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Academic Bulletin

PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC - UNDERGRADUATE
www.music.miami.edu


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DEGREES

The University of Miami Frost School of Music awards the Bachelor of Music degree with majors in nine areas:

  1. Composition,
  2. Performance,
  3. Music Education,
  4. Music Engineering Technology,
  5. Music Business and Entertainment Industries,
  6. Musical Theatre,
  7. Music Therapy
  8. Studio Music and Jazz, and
  9. Bachelor of Science in Music Engineering

The Bachelor of Arts in music degree is a non-professional degree designed for talented musicians who wish to pursue a broad liberal arts education. Curriculum flexibility affords students the opportunity for a variety of pre-professional studies, including premedical and prelegal. A minor outside the Frost School of Music is required. A second major outside the Frost School of Music can sometimes be pursued.

The Master of Music is offered with majors in Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory, Composition, Performance (voice, piano, conducting, harp, woodwind, multi-woodwinds, brass, percussion, and stringed instruments), Musicology, Accompanying and Chamber Music, Jazz Performance, Jazz Pedagogy, Music Business and Entertainment Industries, Studio Jazz Writing, Media Writing and Production. Music Engineering Technology is offered by the School of Music as a Master of Science Degree.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Music Education and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree also are offered. Refer to the appropriate section of the Graduate Bulletin for policies concerning admission, course of study, residence, research, tool requirements, examinations, candidacy, and dissertation/final project requirements.

The Frost School of Music has been a member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1939. The requirements for entrance and for graduation as set forth in this Bulletin are in accordance with the published regulations of this Association.

MISSION

As one of the most comprehensive music units in American higher education, and as a free-standing school within a major research university, the Frost School of Music perpetuates a historic commitment to the values inherent in the juxtaposition of professional and general studies in undergraduate curricula. The comprehensiveness of the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs manifests a philosophy that places importance upon establishing and maintaining connections between its instructional and associated activities and the broad spectrum of music and music-related fields for which it seeks to prepare its students.

In broadest terms, the four-fold mission of the Frost School of Music is to provide a high quality music education and training for its undergraduate and graduate majors; foster advancements in music performance, creativity, scholarship, and teaching among its faculty; serve the general student population of the University; and act as an educational and cultural resource for the University, South Florida, and as appropriate, for national and international constituencies.

GOALS

The primary goals are:

  1. to provide music majors with a high quality pre-professional education,
  2. to provide opportunities for other University students to increase their musical skill, understanding, and appreciation,
  3. to provide the music faculty with opportunities for creative activity and scholarly inquiry, and
  4. to serve as an educational and cultural resource for the University, South Florida, and global communities.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES

The Arnold Volpe Building (1954) contains classrooms and offices.

Henry Fillmore Band Hall (1958) has a rehearsal hall, uniform and instrument storage, the band library, offices, and the Henry Fillmore Museum.

Nancy Greene Hall (1960) contains a rehearsal hall, studio-offices, and ensemble library.

The Percussion Building (1968) is the percussion teaching studio and office.

The Handleman Institute of Recorded Sound (1970) includes a listening room, archives, office, personal computer laboratory, and a microfilming facility.

The Bertha Foster Memorial Music Building (1960, with second story addition completed in 1970), contains practice rooms and teaching studios, pipe organ studio, an electronic music laboratory, and two studios equipped for audio and video recording.

The Dance Building contains Frost School of Music teaching studios, dance studio, and offices of Development and Special Events.

The Gusman Concert Hall (1975) houses the administrative offices, data processing center, and the Music Engineering Technology center. The 600 seat sound chamber is one of the finest concert facilities in the Southeast.

The L. Austin Weeks Center for Recording and Performance (1994) contains the 150 seat Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall, featuring adjustable acoustics, a pre-function area, a green room, and a state-of-the-art recording studio. The recording area of the building features 48-track digital recording capabilities with a computer automated console, and a multimedia workstation.

The Marta and Austin Weeks Music Library and Technology Center (2005) contains a 15,300 square-foot library which houses collections of books, scores, recordings, special collections, reference works, and computer facilities. The 5,200 square-foot advanced technology center contains six labs, each servicing a specific program for higher-level work, including a music engineering lab, two keyboard/computer labs, a multimedia instruction and learning lab, an electronic and computer music lab, and a media-writing and production lab.

PERFORMING ENSEMBLES

Through regular rehearsals and public concerts, ensembles provide performing experience for all students on the University of Miami campus. Membership in each of these performing ensembles is based on auditions. Students interested in instrumental music may participate in any of the following:

Accompanying
Avant Garde Ensemble
“Band of the Hour” Marching Band
Brass Chamber Music
Brass Choir
Clarinet Choir
Classical Guitar Ensemble
Concert Jazz Band
Contemporary Music Ensemble
E.C.M. Ensemble
Electronic Music Ensemble
Flute Choir
Funk/Fusion Ensemble
Horace Silver Ensemble
Jazz Bass Ensemble
Jazz Guitar Ensemble
Jazz Keyboard Ensemble
Jazz Saxophone Ensemble
Mallet Ensemble
Marimba Ensemble
Monk/Mingus Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Rock Ensemble
Salsa Ensemble
Saxophone Ensemble
Small Jazz Ensembles
String-Keyboard Chamber Music
Studio Jazz Band
Studio Rhythm Section
Symphonic Winds
Symphony Orchestra
Synthesizer Ensemble
The Other Music Ensemble
Trombone Choir
Tuba Ensemble
University Band
Wind Ensemble
Woodwind Chamber Music
XJazz Band

Choral experience may be gained through participation in the

Chamber Singers
Civic Chorale
Collegium Musicum
Jazz Vocal I-III
Men’s Chorale
Musical Theatre Workshop
Opera Theater
University Chorale
Women’s Chorale

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

During the academic year the Frost School of Music presents more than 300 student forums, student and faculty recitals, concerts, lectures, masterclasses, and guest artist recitals. Student ensembles and faculty present numerous masterclasses, recitals, and concerts throughout the United States and abroad.

Students are encouraged to attend recitals, concerts, masterclasses, and festivals which are presented within the Frost School of Music as well as throughout metropolitan Miami.

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

In addition to other extra-curricular activities of the University, the Frost School of Music has established on its campus active chapters of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Alpha Iota, Music Educators National Conference (student), American Musicological Society, Tau Beta Sigma, Pi Kappa Lambda, International Association of Jazz Educators, Music Entertainment Industry Student Association, and the Audio Engineering Society.

FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

The Frost School of Music grants scholarships based on music performance, academics, and performance and academics. All domestic students applying for scholarship funds must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and/or other required forms. Please consult with the Office of Financial Assistance Services for further information.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Workshops and clinics are offered to enrich the musical knowledge of in-service teachers and professional musicians during the academic year. The program of activities continues through the summer when special workshops and seminars are offered. Opportunities for pre-college students are provided in all areas of music and dance throughout the year.

MUSIC FOR NON-DEGREE STUDENTS

Certain music courses are available to students not enrolled in a music degree program. Pre-college students, matriculating University of Miami students, and interested community adults may enroll in these courses. Students who are not currently enrolled at the University of Miami but who wish to pursue courses will need to apply as a special student through the Frost School of Music Office of Admission.

Non-music majors wishing to enroll in performance study are required to audition and may, with the permission of the appropriate faculty member and the undergraduate or graduate dean, register for one or two credits a semester upon payment of tuition and an applied music fee of $200.00 per credit. Performance study by non-music majors is subject to teacher availability.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

ADMISSION TO THE FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Students admitted to the Frost School of Music must successfully complete a dual admission process. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the University, the undergraduate student must meet the following requirements of the Frost School of Music:

  1. Submit a Frost School of Music Application directly to the Frost School of Music Admission Office.
  2. Submit an Application for Undergraduate Study directly to the University Office of Undergraduate Admission
  3. Demonstrate performance proficiency by auditioning on campus, at designated regional audition centers, or by recording. The audition will be evaluated by appropriate faculty committees.
  4. After being admitted to the University each student will be required to participate in placement auditions and exams in theory and applied music (performance). These examinations will be given just immediately to registration in the fall and spring semesters.
  5. Transfer students who are admitted to the University will receive a tentative evaluation of their previous work from the office of Admission. Validation of credits in music will be based on the results of auditions and placement examinations discussed above. The Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies of the Frost School of Music determines which transferred courses will meet specific requirements for graduation.
  6. Admission is granted in Fall semesters only.

Upon receipt of a student's application to the Frost School of Music, further informational literature will be supplied. Included are specific audition requirements, important deadlines, and list of courses pertinent to the intended major.

Students who are admitted to the Frost School of Music must begin a program of specialized requirements in music during their first semester.

ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY (UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS)

Application forms and bulletins for undergraduate students may be secured from the University of Miami web site at www.miami.edu. The University Office of Admission receives and processes all undergraduate applications, evaluates credentials, and mails letters of acceptance to applicants who qualify for entrance. Because of the University’s selective admissions policy and limited enrollment only those applicants are accepted who present evidence of intellectual promise, unusual talent and potential, and strong personal qualifications. Admission as a transfer student requires a 3.0 grade point average from the previous institution. Admission to the University in all cases is determined by the University Office of Admission and the Frost School of Music.

Prospective students should make formal application for admission in the fall of the senior year in high school. The Frost School of Music does not participate in the Early Decision or Early Action program.

PLACEMENT TESTS

Upon entering the Frost School of Music, students must demonstrate through placement auditions college-level performance on their instrument and in music theory. Results of placement tests will enable music advisors to assist students in selecting the appropriate program and level of study.

ENGLISH and MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENTS

Students requiring English 105, English 106, or Mathematics 101 must enroll for these classes during the first year in residence and are not permitted to drop.

AUDIT

Due to the nature of music courses, it is not possible for a student to audit courses offered in the Frost School of Music.

PERFORMANCE STUDY

CATALOG DESCRIPTION
The study of a musical instrument privately or in a small group. Prerequisite: Audition.

PERFORMANCE MAJOR
A Performance Major aspires to a professional career in music performance.

PRINCIPAL INSTRUMENT
Non-Performance Majors study a principal instrument to develop their music performance skills to the fullest extent possible.

PERFORMANCE INSTRUCTION
The letter designations A through R classify the levels of undergraduate and graduate performance instruction. The letters A through H signify undergraduate study; letters I through L, master’s study; and letters M through R, doctoral study. Transfer students enroll in Level A for the first semester and are placed at an appropriate classification level of study based on the results of the Jury at the end of each semester.

CREDIT FOR LESSONS
The number of credit hours awarded for performance study is determined by the student’s curriculum. Students enrolled for two or more credits of performance study are required to perform a Jury at the end of each semester.

JURY
The purpose of the Jury is to evaluate student musicianship and technique progress. Students enrolled for 2 to 4 credits of private lessons are required to play a Jury before a panel of performance faculty at the end of each semester. Juries are held during Reading Days. Students perform technical requirements and repertoire as assigned by their performance study teacher.

The private teacher prepares a Jury Sheet that lists the repertoire covered during the semester and the studio grade, for each student. Following a student performance, the grades of the Jury Panel are averaged. The final grade is comprised of the grade given by the teacher (65%) and the grade of the Jury Panel (35%). The grade is recorded on the Jury Sheet and placed in the student’s file. The final grade can be lowered as a result of poor recital attendance or other requirements specific to the student’s program of study.

PERFORMANCE WARNING, PROBATION AND DISMISSAL

The following applies to all majors and programs in the Frost School of Music:

Students earning a grade of C+ or lower in performance study will be placed on Performance Warning for one semester. A subsequent grade of C+ or lower in performance study will result in Performance Probation for one semester. Following Probation, an additional grade of C+ or lower in performance study will result in dismissal from the Frost School of Music.

SUMMER LESSONS

During each of the five-week summer sessions, students may register for one credit of performance study and receive a one-hour lesson per week. Summer lessons do not fulfill degree requirements.

SPECIAL FEES

Students studying a secondary instrument beyond the required four semesters of secondary piano will be assessed a per-credit fee and must have the approval of the undergraduate dean and program director or department chair. Students who require an accompanist may be assessed an accompanying fee.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

The general requirements for graduation from the University of Miami are described in the General Information section of this Bulletin. These general requirements are included in the specific listing of requirements for various majors under the appropriate department in the Frost School of Music. Outlines of achievement levels in applied music for each major are available in the Office of the Dean of the Frost School of Music. The student should consult regularly with his/her advisor and download their Academic Credit Evaluations which track all courses taken to see that all requirements for his/her particular area of concentration degree requirements are being met. Changes or deviations from the printed requirements must be approved in writing by the Dean.

WRITING COURSES

Frost School of Music students are expected to complete five writing-intensive courses in addition to English 105 and 106. Courses designated to meet this requirement are identified in the semester course schedule.

Courses satisfying this requirement are those which involve a substantial amount of writing. The preparation of papers in these courses are corrected for diction, syntax, style, and content.

MINORS

MUSIC MINOR

Any student wishing to declare a minor in music must audition on an instrument and register with the Frost School of Music as a minor. A fee is assessed for private instruction. Please note that a minor in certain instruments may not be available. Minors are not available in Jazz Instruments or Jazz Voice. Availability on other instruments and voice varies from year to year depending on studio space.

A minor in music consists of 20 credits:

Music theory (MTC) 111, 112, 121, 122
6 Credits
Music literature (MCY) 131, 132 or Honors Equivalent Courses
6 Credits
Music performance (Instrument/Voice, 4 semesters of 1 credit lessons)
4 Credits
Ensembles
2 Credits
Electives
2 Credits

MINOR IN STUDIO MUSIC AND JAZZ (INSTRUMENTAL)

A 12 credit minor is available for students enrolled in the Frost School of Music whose principal performance medium is a jazz instrument. Permission of studio teacher required. The following courses must be taken to fulfill the requirement of this minor:

Analysis and Evolution of Jazz Styles (MSJ 113)
3 credits
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation (MSJ 124)
3 credits
Jazz Improvisation Theory I (MSJ 371)
3 credits
Advanced Modern Arranging I (MSJ 519)
3 credits

MINOR IN MUSIC BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES (No audition required)

A minor in Music Business and Entertainment Industries consists of 13 credits:

Multinational Recorded Music Industry (MMI 173)
3 Credits
Introduction to Music Copyright Law (MMI 274)
2 Credits
Artist Management and the Live Entertainment Industry (MMI 273)
Or
International Music Publishing (MMI 573)
2 Credits
A&R Administration and Music Licensing (MMI 574)
3 Credits
Entertainment Industry Contract Basics (MMI 575)
3 Credits

MINOR IN DANCE

A minor in dance is intended for students interested in developing basic teaching skills for elementary and secondary dance education. Prospective students interested in this minor are required to audition for acceptance as well as maintain a grade point average of 3.0 in dance courses. 20 credits are required.

Orientation to Dance (DAN 130) This course is a prerequisite for all students who are interested in the minor in Dance
2 credits
Advanced studio technique (DAN 311 or 411 and DAN 321 or DAN 421)
6 credits
Dance education and history (DAN 385 or DAN 585 and DAN 450 or DAN 550)
6 credits
Dance education electives (DAN 285, 286, 290 and 335)
2 credits
Studio Electives (DAN 111, DAN 190, DAN 121, DAN 140, DAN 211, DAN 221, DAN 235, DAN 240, DAN 340)
4 credits

MINOR IN MUSIC COMPOSITION

A minor in music composition is primarily intended for students in the Frost School of Music who are pursuing majors in other fields within the School. Students interested in this minor are required to submit a portfolio to the chairman of the department for approval before declaring the minor. The minor consists of 15 credits.

Composition I (MTC 101)
2 credits
Composition II (MTC 102)
2 credits
Composition III (MTC 201)
2 credits
Composition IV (MTC 202)
2 credits
Composition Workshop (MTC 182)
4 credits
Orchestration (MTC 416) or Twentieth Century Techniques (MTC 312)
3 credits

HONORS PROGRAM

See general Honors program described elsewhere in Bulletin.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC

The Bachelor of Arts in music degree is a non-professional degree designed for talented musicians who wish to pursue a broad liberal arts education. Curriculum flexibility affords students the opportunity for a variety of pre-professional studies, including premedical and prelegal. A minor outside the Frost School of Music is required.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC (Sample Curriculum)

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
Instrument/Voice (A Level)
1
Instrument/Voice (B Level)
1
*MTC 111 Music Theory I
2
*MTC 112 Music Theory II
2
+*MTC 121 Music Theory Laboratory I
1
*MTC 122 Music Theory Laboratory II
1
MCY 101 The World of Music and Its Powers
1
Ensemble(s)
1
Ensemble(s)
1
***Music Elective
1
***Music Elective
1
ENG 106 English Composition II
3
ENG 105 English Composition I
3
MTH 103 Finite Mathematics (or higher level)
3
**MTH 101 Algebra for College Students
3
Natural World Elective
3
Natural World or People and Society Elective
3
People and Society Elective
3
TOTAL
16
TOTAL
18
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
Instrument/Voice (C Level)
1
Instrument/Voice (D Level)
1
*MTC 211 Music Theory III
2
*MTC 212 Music Theory IV
2
*MTC 221 Music Theory Laboratory III
1
*MTC 222 Music Theory Laboratory IV
1
Ensemble(s)
1
Ensemble(s)
1
***Music Elective
1
***Music Elective
1
Humanities Elective
3
Humanities Elective
3
Foreign Language
3
Foreign Language
3
People and Society Elective
3
Minor
3
Minor
3
TOTAL
15
TOTAL
18
   
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
Instrument/Voice (E Level)
1
Instrument/Voice (F Level)
1
MTC 311 Analysis and Experience or
MTC 312 Twentieth Century Techniques
3
MTC 416 Orchestration or
MTC 515 Choral Arranging
3
Ensemble(s)
1
Ensemble(s)
1
MCY 541 Music of the Mediaeval, Renaissance, and Baroque Periods
3
MCY 542 Music of the Classical, Romantic, and Modern Periods
3
Arts Elective
3
Music Elective
3
Minor
6
Arts Elective
3
TOTAL
17
Natural World Elective
3
    TOTAL
17
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
Instrument/Voice (G Level)
1
Instrument/Voice (H Level)
1
Ensemble(s)
1
Ensemble(s)
1
Music Elective
1
Minor or Academic Elective
3
Minor
3
Elective (300 level or higher)
3
Elective (300 level or higher)
3
Natural World or People and Society Elective
3
Non-Music Electives
6
Non-Music Electives
6
People and Society Elective
3
TOTAL
17
TOTAL
18
   

NOTE:  Many students take 2 credits of Instrument/Voice in order to receive a full hour lesson per week (1 credit lessons are a half hour per week.)

* Must pass with grade of C or above.

** Required if math placement is MTH 101 or lower

*** Cannot be satisfied by ensembles

+ MVP 105 Prerequisite for vocalists (Must pass with grade of C or above).

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