ABOUT US > Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a beginner start in the MA Music program?
As a singer, yes, a beginner can start in Chorus, if they can "carry a tune". As an instrumentalist, no, they need to have a foundation on their instrument.
2. Do you teach individual technique?
No, this is a performance-based ensemble program. Some vocal coaching is offered, and students are helped with general musical concepts like rhythm, phrasing and improvisation. Resources like chord diagrams, sax fingering charts, music theory books, and vocal exercises are made available. A website is also being developed that will assist students with individual technique, music theory and music history (Link to musicresoucelibrary.org)
3. Do all music students take private lessons?
Most do, and nearly all have at some point. Private lessons are encouraged and supported, but not required of music students.
4. Can a freshman join the Rock Band?
This is highly unlikely, unless the student fills a particular instrumental need, is an exceptionally good player, and is extremely mature (and really lucky).
5. What is the balance of boys and girls in the program?
Of the 107 students in the program during 2009-2010, 49 were girls and 63 were boys. Of the girls, 22 were vocalists and 27 instrumentalists. The boys? 10 vocalists and 53 instrumentalists.
6. Do all students audition for the program? Why?
All students applying to the music program must audition, typically via both a recorded and live audition, with the exception of Chorus, which does not require a formal audition. The cornerstone of our program is the small ensemble, and there must be musically viable instrumental/vocal combinations, with students working with others at their own levels.
7. What is the typical progression through four years of music?
This varies widely. It is certainly appropriate for some students to stay within one discipline - four years of Chamber Music for instance, or four years of Jazz. Challenges and opportunities will increase as the student progress. For a vocalist more involved in popular music, one or two years of Chorus is typical, followed by American Roots and/or Music of the World. The strongest and most committed singers have the opportunity to audition for one of the advanced groups in Contemporary Music Seminar (rock, soul, acoustic, reggae). Instrumentalists can start in the Chorus Band, American Roots, or Music of the World, and would typically succeed in at least two of those classes before auditioning for one of the advanced groups. Instrumentalists with experience in Jazz can also start there as a freshman, or may join that class in later years.
8. If a student has studied classical music but wants to play popular music (rock, blues, jazz, pop, folk, etc.) at MA, what should he/she do?
We've had many students succeed in this scenario. For pianists, it means studying chords and rhythms, for horn players it means learning a new interpretation and feel. For all musicians, including string players, "crossing over" involves a certain amount of learning by ear. Interest and commitment are key elements.