Syllabus
MUSX32F
MUS 132F-832F (Applied Guitar Syllabi)
EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
School of Music
Syllabus for MUS X32F: Applied Guitar Lessons
Fall 2022
Instructor: Dr. Dennis Davis
Office: Foster 112
Office telephone: (859) 622-5007
Office Hours: By Appointment
Email: dennis.davis@eku.edu
This syllabus includes separate sections for each classification of guitar lessons at EKU:
132F: Freshman (CRN: 10100; Description: I, II. Corequisite: MUS 257; course open to music majors or minors only. One or two lessons per week. Instruction available in guitar. May be retaken to a maximum of four hours.)
232F: Sophomore (CRN: 10106; Description: I, II. Prerequisite: MUS 132f. Corequisite: MUS 257; course open to music majors or minors only. One or two lessons per week. Instruction available in guitar. May be retaken to a maximum of four hours.)
332F: Junior (CRN: 10387; Description: I, II. Prerequisite: MUS 232f and completion of the sophomore comprehensive in music. Corequisite: MUS 457; course open to music majors only. One or two lessons per week. Instruction in guitar. May be retaken to a maximum of eight hours.)
432F: Senior (CRN: 10427; Description: I, II. Prerequisite: MUS 332f. Corequisite: MUS 457; course open to music majors only. One or two lessons per week. Instruction available in guitar. May be retaken to a maximum of eight hours.)
832F: Graduate (CRN: 15100; Description: I, II. Four years or equivalent as demonstrated by the student¿s proficiency on string instruments. Graduate applied instruction in violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, viola da gamba or guitar. May be retaken.)
MUS 399/499 (Recital Requirements), Sophomore Comps, Required Dates, Meeting Times, and Professionalism requirements.
Course CRN: 10468
Catalog Description:
Class Guitar I (Non-Music Majors). Two classes per week. May be retaken to a maximum of 4 hours. Music minors may also enroll into private lessons (MUS132F) for one credit hour. Non-music majors/minors may enroll into private lessons (MUS 132F) after 4 semesters of MUS 107. Students who declare a music minor in guitar are required to complete one semester of MUS 107.
Course Description:
Provides basic instruction in the essential elements of guitar playing in a format accessible to all students. The ability to play guitar and a prerequisite knowledge of music is NOT required (or expected) for this course. Consider declaring a music minor if you are an experienced guitarist who is already familiar with music notation and want to take private lessons (MUS132F).
Course Rationale:
Aspiring professional guitarists need preparation and training in guitar technique, pedagogy, literature, performance practice, theory, and history.
Prerequisites:
Private lessons are restricted to EKU guitar majors and minors. Students must audition and be accepted by Dr. Davis to become a guitar major or minor at EKU. All other students are encouraged to take or repeat MUS 107 (Guitar Class). Guitar majors are required to successfully complete MUS 107 during their first semester at EKU. Students interested in learning more about becoming a guitar major or minor need to contact Dennis Davis.
Learning Objectives:
Students will learn musicianship.
Students will learn proper guitar technique.
Students will learn how to present historically informed and creatively expressive performances of literature for the guitar from every major style period..
Students will learn guitar history and pedagogy.
Students will learn and utilize music technology, including audio and video assessment.
Students will learn the importance of professional organizations for guitar and will be required to join the EKU Guitar Society and participate in Fund-Raising activities. (Dues are $20 per semester and are due during the first week of classes when announced).
Student Assessment:
Students will present assignments in lesson and masterclass as required, including recordings, performances, and written assignments. It is important to note that required weekly practice recordings constitute 50% of the weekly grade.
Students will take an aural and written midterm and final. Guitar specific research papers are due as assigned.
Students will perform as required during the semester and both the student and the instructor will assess those performances.
Students will participate in several public recital performances each semester. Students are required to perform in convocation each semester (the frequency depends upon the student/major). Other performances will also be required (on and off campus). A recording session will occur the week before or after each recital.
Concert video and Audio recordings will assist the assessment process. All recordings are the exclusive property of the EKU Department of Music.
Please refer to the EKU Guitar Department Handbook (see Blackboard) for clarification and related requirements. Demerits lower the final grade by 1% per incident. See the EKU Guitar Handbook for clarification, especially the section entitled "Professionalism."
Required Materials:
Students will purchase requested items and be given a reasonable time to acquire those items, depending upon the item. "Lack of Money" will not be accepted as an excuse for not purchasing required items. Penalties for not acquiring required items may include being "administratively dropped" from all guitar courses, grade reductions, or an "I" grade for the semester.
Students will join the EKU Guitar Society and pay their $20 membership dues by the end of the second week of each semester.
Instruments: All students should own a quality classical guitar (as determined by Dr. Davis according to the standards set for their respective degree option) and a versatile electric suitable for jazz (humbucking pickups in neck and bridge position--preferably splitable).
Accessories: footstool, small music stand, concert attire, metronome, music dictionary, nail care kit (diamond file, buffing board, multi-grit sand/polishing paper, replacement nails, silk mesh, and superglue), cables, recording device, volume pedal, 30 foot (or longer) instrument cable, amplifier (Roland Cube 60 or 80 preferred), extension cord, power strip, and picks.
Texts & Software: Specific literature and etude requirements depend upon the student/major. Various texts will be required and those will be specified by the instructor. Students have one week to acquire assigned materials. All students should own: Solo Guitar Playing Book I by Fredrick Noad, Reading Studies for Guitar (pos. 1-7), Advanced Reading Studies for Guitar, Berklee Melodic Rhythms, Hal Leonard Real Book in C, Anthony Glise: Guitar Pedagogy, and iRealPro Software (be sure to download the playlists from the website)
Scores, books, and other materials: EKU offers free books and most of the required books are free for guitar majors. However, it is necessary for students to purchase any texts that are needed as part of their permanently library. It is the student's responsibility to quickly purchase or copy music as requested by the instructor.
Reserve Materials Include:
Recordings, articles, journals, and books explaining various aspects of guitar technique, performance, history, and pedagogy.
Various items from my personal collection as necessary.
Attendance Policy:
Applied Lessons: Alternate lesson times will be arranged when the professor has a scheduling conflict. Unexcused student absences will not be rescheduled, and will be treated as a failing grade for that lesson. Warning: each unexcused absence reduces your semester grade by one letter. Verifiable university or medical absences will be accepted and other excuses will be considered on an individual basis. All excused lessons will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.
Recital Attendance: All guitar students, including those in class instruction, are required to attend every EKU Department of Music concert that involves guitar. Missing any guitar related recital lowers the semester grade by one letter. Examples include, but are not limited to, faculty recitals, guest guitar recitals, jazz ensemble, and all ensemble recitals involving guitar. Apart from required recitals per the guitar program, the Department of Music has a recital attendance policy (see the student handbook at the Department website for the complete set of departmental guidelines). Support your fellow students by attending their recitals; they will reciprocate by attending yours - again, if a guitarist is performing, it is required.
Guitar concerts will be presented at other venues, including other cities and universities, every academic year. Students need to understand that these events are rare opportunities. The serendipitous nature of these events may conflict with other commitments, but guitar majors are expected to accommodate these events when requested to do so. Exceptions for extreme situations will be given at the discretion of the director.
Grading Policy:
Lessons will be graded weekly, averaged, and combined with a midterm and final jury grade. The semester grade will also include other assignments such as masterclass, pedagogy, history, theory, and research assignments. The first lesson of each semester is used to outline objectives, discuss priorities, and set goals. A lesson/practice sheet is used to record weekly tasks. All grades are based on the degree of improvement, quality of preparation, amount of material covered, attendance, and how effectively semester goals were realized. The grade 'B' indicates progress; 'A' indicates exceptional work. Students receiving less than a B need to reassess their commitment, attitude, priorities, goals, and career choice.
The semester grade will be lowered by one letter for each unexcused absence or three tardies. Failing the midterm or final exam will lower the semester grade by one letter. Missing a required concert will lower the semester grade by one letter. Guitar-specific research assignments are required every semester. Demerits lower the final grade by 1% per incident. See the EKU Guitar Handbook for clarification, especially the section titled "Professionalism."
Audio (or video) recordings form the primary measurement of your outside preparation. Weekly Dropbox recordings constitute 50% of your weekly lesson grade. I fully expect your recordings to reflect your struggles, abilities, and level of familiarity with the literature. If you have not had the literature for very long, your recordings will reflect that. If you are not an experienced player, your recordings will reflect that. Your recordings may sound very rough when you first receive your assignments, and that is perfectly fine. They allow us to target your difficulties and work to resolve them. If you fail to submit your recordings, I must assume that you failed to practice your literature. And much worse, it impedes my ability to quickly diagnosis your problem areas and help you overcome them.
The EKU Guitar Handbook is available on Blackboard. It provides supplemental assessment information and clarification, including EKU Guitar Department requirements, policies, and activities.
Scholarships are available to qualified students. Scholarship recipients are expected to be leaders and role models on and off campus. Scholarship students must maintain a 2.75 music-specific GPA. Scholarship students are evaluated at the end of each term by the instructor for continued eligibility and renewal.
Final & Weekly Grade Point Distribution (Semester and Weekly Activities):·
Weekly Lessons: 80% of the final grade.
Midterm: 5% of the final grade.*
Final Exam: 5% of the final grade.*
Jury: 10% of the final grade.
Weekly Practice recordings (Dropbox or Google Drive) constitute 40% of the final grade. Practice recordings work to ensure that students practice and more importantly, they offer the opportunity for self-assessment, evidence that goals and objectives are understood, proof that assignments not performed well in lesson were actually performed better during the week, and they provide a wealth of information that helps the instructor better teach the student. Lesson recordings are due every Sunday by 11PM. Recording assignments will also be used to partially determine Mid-term and Final Examination grades.
Lesson activities comprise the remaining 40% of the final grade. Lesson assignments may include activities such as:
Practice Journal entries, Discussion Board postings, Jury Synopsis, Masterclass Presentations, Concert Program information, Pedagogical Assignments, Quizzes, and other written assignments.
Acoustic and Electric Performances of assigned Literature.
Acoustic and Electric Performances of Etude assignments.
Acoustic and Electric Performances of Scale assignments.
Acoustic and Electric Performances of Text assignments.
Acoustic and Electric Performances of Technique assignments.
Acoustic and Electric Performances of Sight-Reading assignments.
Improvisational Techniques and assignments.
Masterclass presentations and individually assigned research assignments serve as content for the Midterm (5%) and Final Exam (5%).
Jury Performance (10%): Performance of the most important literature learned during the semester. This grade also assesses proper Jury Sheet completion and submittal, appropriate attire, PDF copies of jury works, and bringing the required equipment.
Total: 100%
Professionalism:
It is not possible to list every example of good and bad professionalism. Final grades will be adjusted higher or lower depending upon any positive or negative acts of professionalism. The music profession can be very unforgiving. Showing up late to a required performance is breech of professional conduct. If that happens at a non-music job, the employee is docked and a record is made of it. If it happens a few more times, you are fired. If that happens when a guitarist is suppose to perform at a wedding, the bride (and worse, her mother) will lose her mind, dock your pay, and ruin your name by telling everyone that you ruined her wedding. This scenario fits a plethora of other music "job" situations: session work, musical performances, lessons, and so forth. It is very hard for a musician to build a good reputation (brand) and even harder to rebuild it after a damaging mistake. Missing a required performance for MUSX32F or MUSX57 can result in a failing grade. But, the vale of professionalism also extends to many other possible problems: not bringing the correct gear/music, not having the appropriate clothes, not changing strings, not preparing your music binder, and so forth. The will prepare is more important than the will to succeed. Good acts of professionalism, acts that go above what is expected, include loaning gear to a peer, helping someone who is struggling (with music or life), coaching a peer who needs help with their part, initiating outside rehearsals, showing up early to class and concerts, holding peers accountable, and so forth. The amount of final grade (percentage) points added or deducted is at the discretion of the instructor. For more information on Musicianship and Lesson Professionalism see the Blackboard Guitar Area Handbook. The Handbook should be read and reviewed at the beginning of each semester. Students are required to follow the procedures outlined in this handbook.
Credo:
The study of music demands, as do all the arts, not only natural ability and talents, but also more importantly dedication, sacrifice, self-discipline, inquisitiveness, and the unrelenting desire to achieve excellence. Success requires all of these attributes. Natural ability is not a substitute for any other component. In fact, natural ability often unfairly enjoys the credit earned by hard work and dedication. It is assumed that music students are here to get the most from the Department of Music, its faculty, and resources, and, that music students will work consistently towards advancement in all areas, including those required outside the field of music. Music is a highly competitive art form and success is not guaranteed by tuition and attendance; success requires a self-sacrificing dedication to the field that includes a refusal to quit. The study of music is never finished and never takes extended holidays. Music requires regular practice and consistent effort to simply maintain prior accomplishments and future progress only happens after extended periods of regular practice. Since music is never “finished,” musicians, like athletes, must continue to progress without any extended breaks, especially if they hope to graduate with the skills and abilities to be “drafted” by a professional organization or excellent graduate school. Consider these words by Jascha Heifetz: If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it. Every successful musician lives by this quote and students who ignore it are ignored by the profession. To prevent this devastating “learning outcome,” guitar students are required to submit recordings regularly and make regular progress during every academic break. It is fine to rest for one day or occasionally two, but more than that thwarts progress, memorization, interpretation, the ability to sight-read, and ultimately, confidence. If a unique event forces a break that is longer than three days, then balance that loss by either submitting extra recordings before, or immediately after, the academic break; but, never think that an academic break exempts any student from progressing and evidencing regular progress via weekly recordings. Some students may wonder about the recourse that follows the failure to make recordings and progress during breaks, and several have learned by having their recitals cancelled, literature changed, and most frequently, one or more extra semesters added to the end of their studies. But, the worse recourse is the self-inflected loss of progress, confidence, and growth that results from taking the break “off.” Everyone is free to make choices, but not from the consequences of their choices. Music is highly competitive and unfortunately, your competition will be thrilled by your mistakes and poor choices. Consider how unique music really is:
Go on; don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets. Art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise men to the Divine…I will take fate by the throat; it will never bend me completely to its will. (Beethoven).
If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. (Einstein).
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. (Plato)
Practice Requirements:
Guitar majors should acquire skills comparable to other instrumental majors (flute, violin, trumpet, and so forth) and should be aware of the national standards for their instrument. They should spend the time necessary to achieve those standards. Performance majors should practice 3 or more hours daily. Music Education, Theory/Composition, Recording Arts and Industry practice slightly less. All guitar majors should realize that the better a musician is at playing their instrument, the more likely they are to earn an income in the music business. If everyone has a music degree, who gets the job? It is the best musician with the degree. All deficiencies must be rectified by the end of the first semester. This usually involves improving technique, sight-reading, rhythm, interpretation, and other areas as defined by the instructor. All guitar majors are expected to do the work necessary to become competent, expressive, multi-style guitarists. Musicians who can sight-read well rarely have to practice and work much more than the others.
Lesson Assignments:
Goals for the semester are outlined, discussed, and refined with each student during the first meeting of each semester. They include technical exercises, etudes, studies, repertoire from several style periods, and required pedagogy and history readings. Visit the required repertoire site for more detailed repertoire information.
Required Meeting Times:
Applied lessons are arranged each semester at a mutually convenient time.
MUS X32F Masterclass meets every MWF at 1:25 pm., unless there is a Friday Convocation (attend the Friday convocation). Friday meetings give students the opportunity to rehearse together at a mutually required time (when there is not a student convocation).
MUS 250 (Electric Guitar Ensemble) meets every MWF at 2:30 pm. Friday meetings are required and they typically serve as self-directed rehearsals that give students the opportunity to rehearse together at a mutually required time. Outside rehearsal times are necessary for growth and development.
Classical Guitar Ensemble/Performance class meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.
Directed and Undirected Ensembles meet weekly as assigned. An unexcused absence from any group rehearsal/masterclass the semester grade by one letter. Three unexcused tardies equal one absence.
Lesson Preparation:
It is assumed that lesson assignments will be practiced and carefully considered. I am fairly adept at assessing whether or not assignments have been practiced. I can also tell the difference between a student nervously struggling to play something they have practiced and a student that is simply unprepared. If a student comes to lesson unprepared they will be sent to the practice room to work on their assignments. Unprepared lessons lower your lesson grade.
Convocation, Jury, and Solo Concert Attire:
Degree Recitals: Concert Black or Coat and tie with dress pants, shoes, and socks. The instructor will specify the attire. A performing musician is expected to own a tuxedo. It is the "uniform" of the industry. Tuxedo rental shops frequently sell used tuxedos at reasonable prices.
Guitar ensemble: Concert black, tuxedo, or similar approved apparel depending on the situation.
Jury (regular and Sophomore comprehensives): Dress shirt (and tie, if required) with dress pants, shoes, and socks. No jeans, white socks or tennis shoes.
Area Concerts, Friday Recitals/Convocations: Same as jury. Simply put, practice dressing for concerts the way you need to dress for actual paying gigs. If you become a Rock Star, you can dress any way you want. Until then, dress appropriately for performances. Read this very helpful article.
Ensemble Requirements:
Eastern Kentucky University Guitar Ensembles: All guitar majors and minors are required to participate in the EKU Electric Guitar Ensemble (MUS 250) and the EKU Classical Guitar Ensemble (MUS 257/457) for duration of their studies at EKU. The musicianship skills developed in ensemble playing are indispensable to the professional guitarist. Guitar Ensembles are the primary ensemble experience for all guitar students and concerts are presented each semester on and off campus.
EKU Jazz Band: All guitar majors are required to participate in the EKU Jazz Ensemble at some point during their studies at EKU. If the student is not accepted into Jazz Band they will be able to satisfy the Jazz Ensemble component by playing in the Jazz combos. Auditions are held for all ensembles at the beginning of each semester.
Chamber Music Ensemble: Students can explore various ensemble opportunities by performing chamber music.
Performance Requirements and Important Dates:
Guitar majors will present an ensemble and studio concert on the EKU campus every semester. Other performances will be required on a periodic basis and include concerts at other universities, recording sessions, Friday Student Recitals, and local and regional K-12 schools and music programs. Some concert times are subject to change and more concerts will be added when dates are finalized. Please flexible and willing to accommodate serendipitous performance opportunities. It is critical to your professional development.
Dress Rehearsals and Concerts:
Fall
EKU Guitar Ensemble Concert: October 25, 2022, 7:30PM, Gifford Theater.
EKU Guitar Studio Concert: November 22, 2022, 7:30PM, Gifford Theater.
Spring
EKU Guitar Ensemble Concert: March 28, 2023, 7:30PM, Gifford Theater.
EKU Guitar Studio Concert: May 4, 2023, 7:30PM, Gifford Theater.
All dress rehearsals are at 3:30 PM the day of the concert in the assigned venue, unless otherwise announced. A recording session will occur each semester. All EKU guitar department recordings are the sole property of the EKU department of music.
Midterm Exams:
Fall
MUSX32F: Performance (during Midterm Lesson). Written September 29, 2022 (3:30-5:30).
MUSX57: Performance and written September 29, 2022 (3:30-5:30).
Spring
MUSX32F: Performance (during Midterm Lesson). Written March, 2023 (3:30-5:30).
MUSX57: Performance and written March, 2023 (3:30-5:30).
Final Exams:
Fall
MUSX32F: Written: Monday, 11/28/22, 1:00-3:00 pm. (Campbell 327).
MUSX57: Written 11/28/22, 1:00-3:00 pm, Campbell 327.
MUSX32F: Performance: Wednesday (Juries), 11/30/22, 1:00-5:00 pm. (assigned time slots in Campbell 327)
Spring
MUSX32F: Written: Tuesday, 5/5/2023, 1:00-3:00 pm. (Campbell 327).
MUSX57: Tuesday 5/4/2023, 1:00-3:00 pm. (Campbell 327).
MUSX32F: Performance: Wednesday (Juries), 5/4/2023, 1:00-5:00 pm. (see assigned time slots; held in Campbell 327)
Juries: Students are required to perform a midterm and final jury examination each semester.
EKU Guitar Society (see Blackboard. All majors are required to join each semester. Failure to pay dues when required, typically the first week of classes EACH SEMESTER, will reduce the final grade by 3% per week.
Applied Lessons
MUS 132F (Freshman Guitar Lessons)
Private lessons are restricted to music majors and minors whom have successfully auditioned for the instructor. Non-music majors are encouraged to enroll into Mus 107 (Group Guitar Class).
Students with deficiencies will be accepted provisionally until their deficiencies are corrected.
Students should own the required basic equipment and purchase materials as directed by the instructor.
Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary repertoire will be assigned according to the abilities and classification of the student.
Performance majors need to enroll for 2 credit hours. Other majors should enroll for one credit.
MUS 132F may be repeated for a total of 4 credits.
The EKU Guitar Handbook is available on Blackboard. It provides supplemental assessment information and clarification, including other EKU Guitar Department requirements, policies, and activities. It should be read and reviewed at the beginning of each semester. Students are required to follow the procedures outlined in this handbook.
MUS 232F (Sophomore Guitar Lessons)
Private lessons are restricted to music majors and minors whom have successfully auditioned for the instructor. Non-music majors are encouraged to enroll into Mus 107 (Guitar Class).
Prerequisite: Successful completion of MUS 132F.
Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary repertoire will be assigned according to the abilities and classification of the student.
Performance majors need to enroll for 2 credit hours. Other majors should enroll for one credit.
MUS 232F may be repeated for a total of 4 credits.
All Sophomores must pass Sophomore Comprehensives Exams before they may take any 300 level music courses. Sophomores must prepare program notes for the selections performed on their exam. Refer to the Sophomore Comprehensives Exam application for additional requirements.
The EKU Guitar Handbook is available on Blackboard. It provides supplemental assessment information and clarification, including other EKU Guitar Department requirements, policies, and activities. It should be read and reviewed at the beginning of each semester. Students are required to follow the procedures outlined in this handbook.
MUS 332F (Junior Guitar Lessons)
Private lessons are restricted to music majors and minors whom have successfully auditioned for the instructor. Non-music majors are encouraged to enroll into Mus 107 (Guitar Class).
Prerequisite: Successful completion of MUS 232F and a passing grade on the Sophomore Comprehensive Exam.
Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary repertoire will be assigned according to the abilities and classification of the student.
Performance majors need to enroll for 4 credit hours. Other majors should enroll for two credits.
MUS 332F may be repeated for a total of 8 credits.
The EKU Guitar Handbook is available on Blackboard. It provides supplemental assessment information and clarification, including other EKU Guitar Department requirements, policies, and activities. It should be read and reviewed at the beginning of each semester. Students are required to follow the procedures outlined in this handbook.
MUS 432F (Senior Guitar Lessons)
Private lessons are restricted to music majors and minors whom have successfully auditioned for the instructor. Non-music majors are encouraged to enroll into Mus 107 (Guitar Class).
Prerequisite: Successful completion of MUS 332F.
Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary repertoire will be assigned according to the abilities and classification of the student.
Performance majors need to enroll for 4 credit hours. Other majors should enroll for two credits.
MUS 432F may be repeated for a total of 8 credits.
MUS 832F (Graduate Guitar Lessons)
Private lessons are restricted to music majors and minors whom have successfully auditioned for the instructor. Non-music majors are encouraged to enroll into MUS 107 (Guitar Class).
Graduate performance majors need to audition.
Graduates with deficiencies will be accepted provisionally until their deficiencies are corrected.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in music.
Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary repertoire will be assigned according to the abilities and classification of the student.
Performance majors need to enroll for 2-4 credit hours. Other majors should enroll for two credits.
MUS 832F may be repeated.
All Performance graduate students will play two full recitals (MUS899) as part of their degree requirements. The first will be a chamber recital and must include one movement from a concerto. The second recital will be a solo program performed during the final semester of applied lessons. The senior recital will be performed during the final semester of applied lessons. The Program, Program notes, Bio, Powerpoint Presentation, and Concert Poster must be submitted six weeks prior to the recital hearing. Program notes ensure that the student has a musicological understanding of the composers and selections on their program and it fulfills the university writing requirement for this course (MUS899). A recital hearing must be scheduled one month prior to the recital. The recital hearing committee is selected by the instructor. The committee will grade the Recital Hearing, Written Program, Program Notes, Powerpoint Presentation, and Concert Poster. If a student fails the recital hearing, he or she will not be allowed to play their recital until the following semester. If the student passes the hearing, he or she will be expected to make the required revisions to all materials and immediately duplicate and post the Concert Poster and publicize their concert. The final grade for MUS 899 will include the assessments for the final Recital Performance, Written Program, Program Notes, Powerpoint Presentation, and Concert Poster and Publicity.
Sophomore Comprehensive Examination
Comprehensive Examination: Students must pass a Sophomore Comprehensive Examination at the conclusion of the sophomore year to advance to upper level (300) coursework. All students, except performance majors, may retake this exam if they fail it. SEE BLACKBOARD HANDBOOK.
MUS 399/499/899 (Degree Recitals)
All Performance majors will play a solo junior and senior recital (MUS399, 499 and 899) as part of their degree requirements. The senior recital will be performed during the final semester of applied lessons. The Program, Program notes, Bio, Press Announcements in EKU Today and Student Today, Powerpoint Presentation, and Concert Poster must be submitted for grading six weeks prior to the recital hearing. These items must be posted in Google Drive six weeks before your recital. Program notes ensure that the student has a musicological understanding of the composers and selections on their program and it fulfills the university writing requirement for this course (MUS 399/499/899). A recital hearing must be scheduled one month prior to the recital. The recital hearing committee is selected by the instructor. The committee will grade the Recital Hearing, Written Program, Program Notes, Powerpoint Presentation, EKU Today Announcement, and Concert Poster. If a student fails the recital hearing, he or she will not be allowed to play their recital until the following semester. If the student passes the hearing, he or she will be expected to make the required revisions to all materials and immediately duplicate and post the Concert Poster and publicize their concert. The final grade for MUS 399/499/899 will include the assessments for the final Recital Performance, Written Program, Program Notes, Powerpoint Presentation, EKU Today Announcement, Concert Poster, and the effort spent on Marketing and Publicity.
Transfer Students
Transfer students need to successfully audition for the instructor.
Transfer students with deficiencies may be accepted provisionally until their deficiencies are corrected. They may also be required to take remedial lessons. Transfer students will be assigned a classification for lessons depending upon their skill level (Freshman, Sophomore, etc.).
Transfer students need to take the music theory placement examination.
All transfer students need to submit the scholarship wavier form.
Transfer students will refer to their assigned classification for specific requirements.
Technology and Email
EKU requires all students and faculty to use their University email accounts for all correspondence. [Please do not accept email from non-EKU addresses due to privacy and hacking concerns.]
This course requires the use of Microsoft Word. If you do not currently have this software on your computer, EKU provides Microsoft 365 Plus free to all students. You can find instructions on installing the application at this site: https://it.eku.edu/support/students-microsoft-office-365-pro-plus
Student Progress
You will be able to learn your grades via direct correspondence during private lessons. Grades will also be posted weekly for lessons and ensemble in our shared Lesson Planner (Google Document). If you think you need to drop the course, please discuss that possible decision with your instructor and bear in mind these deadlines:
• Sunday, August 21 The last day to add a course or to drop without receiving a “W” on your transcript.
• Sunday, August 21 The last day to convert the class to Audit or Pass/Fail
• Monday, October 10 The last day to drop without a withdrawal fee
• Sunday, November 6 The last day to drop the course with a withdrawal fee
For additional information, consult the Fall 2022 academic calendar on the Colonel's Compass: https://colonelscompass.eku.edu/final-exam-schedule-fall-2022
University Policies
The following policies are described in detail at this link: https://academicaffairs.eku.edu/syllabi
• Accessibility Accommodation Statement
• Academic Integrity Statement
• Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX, and Prevention Statement
Inclement Weather Adaptations
In case of severe weather, operations and classes at EKU could be affected. For more information about scheduling adaptations depending on severity, see https://www.eku.edu/weather.html.
COVID-19 Precautions
The university’s response to COVID-19 is fluid and dynamic. Please refer to our website for the latest guidance and university protocols. Students enrolled in this course are required to follow all university policies, including the Student Code of Conduct and policies related to public health and Healthy On Campus initiatives.
EKU is working diligently with state and local public health agencies and our healthcare provider partners to offer vaccination opportunities for EKU students and employees. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the following:
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine. Any of the currently available vaccines from Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer offer a high level of protection against COVID-19 and serious illness.
• Wear a mask, especially while indoors or when gathering in groups.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Should you need a COVID test, an up-to-date list of testing locations can be found here. Students requiring an accommodation for face coverings, please contact the Center for Student Accessibility.
Helpful Resources
Writing Assistance
EKU’s Noel Studio for Academic Creativity is a free resource offering writing, communication, and research support for undergraduate and graduate students from any major or class. At the Noel Studio, trained consultants can help you with essays, presentations, research posters, visual aids, multimodal products, and more through peer-to-peer meetings called consultations, which are available both in-person (on the EKU Richmond campus) and online (via Zoom). Students can ask for help at any stage of the communication process—from brainstorming to final revision, and every point in between! You can learn more about consultations at https://studio.eku.edu/about-consultations; schedule your own consultations by following the directions at https://studio.eku.edu/schedule-appointment. Have questions or need help scheduling? Stop by the Noel Studio (located in the Crabbe Main Library), call the Noel Studio at (859) 622-7330, or use the chat box at studio.eku.edu!
The Student Success Center
The Student Success Center, located on the ground floor of the library and online, provides free assistance for all EKU students. Students can request tutoring in over 150 subjects, as well as other services including mentoring, workshops, advising, studying, computer use, and with any questions related to your college experience. The Chellgren Success Series features workshops and video workshops to help with study skills, time management, stress management, and more. To make an online appointment or for more information, visit www.successcenter.eku.edu or email successcenter@eku.edu.
Library Support
You will need to use the library’s electronic and hard-copy resources in this course. EKU Libraries’ Distance and Online Learning page is designed to help, especially if you are taking online/remote classes. If this section does not answer your questions, you can use the “Ask Us” live chat feature located on the upper-left corner of every library webpage. The online chat is available all weekdays and weekends/holidays at varying hours.
Additional Resources in the Area
Please keep the following numbers handy in case you or a friend may need the services. offered by any of the organizations.
o EKU Student Health Services 622-1761
o EKU Women’s Health Clinic 622-1761
o EKU Counseling Center 622-1303
o EKU Psychology Clinic 622-2356
o Title IX at EKU 622-8020
o Colonel’s Cupboard https://communityservice.eku.edu/Cupboard Powell 152
o Closet Transform https://communityservice.eku.edu/closet-transform Powell 152
o Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass 800-656-4673
o Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program 859-623-4095
o Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7) 988