Music (B.A.) - Application Process
Initial Procedures
Prospective students should initially contact the Office of Admissions (570) 389-4316, Student Services Center, regarding admission procedures, indicating music background as requested on the admission application.
Upon notification of acceptance by the University, students contemplating the music major program should contact the Department of Music chairperson for an interview/audition. For fall semester, interviews and evaluation should occur before May 1, if possible, but no later than the student's summer orientation. For spring semester, interview by January 5. It is the prospective major's responsibility to initiate arrangements for an interview, and audition if necessary, so that sufficient time exists in which to prepare the initial semester schedule. All Music track majors must meet with the approval of the chairperson and track instructor. Music Education Certification, K-12 track, Liberal Arts track and Audio-Video Recording track majors must have sufficient musical training to provide reasonable assurance of completion of the major (to be determined by the chairperson).
Contact the Department of Music at (570) 389-4284 early to set a date for an interview with the chairperson and performance audition with track advisor. A theory placement exam will be given at the interview.
When a prospective student determines interest in the B.A. in Music degree program, he or she should request and carefully review degree requirements relating to the specific music degree program and tracks.
When coming to the Department of Music of Bloomsburg University for an interview/audition, the student should be prepared as follows:
For all tracks:
An audition with the track advisor will be necessary to enter the advisor's studio. Contact the department secretary to arrange a time for the audition. The advisor will determine the criteria for the audition.
Prospective students will summarize on the "Musical Experience Background" form provided by the Music Department chairperson at the interview, their background and understanding of music appreciation, theory, music history, keyboard, and applied ensemble experiences from high school or thereafter.
Music Education Certification, K-12 track majors must have a 2.8 GPA to transfer into the program.
Advisement Policy
Upon admission to Bloomsburg University the student will schedule an interview/audition with the chairperson. At the interview, the chairperson will evaluate the student for placement and draw up a course schedule for the first semester. If available, the student may meet with the track advisor at that time. The chairperson will assign an advisor to the student according to their chosen track. At the initial meeting with the advisor the student is given the Music Major Booklet, Sequence of Courses, policies packet, and an "Advisee Worksheet Checklist". It is the student's responsibility to fill in the requirements on the checklist as they are completed. Music Education Certification, K-12 track advisees will be given the "Application, Retention, Monitoring, Exiting Procedures" packet. Students of this track must be careful to read and complete all the requirements on time. Music Education students must keep a 2.8 GPA in order to remain in the track.
Thereafter, the student will meet with their advisor at least once a semester, preferably during advisement period (before scheduling courses), to make sure the student is correctly scheduled for the chosen program requirements for the coming semester. At the same time (during advisement period, which falls near mid-semester), the student and advisor will discuss the student's progress thus far in the semester and examine the student's portfolio. All students are required to keep a portfolio as of January 2001.
Aid and Stipends
Music scholarship and ensemble service stipends are awarded each year on the basis of contribution or potential, individually, or within one or more of the performing ensembles. Awards are not restricted to majors and minors.