School of Music

110 Swope Music Building (Office of the Dean)
610-436-2739

PROFESSORS: Ahramjian, Balthazar, Bedford, Burton, DeVenney, Grabb, Hanning, Maggio, Onderdonk, Rimple

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS: Bullock, Craig, Cranmer, Dannessa, Dobrzelewski, Jacoby, Marinescu, McFarland, Riley, Rozin, Silverman, Stiefel, Yozviak

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS: Briselli, Fowler, Gaarder, Greenlee, Gueriero, Kelly, Klinefelter, Lee, Lyons, Martin, Ng, Paulsen, Pfaffle, Powell, Reighley, Resnianski, Scarlata, Sorrentino, Winters

INSTRUCTOR: Galante

The mission of the School of Music at West Chester University is to create a learning environment that provides the highest order of education in all major aspects of music, to establish a foundation for life-long growth in music, and to offer programs and degrees that are tradition based but future oriented. In pursuing this mission, we reaffirm our commitment to diversity within the School of Music. Our faculty members strive to be inspiring teachers as well as musical and intellectual leaders. Further, we endeavor to expand the music opportunities available to all University students and to enhance the quality of our community's musical life.

MUSIC TESTS – BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN MUSIC EDUCATION

  1. Each candidate must demonstrate skill in at least one performance medium in which he or she excels: piano, organ, voice, classical guitar, or a band or orchestra instrument. It is preferable, although not required, for pianists and vocalists to perform at least part of their audition from memory.
  2. All candidates are tested in music theory, sight-singing, and piano.
  3. Piano, organ, or voice majors with band or orchestra instrument experience may demonstrate their ability on their instruments.

    NOTE: All candidates must bring music for the vocal, piano, and instrumental compositions they intend to perform.

MUSIC TESTS – BACHELOR OF MUSIC WITH A CONCENTRATION IN THEORY/COMPOSITION OR HISTORY, BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE,  OR BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN ELECTIVE STUDIES IN AN OUTSIDE FIELD

Each candidate in performance must demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in the major area of performance as evidenced by the ability to perform compositions representing a variety of musical periods and styles, and must show potential as a professional performer. Memorization is required for pianists and vocalists. Each candidate in theory and composition or elective studies in an outside field must demonstrate an acceptable background in a major performing area; candidates in theory and composition must interview with the Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition.

REQUIREMENTS COMMON TO ALL MUSIC PROGRAMS

120 semester hours for all degree programs except B.M. - music education, which is 126 semester hours

  1. General ed. requirements, see pages 38-44 (48 semester hours)

  2. Theory requirements (20 semester hours)
    MTC 112, 113, 114, 115, 212, 213, 214, and 215

  3. Music history requirements (9 semester hours)
    MHL 210, 211, and 212

  4. Recital attendance

BACHELOR OF MUSIC – MUSIC EDUCATION

The B.M. in MUSIC EDUCATION is a balanced program of general, specialized, and professional courses leading to qualification for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate to teach general, instrumental, and choral music in the elementary and secondary schools of Pennsylvania. The Handbook for Students in Music - Undergraduate Division should be consulted for the current general and music requirements. See the Educator Preparation Programs section of this catalog for an explanation of related requirements.

  1. Required music education courses (24.5 semester hours)
    Professional qualifying test, MUE 201, 220
    331, 332 (counts as diversity course), 333, 335, 431, and 432
  2. Other music requirements (35-38 semester hours)
    Major performing instrument, applied music courses, conducting, music organizations, or repertoire classes
  3. Education courses (12 semester hours)
    EDP 250, LANG/ENG 382, EDA 103, EDR 345 or 347

BACHELOR OF MUSIC WITH A CONCENTRATION IN THEORY/COMPOSITION OR HISTORY; BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE; OR BACHELOR OF MUSIC WITH ELECTIVE STUDIES IN AN OUTSIDE FIELD

The B.M. with a CONCENTRATION in THEORY/COMPOSITION offers extensive training to develop analytical skills leading to the comprehension of the structure and form of music of all styles and periods, and to develop creative skills enabling the student to write in a contemporary idiom and to develop an individual style.

  1. Required theory/composition courses (38 semester hours)
    MTC 112*, 113*, 114*, 115*, 212, 213, 214, 215, 312, 313, 341, 342, 344, 417
  2. Required music history courses (9 semester hours)
    MHL 210*, 211*, and 212*
  3. Other music requirements (25 semester hours)
    Conducting, performance area, music organizations, music electives, piano competency

    4. *Minimum grade of C- required

The B.M. with a CONCENTRATION in HISTORY offers intensive training in the materials and methods of music history, including the literature, genres, forms, styles, and technical vocabulary of Western art music, the development of musical style within a broader humanistic and cultural context, aural and written analysis of musical form and style, and advanced research tools of music history, leading to completion of a significant project of independent research.

  1. Required music history courses (33 semester hours)
    MHL 210*, 211*, and 212*, upper-level music history electives, Senior Project I and II
  2. Required theory/composition courses (23 semester hours)
    MTC 112*, 113*, 114*, 115*, 212, 213, 214, 215, 342
  3. Other music requirements (22 semester hours)
    Performance area, music organizations, music electives, piano competency

The B.M. in PERFORMANCE is for students who demonstrate a high degree of ability on their chosen instrument and who desire to concentrate on developing that ability. Majors in the program should consult the Handbook for Students in Music - Undergraduate Division for the current general and music requirements.

  1. Language requirement (for vocal track only) (3 semester hours)

  2. Private lessons (24 semester hours)
  3. Required music courses (8-21 semester hours)
    Conducting, minor lessons, ensembles, music electives
  4. Other music requirements
    1. For instrumentalists (4 semester hours)
      Music literature, small ensemble, piano competency
    2. For vocalists (14 semester hours)
      VOC 315, 316, 329, 411, 412, 413, 414, 416, 417, 424, 491
    3. For pianists (19 semester hours)
      MAK 311, 312, 313, 314; PIA 405 and 406; two courses from PIA 423, 424, 425, 426, or 427; one course from PIA 451, 452, or 453
      (Pedagogy emphasis: MAK 311, 312, 313, 314; PIA 405, 406, 450, 452; PIA 451 or 453; one course from PIA 423, 424, 425, 426, 427)

    4. For organists (19 semester hours)
      MAK 311, 312, 313, 314; ORG 351, 352, 353, 451, 452

The B.M. in MUSIC - ELECTIVE STUDIES IN AN OUTSIDE FIELD is designed for those students who desire a general music program while at the same time pursuing a secondary interest outside of the School of Music. The Handbook for Students in Music - Undergraduate Division should be consulted for the current general and music requirements.

  1. Required music courses (34 semester hours)
    Applied lessons, conducting, ensemble, music electives
  2. The outside field (18 semester hours)
    These courses are taken under advisement of the outside field department chairperson. (In most cases, the curriculum for a minor will be used to determine the course work for the outside field.)

Minor in Music (18 semester hours)

This program is geared toward liberal arts students with an interest in music. To be enrolled, students must be approved by audition and have the permission of both their major adviser and the School of Music undergraduate coordinator.

  1. Required courses (11.5-12 semester hours)
    1. MTC 110 and 111
    2. MHL 121 (or one of the following MHL courses with permission of the minor adviser or department chair: MHL 125, 210, 312, or 325)
    3. Chorus, orchestra, or band
    4. One of the following: ASC 196 or PIA 181
      (Students who demonstrate the needed facility may be excused from ASC 196 or PIA 181 and must use the credits in the elective category.)
  2. Music electives (6-6.5 semester hours)
    Any music course, selected under advisement, for which the student meets the prerequisite, including up to four semesters of vocal, keyboard, and/or instrumental studio instruction, by permission of the applied chair. If the student takes the maximum number of private lessons allowable, at least one of the course numbers must be above the beginning level.
    Recommended courses: MHL 125, 210, 211, 212, 310, 312, and 325; MTC 171

Minor in Jazz Studies (18-21 semester hours)

This program is designed primarily for students currently enrolled in a music degree program. Students in other degree programs will be admitted if qualified. Students must have the permission of both their major adviser and the chairperson of the Department of Applied Music. The Handbook for Students in Music - Undergraduate Division should be consulted for current requirements.

  1. Required courses (18 semester hours)
    AES 151, 152; AJZ 361, 362, 365; MHL 322; MTC 361, 362

  2. Music electives (0-3 semester hours)
    AEO 121; AES 151, 152; APC 193

Minor in Music History (18 semester hours)

This program is designed primarily for students currently enrolled in a music degree program. Students in other degree programs will be admitted if they qualify. Students must have the permission of both their major adviser and the chairperson of the Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition.

  1. Required courses (9 semester hours)
    MHL 210, 211, 212
  2. Any MHL course at the 300 or 400 level (9 semester hours)

Minor in Music Performance (18 semester hours)

Students majoring in most programs at WCU may elect a music performance minor. The program requires 18 semester hours and can be completed over their time at WCU. A minor in music performance is designed for students who performed in their high school ensembles and desire to continue their musical experience in college and improve their performing skills. Students pursuing this minor will explore the fundamental elements of music required to be a better musician and performer, and will obtain a deeper appreciation of how music is integrated into and enhanced by its connection to drama, art, and dance. Students will also increase their awareness and critical listening as an audience member in live musical performances through course discussion, meeting with selected performers, and writing about music. Interested students must apply to the Department of Applied Music for admission and will be required to audition for one of the many performing ensembles. Audition dates and materials will be provided to any interested student. Applicants must obtain and complete an “Add Minor Form” through the Office of the Registrar for transcript recognition.
  1. Required courses (6 semester hours)
    AMF 251 and AMF 252
  2. Choose one of the following (3 semester hours)
    AML 351 or AMA 352 (Substitutions may be
    made with department approval.)
  3. Ensembles (4 semester hours)
    AEB 112, AEB 311, or AME 101
  4. Elective courses (5 semester hours)
    5. Elective performance credits selected under advisement from the following classes: AIM 429 (Drum Line), AIM 429 (Alexander Technique); AJZ 331, 365; AMA 352 (if not taken as requirement); AME 101 (up to five credits); AML 351 (if not taken as requirement); ASC 196; MIP 310; MRC 251; PIA 181, 182; VOI 291, 292. (Substitutions may be made with department approval.)

Equivalency in Music Therapy

Music majors may pursue courses toward certification in music therapy through a cooperative program with Immaculata University, located ten miles from West Chester. The Handbook for Students in Music - Undergraduate Division should be consulted for current requirements.

Applied Music

Chris Hanning, Chairperson
Click here for more information about courses in applied music.

Music Education

J. Bryan Burton, Chairperson
Click here for more information about courses in music education.

Music Theory, History, and Composition

Robert Maggio, Chairperson
Click here for more information about courses in music theory, history, and composition.