Undergraduate Programs

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Music Education

Students select a Choral or Instrumental option for this degree. This program leads to state teaching certification in music and is designed for students interested in teaching public school music in Kindergarten through 12th Grade.

Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2008. Strictly Advisory.
Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2007. Strictly Advisory.
Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2006 and prior. Strictly Advisory.

Bachelor of Music

This program prepares students for careers in performance, studio teaching, college teaching, or composition. Certification for public school teaching is not included but can be earned through additional work in the areas of music education and professional education.

Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2008. Strictly Advisory.
Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2007. Strictly Advisory.
Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2006 and prior. Strictly Advisory.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Music

These programs are intended for students who wish to pursue a music degree with a strong liberal arts background. Though the emphasis is a broad coverage of music rather than a heavy concentration on any single segment found in the BM and BME degrees, students may select elective studies such as jazz, music theory, music literature, or performance.

Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2008. Strictly Advisory.
Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2007. Strictly Advisory.
Degree Maps for students entering Fall 2006 and prior. Strictly Advisory.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre

The object of the Music Theatre major on the B.F.A. Degree is to provide a comprehensive degree in the complex area of music theatre that integrates the various performance skills in theatre, music, and dance, and production experiences into a high quality pre-professional training program. This interdisciplinary program requires a large number of required courses in several areas of study, and admission to this program requires an audition which will be adjudicated by a panel of faculty from the School of Music and the Department of Speech Communication and Dramatic Arts.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre is an interdiscplinary degree.

- For degree requirements, please find the correspoding program in the University's Bulletin Site.

Admissions

Undergraduate Audition Dates

Students must apply and be accepted to Central Michigan University. Acceptance to the university is separate from acceptance to the School of Music and must be complete before acceptance to the Music Program or any offer of a music scholarship can be finalized. Prospective students may apply to CMU at the University's Admissions page.

Students must schedule an audition and successfully complete the audition process. Auditions for acceptance as a music major or minor, and for scholarship consideration are held in the Spring. Students may request audition information by phone, mail, or e-mail.

Once accepted, students must attend one of the Summer Orientation sessions and attend the meeting for students wishing to major or minor in music. At that time, students are given a list of music courses for the upcoming semester, as well as a semester-by-semester outline (or degree map) of the degree he/she is interested in pursuing.

During a student's first semester at CMU, an appointment should be scheduled in the School of Music Office to meet with the Undergraduate Advisor.

Click here to schedule an audition.

Transfer Students

Prospective transfer students should contact their current college advising office to see if they have a transfer guide which details the appropriate course sequence for the current institution. The CMU School of Music has articulation agreements with many Michigan community colleges (see CMU Transfer Students Admissions Page)

Transfer students must attend one of the Transfer Orientation sessions and attend the meeting for students wishing to major or minor in music during summer orientation. At that time, students will be given a list of music courses for the upcoming semester as well as a semester-by-semester outline (or degree map) of the degree he/she is interested in pursuing.

During a transfer student's first semester at CMU, an appointment should be scheduled in the School of Music Office to meet with the Undergraduate Advisor. In this meeting, students review remaining course requirements, confirm the disposition of transfer credits, and discuss degree choices.

Click here to schedule an audition.

Auditions - Sign Up Now!

Music Major auditions consist of
  • An audition with the private instructor of your area (see list below). Accompaniment is not required for instrumentalists, but is provided for singers.
  • A piano skill assessment test
  • A theory skill assessment test
  • An aural skill assessment test
  • and the following information according to each discipline

Flute

All major scales, two octaves; all harmonic or melodic minor scales, two octaves; chromatic scale in full range of the instrument, one or two solo works showing contrast, tonal and technical skill. Sight reading required. Etudes optional.

Oboe

All major and minor scales; chromatic scale in full range of the instrument; any solo work, concerto, or sonata from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic or 20th Century era. Memorization is not necessary on prepared piece. Sight reading required.

Clarinet

Chromatic scale through range of instrument, all major and melodic minor scales (E, F, F#, G scales three octaves, all others two octaves); one or more selections (entire piece need not be performed) that demonstrate to your best advantage your proficiency in all aspects of clarinet performance. Be sure the selection(s) demonstrate both technical and expressive playing, and include examples of articulation, legato playing, and high notes (examples: concertos by Weber, Stamitz or Mozart; both a fast and a slow selection from Rose 32 Etudes). Memorization is not necessary on prepared piece. Sight reading required.

Saxophone

Major and minor scales in any way, any range; chromatic scale in full range of the instrument; one prepared piece of your choice. Sight reading required. Jazz improvisation optional.

Bassoon

Any solo or etude that demonstrates ability. All major and minor scales, two or three octaves; chromatic scale, full range. Sight reading required.

Horn

Two contrasting solo pieces (examples: any of the Ten Grand Concert Studies or etudes from the Complete Method for Horn by Oscar Franz, solos from the Solos for the Horn Player by Mason Jones, any movement from a Mozart or Haydn concerto, etudes from Maxime-Alphonse, Gallay, Kopprasch, or any other major horn etude book). Sight reading may be required.

Trumpet

G, A-flat, A, B-flat, C major scales, two octaves, slurred or tongued; F, D, E-flat major scales, one octave, slurred or tongued; a, g, b minor scales, two octaves, slurred or tongued; d, f, e minor scales, one octave, slurred or tongued. One solo that is representative in terms of technical and lyrical expression (examples: first movement of the Hummel Concerto, Handel's Aria con Variazione, Arutunian's Concerto, Goedicke's Concert Etude, or a cornet solo by Clarke or Arban). Etudes are acceptable in place of solos as long as they exhibit technicality and lyrical aspects. Sight reading is required and will assess ability to read new music in terms of rhythm, pitches, expressions, and musical interpretation.

Trombone

All major and melodic minor scales, through as many octaves as you can play; prepared solo(s) or etudes totaling 5-7 minutes of music in contrasting styles (examples: for tenor trombone: Galliard Sonatas, Marcello >Sonatas, Guilmant Morceau Symphonique, Barat Andante et Allegro, David Concertino, Saint-Saens Cavatine, Rimsky-Korsakov Concerto, Blazevich Sketch #5; for bass trombone: Hindemith Drei Leichte Stucke, Lebedev Concerto in One Movement for Tuba or Bass Trombone, Hartley Sonata Breve for Bass Trombone; For both tenor and bass: Etudes may be taken from Bordogni/Rochut Melodius Etudes Book I for Trombone, Arban's Complete Method for the Trombone, Tyrell 40 Progressive Studies, Blume 36 Studies). Sight reading required.

Tuba/Euphonium

All major and melodic minor scales, one to two octaves; solo literature or comparable concert excerpts (examples: for Tuba: Hindemith Sonate, Galliard Sonata 1 or 6, Lebedev Concerto, Kopprasch 60 Etudes; for Euphonium, Marcello Sonatas, White Lyric Suite, Guilmant Morceau Symphonique, Rochut Melodius Etudes Book I). Memorization not necessary on prepared piece. Sight reading required. Students must provide an instrument for the audition.

Percussion

Performance on orchestral and rudimentary snare drum, two-mallet keyboard (four-mallet is also recommended), and timpani. In addition, a multiple-percussion solo may be performed. Snare, keyboard, and timpani require separate pieces to be performed. Student should have knowledge of major and minor scales. Sight reading required. Large instruments will be provided. Please contact the Percussion Studio at (989) 774-3583 to request any additional equipment.

Jazz Guitar

Major scales, twelve keys, two octaves. Major and minor pentatonic scales, twelve keys, two octaves. Perform from memory and improvise over 12-bar blues changes in C, G, B-flat, F. One or two jazz standards arranged for solo or trio (bass, drums). Sight reading (notes and chord symbols) required.

Violin or Viola

For Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Arts Degree: All major and melodic minor scales (three octaves); sight reading required; one or two contrasting movements/pieces of standard solo work, concerto, or sonata. For Bachelor of Music Degree (performance major) and Masters Degree: All major and melodic minor scales (three octaves); sight reading required; two contrasting movements/pieces of standard solo work, concerto, or sonata. (examples: Violin: Bach Solo Sonatas and Partitas, concertos by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Wieniawski; Viola: sonatas and concertos by Bach, Marcello, Telemann, J.C. Bach, and Handel).

Cello

Undergraduate: 1) Major and minor scales, 4 sharps, 4 flats, 3 octaves. 2) One etude (preferably from the Popper High School of Cello Playing, or by Grutzmacker, Piatti, or Duport). 3) One movement from a Bach Suite. 4) A movement from a concerto or sonata.
Graduate: 1) A first or last movement of a standard concerto. 2) Two movements from a Bach suite. 3) A movement from a sonata. 4) One etude (preferably from the Popper High School of Cello Playing or Piatti).

Double Bass

Two movements in contrasting styles, preferably one movement from a concerto and one movement from a Sonata or Bach suite. All major and minor scales, 2 octaves. Sight reading required.

Piano

BME, BA & BS Degrees - Repertoire (must be performed from memory) must include one Bach Three-Part Invention or one Prelude and Fugue from The Well Tempered Clavier, the first or last movement of a Beethoven, Haydn, Hummel or Mozart sonata, and one piece from either the Romantic, Impressionistic or Contemporary periods.* All major and minor scales (natural and harmonic) arpeggios, four octaves, hands together.

BM Degree - Repertoire (must be performed from memory) must include one Prelude and Fugue from J.S. Bach's Well Tempered Clavier, the first of last movement of a Beethoven, Haydn, Hummel or Mozart sonata, and one piece from either the Romantic, Impressionistic or Contemporary periods.* All major and minor scales (natural, harmonic and melodic), arpeggios, four octaves, hands together.

*Repertoire should be at the level of, but not restricted to: Romantic (Brahms Intermezzi; Chopin-Waltzes, Muzurkas, Preludes, Fantasie-Impromptu, Nocturnes; Mendelssohn - Songs Without Words; Schubert-Impromptus, Moments Musicaux; Schumann-Scenes from Childhood); Impressionistic (Debussy-Preludes, Etudes, Children's Corner; Ravel-Sonatina), Contemporary (Bartok-Mikrokosmos Vols V & VI, Romanian Dances; Copland-Four Piano Blues, Cat and Mouse, Dello Joio-Sonatas; Prokofiev-Visions Fugitives, Schoenberg-Three Pieces, Op. 11).

MM Degree - Repertoire (must be performed from memory) must include one Prelude and Fugue from J.S. Bach's Well Tempered Clavier, an entire sonata from either Beethoven (except Op. 2, No. 1; Op. 14; Op. 49, and Op. 78) or Mozart (except K. 280, 283 and 545), one piece from either the Romantic, Contemporary, or Impressionistic periods.** All major and minor scales and arpeggios, four octaves, hands together, scales in 3rds and in 10ths.

**Repertoire should be at the level of, but not restricted to: Romantic (Brahms-Sonatas, Ballades Op. 10, Intermezzi; Chopin-Etudes, Scherzi, Ballades, Impromptus, Fantasy Op. 49, Sonatas; Liszt-Transcendental and Paganini Etudes; Rachmaninoff-Preludes, Etudes Tableaux, Moments Musicaux; Schubert-Impromptus, Moments Musicaux; Schumann-Carnival, Davidsbundlertanze, Papillons, Sonatas, ect.), Impressionistic (Debussy-Images, L'isle Joyeuse. Etudes, Preludes; Ravel-Jeux d'eau, Sonatina), Contemporary (Bartok-Sonata, Out of Doors Suite; Barber-Excursions, Ballade, Sonata; Copland-Sonata, Variations, Fantasy; Prokofiev-Sonatas).

Students auditioning for a graduate assistantship are required to demonstrate their accompanying and sight reading skills during the audition session. They must prepare the following collaborative works, in addition to their solo repertoire: One Italian Art Song (preferably from the 26 Italian Songs and Arias, Alfred Publishing Co., John Gleton Paton, editor) for High Voice; a German art song, by Mozart, Schubert, or Schumann the first piece from Schumann's Fantasiestucke; a movement of one of the earliest Mozart violin and piano sonatas, or the first movement of Beethoven's Sonata for piano and violincello in A Major Op. 69. Singers and instrumentalists will be provided by the School of Music. Please contact the accompanying studio at the CMU School of Music at (989) 774-1955 with any questions.

Sacred music, Contemporary Christian music, or arrangements are not permissible audition materials.

Sight reading will be selected at the audition.

Please note that if you are intending to major in music education with piano as your primary instrument, you must audition and be accepted on another instrument/voice in addition to the piano in order to pursue this degree.

Organ

You will perform on a three-manual, 61-rank Casavant organ, Opus 3756 (see enclosure for specifications). If you have no prior experience on the organ but wish to study or major in organ, you will be asked to audition on piano, prepare all major and harmonic minor scales (4 octaves) and the following repertoire(*): a. One prelude and fugue from J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier or a three-part invention/sinfonia b. One movement of a Beethoven, Haydn, Hummel, or Mozart sonata c. One piece from either the Romantic, Contemporary, or Impressionistic periods. If you have studied the organ and have had experience with combined manual and pedal scales (major keys only), you will be asked to perform selected ones plus three prepared pieces from the following repertoire(*): a. One by J.S. Bach--a prelude and fugue or chorale prelude b. One piece from the 19th or 20th century--Franck, Brahms, Vierne, Widor, Langlais, etc. c. One hymn of your choice, including all verses and using appropriate registrations.

(*)Memorization is encouraged but not required. Sightreading is not required.

Voice

Two pieces in contrasting styles, performed from memory and sung with piano accompaniment. Due to time constraints, we may not hear both prepared pieces. Classical song literature, folksong arrangements, and Broadway songs are preferred, although other styles are considered if you demonstrate previous classical/traditional musical training and experience. Foreign language songs are acceptable, but not required. Printed copies of the audition pieces must be supplied for the pianist if a School of Music accompanist is utilized. Taped accompaniments are not allowed. There is no fee for accompanists. Possible sources of suggested literature include the MSVMA Solo and Ensemble list and those of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) high school audition requirements.

Theory/Composition

If you intend to pursue the Bachelor of Music degree in Theory/Composition, you must audition and be accepted on a primary instrument or voice. After one year of study as a music major in your instrumental or vocal area, you must submit 2-3 manuscripts of original musical compositions to the Theory/Composition area faculty. Students will be considered for acceptance on the Bachelor of Music in Theory/Composition after all 100-level theory courses in the music core curriculum have been completed with a 3.0 average.

School of Music Endowed Scholarships

Financial Aid

Financial aid opportunities are avaiable at the University's Financial Aid Site.

Student Organizations

Delta Omicron is a professional co-ed music fraternity that is open by invitation to all students at least 5 credits in collegiate level music courses, and have maintained a GPA of at least 2.75. The main purposes of the organization includes serving the School of Music and the community by promoting musical events, raising money for scholarships, and coordinating programs for young music students. Advisor: Dr. Robert Lindahl

Kappa Kappa Psi is the co-ed National Honorary College Band Fraternity. Following in the tradition of the Band Clubs sponsored by Preston Mayhew in the 1930s, the Lambda Tau Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi was installed at Central Michigan University in the Spring of 2006. The fraternity assists the Chippewa Marching Band in several ways. During band camp, the group is responsible for bringing and refilling water coolers so band members will never go thirsty. They sell band camp starter kits, mentor new members, and assist the managers and equipment staff with the issue and collection of instruments and uniforms. The can also be found delivering apples after halftime and tending to the water coolers on Game Days. Kappa Kappa Psi, however, not only assists the Marching Band. The Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi are dedicated to the existence and welfare of each of the bands here at CMU. We invite anyone who wishes to better the band program to visit us at Open Rush for the music service groups, which occurs early in the fall and spring semesters. Advisor: Dr. James Batcheller

Phi Mu Alpha is a professional music fraternity for men. Founded in 1898, Phi Mu Alpha is the oldest and largest music fraternity in existence. There are over 200 chapters across the United States. CMU's Nu Pi chapter currently has over 45 members. The chapter consists of music majors and non-music majors. The purposes of this fraternity is to encourage and actively promote the highest standards of creativity, performance, education, and research in music in America, and to instill in all people an awareness of music's important role in the enrichment of the human spirit. Advisor: Dr. David Gillingham

Sigma Alpha Iota is open to all women who have taken at least three music credits and who are in at least one performing ensemble. One must have a GPA of 3.5 overall, and one faculty recommendation. There is no audition. Students will perform at the "rose musicale" but the performance is not assessed. There are dues. The purpose is to promote the role of music and the role of women in music worldwide. Advisor: Dr. Adrienne Wiley

Professional Organizations

American Choral Directors Association

American String Teachers Association (ASTA) promotes excellence in string and orchestra contemporary America because playing and teaching of string and orchestra music adds to one's quality of life in a unique way. The CMU college chapter is open to any string playing student

International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) invites all jazz enthusiasts as members. The focus of the organization is to promote jazz music and to advance jazz education. There are dues.

Music Educators National Conference (MENC) is a student group at CMU that is open to anyone that is interested in music education. The emphasis of this group is on helping to train, educate, and support music educators so that they can obtain the highest level of professionalism possible within their vocation. Annual dues entitle the member to national membership and periodic magazines and other materials. Chapter advisors: Dr. Sue Gamble and Dr. Daniel Steele.

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) has existed since 1876 to support music teaching and the art of music. Founded by Theodore Presser and sixty-two colleagues, MTNA is America's oldest professional music association. Today, MTNA is a nonprofit organization of 24,000 independent and collegiate music teachers committed to furthering the art of music through programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition and scholarly research. Many university music departments throughout the U.S. have MTNA student chapters, which allow tomorrow's music teachers to get involved today. MTNA student members augment their classroom learning through the educational, musical, social and professional experiences offered at chapter meetings and activities. Chapter advisor: Dr. Adrienne Wiley

School of Music Residential College

Residential CollegeMusic Majors can now live in the School of Music Residential College, located in Herrig Hall, in an atmosphere conducive to group learning and support. It offers an environment in which students are surrounded by peers with whom they have common interests and goals.

School of Music Residential College offers:
  • On site computer stations with the latest in technology.
  • On site practice facilities.
  • On site academic advising.
  • Master classes given by internationally acclaimed musicians.
  • Formal and informal opportunities to interact with faculty, and great artists and visiting scholars.
Enrolled students must:
  • Audition and be accepted as a music major or minor.
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7.
  • Become involved in academically related club or group.
  • Attend regular seminars.
  • Sign major or minor by end of fall semester.
  • Sign a behavioral agreement with the Office of Residence Life.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Guest Artists - Chamber Music from Cleveland

- Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Lawrence Angell and friends will be performing Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in Staples Family Concert Hall. Tickets are available through the Central Box Office, or by calling 774-3000....more

Senior Outreach

- Sunday, September 28, 2008

The fourth annual Morey Senior Family Outreach program will be presented Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in Staples Family Concert Hall. This concert is free of charge for seniors and their families....more

Opera Gala

- Saturday, October 4, 2008

Opera Gala will be performed Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in Staples Family Concert Hall. Tickets are available through the Central Box Office, or by calling 774-3000....more

See all upcoming events.