Music
The music program strives to advance the comprehensive formation of musicians who can perform music, organize music (composition), and analyze music (theory, history). The program accomplishes this aim through a wide range of teaching and performance situations, including private lessons, traditional classroom environments, and large group rehearsals. These opportunities are offered to the entire University.
As a nationally accredited unit of the College of Arts and Sciences, the music program is committed to its role within the University mission (especially the development of the whole person), compliance with the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music, and ongoing evaluation of the program in all its aspects.
The bachelor of arts degree in music provides students a broad education in the sciences and the humanities as they give particular emphasis to the comprehensive study of music. Four tracks are offered: instrumental, vocal, music education, and general. The degree prepares students for careers in the music industry, church music, and education (teaching privately or seeking certification through programs such as the master of arts in teaching), as well as graduate study.
New students, including transfer students, will be accepted as music majors on a probationary status until they present a satisfactory audition at one of the following: 1) scholarship audition; 2) the performance final examination at the end of the first semester; or 3) by special arrangement with the faculty.
A variety of large and chamber ensembles are open to all University students with prior musical experience. These ensembles, which perform music of all types and styles, include the University Singers, Wind Symphony, Women’s Chorale, University Orchestra, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, and Chapel Music Ensemble. Each presents a series of performances throughout the academic year.
The Music Study Handbook contains details about the requirements for MUS 001 (Performance Attendance); and MUS 286, and MUS 486 (Private Lessons), and necessary information about the senior capstone. The handbook is made available online to all music majors at the beginning of each year. It is considered an addendum to the University Bulletin. See the handbook at: http://college.up.edu/pfa/music.
Opportunities for individual performance are available through regularly scheduled student recitals. They are included as a part of Music at Midweek, a weekly series of professional and non-professional performances. Attendance at these and other designated campus performances is required of all music students (See MUS 001). Unsatisfactory attention to this requirement can result in delay or denial of graduation. Students choosing to work toward the bachelor of arts in music will complete their studies with a senior capstone supervised by a faculty member. The selection of a topic and work toward that completion will begin during the junior year.
Practice room use limited to students enrolled in music courses or by permission of the director of the music program.
Learning Outcomes for Music Majors
Music graduates of the University of Portland should be able to:
- Perform capably as a soloist.
- Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and with music faculty to prepare high quality performances;
- Demonstrate knowledge of literature applicable to the major performance medium;
- (Vocal track) Demonstrate the correct use of foreign language and diction;
- Participate in solo and ensemble performance;
- Present a senior capstone.
- Perform capably within an ensemble.
- Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and with music faculty to prepare high quality performances;
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize, adjust, and achieve proper intonation, balance, and blend;
- (Instrumental Track: Chamber ensembles) Collaborate with other members of a small ensemble, often independent from faculty members, to produce a performance of high artistic value;
- Perform in concert as part of either small or large ensembles.
- Organize the sounds of music through basic composition.
- Achieve a basic skill level in using rhythm, melody, harmony, and simple formal structures to develop a composition from concept to finished product;
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and defend musical decisions.
- Understand the structure and style of compositions.
- Demonstrate the ability to hear, identify, and work conceptually with the elements of music;
- Demonstrate an acquaintance with a wide selection of music literature, the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
- Explain theoretical and historical elements of music through prose.
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and share theoretical principles through written explication;
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and share historical elements through written explication;
- Use appropriate examples and/or anecdotes to prove and demonstrate key points;
- Select and cite appropriate and reliable sources.
Capstone Experience
Music students demonstrate their development as musicians and scholars through the senior capstone. This project can take a variety of forms: a performance recital, lecture recital, performance of original compositions, a research presentation, or other plan approved by the music faculty that includes a public presentation of at least 25 minutes. Proposals for capstone projects will be submitted to the director of the music program before spring break of the student’s junior year. Faculty approval is required to move forward. Students register for MUS 498, Senior Capstone (or Honors Senior Thesis) during the fall or spring semester of their senior year. In this course they work with a faculty mentor in preparing the presentation and research. A preview of the capstone presentation will take place approximately one month in advance, after which the faculty will approve going ahead with the presentation or require more preparation. At the preview the student will submit complete program notes (500 words minimum) and perform the music/present the lecture presentation with the faculty in attendance. Senior capstones are generally scheduled during Music at Midweek or a weekend date in March and April of the senior year.