• Introduction
• Mission Statement
• Goals - Music for a Lifetime
• Student Degree Advising
• Academic Class Attendance Policy
• Schedule of Music Courses by Semester
• Private Instruction
• Major and Non-Major Lessons
• Practicing and Practice Rooms
• Music/Art Lockers
• Repertoire Classes/Music Forum/ Concert Attendance
• Studio/Class Policies
• Grades
• Jury Sheets
• Jury/Repertoire Requirements

Introduction

Howard Community College has long been recognized as an exceptional community college in the quality of its programs, the excellence of its teachers, and the embracing and promoting of cutting-edge technology.  This reputation has been maintained while offering a solid education at low cost to the student, which is becoming more and more important as the expense of a college education soars. 

In the last few years, this well-deserved reputation has been extended to the Music Department.  Despite the affordability of an education here, the Music Department maintains very high standards in our program, which articulates easily into that of most four-year colleges and universities.  This effort has been gaining wide recognition and acceptance in the local and regional music community. We are dedicated to providing students with an exceptional educational and artistic experience while fostering a lifelong appreciation of and commitment to excellence in music. Through the study and performance of music, students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are given the opportunity to express their artistic creativity. 

In recent years we have expanded our concert and recital series, making the music department more visible.  The community has responded well to our product: our students and ensembles, as well as the talent of our faculty.  Now that the Peter & Elizabeth Horowitz Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is open, we expect the department’s reputation to grow as the public becomes acquainted with this exceptional teaching and performance facility.  The Horowitz Center is an appropriate “crown” in which to teach and display our student and faculty “jewels.”  We are well on our way to achieving our goal of making the Horowitz Center an arts magnet for the entire community, not only as spectators, but as participants as well. 

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Mission Statement

The Howard Community College Music Department endeavors to meet the musical needs and interests of the community through its academic degree programs, performance mediums, and enrichment opportunities as well as through its non-credit division, The Music Institute at HCC, and the HCC Division of Continuing Education.  The Music Department and its non-credit counterparts are committed to their role as leaders in the cultural life of this community and providers of lifelong learning experiences.

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Goals

Music for a Lifetime

HCC’s vital and rapidly growing Music Department serves the community through two primary divisions, the collegiate Music Department and the non-degree program, The Music Institute at HCC.

The Howard Community College Music Department serves the community by providing the following opportunities:

1. The music department offers all coursework required to complete the Associate of Arts Degree in Music.  The HCC Music Department is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).  We also have Letters of Recognition in Performance in Music History, Jazz Studies, Music Therapy, and Voice.  There are also plans to add Letters of Recognition in Piano Performance and Music Education.  This allows the student seeking the Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Theory, History, Music Therapy, Music Technology, Jazz Studies or Performance, or the Bachelor of Arts in Music to complete the first two years of the program at a very reasonable cost. 
2. The music department provides the college student from other majors with courses that fulfill the college Fine Arts General Education CORE curriculum and enhances their exposure to the performing arts through concerts held throughout the school year.  The department also offers opportunities for participation in music ensembles and music lessons for personal enrichment.
3. The music department offers to the greater community of all ages the opportunity to participate fully in classes, lessons and ensembles through special college enrollment programs, The Music Institute at HCC, and the HCC Division of Continuing Education.
4. The music department offers to high school students age 16 and up the opportunity to register for classes, lessons and ensembles for which they receive college credit (with the approval of their High School Guidance Counselors).

Through the non-credit division, the Music Institute at HCC, the music program is extended to students of all ages through the following:

1. Private instruction in piano, voice, orchestral, band and jazz instruments, jazz improvisation, theory, and composition
2. Beginning classes in piano and jazz improvisation
3.  A variety of ensembles that include Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Junior Jazz/Rock Band, HCC Singers, Children’s Choir, Senior Choir, Cello Ensemble, Beginning Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and various other small chamber ensembles.

Our comprehensive department boasts excellent performing opportunities, the innovative Music Therapy program, an environment that embraces and promotes technological advances, the ability to enrich the greater community through an extensive concert schedule, and a diverse faculty who are known both as excellent teachers and performers.  We invite you to pursue “Music for Your Lifetime” here at HCC.

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Student Degree Advising

It is in your best interests to seek the council of one of the full-time music professors before completing the registration process each semester.  While the Office of Admissions and Advising is an excellent resource, those advisors are not as aware of issues related to the music field as are our faculty.  Once the student has had an initial appointment with a music advisor, it is a fairly simple matter to progress on to the next semester’s class load, since most coursework is sequential.  Always schedule your music classes first, unless you are required to register for a specific General Education class, such as classes specifically designated for ELI, Rouse Scholars, Schoenbrodt Honors, or Silas Kraft Collegians.  If there is a conflict with one of these classes, see Dr. Hsien-Ann Meng.  There is usually a way around the problem.

In planning your college schedule, keep in mind that the music degree requires extra time for practice and rehearsals, and that one still must complete many credits outside the music curriculum in order to complete the Associates of Arts degree.  It is suggested that the student take at least two General Education classes in addition to the music classes that are standard each semester if they wish to complete the degree in two years.  This may also require that the student take Gen Ed classes during the Winter and/or Summer Semesters.  For students not adhering to a two year schedule, it will be easy to complete the degree with an extra semester or two.  If a student must take any remedial classes in English or Math, or if he/she must take Music Fundamentals, it is doubtful that the degree can be completed in two years.  Also, be aware that MUSC 100 Fundamentals of Music and MUSC 101 Music Appreciation will not count towards a major in music.

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Academic Class Attendance Policy

            “Howard Community College does not have a college-wide attendance policy; however, regular class attendance is one of the most important responsibilities of the student.  Each instructor determines the requirements for attendance, which in many cases will count toward the final grade.  Attendance requirements will be clearly spelled out in the course syllabus and discussed by the instructor.” Howard Community College 2011-2012 Catalog, p.40.  Please see Studio Policies and Grades for information about studio/ensemble classes.

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Schedule of Music Courses by Semester

Students should be aware that in addition to the courses listed below, they are also expected to select coursework from the General Education CORE requirements found in the college catalog.  Also, please note that there are changes in the General Education CORE requirements that take effect 2010-2011.

Associate of Arts - MUSIC MAJOR

(Music Education, Theory, History or Performance)

Freshman Year

Fall Semester                                                                       

• MUSC 110            Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard  I              4 credits 
• MUSC 117            Applied Music I                                                           2
• MUSC 121            Introduction to Music Technology                               2
• MUSC ( )               Major Ensemble I                                                       1

Spring Semester

• MUSC 111            Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard  II             4
• MUSC 118            Applied Music II                                                          2
• MUSC ( )               Major Ensemble II                                                     1

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester                                                                       

• MUSC 210            Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard  III           4             
• MUSC 217            Applied Music III                                                         2
• MUSC 202            Music Literature in Context I                                      3             
• MUSC ( )               Major Ensemble III                                                    1

Spring Semester

• MUSC 211            Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard  IV            4
• MUSC 218            Applied Music IV                                                         2
• MUSC 203            Music Literature in Context II                                     3                               
• MUSC ( )               Major Ensemble IV                                                     1

Associate of Arts - MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MAJOR

Freshman Year

Fall Semester                                                                       

• MUSC 110            Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard  I              4 credits 
• MUSC 117            Applied Music I                                                           2
• MUSC 121            Introduction to Music Technology                               2
• MUSC ( )               Major Ensemble I                                                       1

Spring Semester

• MUSC 111            Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard  II             4
• MUSC 118            Applied Music II                                                          2
• MUSC ( )               Major Ensemble II                                                     1

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester                                                                       

• MUSC 210            Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard  III           4             
• MUSC 217            Applied Music III                                                        2
• MUSC 228            Audio Recording Techniques I                                    3
•                             OR  
• MUSC 238            Music and Sound Creation I                                       3
• MUSC ( )               Major Ensemble III                                                    1

Spring Semester

• MUSC 211            Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard  IV            4
• MUSC 218            Applied Music IV                                                         2
• MUSC 229            Audio Recording Techniques II                                   3
•                             OR 
• MUSC239             Music and Sound Creation II                                      3                              
• MUSC ( )               Major Ensemble IV                                                     1

Music History

A Letter of Recognition

Music Performance - Jazz

A Letter of Recognition

This course of study is designed for students who wish to be better prepared to transfer to a college, conservatory, or university that offers a professional music degree in performance/jazz studies.  Students seeking to transfer to a college, conservatory or university with a professional music degree program should check the requirements of the specific institutions to which they intend to apply.  This letter of recognition in addition to HCC’s Music A.A. program will provide the necessary classes for those students seeking to transfer to programs that list Jazz Studies or Jazz Performance as a major.

• MUSC 158            Jazz Theory                                          3 Credits
• MUSC 155            Introduction to Improvisation I            2
• MUSC 156            Introduction to Improvisation II           2
• MUSC 103            The Business of Music                          3

It is strongly recommended that the student take MUSC 159 Jazz History as well.

Music Therapy

A Letter of Recognition

Music Performance - Voice

A Letter of Recognition

This letter of recognition is designed for those students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance upon transfer to a four-year institution.  In addition to the curriculum required in the HCC Music A.A. program, students seeking a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance must display a good working knowledge of Italian, French and German grammar, along with their performance counterpart, Lyric Diction.  While not required in this curriculum, beginning language study in at least one or two of these languages enables the student to complete the language requirements of the Bachelor of Music degree program within the time frame of four years.

• MUSC 135            Lyric Diction I      Italian-Latin            2 Credits
• MUSC 136            Lyric Diction II     English                   2
• MUSC 137            Lyric Diction III   German                   2
• MUSC 138            Lyric Diction IV    French                    2

If the student wishes to transfer credits into a vocal performance program, it is strongly recommended that they take FREN 101-102,201-202; and/or GERM 101-102, 201-202; and/or ITAL 101-102, 202 (and the corresponding labs) as proficiency in all three languages is required for such programs.

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Private Instruction (Lessons)

Private Instruction is available for all orchestral, band, and jazz instruments, piano and voice.  Lessons will be scheduled at a regularly recurring time each week, and the student should arrange a daily practice time in order to make progress.  Final exam (Jury) requirements for each instrument, if required, will be decided by the teacher, but usually will include scales, technical exercises, and solo literature, which may be accompanied or not.  Students will prepare for juries as instructed by their teachers.

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Major and Non-Major Lessons

Our course numbering system has been changed.  The following courses are for music majors only or high school and college students wishing to earn transferable college credit:

MUSC 117, 118, 217, 218                  2 credit hours               final exam (jury) required

MUSC 119, 120, 219, 220                  1 credit hour                 final exam (jury) required

Please note that there is a required Lab for each of these courses.  The lab for all levels meets Fridays from 12:00 – 1:00.  There are no exceptions to this.  If a student cannot attend the lab, then he/she must register for a non-major section of applied music that will not count toward the degree.

Each of these courses has a section number reflecting the applied area/instrument.  For example, MUSC 117–701 is Piano; MUSC 117–702 is Voice, etc.  These courses must be taken sequentially beginning with MUSC 117 (for two credit hours) or 119 (for one credit hour).  The two credit courses, MUSC 117, 118, 217, and 218 are intended for your Major Instrument.  The one credit courses, MUSC 119, 120, 219, and 220 are intended for increasing skill levels in secondary instruments for music majors for certain degrees.  These classes are fully transferable.  All students in these classes must take a final exam (jury), attend Applied Labs, complete production assistant requirements and perform in Music Department Student Concerts at the end of the semester (when the teacher determines the student to be ready) as well as attend three concerts.  All concerts should be pre-approved by your applied or theory instructor.  Jury requirements are listed by discipline elsewhere in the Handbook, as is detailed information about Applied Lab, production requirements and student performances. 

MUSC 112 and MUSC 113 for non-music majors are open to all students and intended for enrichment and/or beginning students.  These courses are not applicable to a music degree, but usually can count as electives for other degrees.  They may not be transferable to some schools.  If a student knows to which school they will transfer, they should check the course with ARTSYS or the HCC Advising Staff to determine if it is transferable.  Generally speaking, for a course to be accepted for credit there must be a final exam (jury).  MUSC 112 and 113 may be re-taken as many times as the student wishes, although credit will be earned only once.    

Beginning Fall Semester 2011, students who wishes to become a music major but cannot yet perform at required college level repertoire, may enroll in MUSC112 Section 700.  Students signed up to take this section should also sign up for the MUSC112L and will be required to play for a jury at the end of the semester as well as complete concert attendance/production assistance/Performance Lab performances requirements.

If a student has no previous experience in piano, guitar, or voice, they may be encouraged to register for an introductory class (MUSC 191 Class Voice I, MUSC 193 Class Piano I, MUSC 195 Class Guitar I), but this is not required.  Beginning students are also encouraged to register for MUSC 100 Fundamentals of Music in order to concentrate on learning to read music.  This class also counts toward the General Education requirement for most degree programs, with the exception of the AA in Music and the AA in Music Therapy.  Some students opt for the beginner class or Fundamentals initially; then switch to private lessons in subsequent semesters.  Optimum progress occurs when study is individualized for the student through private instruction.

Applied music courses have section designations for the instrument or discipline.

Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, baritone/euphonium)

Chamber coaching (may be taken by any instrument or voice)

Composition

Percussion (all pitched and unpitched percussion instruments)

Guitar (acoustic and electric)

Jazz Studies (may be taken by any instrument except voice)

Organ 

Piano

Strings (includes violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp)

Voice (classical and music theater)

Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, all saxophones, bagpipes)

The semester consists of 15 weeks plus an exam week.  Because of several factors:  various holidays, contacting and assigning students to teachers, arranging schedules, and required recital and repertory class participation, we use the following guideline for lessons:

2 Credit Hours             14 - 50 minute lessons

1 Credit Hour               14 - 25 minute lessons or 10 - 35 minute lessons or 7 - 50 minute lessons

The student enrolled in Music Major Sections will register for and attend Friday noon Applied Music Lab, attend student performances and other concerts, and perform when the private instructor determines the student to be ready for such participation, as well as complete required production assistance.  Bear in mind that although the applied lab is a 0 credit course, it is required for the applied music credit to be completed and that grade is affected by the lab grade.  Further information may be found on the course syllabus distributed at the beginning of the semester.

Responsibility for the success of applied lessons lies with both teacher and student.  It is the responsibility of the teacher to provide encouragement and support to their students who have invested in the teacher’s expert guidance.  It is the responsibility of the student to be open to the expertise of their teachers and do whatever the teacher deems necessary for the student to progress.  At HCC, we require both teacher and student to take a more active part in the development of student potential.  Without full cooperation and commitment from both parties, there is little chance of success. 

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Practice/Practice Rooms

In a very famous anecdote, the question is asked of violinist Jascha Heifetz by a man passing on the street, “How do I get to Carnegie Hall?”  The answer given, without missing a beat, is “Practice.”  It should go without saying that to succeed in music takes practice.  Unfortunately, many students seem to think that having the desire or talent is enough; a career will come to them just on that basis.  There can be nothing farther from the truth.  Those of you who are not interested in a performance career might say, “I don’t need to be that good; I’m just going to teach.”… or compose or study music history or whatever.  With that attitude you are setting yourself up to fail at becoming a true musician.  There is something organic about music that must be taken in, not only intellectually and aurally, but viscerally as well.  You must learn to eat, sleep, and breathe music.  And in order to reach that plane, you must develop the discipline, stamina and desire to practice.  Your teachers will tell you how much they expect you to practice.  They will probably tell you the minimum amount that will allow you to “get by.”  If you are smart and really want to be a musician, you will try to double that amount and make sure that you practice every day, or as one wiseacre teacher said, “Practice only on the days that you eat.”  The bottom line is this: you can't play or sing as long, efficiently, or as well if you don't practice.  Again, from Heifetz, here is a wonderful quote to remember when you don’t want to practice: "If I don't practice one day, I know it.  If I don't practice two days, my critics know it.  If I don't practice for three days, everyone knows it."  It is our fervent hope that you get to that point in your career, because, believe it - your teacher can tell when you haven’t practiced.

Now that you are fired up to practice, where will you do it?  And when?  How do you get access to a locked room?  In our beautiful new facility there are six practice rooms available for student use, one of which is specifically set aside for percussionists.  These rooms will remain locked at all times.  Weekly practice times may be reserved in person in the Arts and Humanities Division Office, HVPA 200.  At that time, proof of status (i.e. HCC ID or practice room pass) will be shown.  This must remain with the office attendant while the key is gone and will be returned when the key is returned.  Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. M – TH, and 8:30 – 4:45 Friday.  You must sign the key out and in from HVPA 200 each time you use a room.  If the practice time goes beyond office hours (7:45 p.m. M – TH and 4:45 p.m. Friday), the key must be returned before the office closes each evening, making sure the door will lock when closed.  Piano majors have priority to use Practice Rooms 250B and 260G.  You may request a reserved practice time in these rooms only if you will use that time every week.  Should a teacher need a room at an unscheduled time, the student, even if the time is signed out, will have to give up his or her room.  Teacher always trumps student.  The rooms are available for non-recurring practice time when not in regularly scheduled use.  Each room’s weekly schedule will be posted after the second week of school.  If you wish to use a room during free time, the procedure for obtaining the key will be followed as above and all rules apply.  No one is allowed to keep a practice room key in their possession unless they are occupying the room at the time.

If one of the teaching studios or classrooms is available and all practice rooms are full, music majors may request permission to use that studio, but may not sign up for a regular time, as the studios and classrooms are in great demand by our teachers for make-up lessons as well as regularly scheduled lessons and classes.  If you practice in one of these places, you must always yield to an official who has the room reserved without your showing attitude.  There is no food or drink allowed in any facility at any time except for bottled water that is to be kept on the floor.  If you violate this rule, you will lose all practice room privileges. You will also be responsible for damage/replacement costs that occur while you are responsible for the room.

Please note that there are climate control systems installed on every piano in the Horowitz Center.  They should remain plugged into an electrical outlet at all times.  The sensors are located below and to the right side of the keys.  If you notice that a light is blinking there, that means that the system needs water.  Please don’t try to do this yourself, rather, fill out the form located in the room or in the lobby of HVPA 260.  Also, there is a piano maintenance form that should be filled out if you notice any malfunction or problem with the piano tuning.  This should go to Dr. Suter as well.

You will be required to sign a use agreement before being allowed to use a practice.  This is a copy of the use agreement for practice rooms:

Music Practice Room Policies

Practice rooms may be used for up to 2 hours.

Priority:

·         1^st: HCC Music Faculty

·         2^nd: HCC Music Majors

·         3^rd: The Music Institute Students & HCC Students currently enrolled in a music course

·         4^th: HCC Students not currently enrolled in a music course

·         5^th: Community Members not registered for music classes or applied lessons

o   Written permission must be obtained from Dr. Meng

·         If a user from a higher priority grouping needs a room with no other rooms available, a lower priority user will be bumped from the room.

·         Reservations always take priority over drop-ins.

Keys:

·         Keys can be checked out from the Arts & Humanities Division Office.

·         A photo ID or a TMI permission card must be left with the Division Office Staff as a “deposit” for the key.  This ID will be returned to the user when the key is checked in to the office.

·         Keys must be returned to the office before closing.

o   Monday through Thursday, keys are due at 7:45pm.

o   Friday, keys are due at 4:45pm.

Reservations:

·         Weekly practice times must be reserved in person in the Arts & Humanities Division Office (HVPA 200)

·         Proof of status (HCC ID, TMI card or permission form) must be shown at the time of reservation.

·         If a user is late for a reservation by more than 10 minutes or does not come at all, the reservation is void.

·         If a user is late or absent during a reservation three times, the user will lose practice room privileges.

Rules During Time of Usage:

·         Absolutely no food or drink in the practice rooms except bottled water.  Water bottles must stay on the floor.

·         Do not put anything on the pianos (i.e., books, purses, backpacks, instrument cases, instruments, coats or any other paraphernalia).

·         Users may not leave the practice room unattended with a key checked out (except to use the restroom).

3-Strike Policy:

·         Breaking any of the practice room rules 3 times (or breaking any 3 of the rules) will result in loss of practice room privileges.

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Music/Art Lockers

In the lower level of the HVPA, there are lockers appropriate to and reserved for Music and Art students.  These lockers must be reserved in your name in the Division Office, HVPA 200, showing proof of registration and need for the locker.  Locks must be purchased from the HCC Bookstore for $6.00.  The locks may be returned to the Bookstore at the end of the semester.  No other locks are allowed on the doors.  If the locker is in use, but not registered, the locks will be cut off and the contents held in the Division Office until claimed by the owner.  This will be checked periodically.

Below is a list of lockers, their dimensions, and best uses.  The lockers are not designed to hold books as well, however in some cases there is room.  When selecting a locker, take that into account.  There are other regular lockers in the same hallway that are available for your use.

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HowardCommunity College
Music Department
Applied Music Lab/ Music Department Student Concerts/Concert Attendance/Production Assistance

                Students enrolled in Music Major Sections of Applied Music must attend three formal concerts each semester.  These may be HCC Faculty Recitals, HCC (or other area music school) Student Ensemble Concerts, or productions, concerts, or recitals in the greater Baltimore/Washington D.C. area.  For a concert held on campus, the student must obtain (at the beginning of the concert) and fill out a form located with the House Manager of the event or a designated monitor and turn in the form at the end of the concert.  The form can also be picked up from HVPA260 Music Suite.  The House Manager or monitor will sign the form to indicate that the student remained for the entire concert.  The student should then deposite the signed form in the envelope that is on the door of HVPA260B.  The forms will be collected weekly and records will be distributed to the appropriate applied teacher at the end of the semester.  If the concert is off campus, students will then deposite the concert program, ticket, and a brief description of the event in the envelope that is on the door of HVPA260B.  

HowardCommunity College
Music Department
Applied Music Lab/ Music Department Student Concerts/Concert Attendance/Production Assistance

                Students enrolled in Music Major Sections of Applied Music must attend three formal concerts each semester.  These may be HCC Faculty Recitals, HCC (or other area music school) Student Ensemble Concerts, or productions, concerts, or recitals in the greater Baltimore/Washington D.C. area.  For a concert held on campus, the student must obtain (at the beginning of the concert) and fill out a form located with the House Manager of the event or a designated monitor and turn in the form at the end of the concert.  The form can also be picked up from HVPA260 Music Suite.  The House Manager or monitor will sign the form to indicate that the student remained for the entire concert.  The student should then deposite the signed form in the envelope that is on the door of HVPA260B.  The forms will be collected weekly and records will be distributed to the appropriate applied teacher at the end of the semester.  If the concert is off campus, students will then deposite the concert program, ticket, and a brief description of the event in the envelope that is on the door of HVPA260B.  

Applied Music Lab.  Applied music lab meets weekly in the Monteabaro Recital Hall on Fridays from 12:00 - 1:00pm.  Music Majors are required to attend all labs.  Additionally, Music Majors must perform in at least two Labs each semester.  Students enrolled in MUSC 119, 120, 219, 220 may be required by their teacher to perform as well.  Students enrolled in MUSC 112 and 113 may participate with the permission of their teachers.  Supervised by HCC music faculty, these classes offer the opportunity to perform recital material in a less-formal environment.  However, pieces should be memorized (if required by the teacher) before performing them for lab.  Labs will be held weekly beginning the first week of classes

HCC Music Student Concert.  This is an opportunity to participate in a formal concert environment at the end of the semester.  HCC Spotlight Concerts are the most visible student recitals of the semester, therefore students must be invited to participate in them.  The HCC Music Student Concerts are scheduled at 7:30 P.M. in the Monteabaro Recital Hall for the following dates:

Monday & Wednesday, December 5 & 7, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Monday & Wednesday, May 7 & 9, 2012 at 7:30 PM

Production Assistance.  This is an opportunity to learn more about the “behind the scenes” aspect of musical performance.  Each music major must assist in at least two events per semester, although you may volunteer for more.  Students should sign up for production assistance at the Horowitz Center Box Office located in the HC Lobby, as they handle audience services personnel.   The House Manager of the concert will be the one to assign specific job for each student.   Please contact Dr. Meng if you have any questions.

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Studio/Ensemble Class Policies and Grades

Students are expected to do the following:

• Arrive on time.
• Come prepared mentally and physically for the lesson/rehearsal -- practice music assigned by the instructor in the way instructed by the faculty.
• Purchase required materials in a timely manner.
• Complete assignments quickly.
• Establish regular practice habits.
• Notify the teacher of absences or cancellations with at least 24 hours notice. 
• Notify the appropriate offices and teachers of contact information changes and respond to messages from them immediately.

Teachers are expected to do the following:

• Arrive on time and use the entire scheduled time.
• Be organized so that no time is wasted.
• If a student comes unprepared, use lesson time for sight-reading or other appropriate activities or the student may be dismissed from the lesson for lack of preparation.
• Notify students of schedule changes immediately, so that make-ups can be arranged.
• Support your student by attending recitals when possible and encouraging their participation in these recitals.
• Make sure that your students know how to contact you.

Rules governing make-up lessons:

• Make-up lessons are at a teacher’s discretion and under reasonable circumstances only.
• Make-up lessons will be given only if the 24-hour notice rule has been followed.
• Make-up lessons will be given if the teacher's schedule allows.

Rehearsals can not be made up.  The student must make every effort to attend all rehearsals, but if an emergency arises, have the courtesy to contact the teacher.  Students may not miss rehearsals for any reason except ill health or emergencies.  If a student misses a concert, automatic failure of the course will occur unless the circumstances are extremely unusual.

Incomplete Grades - Applied Lessons

Occasionally, there will be extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from completing the semester's work.  With the proper certification (such as medical excuses) and the agreement of the teacher, the student may receive a grade of incomplete (I), if he/she has completed 12 of the 14 lessons satisfactorily.  There must also be an understanding that the student must complete the work/jury within a month of the following semester and in accordance with HCC policy as stated in the college catalog.  The student's signature is required on the Incomplete Form or the grade will be turned in as an "F."

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Grades

Grades for applied lessons will be based on the following:

Preparation, Attendance, and Attitude                                      45%
Concert Attendance                                                                   10%
Applied Lab/Student Concerts/Production requirements            20%
Jury Grade                                                                                  25%

Grades for rehearsal classes will be based on the following:

Preparation, Attendance, and Attitude                                      50%
Concert Attendance                                                                   50%

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Jury Sheets

Below you will find the jury sheets for piano/instrumental juries and voice juries.  If you do not understand any part of the jury sheet, speak with your applied instructor.  It is important that you understand the criteria used in evaluating your semester’s work and progress in your applied area.  The jury sheets are available at the links below.

For all music majors except voice students:

HCC General Jury Sheet

For all vocal music majors:

HCC Vocal Assessment Criteria
HCC Vocal Assessment Sheet

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Jury Requirements

You will find the Jury Requirements for each applied area at the link below.  Included are technical and repertoire requirements.  Please discuss them with your teacher if you have any questions.  Also, be aware that you may be required to sight-read music at your jury, so be sure to make this part of your regular practice.

This is the second edition of this document.  The original was researched and edited by Elizabeth Berman (oboe), Todd Butler (winds and brass coordinator, trumpet), Orlando Cotto (percussion), Kyle Coughlin (clarinet, saxophone), Jared Denhard (trombone), Scott Goriup (guitar coordinator), Deborah Kent (voice, department head), Melissa Lindon (flute), Benjamin Myers (cello, strings coordinator, project coordinator), Dave Rybczynski (saxophone), and Kristina Suter (piano).  In addition, the original document was reviewed by Dr. Nancy Barry (project consultant) of the University of Oklahoma, who also provided a summary chart of these requirements.  The current revision was reviewed and/or edited by Jim Bailey, Elizabeth Berman, Alan Blackman, Todd Butler, Jared Denhard, Deborah Kent, Benjamin Myers, and Kristina Suter.

This document is meant as a semester-by-semester guide for faculty and music-major students in choosing appropriate technique and repertoire selections for study in the private lessons at Howard Community College.  Because of the differences peculiar to the individual instruments and voice and variability of accomplishment levels of students in the Music Department, difficulty levels may vary across instrumental/vocal areas. 

Selected references used by Howard Community College’s Music Department Faculty in the creation of this document are listed in parentheses as keywords only.  For example, “CHEM” is the keyword for “Council for Higher Education in Music (http://www.chemusic.org/).  Complete references for this document and the entire project are found in the report entitled “Literature Review,” and are available for review by contacting Dr. Myers or Dr. Deborah Kent, Music Department Head.  When a reference used here is not found in that report, the full reference is given.

Click here for Requirements

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