Instructions for students intending to be undergraduate Music Majors

Please accept our sincere best wishes for success with your musical endeavors. We hope that the School of Music will be able to provide you with the musical study that will lead to your career goals. Below are step-by-step procedures for starting your college career in pursuit of a degree in music.

STEP I - Apply to the University.

Consult the information on the Admissions Office website for guidelines for grade point averages, test scores, instructions on how to apply to the university, and other matters. You may reach them by phone at (337) 482-6467.

STEP II-  Diagnostic Testing, Audition

The School of Music administers a music theory placement test, and a performance audition in order to properly advise entering students.

Theory Test

The music theory placement test for undergraduate applicants should be taken before May 15.  The test includes treble and bass clef reading, major and minor key signatures and scales, and meter and rhythm.  The program text Scales, Intervals, Keys, Triads, Rhythm, and Meter by John Clough is recommended as a preparation for the theory placement exam.  This may be available from various sources such as the University Bookstore, Follett's, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble, etc.  Contact the music office by email to schedule the test, or by phone at (337) 482-6016.

Students passing the test will be placed in regular freshman theory and piano courses for the fall semester. 

Students not passing the test should seek tutoring and retake (and pass) the test prior to the fall semester.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Students not passing the placement test will be placed in the remedial classes as an entering freshman.  Students in this category should be advised that they would not begin the regular freshman theory and piano courses until the beginning of the sophomore year.

Credit By Examination

Students wishing to apply for credit by examination in Keyboard Skills (MUS 141, 142, 143) and freshmen Theory (MUS 120) must complete the examinations before the beginning of the semester.

If you wish to apply for credit by examination in Keyboard Skills, you may download the requirements for this exam. Please contact Dr. Susanna Garcia to schedule the exam or to get additional information.

If you wish to apply for credit by examination in Theory, contact Dr. Robert Willey for the test requirements.

Performance Audition

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education degree are required to perform an audition in order to be accepted by the School of Music (SOM).  Students may audition for the SOM anytime during the spring semester by contacting the music office by email or phone at (337) 482-6016 for a referral to an appropriate faculty member.

Students desiring to be considered for a scholarship for 2008-2009 must audition:

Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 Strings and Instrumental
Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 Piano, Guitar and Voice
Saturday, Mar. 15, 2008 String Day

An application may be downloaded.

STEP III - Scholarships

Entering students may be eligible for various scholarships from the University or the School of Music.

Contact the Scholarship Office online or telephone (337) 482-6515 for information about University scholarships and TOPS.

Consult the online information regarding the School of Music scholarship programs.

STEP IV - Housing

Information relative to on-campus residence may be obtained fron the Housing Office at (337) 482-6471.

STEP V - Orientation, advising, and registration for fall

Orientation occurs weekly throughout the summer. Entering students may attend any one of the sessions. Earlier sessions, in June, are suggested since classes with the most desirable meeting times begin to close by July. Contact the Office of Junior Division (337 482-6818) for information on orientation for parents and students.

Advising and registration for music majors follows the orientation session. Advising is done in the School of Music. Students not taking the theory placement test prior to advising will be administered the test at this time. Students passing the theory placement test will be placed in regular freshman theory and piano courses. Students not passing the test will be placed in remedial theory and piano courses and normally will not begin freshman theory classes until their sophomore year.