Undergraduate Academic Policy & Curriculum
Contents:
| 04.00 | General |
| 04.01 | Curriculum |
| 04.02 | Maximum credit loads |
| 04.03 | Transfer credit for matriculated students |
| 04.04 | Advanced standing |
| 04.05 | Set-aside Credit towards Graduate Study |
| 04.06 | Double majors |
| 04.07 | Minors and certificates (non-music) |
| 04.08 | Transfer students |
| 04.09 | Dual degree program |
| 04.10 | Special programs |
| 04.11 | Absence policy |
| 04.12 | Grading policies and procedures |
| 04.13 | Progress towards degree completion |
| 04.14 | Graduation/Commencement |
| 04.15 | Teacher Certification |
04.00 General
The Bachelor of Music degree may be pursued with a major in applied music (performance), composition, music education, jazz and contemporary media, musical arts, and theory.
04.00.01 Residency requirements
It is expected that Bachelor of Music degree students, including those pursuing a double major, will complete their degrees through a minimum of eight semesters of full-time study during the regular academic year. A semester of full-time enrollment comprises courses totaling a minimum of 12 credits. Note that satisfactory academic progress in the Bachelor of Music curriculum generally requires an average of 15 credits per semester. Students who require additional semesters beyond the eight semesters to complete their degree do so with the understanding that:
- the added semesters may be part-time enrollment,
- neither applied music study nor participation in the School?s large ensembles will be available during the added semesters, and
- financial aid from the School will normally not be available to support these added semesters.
Dual degree students (students who are also enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts or Science program at the College) are allowed up to ten full-time semesters.
04.01 Curriculum
Individual Audit Sheets for the BM Degree
Bachelor of Music Degree Requirements for Applied Music Majors
Bachelor of Music Degree Requirements (other majors)
04.01.01 Core curriculum
The components of the Bachelor of Music degree common to all majors are referred to as the core curriculum. Each major features specific departmental requirements above and beyond the core which, when combined, will total a minimum of 120 credits necessary for the Bachelor of Music degree. Any variations or exceptions to the core curriculum are noted under specific degree program listings.
04.01.01.01 Performance component
Eight semesters of applied lessonsAll undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Music degree program will be assigned to a faculty studio for their applied lessons.
Each year, through the junior year, students will be expected to pass a jury performed before a faculty panel; piano majors are expected to perform an additional jury in their senior year. If, for some extenuating circumstances, such as health or injury issues, a student cannot take their jury as scheduled, they will be assigned a grade of ?incomplete? for that semester?s lessons and will be expected to fulfill the jury requirement in the following semester.
Large ensemble experience
All undergraduate students are required to complete from two to eight semesters in large ensembles, such as orchestra, wind ensemble, or chorus, as required by the major.
Keyboard proficiency
All undergraduates are expected to develop functional keyboard skills. This proficiency requirement can either be demonstrated through examination or through successful completion of piano class, as required by the major.
04.01.01.02 Music academic component
Five semesters of written theory and aural musicianship
Undergraduate students are required to take five semesters of an integrated written theory/aural musicianship sequence. The written theory courses are numbered TH101, TH102, TH201, TH202 and TH205, with the corresponding musicianship courses labeled TH161,TH162, TH261, TH262, and TH265. Students will be placed into the appropriate level course within the sequence based on placement exams administered during orientation week; the results of these exams are binding. Theory and aural musicianship courses must be taken concurrently and in sequence.
There are three possible theory "tracks" - intensive, regular, and honors. The intensive (I) track is intended for students who have had limited previous theory background; while the class meets for more clock hours than the other two tracks, this does not carry any additional credit. After successful completion of the first two semesters in the intensive track, students then move into the regular track.
The regular theory track consists of the standard five-semester curriculum, as described above.
The honors (H) track is intended for students who have significant previous theory background. The five-semester core theory curriculum is condensed into four semesters of integrated theory/aural musicianship that progresses at a quicker pace than the regular track. Note that students in the honors sequence must maintain a minimum course grade of B, or they will be reassigned to the regular course sequence (i.e., five semesters of coursework instead of four).
Failure of either theory or aural musicianship requires that the student register for the course again (offered one full year after the initial registration), and the student will be unable to move on in the overall sequence until a passing grade has been achieved. Should a student fail three or more theory/aural musicianship courses, this will be considered unsatisfactory progress towards degree completion and may lead to dismissal from the School.
In special circumstances, TH205 may be taken before TH202/TH262, given the change in focus from tonal to post-tonal analysis. Individual cases must be approved by the theory department chair and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs prior to registration.
Three semesters of music history
Three music history survey courses (MHS121, 122 and 123) that trace the development of music from the ninth century to the present are required of all undergraduates. In addition to the study and analysis of the musical literature of the time, the cultural and performing contexts in which the music has been created are examined. Diverse styles of music throughout history are explored ? Western and non-Western, ?classical? and popular, as are perspectives on issues of gender, folk and popular musics.
One music academic elective: an upper division course in music history or theory
In addition to the core theory and music history sequences, students must take a 3-credit music academic elective. This is an upper division course (numbered 200 or higher) in either music history or theory, such as counterpoint, or any special topics music history course.
For students with a double major in music education and performance, this requirement is met by the combination of a jazz theory course (JCM201) with a composition course (orchestration or choral arranging), found within the music education major.
04.01.01.03 Colloquium (EIC101)
This is a one-semester presentation series that introduces students to the broad scope of music and musicians at the Eastman School; it emphasizes the practical aspects of music as well as the philosophical, pedagogical, historical, and social underpinnings of music practices in the broadest sense.
04.01.01.04 Humanities/Science elective component
The School expects all of its students to explore a diverse range of academic disciplines, and to develop strong intellectual perspectives as well as the ability to voice these convincingly. This component of the curriculum enables students to reflect intelligently on their place in contemporary culture, and prepares them to assume roles of principled cultural leadership.
Freshman Writing Seminar (FWS121)
This seminar introduces students to college-level inquiry and analysis by focusing on critical thinking and academic writing. All students are required to take this course in their first semester, with the exception of the following:
- Transfer students who have completed, with a minimum grade of B-, an equivalent writing course at another accredited college;
- Students who are required to take ESL103 and ESL104 in their freshman year; these students will take FWS121 in their sophomore year.
Twenty-one (21) additional credits of general studies (humanities/science) electives
These courses should be largely non-musical in content and/or disciplinary orientation and have substantial academic requirements. Each elective course must carry at least three credits; a student who wishes to take a course for five credits or more and have all of these credits count towards this general studies component must have the permission of the Humanities Department Chair.
Courses in the following areas of academic study, as offered by the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music and College of Arts and Sciences, may be used to fulfill these electives:
Eastman School of Music:
| Art History | Film Studies | Italian |
| American Studies | French | Philosophy |
| Anthropology & Religion | German | Political Science |
| Classics | History | Psychology |
| English | Humanities | Women's Studies |
as well as TH241 and TH242 (Computer Applications I, II), offered through the Theory department. Students who are placed in English as a Second Language courses may also count ESL103 and/or ESL104 toward this requirement.
The College (Arts, Science and Engineering):
| African and African-American Studies | Film & Media Studies |
| Anthropology | History |
| Art and Art History | Judaic Studies |
| Art and Art History - Studio Arts* | Linguistics |
| Astronomy | Mathematics |
| Biochemistry | Modern Languages & Literature (excluding labs) |
| Biology | Neuroscience |
| Brain & Cognitive Science | Philosophy |
| Center for Visual Science | Physics & Astronomy |
| Chemistry | Political Science |
| Computer Science | Psychology |
| Dance* | Religion and Classics |
| Earth & Environmental Sciences | Sociology |
| Economics | Statistics |
| English | Women's Studies |
*Students may elect to take up to two courses of three to four credits each of performing (non-musical) or studio arts toward the satisfaction of their humanities and science requirement.
Courses in the other professional colleges of the University of Rochester - the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development, the Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and the School of Nursing - may only be taken for credit toward the Humanities and Science requirement with permission of the Chair of the Humanities Department at Eastman.
Note that at least eighteen of the twenty-four humanities and science credits must be taken at the University of Rochester, i.e. either through the Eastman School offerings or those of the College of Arts and Sciences. In the case of transfer students, courses accepted for transfer will count towards this 18-credit minimum.
Matriculated students who wish to take one of their humanities and sciences courses at another institution - during the summer, for example - must obtain prior authorization from the Chair of the Humanities Department, in order to be sure that the course will fulfill Eastman graduation requirements. Whenever possible, the student should be prepared to indicate the requirements of the course, including the number of hours to be spent in class, and to present a copy of the course description. Correspondence or online courses will not be accepted for credit.
For dual degree students, this general studies component is met by the courses required in their second degree program.
04.01.02 Departmental requirements
In addition to the core curriculum, there are departmental requirements specific to each major. These include courses such as chamber music, repertoire classes, and creative and practical electives. See the specific descriptions listed below for details.
04.01.02.01 Applied Music - Double Bass, Guitar, Harp, Organ, Piano, Strings, Voice, Winds, Brass & Percussion
Senior recitalAll applied music majors must present a full senior recital to a faculty panel of no less than three members of the department, including the student's applied teacher. The recital must include the performance of at least one work written in the last forty years. For wind, brass and percussion majors, the recital must also include one unaccompanied work and/or one chamber ensemble work.
Should the faculty panel decide that a student's senior recital does not meet the minimum standards, the student will be asked to give a second performance in fulfillment of this requirement. The faculty panel will determine, in consultation with the student's applied teacher, what repertoire must be performed, as well as the issues that must be addressed to ensure a successful second attempt. This second program must be approved by the chair of the department and documented in written correspondence to the student.
Other departmental requirements
These include specific ensemble requirements (from studio accompanying to large ensemble), chamber music, repertoire classes, pedagogy classes, language proficiency, and creative and practical electives. Refer to the individual degree requirement worksheets for details.
Double bass: BM_AMU_Double_Bass.pdf
Guitar: BM_AMU_Guitar.pdf
Harp: BM_AMU_Harp.pdf
Organ: BM_AMU_Organ.pdf
Piano: BM_AMU_Piano.pdf
Strings: BM_AMU_Strings.pdf
Voice: BM_AMU_Voice.pdf
Winds, Brass & Percussion: BM_AMU_WBP.pdf
04.01.02.02 Composition
Please See:
Bachelor of Music Degree in Composition, Advising Worksheet
04.01.02.03 Jazz Performance
04.01.02.04 Jazz Writing
See: BM_Jazz_Writing.pdf
04.01.02.05 Music Education - General
See: BM_Music_Education_General.pdf
04.01.02.06 Music Education - Instrumental
See: BM_Music_Education_Instrumental.pdf
04.01.02.07 Music Education - Vocal
See: BM_Music_Education_Vocal.pdf
04.01.02.08 Musical Arts
The Musical Arts major (MUA) is an honors curriculum that enables students to craft an individualized program of study, undertaken in consultation with a faculty committee that leads to a major senior project. These programs of study may be wide-ranging and possibly cross-disciplinary, and are generally not possible within the structured requirements of other majors at Eastman. This degree is intended for exceptional students who possess not only strong musical and intellectual abilities, but also the motivation and self-direction to succeed in the senior project.
Students who wish to pursue the MUA major will take Eastman's core curriculum (as well as departmental requirements of their applied music area) during the first two years. During the junior and senior year, students will follow the individual course of study approved by the MUA Supervisory Committee, within guidelines established by the School and outlined in the Academic Policy Handbook. Students continue with applied lessons, juries, and recitals consistent with the requirements for all BM students. It is possible for students to petition to take 7 rather than 8 total semesters of applied music and ensembles, but only with the approval of the appropriate applied faculty. This would be considered if it enabled students to take advantage of off-campus learning opportunities, such as internships or overseas study, directly relevant to their senior project. Students must, however, be registered for lessons in the semester in which a jury or recital is presented; thus it is strongly recommended that any off-campus learning opportunity be planned for a fall rather than spring semester, so that jury requirements can be met.
While MUA majors are not held to the department-specific requirements of the final two years of the AMU major, these courses may be recommended by the applied teacher. Note that students may opt to add the MUA major to their current program of study, and pursue a double (or triple) major as part of their Bachelor of Music degree.
Also see:BM_Musical_Arts.pdf
Application and Admission
All students interested in the Musical Arts major must apply in the spring of their sophomore year by submitting the materials specified below to the Office of Academic Affairs. Application and information materials are available in the Office of Academic Affairs and are generally due in the first week of April. Note that all applicants must present a draft of their proposal to a member of the MUA Supervisory Committee no later than three weeks prior to the deadline in order for their application to be considered by the Committee.
The MUA Supervisory Committee will interview all applicants during the week of last week of April. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the last day of classes of the spring semester. Students will be assigned a mentor from the MUA Supervisory Committee upon acceptance.
The minimum admission criteria include (exceptions will be made only with the permission of the Dean of Academic Affairs and MUA Supervisory Committee):
- cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better
- grades of B+ or better in all juries and applied lessons
- on track for completion of current program of study
- outstanding supporting documents
Application requirements:
- completed application form
- current transcript (must be requested through the Office of the Registrar)
- sample(s) of written work (at least one academic paper)
- three recommendations from diverse disciplines, one from applied teacher
- personal statement*
- individual interview with the MUA supervisory committee
* The personal statement should be a substantial proposal (2-3 pages) that describes the student?s motivation for entering the program, his/her goals and objectives for study, and a vision of how the BM MUA might affect the student's future.
Key Components of the MUA Curriculum
For a complete accounting of course requirements in the MUA degree, consult the degree advising worksheet.
Among other requirements, MUA students will take 24-27 credits in the humanities, while other BM students take only 21. Features that distinguish the MUA from other majors include a self-designed concentration of courses (12 credits) and a senior project (6 credits).
Concentration
The concentration is a well-defined program of study similar to a ?minor field.? It will consist of intellectually stimulating, potentially diverse, and wide-ranging courses; it may be cross-disciplinary and comprise related music and humanities courses.
Students may view the concentration in one of two ways: as a group of like courses drawn together by similar content, or as a group of dissimilar courses linked by an underlying thread. Normally courses in the concentration will provide the background necessary for students to undertake the senior project.
Upon acceptance to the MUA program, students will design a MUA concentration and submit it to the Supervisory Committee for approval. Concentration proposals are due November 1 of the junior year.
Concentration proposals must include at least four courses (ESM, River Campus, or transfer) totaling twelve (12) or more credit hours, and a prose statement describing anticipated goals and how the courses will achieve those goals.
The concentration does not add to the required credit total, but rather provides a focus to the courses chosen by the student.
Senior Project
The senior project is the culmination of BM MUA study. As such, it must be a substantial and original work that integrates the experience and education of the student. It should blend performance and academic interests with professional preparation. Creative and enterprising projects are strongly preferred, and they may include one or more non-musical, cross-disciplinary components. The project may incorporate such diverse elements as outreach, internships, and performance or video art.
There are two components to the senior project:
- A final written document that provides a project overview, includes goals and methodologies, and summarizes and interprets the results is required;
- A significant public presentation of the project must be given, either at an annual colloquium or as a separate event.
Senior projects will be:
- proposed by week 8 of the fall semester in the senior year with a formal written prospectus
- approved by the supervisory committee
- advised by one faculty advisor (other than the MUA Committee mentor)
- public presentation must be completed no later than two weeks before the end of the spring semester of the senior year
04.01.02.09 Theory
See: BM_Theory.pdf
04.01.02.10 Curriculum Footnotes
Bachelor of Music Degree Requirements for Applied Music Majors
Bachelor of Music Degree Requirements (other majors)
1. Students majoring in Applied Music or Jazz and Contemporary Media will present a full senior recital, which will include performance of at least one work written within the last forty years. In addition, all wind/brass/percussion students must include one unaccompanied composition and/or one chamber music composition.
2. Students who entered in fall 2002 or later should enroll in TH 205/265 for their 5th semester requirement. (Students who entered before fall 2002 must take TH 203 or 204 and TH 263 as their 5th semester requirement.)
3. See section 04.01.01.04 Humanities/Sciences elective component for courses which qualify as Humanities/Sciences electives. Courses must be at least 3 credits each. Courses of 5 or more credits must have permission of Humanities Dept. Chair.
4. Music History and Theory courses numbered 200 or higher, as well as various electives as approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs. Music Education majors fulfill this requirement with JCM 201. Students double-majoring in the combination of Music Education-Vocal and Applied Music-Voice fulfill this requirement by taking both JCM 201 and CMP 244.
5. Guitar students may substitute up to four semesters of Collegium Musicum (ENS 207/208) or Baroque Chamber Music (CHB 277) in place of Guitar Chamber Music (CHB 281/282).
6. Harpists may take Collegium Musicum (ENS 207/208) in place of piano class.
7. The chamber music requirement for wind/brass/percussion students may be fulfilled through registration in the following courses: Saxophone Ensemble (CHB 241), Baroque Chamber Music (CHB 277), Chamber Music (CHB 281/282), Trombone Choir (ENS 242), Percussion Ensemble (ENS 260), Jazz Ensemble (JCM 200).
8. The following electives may be chosen as "Creative and Practical Musicianship" elective credit: Arts Leadership Courses (if not used for an ALP Certificate); Chamber Music (beyond the required 4 semesters); Collegium Musicum (ENS 207/208); Composition for Non-Majors (CMP 221-224); Conducting (CND 211-214); Gamelan (ENS 215); Jazz Theory for Non-Jazz Majors (JCM 201-202); Basic Jazz Drumset (JCM 204); Functional Jazz Piano (JCM 205/206); Jazz Composition and Arranging (JCM 223/224); Secondary (130-level) Instrument Study; Small Ensembles (horn choir, tuba mirum, percussion ensemble, etc.); TH 203 or TH 204.
9. Choice of KBD 205: Organ Improvisation, KBD 250 or 251: Jazz Improvisation for Keyboard Majors, or KBD 443:Continuo Realization.
10. The progress of each composition student is reviewed by the composition faculty at the end of the sophomore year. Recommendations for continuation in the major are made at that time.
11. During the senior year, each Composition student is expected to present a major chamber work on the annual senior forum.
12. Applied music during the freshman and sophomore years shall be with an assigned classical teacher. Although JCM majors will normally be assigned to secondary teachers or teaching assistants, they are eligible for study with the major teachers depending upon teacher availability and the demonstration of exceptional instrumental ability by the student. Applied music during the junior and senior years will be with an assigned JCM teacher. All JCM majors will prepare and perform instrumental juries for the assigned ESM departmental faculty during the freshman and sophomore years and also perform a jazz jury. During the junior and senior years, the instrumental juries will be prepared with the assigned JCM teacher and performed for the JCM faculty. Jazz and Contemporary Media students are encouraged to take courses in African-American studies or languages elected from Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Japanese. Languages are recommended for students who aspire to careers which include jazz education or professional jazz work abroad.
13. Students may elect a 2 credit non-jazz music elective in lieu of JCM 271.
14. Any 400-level course requires permission of the instructor. 500-level courses may only be taken with special permission from the department chair.
15. Students with a double major in Music Education-Instrumental and Jazz Studies may substitute JCM 205 & 206: Functional Jazz Piano for 2 semesters of piano class.
16. Policy for dual degree students regarding the FWS 121 requirement is currently under review.
17. Students accepted into the musical arts major may request a one semester reduction in music lessons.
18. Students accepted into the musical arts major may substitute a theory elective in place of TH 205.
19. Students double majoring in Music Education-Instrumental, automatically fulfill this requirement by completing their music education courses.
20. MUE 272 is not required for strings.
21. Musical arts majors: The large ensemble requirement is based upon requirements for the student's major instrument. Once accepted into the MUA major, it remains the same except in cases where 8 semesters were required, the musical arts major changes the requirement to 7 semesters.
22. Students are required to take 3 of the instrument methods courses for a total of 3 or 4 credits.
23. Satisfactory completion of two years of secondary voice. NOTE: MUE 141: Voice class I (1 cr.) & MUE 142: Voice Class II (1 cr.) are to be taken by MEV pianists who have had no high school vocal experience prior to enrolling in Secondary Voice.
24. Must be completed during junior year as a prerequisite to CHB 281/282 to be taken in senior year.
25. JCM Writing Majors will take four semesters of 4-credit lessons, followed by four semesters of 2-credit lessons plus JCM 211.
04.01.03 Variations from the prescribed programs of study
In order to earn a Bachelor of Music degree, all undergraduates are expected to complete the degree requirements that are in place during their year of matriculation. Any exceptions to the prescribed programs of study must be approved by the department in which the requirement resides, as well as by the Office of Academic Affairs. Students must complete a Waiver/Substitution Form and obtain the necessary approvals in order to document any such variations within their degree program.
04.02 Maximum credit loads
Undergraduate students may register on-line for a maximum of 23 credits per semester. Should a student wish to take courses above and beyond this, they must obtain approval from the Office of Academic Affairs. A minimum GPA of 3.0 and good overall standing will be prerequisites for approval.
04.03 Transfer credit for matriculated students
Undergraduate students may take two humanities/science courses at another institution and transfer up to 6 credits in to their Eastman School of Music degree program. Each course must be a minimum of 3 credits, and a grade of B- or better must be earned. Approval of such coursework from the Chair of the Humanities department must be obtained in advance of taking the courses; the form is available in the Office of the Registrar and online: www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/TC_approval.pdf.
Collegiate level courses taken during high school may be considered for humanities transfer credit if they were not taken in fulfillment of a high school degree requirement; students may be asked to provide appropriate supporting documentation from the school district.
04.04 Advanced standing
04.04.01 Theory
AP standing in music theory is granted indirectly through the initial theory placement exam that takes place during orientation week. While AP scores do not automatically replace ESM coursework, previous theory study may contribute to advanced standing within the required core sequence, as determined by the placement exam.
04.04.02 Humanities/science electives
To ensure that the Humanities department fulfills the School?s mission of complementing the college-level study of music with academic study in the liberal arts and sustained intellectual reflection, AP scores may earn a student advanced standing but, with the exception of double majors, no credit will be granted towards the Humanities and Science requirement on the basis of such scores. Note that the AP policies of departments in the College of Arts and Sciences vary; these policies apply only to degrees offered in the College and have no bearing on the Humanities and Science requirement for the Bachelor of Music degree at the Eastman School of Music.
04.04.03 Advanced placement (AP)
Students with sufficient AP scores may be exempt from introductory-level courses and be able to place directly into higher-level classes. No credit will be granted for the exempted course unless the student is a double-major (see below). Those seeking such standing should consult with the appropriate chair, program director, or instructor.
04.04.04 Double majors
Students who matriculated in the fall of 2005 and after, who are registered as double majors, and who complete both majors, may receive three credits (for one exam) or six credits (for two exams) for scores of four or five on AP exams in the humanities and sciences (except music theory; see above) with the following two provisos:
- That a student can receive a maximum of six credits for AP exams and summer transfer courses combined; and
- If a student who is originally a double major drops one of the two majors, the AP credits granted by the School will be withdrawn.
04.05 Set-aside Credit towards Graduate Study
Students nearing completion of their undergraduate coursework may decide to take courses at Eastman above and beyond their Bachelor of Music degree requirements, with the intent of applying these additional credits towards their stated masters? degree requirements. Students may request that up to six credits of such coursework (200-400 level) be set aside for elective credit in their master of music degree, thus reducing the total number of credits required at the master's level. Approved set-aside courses remain in the undergraduate degree program on the student?s record and factor into the undergraduate grade point average. The same course cannot fulfill a requirement in both degree programs. This policy is only applicable to courses taken at the Eastman School. To apply for set-aside credit, submit a Set-aside credit application to the Eastman Registrar's Office
04.06 Double majors
Students may enroll in any combination of majors with the approval of the appropriate departments and the Office of Academic Affairs. Students must meet all requirements for each major in order to complete their Bachelor of Music degree. Certain combinations of majors may require additional semesters of study, given sequencing and credit load considerations.
Students interested in adding a new major must meet with the chair of the department and pass all admission requirements as established by the department, including performance assessments and academic file review. If accepted into the second major, the student will need to complete a "Change of Academic Status" form (available in the Office of Academic Affairs) and submit it to the Dean of Academic Affairs for final approval. Approval of a student's double major program is given by the Dean only on the recommendation of the chairs of the major departments.
04.06.01 FORTE program
The FORTE program is a ninth semester of tuition-free enrollment for selected music education majors. This semester is devoted exclusively to completion of the student teaching experience. The FORTE program is available to students enrolled in the music education programs (instrumental, vocal or general) who are also enrolled in a second major; e.g. performance, composition, theory, or jazz studies, or in a second degree program (Bachelor of Arts or Science) at the College.
Students must be in good standing in both programs in order to apply, and must be recommended by their music education advisor as well as their studio teacher. Students must apply for the FORTE program by the beginning of the junior year (fifth semester) so that scheduling of courses in the junior and senior years can be adjusted to facilitate student teaching in the ninth semester. All requirements other than student teaching must be completed in eight semesters. Applied study is not available to a student as part of this tuition-free semester. To begin the application process, students should consult with their academic advisor in the Music Education department.
04.07 Minors and certificates (non-music)
Eastman students may establish a minor or undertake certificate studies in a field other than music through many of the departments of the College of Arts and Sciences. A list of possible minors (www.rochester.edu/college/majors.html) and certificates (www.rochester.edu/college/certificates.html) is available on the College's website. Students interested in adding a minor or certificate should research the coursework needed for their intended area of study, and then meet with the departmental advisor of that particular certificate to obtain final approval. Students must then complete the appropriate paperwork to obtain credit for the minor or certificate at the College's Center for Academic Support. With some exceptions, these courses count toward the general (humanities/science) elective requirement in the Bachelor of Music degree.
04.08 Transfer students
04.08.01 Minimum residency requirement
Students who transfer to the Eastman School of Music from another college or university to earn a Bachelor of Music degree are required to complete a minimum of four consecutive full-time semesters at Eastman.
04.08.02 Determination of class standing
Transfer class standing is dependent on the applied/primary instrument placement, as determined by the department, as well as on music academic placement. The latter is determined by placement exams as well as by a review of all earned academic credit. The initial class standing determination may be subject to change at the discretion of the department following the student?s first applied jury.
04.08.03 Transfer credit for transfer students
The Eastman School reserves the right to validate, by examination, credit presented as requisite to a course for which a student wishes to register and which is required in his or her curriculum.
Transfer credit is not awarded for applied music study. Normally, applied music credit is waived up to the student's class year placement. For example, a transfer student who enters as a sophomore would have 8 lesson credits waived (4 credits x 2 semesters). This same principle applies to ensemble credit, though there are cases where previous ensemble study may be accepted as transfer credit, with the approval of the Ensembles Department and the Office of Academic Affairs.
Students transferring from accredited institutions may, without examination, have the following credit validated:
- Humanities and sciences courses in which a minimum grade of B- was earned
- Music history courses in which a minimum grade of B- was earned
Transfer students who have completed, with a minimum grade of B-, an equivalent writing course at another accredited college may be exempted from FWS121 (Freshman Writing Seminar).
All entering transfer students will be required to take EIC101 (Colloquium) unless they can present documentation that they have taken a similar course at another school. Students transferring in with junior class standing are exempt from taking EIC101.
04.09 Dual degree program
04.09.01 General guidelines
The dual degree program is designed for students who have equally strong interests in music and another field such that they wish to undertake undergraduate degree work in both. Dual degree students are those who have applied to and been accepted by both the Eastman School and the College (Arts and Sciences or the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences), and are intending to complete a Bachelor of Music as well as a Bachelor of Arts or Science.
Given that each campus has its own independent offices (e.g. admissions, financial aid, registrar), each dual degree student will be assigned a primary college (either Eastman or the College) for administrative purposes. The sole determining factor in the assignment of the primary college is the financial benefit of the student; this decision is jointly made by the two financial aid offices upon the student's admission to the dual degree program. As long as the student continues to make what both schools consider to be satisfactory progress toward both degrees, and assuming that all other factors remain the same, the institutional financial aid for which the student qualifies will remain in place for up to ten semesters.
Students who initially enrolled in a single degree program at the Eastman School may apply to add a second degree at the College. To do so, they should meet with the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs to discuss the impact of the second degree on their current program of study, and then complete an "Intent to Enroll Form" (available through the Admissions Office at the College.
04.09.02 Satisfactory progress for dual degree students
Given the complexities of balancing the requirements of two distinct degrees, it is typical for students to take up to ten semesters to complete their degree study. The largely pre-professional study at the Eastman School consists of tightly-sequenced coursework, particularly in the first two years of study. As a result, dual degree students typically take only one or two courses on the River Campus during their freshman year and add courses as they progress in their degree programs.
To assist in the planning of their programs of study, dual degree students are advised by the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the Eastman School, the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the College, and their assigned departmental advisors. The normal course load for a dual degree student varies between 18 and 24 credits, depending on the combination of majors.
In order to maintain enrollment in the dual degree program and to make progress toward the degree in the College, it is strongly recommended that students complete at least eight credit hours on the River Campus by the end of the first year, and 24 credits by the end of the second year. By the end of the fifth semester, dual degree students will be expected to have earned 32 credit hours and to have been officially accepted into a major in the College. Students may be dropped from the College degree program if these criteria have not been met.
04.09.03 Special academic arrangements
Programs of study at the College are based on a cluster system; clusters are sets of related courses. Each cluster contains a minimum of twelve credits of coursework, which is equivalent, in most cases, to three courses. Each cluster falls within one of the three academic divisions: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences and Engineering. In each of these three divisions, students will be expected to complete a formal set of coursework: a major, a minor, or a cluster. Special divisional clusters in the Humanities and Social Sciences have been devised and approved for dual degree students; they include coursework that is required for the Bachelor of Music degree. Students who major in a Natural Science discipline may take advantage of both of these special clusters. Other students, in addition to completing a major and one of these special clusters, will need to complete a cluster in the Natural Sciences. See www.rochester.edu/college/ccas/clusters for more details.
The freshman writing requirement for dual degree students may be fulfilled by successful completion of either FWS121 at Eastman or the College's required freshman writing course, CAS105/105E.
Up to five years of private instruction are available to dual degree students: four consecutive years with their applied faculty instructor, followed by one year with that teacher's teaching assistant. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the faculty member, the department, and the Dean of Academic Affairs.
04.09.04 Requirements for graduation/Degree conferral
Dual degree students must complete all of the specified degree requirements for each degree in order to graduate from the University of Rochester?s dual degree program. Both degrees must be completed before either bachelor degree will be conferred.
04.10 Special programs
The University of Rochester offers two unique programs that allow students to broaden their undergraduate experiences during a tuition-free semester or year.
04.10.01 Take Five Scholars Program
The Take Five Scholars Program provides students with the opportunity to acquire a liberal education that might not otherwise be available to them. Qualified students will be granted either one or two tuition-free semesters to take courses that significantly broaden their programs of study. Note that this program is not intended to be pre-vocational or to enhance a student's marketability.
Students may apply to the program from the second semester of their sophomore year through the first semester of their senior year. Applications are reviewed in both the fall and spring semesters; students must attend an information session either at Eastman or at the College before they may apply to the program. Neither major applied study nor large ensemble participation is available during the extra semesters of enrollment of students admitted to the Take Five Scholars Program.
Detailed information can be found at www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/TakeFive.
04.10.02 Kauffman Entrepreneurial Year (KEY) Program
The KEY program provides accepted students with the opportunity to devote one or two semesters, tuition-free, to the study and/or practice of entrepreneurship. Proposals may include internships, special projects, business plan development, research into various facets of entrepreneurship, or analysis of how culture and public policy influence entrepreneurial activity.
Interested students should attend an information session to learn about the program and the guidelines that are in effect. For more information, see: Center for Entrepreneurship.
04.11 Absence policy
At the Eastman School of Music, class attendance is considered to be a crucial part of the learning process. For this reason, attendance policies for courses and ensembles are determined and managed by the faculty and departments.
Acknowledging that there may be circumstances under which a student may be absent from class for legitimate reasons, an excused absence policy was put into place several years ago by the Office of Academic Affairs. These circumstances and the procedures for approval and notification are listed below. For absences resulting from any other circumstances, it will be the student's responsibility to contact their faculty and make appropriate arrangements to make up the missed work.
04.11.01 Absence for professional reasons
As a professional institution, Eastman expects that its students will be presented with opportunities for professional growth and development. These may include job interviews, auditions for professional positions or graduate schools, and exceptional performance opportunities.
If students need to be absent from school for such a reason, and wish to have the Office of Academic Affairs issue formal approval of this absence to their professors, they must submit an online request (www.esm.rochester.edu/absences) This request and all supporting documentation must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs at least one week in advance of the professional obligation. Appropriate documentation of the opportunity may be a letter from the hiring organization, or a printout of the website advertising the audition date. In addition, a supplemental form must be signed by the Ensembles department if an ensemble rehearsal is being missed.
The Office of Academic Affairs will, in turn, determine whether an absence for this particular opportunity will be excused or not, and then issue the appropriate notification to the faculty. Note that absences for professional reasons will not be excused retroactively.
04.11.02 Absence for reasons of health or personal emergency
If a student is absent for a significant period of time (3 days or more) for medical reasons, the Office of Academic Affairs can issue a notification to the appropriate faculty on the student's behalf upon receipt of a completed excused absence form, pending confirmation and documentation by the University Health Service or a medical professional. If a student is unable to notify their teachers for any reason (such as hospitalization), the Office of Academic Affairs can initiate notification of the faculty on the student's behalf.
Requests for reasonable accommodations in performance obligations because of personal injury must be made through Ben Ojala, Assistant Dean for Student Life (EC 103, 274-1106). Documentation and/or approval of accommodations from the University Health Service will be required, so it is strongly suggested that students meet with Assistant Dean Ojala as soon as injury symptoms present themselves.
In the case of a personal emergency, the student should complete the excused absence form and submit it to the Office of Academic Affairs for review and notification.
Note that any incidental (i.e. one-time) absences remain within the responsibility of the student to discuss with their instructors.
04.12 Grading policies and procedures
04.12.01 Grades, points and credit
Each faculty instructor determines the grading criteria for their courses and publishes them in the class syllabus. This includes expected assignments and exams, specific stipulations for successful course completion, and attendance policies.
Semester hours of credit are assigned to courses in accordance with the recommendations of the National Association of Schools of Music and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. In general, in classroom subjects, one semester hour of credit is assigned for each class hour per week per semester. In subjects requiring less out-of-class preparation, two to four one-hour class periods per week may be required for each hour of credit.
Should a passing grade be earned for a given course, students receive the number of semester credit hours assigned to the course. For the purposes of calculating a student's grade point average, each grade is assigned a particular point value; this information appears on the back side of the official academic transcript: www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/transcript_key.pdf.
04.12.02 Repeating failed courses
A course in which a student earns a grade of "E" (failure) may be repeated. A higher grade earned as the result of repeating a failed course also will be entered on the record, and both grades will be used in calculating his or her grade-point average.
When a student earns a failing grade in a required course, the course must be repeated. If the failure occurs at the end of the first semester in a course that normally extends through the entire year, the student may continue in the course only if the instructor deems it advisable. If a satisfactory level of achievement is reached by the end of the second semester, it will be considered that the student has reached that level of proficiency in that particular area.
04.12.03 Dean's List
At the conclusion of the fall and spring semesters, a list is issued of those students whose academic achievement warrants notation on the Dean's List. The Eastman School of Music's Dean List will include full-time undergraduate students who meet both of the following requirements:
- an overall semester GPA of 3.9 or above, and
- completion of 16 or more credit hours, at least 12 of which have normal letter grades (A through E), with no "I" or "N" grades. A minimum of 12 credits is required in the senior year.
Notation of Dean's List standing is made on the official transcript.
04.13 Progress towards degree completion
04.13.01 Minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress
Each undergraduate student must make satisfactory progress in their degree study in order to maintain good standing at the School. To this end, each student?s academic progress is reviewed at the end of the fall and spring semesters by the Academic Progress Committee (comprised of the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the Registrar, and the Director of Financial Aid).
In addition to the following benchmarks, the minimum standard for satisfactory academic progress for a Bachelor of Music degree student requires that students maintain a minimum current and cumulative grade point average or 2.0 over a full-time courseload (12 credits) in any given semester.
- At the end of the second semester of study, the student must meet all minimum requirements for sophomore standing which includes satisfactory completion of:
- Two semesters of full-time study
- At least 24 credits towards stated degree requirements through earned credit, placement by Eastman examination, or transfer credit
- Freshman Jury
- At the end of the fourth semester of study, the student must meet all minimum requirements for junior standing which includes satisfactory completion of:
- Four semesters of full-time study
- At least 60 credits towards stated degree requirements through earned credit, placement by Eastman examination, or transfer credit.
- Sophomore jury, as well as a sophomore review for music education and composition students
- At the end of the sixth semester of study, the student must meet all minimum requirements for senior standing which includes satisfactory completion of:
- Six semesters of full-time study
- o At least 84 credits towards stated degree requirements through earned credit, placement by Eastman examination, or transfer credit
- Junior jury
- At the end of the eighth semester of study, the student should have completed all degree requirements, which includes the satisfactory completion of:
- Eight semesters of full-time-study
- All stated degree requirements on the advising worksheet, with a minimum of 120 credits.
- Senior recital, if required
These satisfactory academic progress benchmarks do not apply to:
- students who transfer to Eastman from another college or university. Benchmarks for these students will be established once their initial class-year placement is determined and transfer credit is evaluated;
- dual degree students who will earn their degree in more than eight semesters. Because combined degree requirements vary greatly, progress for these students will be monitored on a case-by-case basis;
- students approved to participate in the following special programs: FORTE, Take 5, or KEY.
Students who do not maintain satisfactory progress may face sanctions as described below. Typically, students will be notified in writing should there be any concerns regarding their progress in their programs of study. In addition to, or in lieu of, being placed on probation, a student?s class year may be changed if one or more of the following applies:
- Insufficient course credit to graduate in eight semesters
- Failure to register for the appropriate courses
- Been inactive for one or more semesters
- Failed a required course that must be repeated
04.13.02 Probation
Students who do not meet the minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress as defined above will be placed on probation. Students on probation (and their parents) will be notified in writing by the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs of the requirements which must be satisfied to remove themselves from probation.
Any of the following circumstances will cause a student to be placed on probation:
- A current or cumulative GPA below 2.0
- Failure to complete at least 12 credits of coursework in a given semester
- A course failure as the result of an academic integrity infraction
Students on probation will face a financial penalty; they may lose some or all of any institutional merit scholarship they may be receiving from the School (see 4.13.06 Impact of academic standing on merit-based aid). Students cannot be on probation for more than two consecutive semesters, or else they risk suspension or dismissal from their studies at the School.
04.13.03 Departmental probations
In addition to the minimum standards of academic progress listed above, students must also meet the expectations for good standing in their major, as defined by the major department. Students who are placed on one of the following departmental probations are only permitted one probationary semester to rectify their situation; if they are not able to do so, they will be dismissed from the major and/or their degree studies at the School.
04.13.03.01 Jury probation
A student may be placed on jury probation as the result of an unsatisfactory performance jury or an applied semester grade of "C" or lower. Jury probation carries no financial penalty, but the probationary status must be removed within one semester or the student will be dismissed from the performance major or the School. Jury probation resulting from an unsatisfactory performance jury will be recorded as a grade of "incomplete" for the semester and may cause the delay of the student's advancement in class year or reassignment of graduate date.
04.13.03.02 Music education probation
Students who major in music education are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0, including a GPA of 3.3 in music education courses. In addition, the required minimum grade in all music education courses (courses with an MUE label) is B- or 2.7. If a student does not earn this minimum grade in a music education course, he/she will be required to re-take the course. Reviews of GPA will take place at the end of each semester by music education faculty. One semester of probationary status in the music education major may be given to bring the GPA into compliance.
Students must successfully complete all components of the sophomore review, or else they will be placed on departmental probation. They must demonstrate sufficient progress in the following semester in order to regain good standing in the major. In extreme cases where the student does not earn the minimum standard requirements in their attempt of the sophomore review, the student may be dismissed from the music education major. (rev. 4/9/08)
04.13.03.03 Theory probation
A student who has failed two courses within the core undergraduate sequence will have probationary status for the remainder of their degree study. This probation carries no financial penalty, but the student must pass every remaining course in the core undergraduate sequence until graduation. Should a student fail a third theory/aural musicianship course, this will be considered unsatisfactory progress towards degree completion and may lead to dismissal from the School.
04.13.04 Suspension
In cases where it is evident a student is not making sufficient progress in their degree study or whose progress is impeded by failed required coursework, or where he/she has not been able to remove him/herself from a second probationary status as required by the Office of Academic Affairs, the student will be suspended from his/her studies at the Eastman School of Music for a minimum term of one full semester. The terms and conditions of the suspension will be defined in a written letter to the student, and each of these must be met by the student before the School will consider their re-instatement to full-time matriculated study. These terms may include (but are not limited to) completion of 12 credits of academic coursework at another institution with minimum grade expectations, as well as a re-audition on his/her applied instrument.
04.13.05 Dismissal
In cases where it is evident a student is not able to demonstrate the minimum expected standard of performance in his/her studies at the School, or has not been able to remove him/herself from a final probationary status as required by the Office of Academic Affairs, the student will be dismissed from his/her studies at the Eastman School of Music. Once a student has been dismissed from his/her studies at the School, he/she will not be permitted to re-apply for future undergraduate study at the School. Under extreme circumstances, this may extend to graduate study as well.
04.13.06 Impact of academic standing on merit-based aid
A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 3.0 by the end of the first year of study is required to maintain full merit-based financial aid. Failure to maintain a 3.0 CGPA by the end of the first year of study, or any subsequent semester, will result in a loss of a minimum of $500 of any merit scholarship. If a student is placed on probation, a merit scholarship will normally be reduced by a total of $1,000 for the first semester of probation, and $1,500 for the second semester of probation. This financial penalty also applies to probation resulting from a violation of academic integrity.
In more serious cases, the Eastman School reserves the right to remove a student's entire merit scholarship award. Need-based scholarships are not affected by these academic or performance standards, but may be subject to federal and state requirements.
04.14 Graduation/Commencement
To be eligible for graduation, students must:
- complete the prescribed degree program with a minimum GPA of 2.0,
- satisfy the major department and applied music jury,
- be recommended by the faculty for the degree, and
- have completed the equivalent of at least eight full-time semesters of college study.
Students are encouraged to participate in May commencement ceremonies for their class year. Participation in the commencement ceremony and listing in the program booklet does not constitute graduation or degree conferral. The University permits students in the Take Five Scholars Program to participate in commencement ceremonies at the end of either their fourth or fifth year of study.
04.14.01 Marching on completion
Students are assigned to (or re-assigned to) a particular class year if they are likely, expected, or eligible to complete their degree in May, August or December of that calendar year. Undergraduate students who will complete their eighth semester of study in May but must complete coursework during the summer or fall, must perform a recital, or will participate in the FORTE program through the Music Education department during the fall semester will be considered "on completion" and should plan on participating in the May commencement ceremonies of that calendar year. These students may not participate in the commencement ceremonies for the following class year.
Students who begin their studies in a January session and who will complete their eighth semester of study in December of their class year should plan on participating in the preceding May commencement (of the same calendar year). A student who will complete all degree requirements in December may participate in the following May commencement ceremonies on degree pending status only if they request, in writing to the Registrar, that their official class year be changed.
04.14.02 Graduation Honors
Honors candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree with distinction will be limited to the top 33 percent (and ties) of the graduating class. They are allocated as follows:
- Highest distinction: top 3% and ties
- High distinction: the next 10% and ties
- Distinction: the next 20% and ties
Honors are calculated at the end of the fall semester of the year in which the student is graduating. To be considered a candidate for such honors, a student must have completed at least 60 semester hours in residence and must show no "incompletes" on his/her record.
Note that for dual degree students, any determinations regarding honors will be dependent on the student's primary campus.
04.15 Teacher Certification
Undergraduate students qualify for certification to teach music in elementary and secondary schools of the State of New York by completing one of Eastman's undergraduate music education curricula. The School also offers master's degrees in music education to which courses can be added to qualify the student for this certification (see the Graduate section of this document). Undergraduate students majoring in applied music, music theory, or music history who plan to qualify for teacher certification through this graduate program are advised to include in their undergraduate studies some of the courses required for that certification. Questions about certification at the graduate level should be directed to the chair of the Music Education department.