Frequently Asked Questions
by St. Olaf Music Majors
and Direct Links to Answers

Frequently Asked Questions by St. Olaf Music Majors and Direct Links to Answers

(Complete information about music at St. Olaf College can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music and http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/resources.html.)

 

Music Major Admission and Continuance

Q: I am a Bachelor of Arts music major. How do I apply for admission to the Bachelor of Music degree?
A: Complete application instructions can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/entranceinfo.html.

Q: Where do I find degree program application forms?
A: Download application forms from http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/resources.html or pick one up from the music office in HOM 245.

Q: How do I know what repertoire to play/sing for my entrance audition?
A: Consult your performance studies teacher and see repertoire requirements for entrance to the music major at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/appendixa.html.

Q: Who is required to complete a continuance review and what is the process?
A: Answers to both questions can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/entranceinfo.html.

Q: Are the repertoire requirements for entrance and continuance the same?
A: In some cases it is. Find repertoire requirements for continuance in a program at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/appendixb.html.

 

Music Education

Q: Can you tell me more about Music Education at St. Olaf?
A: Yes, information about both the Bachelor of Arts Music Major with Teaching Credential and the Bachelor of Music Education degree can be found at
http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/musiced.html.

 

Music Lessons, Recital Attendance, and Juries

Q: What do I do if I want to take lessons?
A: Complete information about performance studies (lessons) at St. Olaf can be found at
http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/lessons.html.

Q: Can I take lessons on more than one instrument?
A: Yes, but consider the cost and the time commitment first. Check out
http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/lessons.html.

Q: I am taking music lessons and my teacher says I must practice every day. How do I get a practice room?
A: Practice is an important part of studying a musical instrument. Practice room sign up information can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/practicerooms.html.

Q: I am taking music lessons and I heard there is a recital attendance requirement. What is this? How do I know how many recitals to attend and how do I know which recitals count towards the recital attendance requirement?
A: There is a recital attendance requirement if you are registered for performance studies. Answers to all three questions can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/attendance.html.

Q: I am taking music lessons and I heard I must perform an end-of-semester jury. What is this and how do I know what type of jury I should perform?
A: An end-of-semester jury is required of all students registered for performance studies. Answers to both questions can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/juries.html.

 

Recitals

Q: Can I perform in a recital? Do I have to be taking music lessons?
A. Yes, you may perform in a recital. You must be registered for performance studies on the instrument/voice in the semester you wish to perform. Find out about Student Recitals, Junior and Senior Recitals, Chamber Ensemble, Composition, Advanced Conducting Recitals and Informal Recitals at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/recitalguidelines.html.

Q: I heard that performance on a recital is a graduation requirement for my major. What type of performance is required and how often do I have to perform?
A: Complete information on performance requirements for the music major can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/performancereq.html.

Q: Where do I find recital application forms?
A: Download application forms from http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/resources/index.html or pick one up from the music office in HOM 245.

 

Pianists

Q: I have a jury and a recital coming up and my teacher tells me I need to find a pianist. How do I find one?
A: There are three types of collaborative pianists at St. Olaf: student pianists, staff pianists, and other professional pianists. Find out details on deadlines for securing a pianist and what type of pianist is available to play for you at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/collaborativepianists.html.

Q: How does my collaborative pianist get paid?
A: Complete details and instructions can be found at
http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/collaborativepianists.html.
You should also check out The Soloist’s Guide at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/resources/index.html.

Q: I’m a pianist and I’d like to accompany juries and recitals. May I, and if so, what is the procedure?
A: Yes, student pianists are important part of collaborative piano at St. Olaf. Check out
http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/collaborativepianists.html.
You should also check out The Pianist’s Guide at
http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/resources/index.html.

 

Miscellaneous

Q: What music ensembles does St. Olaf offer and who are the directors? When do ensembles rehearse?
A: A complete list of ensembles and directors can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/ensembles.html. A list of rehearsal times for all ensembles can be found on the information table next to CHM 104.

Q: Where is the music library and what are its hours?
A: The Halvorsen Music Library is located on the first floor of Christiansen Hall of Music. Regular hours (non-holiday or break hours) can be found at: http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/library.html.

Q: I have heard that a student can get a key to rooms in CHM, HOM or Skifter. Is this true?
A: Yes, but only under certain circumstances. For details see http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/keys.html or see Cheryl Bristol in HOM 245.

Q: What do I do if I have a concern or comment about music at St. Olaf?
A: The Music Department Student Committee serves as a liaison between students and music faculty. Find out who they are and how to contact them at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/stucommittee.html.

Q: What do I do if I am on work study and would like to work in the music department?
A: Go to http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/stuwork.html.

Q: I heard that I have a keyboard proficiency requirement for graduation. What is it and what do I do?
A: Complete information on keyboard proficiency requirements for music majors can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/KeyboardProfReq.html.

Q: How can I track whether or not I am meeting all my graduation requirements?
A: You can download a worksheet for your specific degree program at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/resources/index.html.

Q: Does the St. Olaf music department have student chapters of national music organizations such as ACDA, MENC, and NATS. How do I get information?
A: Yes, see http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/organizations.html.

Q: I heard some seniors get to perform with the St. Olaf Orchestra at a spring concert. Is this true and where do I find information about this?
A: Some seniors are selected to perform with the orchestra on the Senior Soloists Concert held each May. Consult your performance studies teacher and check out http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/seniorsoloists.html.

Q: I am a senior and I heard some departments award Departmental Distinction. What is it and what do I need to do?
A: The music department does award Departmental Distinction. Information on eligibility, process and requirements can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/handbook/distinction.html.