Students typically perform a solo voice recital (MUSC 380 or MUSC 480) as their capstone performance experience. Students in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree programs may choose a different capstone project (MUSC 494) in consultation with their advisor.
Recital repertoire shall be selected in consultation with the applied teacher. Repertoire should include a variety of styles and languages. All recitals must be performed from memory.
Music education students will conclude their applied studies with a half recital that they usually share with another music student presenting a half recital. The performance should include 25-40 minutes of music in at least three languages and a variety of styles. If a vocal music education student wishes to prepare a full-length recital, they should register for MUSC 480 (see below), with permission from their advisor.
Vocal performance students will present a half recital typically in their junior year, but occasionally in their sophomore year with approval of their instructor. This recital is usually shared with another music student presenting a half recital. The performance should include 25-40 minutes of music in a variety of languages and styles.
Vocal performance students will present a second and final recital in their senior year. The performance should include 50-60 minutes of music. For each student, the collection of music performed for a junior and senior recital should include four languages and a variety of styles.
See Guidelines on the NDSU Music website.
The CSOM Shared Calendar shows available recital dates. Students should confirm available dates with the Concert Facilities Manager in the production office before filling out the reservation form.
The full checklist of recital deadlines students must meet is available online at https://www.ndsu.edu/performingarts/music/current-students/guidelines/.
Program notes should include relevant information about the recital repertoire that would enhance the audience’s experience in receiving the performance. Program notes may include information on the:
Composer
Author of the text (poet, librettist, etc.)
Larger work, if applicable (song cycle, opera, operetta, oratorio/mass/cantata, etc.)
Date of composition
Circumstances in which it was composed
Performance practices in play
Details regarding the text
Anecdotal aspects of the work
Students have some flexibility on the information they include in their program notes, based on their interests and what speaks to them about the literature. Students can make program notes somewhat personal as long as the notes are scholarly and based on research. Translations of foreign-language texts are the only required part of the program notes. Students should cite the translator(s) if translations are taken from another source.
The recital hearing shall be performed no less than three weeks prior to the student’s scheduled recital date.
Students should prepare their entire recital program from memory.
Students will begin with a selection of their choice, and members of the faculty committee will select additional pieces from the remaining program – usually an excerpt from each set.
If a student does not pass the recital hearing, they may be given a second hearing a week later. If the faculty committee still does not judge that the student is ready to present the recital, the student will be asked to reschedule their recital date.