Music B.A. - Jazz Studies and Commercial Music

OSRHE Program Code: 060
CIP Code: 500901

Major Code: 4643

 

Specialty Accreditation

The Bachelor of Arts in Music (Music, B.A.) and Bachelor of Music Education (Music Education, B.M.E.) degrees are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/) located at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190, 703-437-0700.

Student Learning Outcomes - Music Core

1. Perform successfully on at least one instrument with technical proficiency and with awareness of all musical elements.
2. Understand and interpret musical scores satisfactorily.
3. Read, write, and transcribe music as necessary, including exhibiting appropriate ear training skills.
4. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of the history and literature of the art, including a diversity of cultural soures, historical periods, and media.
5. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and skill level of appropriate technology as it applies to music.

Student Learning Outcomes - Jazz Studies and Commercial Music

1. Perform a twenty-five (Junior) or fifty-minute (Senior) recital.
2. Improvise in a variety of musical genres, with respect to harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, and stylistic concerns.
3. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of jazz and popular music composition and arranging abilities.
4. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of audio production skills.
5. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of music business skills to procure income as a working musician.
6. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of music theory as it relates to classical music, jazz music, and popular music.

Admission Requirements

Before pursuing a major in music, all students must successfully complete a performance audition for entrance into the applied area of concentration (instrumental, piano, vocal). This requirement must be fulfilled before degree plans can be approved and advisors assigned. Transfer students are given placement tests to determine what academic music courses are best suited for their background and experience. Students who have taken music theory or piano courses at other institutions should consult the Transfer Guides at http://academics.nsuok.edu/music/TransferStudents.aspx to prepare for the exams. These are necessary to ensure that students have the appropriate background and can succeed in the courses they take. Students are to declare a major in music by the beginning of their sophomore year.  Transfer students are to declare a major in music by the end of their first semester as an NSU student.    

Additional Program Requirements

• Ensemble: Music majors are required to participate in at least one music ensemble per semester as specified in the individual degree plans.  Jazz Studies and Commercial Music students are to consult with the Director of Jazz Studies and enroll in MUS 3641 Jazz Ensemble or MUS 3651 Jazz Band. 
• Junior Standing Jury: All music majors must pass the Junior Standing Jury (except BA Musical Arts and Music Business students) as prescribed by the music area (keyboard, instrumental, vocal) before enrollment in any 4000 level applied music courses.  Junior standing is also a prerequisite to junior and senior recital.
• Upper Level Credit: At least one-fourth of the total semester hours in the major applied music area must be upper level credit from NSU (except BA  Musical Arts and Music Business option students).

Minimum Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C or better in courses used for major or minor credit. Grades lower than a C from NSU or transfer institutions will not apply for major or minor credit.