Credit
How many credits can I receive for lessons?
Applied music courses consist of fourteen weekly, private lessons of either one half hour or one full hour in length. Half-hour lessons are given 1.0 unit of credit and one-hour lessons are given 2.0 units of credit. Those students who are receiving group instruction in piano, guitar, or voice receive 1.0 unit of credit.
Students with limited or no prior musical experience may receive a maximum of 2.0 credits for introductory-level course work in any instrument or voice. The instruction may take the form of group instruction (piano, guitar, or voice) or private lessons in a 151 course.
2.0 units = 2 semester sequence of group instruction [1.0 unit each] OR
2.0 units = 1 semester of one-hour 151 lessons or 2 semesters of half-hour 151 lessons
When can I change my lessons from letter grade to pass/fail?
Deadlines to change from Letter Grade to Pass Fail (and vice versa) are the same as those posted for the College of Arts & Sciences.
Is there a maximum amount of credit I can receive for lessons?
Undergraduate applied music courses are organized into levels (i.e. 151, 175, 275, 375, etc. for non-jazz instruments; 150, 170, 270, 370, etc, for jazz instruments) with specific skill criteria for each level of study. Students may receive a maximum of 4.0 units of credit per level. 4.0 units could take the form of 2 semesters of one-hour lessons or 4 semesters of half-hour lessons.
Juries
When do I need a jury?
After a maximum of 4.0 units at a level, the student must pass a jury in order to move on to the next level. If the student cannot pass the jury, he/she can continue taking lessons not-for-credit (L27 110); the jury can be reattempted when the student is ready. Students are not required to spend two semesters on each level. High achieving students may be ready for a jury after one semester or may test out of a level completely.
Juries may be taken at the end of the fall or spring semester. A jury will normally include at least two faculty: the instructor and at least one additional faculty member. Voice, piano, and guitar students may have additional jury members present from their respective divisions. This guideline presents the department's minimum requirement, but all instructors can require additional juries as they wish.
Attendance
What are the attendance policies for lessons?
Regular attendance is required, and lessons should only be missed in the most exceptional circumstances. If you must miss a lesson, notify your instructor at least 24 hours in advance. Up to two excused absences will be made up during the semester. Unexcused absences will not be made up and could result in a lowering of your grade. Each applied teacher assigns grades to his or her students. Applied music grades are based upon regular preparation for lessons and substantial progress in your work, measured against what can be reasonably expected of a student with your particular background, level of talent, and professional goals. If you have any questions on grading, your instructor can give you further details. More information is available in the Department of Music Student Handbook.
Fees
What are the fees signing up for lessons and ensembles?
Rebates
Are rebates available for any of these fees?
Do employee tuition benefits cover music lessons?
Employee tuition benefits do not cover private applied music lessons.
Refund Policies
What if I drop a lesson? Will I get a refund?
A student who officially withdraws within the refund period will receive a refund in accordance with the refund schedule (see refund grid below). All refunds are calculated from the date on which the student drops the course on WebSTAC. If you drop applied music lessons, you will forfeit any rebate or scholarship amounts that you were due to receive. Should you choose to drop during the refund timeframe, your student account will receive a MUSI charge for the percentage of the lesson fee based on your drop date.