Music | Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers two degree programs: a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (K-12); and a Bachelor of Arts in Music. In the music education program, the student may prepare for a teaching career in either vocal or instrumental music or a combination of the two. The music education programs are certified by the Illinois State Board of Education. Two optional emphases (Music Performance or Jazz/Commercial Music) can be added to the Bachelor of Arts in Music.

Mission Statement

The Saint Xavier University Music program offers quality programs grounded in the liberal arts tradition that prepare music students for careers in the field of music. The Music program provides a supportive learning environment that promotes the attainment of knowledge and artistic expression within a broad cultural context serving the University and surrounding community with a variety of cultural opportunities and educational activities.

Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree

Purpose: Students enrolled in a professional undergraduate degree in music are expected to develop a range of knowledge, skills, concepts and sensitivities essential to the professional life of a musician, which includes: technical competence; broad knowledge of music and music literature; the ability to integrate musical knowledge and skills; sensitivity to musical styles; and an insight into the role of music in intellectual and cultural life.

Common Learning Objectives for Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree

Performance: Students will acquire technical skills, musicianship and understanding of the repertory requisite for artistic self-expression in at least one major performance area at a level appropriate for the particular degree program.
Musicianship Skills and Analysis: Students will understand the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interactions as it relates to aural, verbal and visual analyses.
Composition/Improvisation: Students will acquire technical skills in creating original or derivative music.
History and Repertory: Students will acquire knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time, including musical repertoires beyond those of the primary culture of the area of specialization.
Synthesis: Students will be able to synthesize a broad range of musical knowledge and skills (performance, analysis, composition, and history and repertory) to evaluate and respond to musical issues appropriate to the particular degree program.

Specific Learning Objectives for the Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree

Music Competencies

The prospective music teacher will develop skills to be a competent conductor, capable of creating accurate and musically expressive performances with various types of performing groups and in the general classroom situation.
The prospective music teacher will develop skills to arrange and adapt music from a variety of sources to meet the needs and ability levels of individuals, school performing groups and classroom situations.
The prospective music teacher, in addition to the skills required for all musicians, will develop functional performance abilities in keyboard and voice. Functional performance abilities in instruments appropriate to the student's teaching specialization are also essential.
The prospective music teacher will be able to apply analytical and historical knowledge to curriculum development, lesson planning and daily classroom and performance activities; relating their understanding of music with respect to styles, literature, multiple cultural sources, and historical development, both in general and as related to their area(s) of specialization.
The prospective music teacher will develop necessary competencies (musicianship, vocal, keyboard and pedagogical skills, knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies and curriculum development) to teach music.

Teaching Competencies

The prospective music teacher will develop the ability to teach music at various levels to different age groups and in a variety of classroom and ensemble settings in ways that develop knowledge of how music works syntactically as a communication medium and developmentally as an agent of civilization. This set of abilities includes effective classroom and rehearsal management.
The prospective music teacher will develop an understanding of child growth and development and principles of learning as they relate to music.
The prospective music teacher will develop the ability to assess aptitudes, experiential backgrounds, orientations of individuals and groups of students, and the nature of subject matter to plan educational programs to meet assessed needs.
The prospective music teacher will develop knowledge of current methods, materials and repertories available in various fields of music education appropriate to the teaching specialization.
The prospective music teacher will develop the ability to accept, amend or reject methods and materials based on a personal assessment of specific teaching situations.
The prospective music teacher will develop an understanding of evaluative techniques and an ability to apply them in assessing both the musical progress of students and the objectives and procedures of the curriculum.

Specialization Competencies

Vocal/Choral Music

The vocal/choral teaching specialist will develop sufficient vocal and pedagogical skills to teach individually and in groups the effective use of the voice.
The vocal/choral teaching specialist will develop knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies and curriculum development for vocal/choral music.
The vocal/choral teaching specialist will develop sufficient performance ability on at least one instrument as a teaching tool and to provide, transpose, and improvise accompaniments.
The vocal/choral teaching specialist will develop knowledge of appropriate repertoire through participation in large and small choral ensembles.

Instrumental Music

The instrumental teaching specialist will develop knowledge of and performance ability on the wind, string and percussion instruments sufficient to teach beginning students effectively in groups or individually.
The instrumental teaching specialist will develop knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies and curriculum development for instrumental music.
The instrumental teaching specialist will develop knowledge of appropriate repertoire through participation in large and small instrumental ensembles.

Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree

Purpose: Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree will develop a wide range of knowledge, skills and competencies expected of those holding a liberal arts degree in music.

Learning Objectives for the Bachelor of Arts in Music

Performance: Students will develop knowledge and skills in one or more areas of music beyond basic musicianship at a level consistent with the liberal arts degree; and will understand procedures for realizing a variety of musical styles.
Musicianship: Students will develop the ability to hear, identify and work conceptually with the elements of music and read and realize musical notation.
Composition: Students will understand compositional processes, aesthetic properties of style and the ways these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces.
History and Repertory: Students will be acquainted with a wide selection of musical literature, the principal eras, genres and cultural sources.
Synthesis: Students will acquire abilities in developing and defending musical judgments.

The Non-Music Major

Students not enrolled in a music degree program may develop individual performance skills through private instruction in voice or instruments. Study in these areas is contingent upon current enrollment in a University ensemble (see below) and intermediate playing experience. Vocal Technique (MUS 103), Guitar Class (MUS 104), and Piano Class (MUS 107) are required prior to registration in applied music at the 200-level in these areas.

In addition, numerous opportunities are provided for qualified students to participate in a wide variety of performance organizations, including: University Chorale, University Chamber Singers, Opera Workshop, University Band, Brass Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble and Chamber Music Ensembles. Non-majors may apply credit earned in these courses toward the University "Literature and Fine Arts" requirement.

The courses offered to the general student by the Music Program are designed to:

Provide an opportunity for every student to explore the resources for personal enrichment to be found in music.
Provide alternative areas of study to students in their quest to become liberally-educated persons.
Contribute to the cultural life of the University and the community.

Entrance Requirements

Music Major (Incoming Freshman)

Previous experience in music activities at the high school level.
Successful performance audition, including an evaluation of sight-reading skills and tonal memory.
Letter of recommendation from high school music teacher or private instructor.
Theory placement exam.
Keyboard skills placement.

Music Major (Transfer Student)

Successful performance audition, including an evaluation of sight-reading skills and tonal memory.
Theory placement exam regardless of other theory courses completed.
Keyboard skills placement.

Admission to the Music Program

All students in the Music program are considered "music major candidates" until formal application and acceptance status into the program has been completed. Students must apply for formal admittance after completion of four (4) semesters of study as a music major candidate. Transfer students must see the division director for exact date of application, as each case is different. Students who are not admitted after the second attempt may petition the music faculty for a third and final attempt at formal admission to a specific program.

Requirements for Formal Admission to the Music Program

Successful completion of Music program's sophomore year requirements.*
Successful completion of the University's sophomore year requirements (48-60 credit hours).
Cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.5.
Letters of recommendation from:
1. Applied music professor
2. Theory/aural skills professor
3. Music education professor (music education students only)
Successful completion of a formal admission jury with a grade-point average of 2.5 for bachelor of arts candidates, and 3.0 for bachelor of music candidates.
Successful completion of the State of Illinois Criminal Background Investigation - for Music Education students.

*Sophomore Year Music Requirements:

(minimum of 31 credit hours)
Music Theory - 12 credits (MUS 101, 102, 201, 202)
Aural Skills - 4 credits (MUS/MUSLB 151, 152, 251, 252)
Keyboard Skills - 4 credits (MUS/MUSLB 161, 162, 261, 262)
Introduction to Music - 3 credits (MUS 115)
Applied lessons (demonstrating an appropriate level of expertise) and ensembles appropriate to major.

Requirements for Formal Admission of Transfer Students to the Music Program

Four (4) credit hours of applied music with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrating an appropriate level of expertise.
Nine (9) credit hours in music courses, including music theory, aural skills and keyboard skills (if required after entrance exam), with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Twelve (12) credit hours of general studies, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Letters of recommendation from:
1. Applied music professor
2. Theory/aural skills professor
3. Music education professor (music education students only)
Successful completion of a formal admission jury with a GPA of 2.5 for bachelor of arts candidates, and 3.0 for bachelor of music candidates.
Successful completion of the State of Illinois Criminal Background Investigation for Music Education students.

Note: Students who are not admitted into a specific music degree program should not register for upper-level music courses in that program. It is possible that upper-level coursework taken prior to formal admission will not count toward degree program completion.

Requirements for Degree

Completion of general education core requirements.
Completion of program courses specified for the particular area of emphasis with a minimum of C in each course, and a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA in music courses for music education students.
Recorded attendance each semester at a specified number of campus recitals or concerts approved for this purpose by the music faculty.
Successful completion of a senior culminating experience (solo recital, joint recital, lecture-recital, student teaching or major research paper) as specified in the particular degree requirements.

It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain and fulfill the requirements for the desired degree. The major advisor will assist the student in this responsibility.

Programs of Study in Music

Bachelor of Music in Music Education (B.M.) - Professional Degree

Bachelor of Music in Music Education students must complete the music core requirements along with the requirements for one of the emphases. Please review the requirements in our Education Division for the Secondary Education - Music major. Accredited: National Association of Schools of Music.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.)

B.A. Music Core

Applied Music, Major Area (8) (Vocal majors 7)
MUS 103: Vocal Technique (3) (Vocal Majors Only)
MUS 101: Music Theory I (3)
MUS 102: Music Theory II (3)
MUS 201: Music Theory III (3)
MUS 202: Music Theory IV (3)
MUS/MUSLB 151: Aural Skills I (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 152: Aural Skills II (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 251: Aural Skills III (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 252: Aural Skills IV (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 161: Keyboard Skills I (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 162: Keyboard Skills II (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 261: Keyboard Skills III (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 262: Keyboard Skills IV (1 +0)
MUS 115: Introduction to Music (3)
MUS 330: Music History I: Medieval/Renaissance/Baroque (3)
MUS 331: Music History II: Classical/Romantic/Contemporary (3)
MUS 150: World Music Cultures (3)
Music Electives (4)
Senior Project/Recital (1)
Large Ensemble (every semester until graduation) (8)

Total Hours Required for Major (53-55)

Student may also add an emphasis to the B.A. in Music degree by choosing one of the following:

Jazz/Commercial Music Emphasis

MUS 221: Foundations of Music Business (3)
MUS 239: Jazz Combo (2)
MUS 341: Jazz Theory and Improvisation (3)
MUS 342: Compositional Techniques for Jazz and Commercial Ensembles (3)
MUS 270-272: Junior Recital (1)
*MUS 138: History of Jazz (3) - fulfills GE Fine Arts/Humanities and Diversity requirements

Total Hours Required for Emphasis (12)

Total Hours Required for Emphasis plus Music Core (65-67)

Music Performance Emphasis

Applied Music (7-8) - additional applied music beyond that noted above
Junior Recital (1)
Applied Pedagogy/Literature (3)

Total Hours Required for Emphasis (11-12)

Total Hours Required for Emphasis plus Music Core (64-67)

Music Minor

Applied Music (4-semester minimum) (4)
MUS 101: Music Theory I (3)
MUS 102: Music Theory II (3)
MUS/MUSLB 151: Aural Skills I (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 152: Aural Skills II (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 161: Keyboard Skills I (1 + 0)
MUS/MUSLB 162: Keyboard Skills II (1 + 0)
MUS 115: Introduction to Music (3)
MUS 330: Music History I OR MUS 331: Music History II (3)

Total Hours Required (20)

At least one-third of the credits used to fulfill the Music minor must be completed at Saint Xavier University.

Music minors must be enrolled in a large ensemble every semester until graduation.

Applied Music

(1 or 2 credits each semester)

Saint Xavier University students who are currently enrolled in an appropriate University ensemble (see below) and who have at least intermediate singing or playing proficiency may register for private instruction in voice or orchestra/band instruments. Students who are interested in beginning piano, voice or guitar must first enroll in the appropriate introductory class (MUS 107: Class Piano, MUS 103: Vocal Technique or MUS 104: Guitar Class). Students with at least intermediate playing proficiency may enroll in piano and guitar lessons at the MUSAP 100-level without being enrolled in a University ensemble at the discretion of the music faculty.

Students who register at the 200-level (MUSAP 2XX-01) of applied music are required to attend practicum class and perform a juried examination before the music faculty at the end of each semester of active registration.

An accompanist fee of $135 per credit of registration is applied to private study in voice and orchestra/band instruments. A $155 fee is charged for accompanied recitals.

Applied music credit is organized as follows:

Credit	Lesson	Practice Time
1 hour	1/2-hour lesson	7 hours weekly
2 hours	1-hour lesson	14 hours weekly

All music majors/minors are required to attend weekly practicum class (recital class) when registered for 200-level applied music.

Music Ensembles

Music ensembles are open to all interested students, who must qualify by audition. Non-majors may apply credit earned in these ensembles toward the University literature and fine arts requirement. Refer to individual course listings for a description of each ensemble.