GROW YOUR MUSICAL ABILITIES!

Private music lessons are available to students who wish to begin study in the instrument of their choice for personal development (enrichment- 100 level courses) or to continue study as a music major pursuing a transfer degree (major level- 200 level courses). Students who are interested in private lessons should contact the Prof. Ed Jacobs before enrolling in the course for the first time. Enrollment in 200-level private applied music is by audition only. All 200-level private applied music students are required to perform for a jury of music faculty at the end of the semester. This provides an opportunity for other music instructors to offer constructive reinforcement and concur on the final grade given by the private teacher as well as approve continuation of applied study at the 200 level. The jury will consist of performance of at least one composition or study as well as any technical exercises the instructor requests based on material covered during the semester.

For more information, please contact Prof. Ed Jacobs at 618-235-2700, ext. 5354 or ed.jacobs@swic.edu

PRIVATE LESSONS FOR ENRICHMENT

1 HOUR CREDIT; LAB FEE: $300

Students studying for enrichment will be assigned to an instructor at the beginning of the semester.  Instruction is one-on-one, and students receive fifteen lessons during the semester.

PRIVATE LESSONS FOR MUSIC MAJORS

2 HOURS CREDIT; LAB FEE: $600

Music majors are required to register for 200-level applied music (MUS 219-236). An audition and departmental approval is required. Students who do not pass the audition but desire to pursue an Associate of Fine Arts degree may enroll in the 100-level applied music courses (enrichment only) in order to improve their skills. Students enrolled in the 100-level courses may continue to audition for approval in the 200-level applied music through their applied music jury at the end of each semester. If a student studying at the 100-level achieves the level of performance of a freshman music major in their chosen instrument or voice within four semesters of study at the 100 level, the music faculty will grant approval for the student to begin enrolling in the first semester of the 200 level at that time. Music majors must complete four semesters of Private Applied Music in the same instrument or voice toward the Associate of Fine Arts degree. Any music major receiving private applied instruction for credit must participate in an appropriate ensemble.

Students studying as a music major will be assigned to an instructor at the beginning of the semester. Instruction is one-on-one and students will receive fifteen hour-long lessons during the term. Students studying at the 200-level are required to participate in a minimum of one student recital each semester that they are enrolled in a 200-level private applied course, and are also required to attend all student recitals and masterclasses, as well as other events. All required events will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays. For students needing a piano accompanist, one will be provided.

Student Recitals: The Private Applied Music Program offers student recitals in the fall and spring semesters to give enrolled students the opportunity to perform. Attendance of all student recitals and other select departmental events is a requirement for all students enrolled in 200-level private applied lessons. All events are held on Wednesdays at 3 p.m.  Students will be given a list of required events at the beginning of every semester. Failure to attend all required events will result in the lowering of the student’s grade for private applied lessons.

AUDITION INFORMATION

All students interested in a music major should audition before the start of the semester they plan to enroll. The scholarship auditions in the spring semester of each year will be the earliest opportunity to audition for the following fall semester. The scholarship audition will double as the applied music audition. The audition date will be coordinated with the Music Theory placement test. To apply for an audition date, please contact Associate Professor of Music Ed Jacobs.

A minimum of three music faculty will be present for the auditions. The length of the audition will be approximately 15 minutes. Students should arrive 15 minutes prior to their audition time so they may warm up in a practice room.

Students are encouraged to provide their own accompanist. However, vocalists and instrumentalists who require an accompanist are asked to send their accompaniment to the music department two weeks in advance of the audition date.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

All auditioning students may be asked to perform various basic musicianship skills such as sight-reading, tonal memory, technique such as major or minor scales, and improvisation, depending on what is appropriate for the instrument/voice.

Voice

Perform two contrasting selections from memory. One selection should be from standard classical songs or areas and the other selection may be the student’s choice.

Piano

Perform two selections from contrasting style periods from memory. Suggested repertoire should equal the difficulty of:

Baroque: Bach Inventions, Scarlatti Sonatas
Classical: One movement of a Mozart, Haydn or early Beethoven Sonata
Romantic: Chopin Preludes, Mazurkas, short works of Brahms, Schumann, Grieg
Contemporary: Kabalevsky Preludes, Bartok Hungarian Folk Songs, Debussy Arabesques, etc.

Woodwinds, Brass and Strings

Students should plan to perform one or two selections of appropriate literature such as solo and ensemble contest selections or All-State audition pieces or equivalent of that level.

Instrumental Jazz

Perform one jazz selection in a contemporary style of the student’s choice. Prospective students will be asked to improvise. Rhythm instrument players should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in a number of various styles.

Percussion

Percussionists should be prepared to perform on a minimum of two instruments. One should be snare drum and the other may be the student’s choice from timpani, xylophone or marimba. Drum set players should be prepared to demonstrate various styles such as jazz, rock, Latin, etc. Percussionists do not need to bring any percussion instruments as they will be provided. Please bring your own drumsticks.