Admission into any music degree is not automatic. Students who major in music have generally had considerable performance experience with instrumental and/or vocal ensembles and/or as soloists. Entering students must be able to understand music notation, and in most cases must read music with some fluency. Admission is based on demonstrated accomplishment in basic musicianship, notation familiarity, work ethic, performance ability, and performance potential. Students may have to complete prerequisite work or courses either prior to or after admission to a degree program.
Overview:
Instrumental students must complete an audition for acceptance into the Challey School of Music before their first semester of enrollment as a music major. The application procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Apply for admission to NDSU.
Step 2: Schedule a visit to meet with the Challey School of Music faculty.
Step 3: Audition for admission into the Challey School of Music.
You must audition for admission into the Challey School of Music prior to the start of your first semester of music-major classes. Visit the NDSU Website for more details. Contact Dr. Cassie Keogh (ndsu.music@ndsu.edu) or the applied teacher of your instrument to schedule an audition.
The NDSU Challey School of Music Website lists specific repertoire guidelines recommended for students seeking admission to the undergraduate music programs: https://www.ndsu.edu/music/prospective-students/
Prepare individual selections in their entirety (e.g. complete study/movement) unless specifically requested by the instructor of your discipline. The audition panel may only hear 2-5 minutes of selected repertoire.
Piano accompaniment is not required; you are responsible for finding a pianist if you choose to play with accompaniment. Applicants are responsible for providing their own sheet music.
Your entrance audition may also qualify you for music-major scholarships, subject to availability of funding. You should audition before March 1 for scholarship consideration.
Your audition into the school of music accepts you into the general music degree and pre-professional tracks; an additional audition later in your degree is required to pursue the professional degrees in music education and performance.
After the first year (two semesters) of study as a music major, students wishing to pursue the performance track must audition for entrance into that track. Because of the extent of the screening requirements, students should sign up for two jury slots.
Scales: All major and minor scales (single form), as well as arpeggios or other requested scales according to the student’s studio syllabus, from memory.
Rudiments: Percussionists must perform snare drum rudiments as required by the instructor. All keyboard scales will be performed two octaves.
Repertoire: At least one (preferably two) major work(s) for the instrument, with accompaniment (if applicable). If the work is multi-movement, only one long movement or two shorter movements need be performed, at the discretion of the jury.
After a successful audition into the performance track, students may enroll in both *68 lessons and *73 supplemental lessons to receive an hour lesson. [but degree requirements are to start *73 in 1st year--fix this conflict with curriculum or handbook language?]
A student is considered pre-education until successful completion of the sophomore screening jury (see Jury Expectations) and acceptance into the School of Education.
Many Challey School of Music students receive scholarship-based financial assistance. These scholarships recognize musical skill, dedication to the requirements and recommendations of your program of study, and service to the School of Music. Being a scholarship student is an honor, and makes you a leader in the Challey School of Music.
Scholarship payments will happen in two equal portions, at the beginning of fall and spring semesters, and are applied toward your tuition automatically.
Refer to your scholarship letter for specific GPA and academic progress requirements. See 2.4.1 for ensemble participation expectations. [cut the following since it's redundant to and inconsistent with scholarship letter language]As stated in your scholarship letter, you are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 overall (minimum) and 3.0 (minimum) in your music courses. In addition to your grades, your scholarship letter contains obligations to make adequate academic progress, perform and participate in appropriate music ensembles, and to be a productive member of your applied studio.
Scholarship awards are reviewed each semester by your advisor and the music faculty. The amount of scholarship support may be adjusted after this review as a result of your overall performance (including considerations such as academic achievement, musical progress, commitment to the program, service, and participation in required and recommended activities).
Challey Music Scholarship expectations are more extensive than degree requirements.The Challey Music Scholarship supports your musical development while prioritizing your overall academic balance. To maintain this scholarship, you are required to complete an ensemble placement audition prior to the start of each academic year (or semester, as specified by the School of Music). Which ensembles fulfill your scholarship requirement will be based partly on the outcome of your audition.
Upon successful audition and placement, you must register for and actively participate in the following:
One (1) Major Ensemble (Wind Symphony/University Band/Marching Band)
One (1) Other Ensemble (This may be a second Large Ensemble, Jazz, Orchestra, etc. or an approved Chamber/Service Ensemble, as specified by the School of Music.)
Your scholarship obligation is fully and completely met by participating in the maximum number of ensembles (three).
One (1) Major Ensemble
Two (2) Other Ensembles (another Major Ensemble, Jazz, Orchestra, etc. or an approved Chamber/Service Ensemble for a maximum total of three (3) required ensembles.)
Maximum Required Ensembles: You are required to participate in a maximum of three ensembles to fully meet your scholarship obligation.
Voluntary Participation: Participation in any additional ensembles beyond the required maximum of three is entirely voluntary though highly encouraged to further musicianship. Any voluntary participation must be taken on at your own discretion, with careful consideration for your academic schedule.
Registration: All ensembles used to meet the scholarship requirement must be registered for academic credit. Discuss with your advisor if this creates an issue with the 20-credit maximum per semester.
Degree Requirements: Note that scholarship expectations are more extensive than degree requirements.
All students must complete the NDSU general scholarship application each year to maintain their Challey Music Scholarships.
Named Music Scholarships: Applications are due each spring, typically near the end of February, and auditions for special performance scholarships (if applicable) are generally held by mid-March. Application forms are available online at the following link: https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/finaid/scholarships/
Presser Scholarship: The Theodore Presser award requires a separate application form, and the winning NDSU student's application is forwarded on to consideration with the national Presser Foundation. This award is available to music majors who have achieved senior standing.