those who do not pass must enroll for MU151 (Functional Piano I). B.M.E. candidates are expected to PASS the piano proficiency test upon transferring to Southeast and may not student teach without having passed the test. Transfer students on the B.A. or B.M. degrees may not give the junior recital without having passed the proficiency in piano.   
4. Transfer students with more than 90 credit hours are not required to enroll for WP003 (75 hour writing exam).  
5. Students with an AA degree must enroll for WP003 (75 hour writing exam).  
6. Music Education students with an AA degree must meet the required university courses for state teacher certification (a BS course, a CH, GG or PH course, EN140, EX390, PS103, PY222, SC105, Pedagogy 1-3, OS200, US105 or US107)  
7. Transfer students who have had UI100 waived will also have CL001 and CL002 waived. CL003 Career Proficiency III and CL004 Career Proficiency IV will be required for all transfer students.  
8. MAPP2 is required of all students prior to graduation. Students should register through for MAPP2 through testing services, upon completion of 90 credit hours.