Frequently Asked Questions for Incoming Music Majors

The following questions are frequently asked of the Music Department. If your questions are still not answered after reading this, please contact the Music Department at 417-624-2518 ext. 2400 or hanson.marilyn@occ.edu.

Q. Do I have to do a musical audition as a music major?

A. Yes. All prospective music majors must be auditioned by the music faculty before the student begins a degree program. This includes those seeking the following degrees: BMM, BMW, BTH/Music, and CCM.

Q. What do I need to do to prepare for the audition?

A. Vocal students should prepare two pieces of varying styles by memory, and vocalization to show voice range.
Piano students should prepare two pieces of varying styles by memory, and major and minor scales, two octaves.

Q. When do the auditions take place?

A. Auditions are held on Friday morning of "Welcome to the Family Week." Please call the Music Department secretary (417-624-2518 ext. 2400) beginning August 1st to schedule your audition time. Students living a great distance from the campus should make arrangements to be available on that date.

Q. Is it possible to fail the audition and not be accepted as a music major?

A. No, and yes. Candidates are expected to be prepared for college entrance-level music instruction. However, not all high schools or communities have advanced instruction available. Students who are prepared to study at the collegiate level are accepted as full candidates for the degree. Students who may be behind in their preparation may be placed on probationary status from one to four semesters. Probationary status requires that the student show improvement in their major applied area, as well as potential for music ministry. The student will be evaluated at the end of each semester until full candidate status is reached. The goal is for each student to use his or her musical gifts for God's glory!

Q. How do I know how I did during the audition?

A. During the first few weeks of fall semester, each student meets with the Music Department Coordinator to discuss their audition and assess the student's goals in music ministry. The Music Department will contact each student to schedule these interviews.

Q. Do I need to know anything about Music Theory?

A. As much as possible! A theory placement test is required of all prospective music majors. It includes naming notes, key signatures, time signatures, major and minor scales and intervals. Failure to pass this test will result in enrollment in Introduction to Music Theory as a prerequisite to Theory I. These credit hours do not apply to graduation.

Q. When is the Music Theory placement test given?

A. This test is given at 4:00 p.m. on Friday of "Welcome to the Family Week."

Q. Is there anything I can do to prepare for the Music Theory placement test?

A. Several good ideas include reading a music theory textbook from your local public library (this is a great way to learn the language of Music Theory), taking a theory class through your high school or community college, and finding a personal tutor for music theory (often a piano teacher who gives private instruction could do this).

Q. I'm a transfer student. What do I to find the right Music Theory class?

A. Transfer students should see Scott Handley for tests to determine proper placement in theory classes.

Q. How do I know whether to take "Beginning Piano Class I" or "Piano Proficiency I" or "Private Piano Instruction"?

A. All prospective music majors will have an assessment of piano skills made by the piano faculty. This will determine placement in the appropriate Piano Proficiency Class. No preparation is necessary; it will take place during the Theory Placement Test.

Q. What types of private instruction do you offer?

A. We currently offer private instruction for voice, piano, and guitar.