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handbook.html.doc
Handbook
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The piano faculty welcomes you to your studies at Lawrence. We ask you to read this handbook in preparation for your studies.
I. B.Mus. Degree | A. Performance major | B. Education major | C. Theory/Composition major
II. B.A. in Music | Important Information (B.Mus. & B.A. students)
III. Elective Study | Important Information
(all students)
I. THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC DEGREE
Lawrence offers a variety of degrees with piano as the major applied study: the Bachelor of Music in Performance; the Bachelor of Music in Performance with an Emphasis in Piano Pedagogy; the Bachelor of Music in Performance with an Emphasis in Accompanying; the Bachelor of Music in Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz Studies; the Bachelor of Music in Education; and the Bachelor of Music in Theory/Composition.
Each of these has its own curriculum, its own expectations, and its own requirements.
Entering the piano major: An audition, normally prior to entering Lawrence, is required for all of the degrees listed above. In audition you are expected to perform a polyphonic piece from the Baroque period, a Classical period sonata, a Romantic period piece, and a piece from the 20th century. Acceptance for admission through audition indicates that in our judgement you have the potential to meet our minimum expectations; it does not guarantee that you will be able to fulfill requirements for the degree you have chosen to pursue.
Successful applicants will normally receive six course units for applied study during each term of the Freshman year. Five-year double-degree students will receive either three or six course units depending on their other studies. (Requirements during subsequent years vary according to the degree program selected.)
The piano faculty will make studio assignments at the beginning of the academic year. If a student requests a particular studio, a written request to that effect should be sent to the chairperson of the department; such requests are honored if at all possible.
All Bachelor of Music candidates with piano as primary applied area are required to complete the two-term course, Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors (MURP 301, 302) during the freshman year. This course emphasizes the development of functional keyboard skills including sightreading, score-reading, transposition, keyboard harmony, playing by ear, improvisation, and conducting from the keyboard. Taken at one unit per term, the grade affects the student's GPA, but the credits do not apply toward satisfying the minimum number of credits for graduation. All Bachelor of Music piano majors must pass a departmental exam covering all chord progressions taught in this course. Students interested in attempting to test out of the Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors course should see Ms. Van De Loo early in the Freshman year.
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A.
THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
(INCLUDING THE
EMPHASES IN PIANO PEDAGOGY,
ACCOMPANYING, & JAZZ STUDIES)
Candidates for all Bachelor of Music degrees with piano as primary applied area will play a technique exam and a performance review during the freshman year and a qualifying exam for the specific major during the sophomore year. Examinations are normally heard at the conclusion of each term.
FRESHMAN YEAR
Technique exam (may be played at the end of any term; must be completed before attempting
the qualifying exam for the major)
all major and harmonic minor scales, hands together, four octaves.
(xxxx = 120)
all major and minor arpeggios, same format. (eee= M.M. 120)
all dominant and diminished seventh arpeggios, same format. (xxxx=
M.M. 120)
Performance review (normally played at the end of Term II; must be successfully completed
by the end of the first year)
15 minutes of music representing at least two different styles or periods. Exam repertoire must be memorized. Students who fail this review may repeat it one time.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Performance qualifying exam (normally played at the end of Term III; must be successfully
completed by the end of Term I of the junior year)
20 minutes of music representing at least three different styles or periods, at a level of difficulty suitable to the performance major. Exam repertoire must be memorized. Students who fail this exam may repeat it one time.
*Either the Performance Review or the Performance Qualifying Exam must include a Bach Prelude and Fugue or another Bach work that includes a Fugue.
Students passing requirements for the Performance major will normally continue applied piano instruction at the rate of six course units per term during their remaining terms at Lawrence. Five-year double-degree students will continue at either three or six course units depending on their other studies.
THE TECHNIQUE EXAM, THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW, AND THE QUALIFYING EXAM MUST BE PASSED TO CONTINUE IN A PERFORMANCE MAJOR AT LAWRENCE WITHIN THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC PROGRAM. All reviews and exams will be graded on a pass-fail basis.
Students in the piano performance major are required to present in examination one totally self-prepared piece, memorized, before the end of their senior year. This performance will be graded on a pass-fail basis.
The piano performance major requires presentation of a half-recital (minimum of 25 minutes of music; maximum of 30 minutes) during the Junior year, and a full recital (minimum of 50 minutes of music; maximum of 60 minutes) during the Senior year. Students must pass a pre-recital hearing no less than 2 weeks before the scheduled recital. Students pursuing the emphasis in jazz studies will present approximately half classical and half jazz works on the full recital.
The emphasis in accompanying requires, in addition to the solo degree recitals, accompanying one full or two half vocal recitals and one full or two half instrumental recitals. The piano student must play all accompanying repertoire from these recitals for his/her studio teacher. The pianist’s studio teacher (or designate) must attend the pre-recital hearing for each of these recitals. It is the piano student’s responsibility to discuss scheduling of the pre-recital hearing with his/her studio teacher. Students pursuing the emphasis in accompanying must limit the accompanying recitals presented as degree requirements to the equivalent of one full recital per term. These typically should not be scheduled during the same term as a solo piano degree recital.
PRIOR TO SCHEDULING A HALF RECITAL, TWO SOLO APPEARANCES ON A PIANO DEPARTMENTAL RECITAL OR ANOTHER DEPARTMENTALLY-APPROVED PUBLIC PERFORMANCE VENUE ARE REQUIRED. These appearances provide the opportunity to develop important stage skills and confidence before the responsibility of a solo recital.
Non-required recitals require recommendation from the piano faculty to the recital committee. No non-required recitals may be scheduled during Term III.
All piano performance majors are required to earn 12 course units in ensemble participation, participating in an ensemble during each term they are in residence on the Appleton campus. This requirement includes 3 course units in large ensemble, 3 course units in chamber music other than jazz combos, and 6 course units in supervised accompanying. The piano department may assign any piano performance major to participate in a specific ensemble for one of the three terms of each academic year.
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B. THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN EDUCATION
Like all candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree (with piano as primary applied area), potential education majors will play a technique exam and a performance review during the freshman year and a qualifying exam for the specific major during the sophomore year. Examinations are normally heard at the conclusion of each term.
FRESHMAN YEAR
Technique exam (may be played at the end of any term; must be completed before attempting
the qualifying exam for the major)
all major and harmonic minor scales, hands together, four octaves.
(xxxx= 100)
all major and minor arpeggios, same format. (eee = M.M. 100)
Performance review (normally played at the end of Term II; must be successfully completed
by the end of the first year)
15 minutes of music representing at least two different styles of periods. Exam repertoire must be memorized. Students who fail this review may repeat it one time.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Music education qualifying exam (normally played at the end of Term III; must be
successfully completed by the end of Term I of the junior year)
15 minutes of music representing at least three different styles or periods, at a level of difficulty suitable to the music education major. Exam repertoire must be memorized. Students who fail this exam may repeat it one time.
*Either the Performance Review or the Performance Qualifying Exam must include a Bach Prelude and Fugue or another Bach work that includes a Fugue.
Students passing requirements for the Music Education major will normally continue applied piano instruction at the rate of three course units per term.
THE TECHNIQUE EXAM, THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW, AND THE QUALIFYING EXAM MUST BE PASSED TO CONTINUE IN A MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR AT LAWRENCE WITHIN THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC PROGRAM.
The Music Education major requires presentation of a half-recital (approximately 25 minutes of music) during either Junior or Senior year. (In the latter case, recitals should NOT be scheduled during the term of practice teaching.)
PRIOR TO SCHEDULING A HALF RECITAL, TWO SOLO APPEARANCES ON A PIANO DEPARTMENTAL RECITAL OR ANOTHER DEPARTMENTALLY-APPROVED PUBLIC PERFORMANCE VENUE ARE REQUIRED. These appearances provide the opportunity to develop important stage skills and confidence before the responsibility of a solo recital.
Non-required recitals require recommendation from the piano faculty to the recital committee. No non-required recitals may be scheduled during Term III.
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C. THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN THEORY/COMPOSITION
Candidates for the Bachelor of Music in Theory/Composition (with piano as primary applied area) will play a technique exam and a performance review during the freshman year and a qualifying exam for the specific major during the sophomore year. Examinations are normally heard at the conclusion of each term.
FRESHMAN YEAR
Technique exam (may be played at the end of any term; must be completed before attempting
the qualifying exam for the major)
all major and harmonic minor scales, hands together, four octaves. (xxxx= 112)
all major and minor arpeggios, same format. (eee= M.M. 112)
all dominant and diminished seventh arpeggios, same format. (xxxx= M.M. 112)
Performance review (normally played at the end of Term II; must be successfully completed
by the end of the first year)
15 minutes of music representing at least two different styles or periods. Exam repertoire must be memorized. Students who fail this review may repeat it one time.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Theory/Composition qualifying exam (normally played at the end of Term III)
15 minutes of music including a polyphonic Baroque composition, a Romantic or Impressionistic work, and a contemporary work. Exam repertoire must be memorized. Students who fail this exam may repeat it one time.
Students passing requirements for the Theory/Composition major will normally continue applied piano instruction at the rate of one-half credit per term.
THE TECHNIQUE EXAM, THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW, AND THE QUALIFYING EXAM MUST BE PASSED TO CONTINUE IN A THEORY/COMPOSITION MAJOR AT LAWRENCE WITHIN THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC PROGRAM.
Students in the Theory/Composition major are required to demonstrate in examination proficiency in sight-reading moderately difficult keyboard music (for the piano faculty) and in sight-reading three lines from vocal or instrumental score involving alto or tenor clef (for the theory faculty).
Non-required recitals require recommendation from the piano faculty to the recital committee. No non-required recitals may be scheduled during Term III.
[Top of page] II. THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC
Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in music are required to complete 18-36 course units in Individual Performance Studies during six consecutive terms of applied study. Students must successfully complete a qualifying exam prior to the end of the sophomore year in order to continue in the program of study.
The piano qualifying exam includes:
Technique: all major and harmonic minor scales, hands together, four octaves
(xxxx = M.M. 80)
Repertoire: 15 minutes of music representing at least three different styles or periods must be represented at a level of difficulty suitable to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Exam repertoire must be memorized.
All Bachelor of Arts in Music students must complete either Basic Keyboard Skills or Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors (MURP 301, 302) during the Freshman year. Placement in the appropriate sequence will be determined by audition.
Bachelor of Arts in Music students must participate in either Individual Performance Studies or Ensemble Performance Studies in each term of residence on the Appleton campus. Qualified students may enroll in either chamber music or supervised accompanying, earning one course unit per term, and thus satisfy their ensemble requirement.
A lecture, lecture-recital, recital, or senior project must be presented at some time during the last three terms of study at Lawrence. Students considering a project related to their piano studies are encouraged to consult with a member of the piano faculty early in their junior year concerning this presentation.
[Top of page] IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN B.MUS. & B.A./MUSIC
Attending Performances
The importance of listening to music performed by others cannot be emphasized too strongly. Much about literature, style, musicianship, technique, and stage deportment can be learned through hearing others perform. Each piano student is required to attend all piano recitals given by students, professors, and visiting artists. Knowledge of vocal, instrumental, choral, and orchestral literature is essential for any well-educated musician as well, so a broad spectrum of concert attendance will be expected.
Practice
It is impossible to set strict requirements for practicing. It seems safe to say, however, that a minimum of three hours daily practice for each one-hour lesson is necessary for suitable progress. Four to five hours may sometimes be needed. In any case, use your time wisely. When you have graduated from Lawrence you will very likely discover that three hours practice is a luxury hard to find! Take advantage of this opportunity while you have it!
Your methods of practicing are at least as important as the amount of time devoted to it. Think; plan; concentrate.
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III. ELECTIVE STUDY
Students with previous piano study will be placed, based on audition, in MUIN 201 (B.A. NON-MAJOR) or MUIN 261 (B.M. 2ND INSTRUMENT), private study at the secondary level.
MUIN 201, 261 - Elective/Secondary Instruction (3 course units per term):
An audition for the department chairperson is required. Students enrolled in MUIN 201 or 261 should be capable of working on music of the level of easier Sonatinas.
Students will be expected to practice a minimum of 1-1/2 hours a day. They will be required to attend a minimum of four concerts a term. They may be asked to write a brief commentary on one concert.
Studio assignment will be based upon your audition and teacher availability. Please let the department chairperson know if you wish to study with a particular teacher.
Each student enrolled in MUIN 201 or 261 will be required to perform at least once in an informal studio class each term.
Students are expected to attend all lessons as scheduled unless they are ill and have a physician's note to that effect. Absences without prior notification will be considered unexcused.
We urge piano students in MUIN 201 to take MUTH 100 (Theory for non-majors) as an adjunct to their piano study. This 3-unit course is usually offered during Term III.
Students enrolling in MUIN 201 and 261 are strongly advised to study for a minimum of two terms. A single ten week term of study is likely to be of little long term benefit.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PIANO STUDY
Accompanying
The Piano Department considers accompanying an integral part of your experience at Lawrence University. Not only will it enhance your musicianship and technique, it will provide valuable experience essential towards future performance, networking, and income opportunities. Professor Novgorodsky, the Instrumental Accompanying Coordinator, will oversee repertoire assignments for student collaborative pianists accompanying instrumental students; Professor Koestner, the Vocal Accompanying Coordinator, will oversee repertoire assignments for student collaborative pianists accompanying vocal students. All student soloists, collaborative pianists, and their teachers MUST completely fill out and sign a Student Collaborative Pianist Contract, available at the Conservatory Office. The contract will state the specific repertoire to be prepared, performance date, number of rehearsals, lessons, and studio classes, and the fee (if applicable). Cancellations for accompanying commitments will not be tolerated except in cases of family bereavement or physical injury (requiring a doctor’s note). In these cases, the pianist is responsible for finding a replacement. When needed, piano students should seek help with their accompanying parts from their studio teachers, and this work will be considered part of their grade.
Lawrence student pianists are reimbursed for their accompanying services in one of two ways: hourly pay or ensemble credit (in Supervised Accompanying or Chamber Music). All piano performance majors (beginning with those who matriculated in 2000) are required to earn six units in Supervised Accompanying as part of their ensemble requirement. In addition, the Piano Department will assign piano students each term for piano parts in all large ensembles.
Studio Changes
Although studio changes are generally discouraged, a student may consider such a change if there is an irreparable personality conflict or a serious lack of communication which inhibits progress. In any case, please discuss the problem first with the teacher involved. Other resource people include your advisor, the chairperson of the Piano Department, and the Dean. If the situation does not improve, the student may ask the Dean of the Conservatory to request the piano department for a new studio assignment.
Missed Lessons
Students are expected to attend all lessons as scheduled unless they are ill and have a physician's note to that effect. Absences without prior notification will be considered unexcused. Unexcused absences will not be rescheduled.
If you know you are going to miss a lesson, let the teacher know as soon as possible. This is a courtesy much appreciated. Avoid missing lessons for any but the most cogent reasons! It is debilitating for both student and teacher if regular contact is needlessly interrupted.
The idea of a make-up (rescheduled) lesson is not merely to go through the formality of replacing a lesson. It should be undertaken only when you have recovered, practiced, and are fully ready to play and to gain from the experience.
Non-required Performances
Students are encouraged to participate in performances through accompanying other students on recital, through participation in chamber-music groups, and so on. We encourage you to take advantage of this option. But let your teacher know what you are doing. Do not let yourself become so involved in such activities that you have inadequate time and energy for your own individual progress, both musical and academic.
You must have the approval of your studio teacher for any public performance, either on campus or off campus. The purpose of this is not to inhibit your performance opportunities, but to safeguard you against over-involvement. In addition, as a student, your performances represent not just yourself but your teacher and the school as well. We have a professional interest in the quality of your performances.
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