Music |
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) |
The Limestone Music Program, in accordance with the university's liberal arts philosophy and mission, provides a wide range of musical experiences and educational opportunities for students pursuing professional studies in music, liberal studies in music, and for students seeking personal enrichment through music. Limestone is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The mission of the Music Program is to provide quality education, developing the student personally, professionally, and academically.
Related Occupations
The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides a broad base for a number of careers in music, including church music, private studio instruction, music store management. Graduate study is, primarily, the next intended step for students.
General Requirements
Entrance Audition
All prospective music majors must perform an admissions audition on their instrument of concentration for the music faculty. A description of repertoire expectations and the standard procedure for the audition can be found on the college website at https://finearts.limestone.edu/music/future-students.
Entrance Examination
All incoming freshmen music majors must undergo an entrance examination in order to determine their knowledge of music theory and to evaluate basic musicianship such as aural skills. Success on this examination may permit the student to exempt Music 119, Fundamentals of Music Theory. Performance on the examination will not prevent a student from becoming a music major.
Piano Proficiency
Students may take a piano proficiency pre-examination in order to determine proper placement in the piano class sequence. All music students are required to pass a piano proficiency examination. This examination is generally given upon successful completion of required piano classes. Those not completing all portions of this examination must continue class piano study or private study until the proficiency is passed. The requirements of the proficiency may be found in the Music Department Handbook.
Ensemble Participation
Participation in the appropriate principal ensemble is required of every music student each semester of enrollment unless registered for Music 452 or 453.
Music Seminar/Recital Attendance
All music majors are required to attend the weekly seminars and various student, faculty, and guest artist recitals. Only one absence will be permitted during a semester. Excessive absences will result in the lowering of the student’s applied lesson grade and may jeopardize the music scholarship award.
Junior Qualifying Examinations
Music students are required to pass a Junior Qualifying Examination at the end of their sophomore year, or the fourth semester of college study, demonstrating an appropriate level of proficiency. Detailed requirements may be found in the Music Department Handbook.
Recital Requirements
Music students are required to perform in a student recital each semester they are enrolled in applied study. All music students are required to present a half-recital (30 minutes minimum) in their Senior year. All formal recitals are auditioned by the music faculty at least one month prior to their presentation. Students are expected to play a complete program at their pre-hearing, which will be judged by the faculty on a pass-fail basis. The student must pass the pre-hearing in order to gain approval to schedule the recital. Students may perform only one pre-hearing per semester. Letter grades will be given by the music faculty following the formal recital.
Exit Examination
The recitals presented in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Music and the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education are considered Exit Examinations in the applied music area. In addition, all music degree candidates are required to take a written Exit Examination which is given during the first week of the final semester of the student's program of study.
Fast Facts
- A wide variety of scholarships and financial support is available to students majoring in music as well as those who participate in music ensembles.
- Limestone's music graduates are gainfully employed in a variety of professions in music and beyond.
- LU music alumni who have pursued further studies have gained admittance and found success in graduate programs.
Explore Experiental Major Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at Limestone. Each student’s experience is unique so please keep in mind the activities outlined in this map are suggestions and can be tailored to you! Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
Related Faculty
Course Requirements
Requirement Notes
- Limestone's required Competency & General Education course.
- A grade of "C" or better must be earned in all music coursework.
- A passing score on the Program Entrance Examination or successful completion of MU119.
- Piano proficiency associated with MU 102/203. Early completion of proficiency may exempt the required coursework.
- The required courses listed below (31 credit hours)
- MU 050 Music Seminar each semester except with permission from the Music Program faculty.
- Eight credit hours of applied lessons, including 7 credit hours of ML Music Major/Minor Applied Lessons ( 4 credit hours at the 300 level, 2 credits at the 400 level and 1 credit hour at either 300 or 400 level) and 1 credit hour of MU 491-497 Senior Recital.
- Primary (4 credit hours) and Secondary (2 credit hours) music ensembles listed above each semester except with permission from the Music Program faculty.
* This major includes three AWE courses (9 credit hours)
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