Applied Music

We offer technique classes for instruments and voice instruction for all levels — beginning through advanced. These classes provide you with a great way to prepare for further music study by learning new instruments and gaining valuable experience as a future music educator. 

Instrumental Techniques Courses

Learn to use and care for your voice in the healthiest way possible.  You will develop a regular practice routine that includes exercises for breath management, body alignment and tone quality that will strengthen your instrument and will make singing easier and more enjoyable. No prior experience required for beginning levels.

Voice Techniques Courses

The Class Piano track is a course series designed to develop fundamental piano skills for non-music majors.

Class Piano Courses

Our individual Instruction courses make up a four semester-long program meant for serious music students. During these classes, you will get instruction on your specific instrument or voice and participate in a weekly performance skills class. The Individual Instruction program requires an audition and is intended for those who have reached a college level of proficiency in music and have time to devote to the program.

Program Components

Individual Instruction program has the following mandatory components:

1. Participation in Music 9, Individual Instruction, a weekly performance skills course. There are several class sections to choose from which are listed under Music 9 in the Schedule of Classes.
2. You will need to register in two corequisite classes, including:
   • A large performance ensemble, suitable for your instrument and style (classical or jazz).
   • Music 10, Concert Music, where you attend a weekly professional concert performance.
3. You must attend nine hours of individual lessons per semester with a highly qualified professional musician.
4. Complete five hours and thirty minutes of practice per week on campus in the music facilities.
5. Participate in an end-of-semester jury before the performance faculty.

Sequences

Once admitted to the Individual Instruction program, you will be able to choose from two sequences: Classical and Jazz.

Classical Students Sequence

• First Semester - Music 9A (by audition)
• Second Semester - Music 9B
• Third Semester - Music 9C
• Fourth Semester - Music 9C (second time) classical

Jazz Students Sequence

• First Semester - Music 9A (by audition)
• Second Semester - Music 9D
• Third Semester - Music 9E
• Fourth Semester - Music 9E (second time) Jazz

The AMII Audition (MUSC 009A)

This is a mandatory audition for new students. It is separate from the Large Ensemble auditions (see below).

Audition Date and Location

Each semester, the audition location/date is posted on the Schedule of Classes, under MUSC 009A - Individual Instruction I.

1. Click on any of the Music 009A CRNs
2. Scroll down within the popup window to find the audition date and time

What to Expect at the Audition

During the audition, you will perform in front of a panel of 2-3 music instructors for about 10 minutes. We will ask you to play a few scales, and to sight-read. Please also prepare two pieces (movements from larger works, etudes, songs, standards, etc.) that show some contrasts, such as tempo, style, era. Most of you will perform alone, without a pianist, except for vocalists who will have a pianist provided who can read written piano parts (but not necessarily chord charts). Instrumentalists, please bring your own instrument to the audition.

Musical theater students: After a successful audition, you will likely be placed into the classical track, but will learn classical and musical theater repertoire. Some musical theater students choose to work in the Jazz track, working on Jazz and Musical Theater repertoire. Be sure to discuss your choice with the audition panel before you make the choice.

After the Audition

The results of the audition are usually posted online within 24 hours.

After a successful audition your prerequisite will be cleared within a business day, and you should be able to register for your chosen class section online. After the class has begun, get an add code from the instructor of your chosen Music 009A class section.

Large Ensemble Auditions

All students in the AMII program must also participate in a large ensemble. All large ensembles have their own auditions, generally during the first class meeting of the semester. These meeting times may be before the Music 009A auditions described above. Please be sure to attend the large ensemble class in which you are interested during Week 1 of the semester.