Music Major, BA

Music Major Goals

The goals of the music major are to:

Help students understand and appreciate the theoretical and philosophical nature of music, its meaning and contribution to the individual and society in contemporary and past cultures.
Offer a program that includes diverse and liberal studies in music.
Prepare individuals for careers in the music and allied fields.
Provide adequate preparation for the pursuit of graduate work in music.
Develop sound musicianship and performance skills through studies in applied music, theory, and music literature.
Contribute to the enrichment of music life of Winston-Salem State University and the community.

Student Learning Outcomes - BA in Music

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have the following:

Knowledge of music cultural heritage and history
Appreciation for musical creativity, reasoning, and the aesthetic value of music
The ability to communicate ideas musically, verbally, and in writing
Knowledge of organization and structures of music
Analytical skills necessary for listening, performing, and teaching
Skills necessary to perform music from a variety of periods, styles, and genres
Awareness of diversity of musical ideas throughout the world’s culture

Student Learning Outcomes – BA in Music-Music Education Teacher Licensure

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have the following:

Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills critical to the music profession
Utilize and create multimedia and relevant technology for music education
Demonstrate musicianship and proficiency in a major performance area as soloist and ensemble member
Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and appreciation of music and related philosophies from past and present cultures
Demonstrate a standards-based music education program that meets the needs and interests of learners in grades K-12, including exceptional learners
Demonstrate a variety of teaching and evaluation methods, techniques, and strategies for application in music education
Demonstrate knowledge of music literature and repertoire to maintain a high level of interest and involvement of students
Demonstrate proficiency in behavioral management skills that promote self-discipline, a positive learning climate, and self-concept that are conducive to successful musicianship and teaching

Student Learning Outcomes – BA in Music-Concentration in Music Business

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have the following:

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic framework and functions of different areas of the Music Industry
Demonstrate proficiency in recording studio techniques including signal flow, microphone types and placement, effects and dynamic processing, and audio editing and mixing
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a particular area of interest in the industry selected in consultation with the area coordinator, student advisor and the student that culminates in the completion of a Senior Project that is assessed by a faculty committee with a rubric. Areas of interest may include concert promotion, record production, development of a business plan relevant to the music industry, or another approved topic that demonstrates an advanced understanding of an area of the industry

Major Requirements

Students must demonstrate proficiency on their primary instrument. WSSU Music Faculty offer instruction in voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Additionally, all majors must take piano and be able to demonstrate acceptable levels of proficiency by passing the Piano Proficiency Exam at the end of the Piano Class course sequence.

Specialized Admission Requirements for the Major

Students who plan to major in music must meet the following requirements:

Demonstrate proficiency on their primary instrument. WSSU Music Faculty offer instruction in voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
Students may audition on campus or by video, should distance prohibit an on-campus audition.
Apply separately to the Teacher Education Program (Music Education Licensure concentration only)

Note: After being accepted, music majors failing to enroll in courses within the department for a year or longer will be required to re-audition for readmission into the department.

Minimum Grade Requirement

Music majors must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each required course in their respective content areas.

Graduation

To be a candidate for graduation, a student must pass all exit criteria, including the Music Proficiency Examination, all components of the sophomore screening process, and a recital and/or an extended research project. In addition, teacher education candidates must successfully pass the student teaching phase of their preparation. This is done with the cooperation of the applied music instructor(s) and the major advisor and with the approval of the music faculty. Guidelines for all criteria are available within the department.

Student Organizations

The WSSU chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Education operates within the music education area and is organized and governed by students with the assistance of the chapter advisor(s). All music education majors are eligible and encouraged to join this organization. Additional Greek music organizations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority, and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.

Sound University Music Group (SUMG) is a campus-based music organization with an interdisciplinary focus allowing students opportunities to gain knowledge of real world working environments via internships. Its mission is to expose students to industry situations in the areas of recording, marketing, management and finance/accounting to build experience and proficiency in preparation for entrance into the music industry.

Seminars, Master Classes, Recitals

All music majors are required to attend faculty, student, and visiting artist recitals, and master classes sponsored by the Lyceum Concert Series held at the university. Students are required to participate as performers on regularly scheduled student recitals/seminars. In addition, the university encourages and supports student attendance at musical events in the Winston-Salem community including the Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra and the Piedmont Opera series.

Participation in Performance Groups

All music majors are encouraged to participate each semester in the music organization(s) representing their area(s) of performance concentration. Qualified students may elect to participate in more than one ensemble.