The Department of Music offers programs leading to Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees. Students who major in music take courses that provide a broad cultural background for careers in music teaching, performance, graduate study and music-related work. Membership in organized music groups, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, Idaho State Chorale, Jazz Band, Chamber Choir, Opera Workshop and a variety of small woodwind, brass, percussion, string, vocal and keyboard ensembles, is open to all university students.
Accreditation
The ISU Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Its music education program is also accredited by regional and state accrediting agencies.
Admission
All prospective music majors/minors and transfer students must contact the department office prior to their first semester's registration to be assigned a departmental advisor and take diagnostic placement tests and performance auditions. Acceptance as a music major/minor is dependent upon these examinations. Examinations should be taken before or during the week preceding classwork.
Performance Auditions
These auditions will include technique demonstration and repertoire performance. Theory Placement Exam
This exam will determine the specific semester of music theory to which a student will be assigned.
Piano Placement Exams
These tests serve to determine the specific semester and section of class piano or private instruction to which a student will be admitted. All music majors must successfully complete the department's required piano proficiency to graduate. Credits in MUSC 118-119, 218-219, or 120 may be used toward passing the piano proficiency. The student must register for piano or piano class each semester until passing the proficiency exam.
Music Department Handbook
A handbook is available from the department chairperson which describes more completely the facilities, policies, course sequencing and departmental operations. Prospective students and music majors/minors are urged to become familiar with its contents.