Music (BMU): Instrumental Performance Track (MSLA)

Program Overview

Auburn University's Music (BMU): Instrumental Performance Track (MSLA) program focuses on instrumental performance in strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion. Through one-on-one lessons, small group instruction, and ensemble rehearsals, students develop their musical skills and prepare for careers as orchestra musicians, music educators, and other music professionals. The program emphasizes individual instruction, performance opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Program Focus: Instrumental performance in a specific instrument group (strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion).
• Required Courses:
• Performance attendance (8 semesters)
• Performance ensembles (8 semesters)
• Music theory and skills (8 semesters)
• Music history (2 semesters)
• Functional piano (2 semesters)
• Instrumental conducting (1 semester)
• Instrumental pedagogy (1 semester)
• Junior and Senior performance recitals (2 semesters)
• Liberal Arts Careers Preparation (2 semester hours)
• Core curriculum courses (e.g., English, history, math, science, humanities, social science, foreign language)
• Electives (21 semester hours)
• Total Hours: 120
• Structure:
• Freshman year focuses on basic music theory, skills, performance techniques, and ensemble participation.
• Sophomore year expands on music theory, skills, and repertoire, while introducing functional piano and instrumental literature courses.
• Junior year delves deeper into music history, performance techniques, and specialized instrumental literature.
Students prepare for their Junior performance recital.
• Senior year focuses on advanced instrumental pedagogy, performance techniques, and culminates in the Senior performance recital.
Courses in conducting and 3000/4000-level music courses further refine skills.
• Modules:
• Performance Ensembles:
String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Music, and other ensembles as available.
• Music Theory and Skills: Covers topics like notation, rhythm, harmony, ear training, sight-singing, keyboard skills, and music analysis.
• Music History: Explores the history of Western music from antiquity to the present.
• Functional Piano: Develops basic piano skills for sight-reading, transposition, and accompanying.
• Instrumental Conducting: Introduces basic conducting techniques and score reading.
• Instrumental Pedagogy: Explores effective teaching methods for instrumental music students.
• Junior and Senior Performance Recitals: Public performances showcasing the student's musical development.
• Electives: Offer the opportunity to explore other areas of music or related fields.
• Course Schedule: Provided in the "Music (BMU): Instrumental Performance Track (MSLA)" section of the Auburn University Bulletin (link provided in the context).

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Focuses on one-on-one lessons, small group instruction, and large ensemble rehearsals.
• Faculty: Experienced and accomplished musicians, many with professional performance experience.
• Unique Approaches:
• Strong emphasis on individual instruction and mentorship.
• Numerous performance opportunities in various ensembles.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and research.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Orchestra musician, chamber musician, soloist, music educator, music therapist, music arranger, music producer, music journalist, music librarian, and other music-related professions.
• Opportunities: Graduates are prepared for auditions in professional orchestras, chamber ensembles, and other musical organizations.
They also have the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in music education, music therapy, and other fields.
• Outcomes: The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in prestigious music programs and professional ensembles.

Other:

• Audition required for admission.
• Students must earn a grade of C or higher in music courses to have them count toward the degree.
• The program offers a variety of scholarships and awards to support talented students.
• The School of Music provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment for aspiring musicians.
For complete and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Auburn University website and the School of Music's website.