3.2: Applied Study

Applied study refers to the individual lessons that you will take on your primary instrument or voice throughout your degree as a primary focus of your musical study. You will want, and likely be required, to continue private study throughout your degree program. Some schools will only require six semesters, but more commonly, every semester you are on campus. In addition, at some schools, you may be required to take private lessons on a secondary instrument or performance area.

You will typically take a 30-minute or 60-minute lesson each week in your primary area. Lessons are considered a class at this level, and you will receive a grade and academic credit toward your degree. The specific requirements depend on the major you select, and the degree plan for your school. This is something you should ask about when you make your initial visits and make sure you understand before beginning your degree. Since these lessons are classes, you will pay tuition for the credits and possibly an additional fee. At some schools, lesson fees are included for no extra cost if you receive a music scholarship; at others, lessons require an extra fee in addition to tuition. These are all issues that you should ask about during campus visits or the audition process so you know exactly what is required. It is important to remember that all schools handle these issues differently and these variances may factor into your choice of school to attend.

While it is mandatory to have one area of focus for applied study, it is also a good idea to develop proficiency with as many different areas as possible. Basic piano study is usually mandatory for all students, and guitar is often recommended as a versatile instrument, but some time spent on recorder, drum set, bass guitar, or any other instrument, would be beneficial as well. If you are an instrumentalist, it can also be very beneficial to take voice lessons and develop these skills as well.

Studio Classes

At many schools, all of the students of a private teacher or performance area get together on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to perform for and critique each other in an informal setting. This is generally referred to as studio class or seminar. At smaller schools, the seminar may involve the students of several different teachers, which allows you to receive feedback from multiple instructors. A few times a semester, the full music student body may come together for a performance seminar in more formal concert settings. This is again time for students to practice performing for others and receive feedback. There is often a required
number of performances at these events that are part of your private lesson grade. Attendance at these seminars is also usually mandatory.

Juries

A jury is basically an end-of-semester final exam in your primary performance area (voice or instrument). This will be a performance assessment in which you will show your growth from the semester through a performance. The “audience” for your jury will consist of your private teacher and other music faculty members which will be determined by school policy and practice. Juries usually take place during finals week at the end of each semester. There is often a “barrier” or “continuation” jury at the end of the sophomore year at which time the faculty will examine your academic, musical, and personal progress and decide if you are attaining a level of musical and academic progress appropriate to continue in the major.

Recitals

Music majors are usually required to give individual, solo recitals as part of the degree program. Performance majors will often be required to perform a junior and a senior recital. Music Education majors are usually required to perform a minimum of a half recital in the junior or senior year. Other music degrees may also have recital requirements. Each institution will determine their own degree programs and requirements. The purpose of the recital is to serve as the final demonstration of your performance skills as an undergraduate college student and a chance for you, as a student, to show the faculty, your family, and your friends what you have accomplished. A half recital usually consists of about 25 minutes of music so that two performers can share a performance and complete a full recital in about an hour. This means you may be able to share a performance with a peer. A full recital is generally about 45-50 minutes of music. Recitals are generally focused on solo literature (with accompaniment), but also often include chamber music, secondary performance areas, jazz combo, or about any other musical style you and your teacher agree upon.

A special jury or “hearing” may be required in the weeks before the recital performance in order to receive an approval for the performance. At that point, all pieces requiring memorization must be memorized (especially vocalists and pianists). Program notes must also be written. These consist of a paragraph or two about the background of the piece or information about the composer. At some schools you will also be responsible for designing your program and for publicity beyond having it on the school of music calendar.

There are generally extra fees associated with the junior or senior recital. Fees for the accompanist are sometimes based on the difficulty of the music and the amount of rehearsal time that will be needed. You may also want to ask your accompanist to make a recording for your own personal practice and preparation. Your accompanist might be a professional on staff, someone from the community, or one of the student pianists.