Information for Incoming Freshmen

If you are getting ready to start the music program at SLCC, there are a few things you should be aware of so that your transition into the program will go as smoothly as possible:

Audition for an Ensemble

Every semester you are in the program, you need to participate in one of SLCC's performing ensembles. This is especially important for incoming freshmen, because not only is it required for a degree in music, but being a member of a performing ensemble is a great way to get acclimated to the college, become involved in campus activities and form good relationships with other students in the process. General auditions for these ensembles are typically held in February or March for placement in an ensemble the following Fall. If you will be joining the music program in Spring Semester, or if you have already missed the general audition date for the coming Fall Semester, you should contact the ensemble's director as soon as possible for placement in an ensemble. See Auditions for more information.

Music Theory

From your first semester, you should also begin to take the series of Music Theory and Ear Training classes, starting with Theory I (Music 1110) and Sight Singing/Ear Training I (Music 1130). These classes assume you have some basic knowledge such as the ability to read music, knowledge of the 12 major and 12 minor scales, and the ability to identify major and minor keys by their key signature. If you do not possess these basic skills, you should take the Intro to Theory class (Music 1100) first, which will better prepare you for Theory I. Students who are signed up for Theory I but have not taken Intro to Theory will be tested within the first couple weeks of class for placement in either Theory I or Intro to Theory. Theory I is taught in both Fall and Spring Semesters and Theory II is taught during Spring and Summer, so those students who find they must first take Intro to Theory in the Fall to better prepare themselves for the four-semester theory sequence can be caught up with other students entering the program at the same time by the beginning of Theory III the following Fall Semester.  This also benefits students entering the program in Spring Semester, since they can also be on schedule to take Theory III in the Fall.

Special note to those planning to transfer from SLCC to a music program at a four-year institution: Failure to take theory starting with your first semester will delay your graduation from a four-year institution, because most upper-division music classes require two years of theory as a prerequisite. In almost every case, it will take you at least four years from the time you take Theory I to complete a bachelor's degree in music. See Preparing to Transfer to a University for more information.

For any questions regarding the theory classes at SLCC, contact Thomas Baggaley (E-mail: Thomas.Baggaley@slcc.edu).

Recital Attendance

Another class you should be signed up for every semester that you are in the music program is Recital Attendance (Music 0990). This is a zero-credit pass/fail course in which you will be required to attend departmental recitals during the semester. This is not a class that meets at a regularly scheduled time. At the beginning of each semester, the course instructor will notify you (usually via your campus e-mail) how you can obtain credit for attending these concerts. All music majors are required to take Recital Attendance every semester.

For any questions regarding recital attendance, contact Craig Ferrin (E-mail: Craig.Ferrin@slcc.edu).

What else should you take your first semester?

We suggest that you sign up for Music 1010 (Intro to Music) which will give you a general overview of the history of Western Music since the Middle Ages. Additionally, you should take the first of the two Group Piano classes (Music 1150), as both of these classes are also a degree requirement. Adding an additional two classes that meet General Education requirements to this will give you a full load (15 credits).

Although it is not technically a requirement to receive your associates degree, we also recommend that you take private lessons in the area of your specialty (vocal or instrumental performance or composition).  In addition to being an invaluable part of your music education, most four-year degree programs have a private instruction requirement that you will need to meet if you transfer.  For additional information, including a suggested two-year plan for completing your degree, see Information for Music Majors.