Applied Music Lessons & Classes

Any full-time student, faculty member or staff, with at least some musical background (e.g., have some prior private training) may take a 200-level applied music lesson. (Students who want to begin taking applied music lessons but who have little or no music experience, should first consider one of the beginning music classes in voice, guitar or piano: Beginning Class Voice/FAM-203; Beginning Class Guitar/FAM-205 or Beginning Piano Class/FAM-240. Many applied music students are taking lessons for personal enrichment while others are pursuing more advanced studies through the Music Major and Structured Music Minor. All advanced students have the opportunity to perform in performance classes, which are offered throughout the year or in one or more of the numerous student recitals.

The following applied music lessons are offered by the Music Program. Each applied lesson is 1-credit.

FAM-214 Violin
FAM-216 Viola
FAM-218 Cello
FAM-221 Flute
FAM-223 Oboe
FAM-225 Bassoon
FAM-227 Recorder
FAM-246 Voice
FAM-247 Piano
FAM-248 Guitar
FAM-252 Banjo
FAM-261 Clarinet
FAM-280 Saxophone
FAM-282 Trumpet
FAM-284 Trombone
FAM-286 Percussion
FAM-288 Harp

Due to the high enrollment in voice, piano, and guitar, there are now pre-requisites for beginning students in these three areas. Beginners should first register for beginning and then intermediate classes in voice, piano or guitar before registering for applied lessons in these areas. If you already have a background in voice, piano or guitar, you may get instructor permission to register for an applied lesson in these areas. All other applied areas do not require a pre-requisite in beginning or intermediate classes.

Students registered for 200-level applied lessons meet once a week with their instructor for a 30-minute lesson. After a student has registered for a lesson, they should go to Room #123, Main Hall, where they will find the “Music Program Sign-up Sheets” for all of the applied instructors. Students can sign up for a 30-minute time slot with their instructor on a first-come, first-serve basis. There they will also find contact info for each instructor. Students will need to contact their instructor for starting day and studio room number (usually the second week of classes).

Students who have been studying an instrument or voice for several years may, with the permission of the instructor and/or Director of the Music Program, register for an advanced applied music lesson at the 400 level. Each applied lesson is 1-credit. In special cases, advanced students may register for a 2-credit lesson (with permission of their instructor). The following Advanced Applied Music lessons are offered by the Music Program.

Advanced Applied Music (upper division):

FAM-414 Violin
FAM-416 Viola
FAM-418 Cello
FAM-421 Flute
FAM-423 Oboe
FAM-425 Bassoon
FAM-427 Recorder
FAM-466 Voice
FAM-467 Piano
FAM-468 Guitar
FAM-452 Banjo
FAM-461 Clarinet
FAM-480 Saxophone
FAM-482 Trumpet
FAM-484 Trombone
FAM-486 Percussion
FAM-488 Harp

Only those students who have officially declared the Music Major or Minor should register for one of the following Applied Instruments or Voice: Techniques and Performance courses (A-D). These advanced music courses (taken sequentially) fulfill the applied music requirement of the Music Major and Minor.

Applied Instrument or Voice: Techniques & Performance (Music Majors and Minors Only):

FAM-409 Applied Voice
FAM-415 Applied Violin
FAM-417 Applied Viola
FAM-419 Applied Cello
FAM-422 Applied Flute
FAM-424 Applied Oboe
FAM-426 Applied Bassoon
FAM-428 Applied Recorder
FAM-443 Applied Piano
FAM-449 Applied Guitar
FAM-462 Applied Clarinet

Performance Class Requirement

All applied music students are required to participate or attend Performance Classes. Performance Classes are fun and informative. They provide a low pressure and encouraging environment where music students have an opportunity to find out about performance issues and to develop strategies for performing in public. Performance Classes are not open to the public—only applied music students and music instructors may attend.

Lower-level applied students (at the 200-level) are required to attend at least two Performance Classes each semester. 200-level applied students are not required to perform by the department but some faculty (at their discretion) may ask students to perform a piece or part of a piece at one of these classes.

Advanced applied students (at the 400-level), Music Majors and Music Minors are required to attend at least three Performance Classes, performing at least one complete work at one of these classes.

Recital Hour

Music Majors and Minors are required to register for Recital Hour (FAMR) each semester--a 0-credit course taken as "pass/fail." In addition to attending the required Performance Classes, Music Majors must also attend at least five concerts or recitals each semester. Music Minors must attend at least two concerts or recitals each semester.

For more information about Performance Class requirements, Performance Class schedule or Recital Hour, please speak with your applied instructor.

More questions about applied music lessons? Click the "FAQs" link above.

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