1. General Information
1.1 Welcome from the Director
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the School of Music & Dance, I would like to welcome you to our musical family. We are pleased that you have selected San Jose State to develop your skills and musicianship.
Founded in 1857, San Jose State is the longest standing public university in the West. We have been preparing professional performers, composers and music educators longer than any other school in California. We have one of the most comprehensive programs in the state, taught by the most talented and dedicated faculty that you will find anywhere. Our innovative curriculum truly prepares students for success in the twenty-first century.
San Jose State's applied studio faculty include some of this nation's most gifted artists, ranging from Metropolitan Opera stars to leading musicians in Bay Area symphonies. Our Jazz Studies program hosts many of Northern California's leading jazz musicians. Award winning SJSU performing ensembles are directed by some of California's preeminent conductors. Our ensembles regularly perform at conferences and tour throughout the West.
Whatever your career goals may be, San Jose State has a program for you. Please take a few moments and review the policies and procedures for the School of Music & Dance. Should you need assistance or have any questions, do not hesitate to come to the School of Music & Dance office in Music 179.
1.2 Music Office
Located in Room 179 in the front of the Music Building. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Phone 924-4673. If you need to speak to the Director of the School of Music & Dance, talk to his assistant in Room 180 or call (408) 924-4676 for an appointment.
1.3 Undergraduate Degrees
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Emphasis in General Studies
Emphasis in Music Technology
Bachelor of Music in Composition
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
1.4 Music Use Fee
Music majors and minors must pay a music use fee of $30 each semester they are enrolled at San Jose State University. Other students enrolled in performing ensembles or any electro-acoustic music course must pay a fee of $22. The receipt must be brought to the Music Office before completing our music registration card. Applied music instruction will not be authorized until this fee is paid. Music 10B students or students enrolled in any sound recording course must pay $22 each semester they are enrolled in one or more of these classes. These fees are included in the student's bill with other registration fees.
1.5 General Information for Music Students
A. Music Use Fee Card and Applied Music Fee and Registration.
All music students must pay a $30 music use fee and an applied lesson fee of $125 in order to complete registration in the School of Music & Dance. Pick up a copy of the applied music registration form, which enables you to get the permission code to sign up for applied lessons. You must pay the music use fee and obtain your instructor's signature BEFORE the office will release the code. Bring the Music Use Fee card with signatures and the completed, signed Applied Music Registration form to the School office and you will be given the appropriate permission code for your applied lessons. Applied lessons must be added no later than the end of the second week of instruction. After you add your lessons and complete registration, your account will be billed $125 along with your other university fees.
B. Drop/Add Courses.
You may drop and add courses through My_sjsu during the period of time indicated in the on-line Schedule of Classes. To add, get a permission number from the instructor when you attend the class, and enter it along with the class number. To drop, follow directions for dropping during the first week. If you do not attend the first class meeting the instructor also has the option to drop you. Dropping or adding after the given period will require paperwork, signatures and possible fees. Get paperwork from Admissions and Records in the Student Services Center.
C. Scholarship Recipients.
See the School Accounting Technician in room 165 for information concerning scholarships. You must adhere to the requirements of your scholarship in order to continue to receive it. All students receiving a named endowed scholarship MUST write a thank you letter to the donor.
D. Placement Auditions.
(1) All new students must complete a placement audition in the respective applied areas during the examination days before classes start.
(2) All transfer students must complete a Systems/Theory placement exam also offered ONLY during this time. If you do not attend you will automatically be placed in MuSys 1AB since the exam will not be offered again until the next semester.
(3) All freshmen students must complete a Systems/Theory placement exam during the first class meeting of Music 1A or Music 9.
(4) For ensemble auditions, consult appropriate directors. Exact dates and times are listed in the Schedule of Classes.
E. Voice majors
Voice majors can change teachers only once. Consult the area coordinator and your current applied instructor for procedures.
F. Contract Design for B.A. Students.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree is a liberal arts degree allowing maximum flexibility for the student to shape their specific course of study. All B.A. students must design a contract no later than the end of the first year at SJSU. Get all the information from the music advisor. Follow the specific policies and requirements on the contract design form.
G. Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance, Composition, Jazz Studies and Music Education.
The Bachelor of Music is a professional degree that is screened by audition only. Students should express interest at the first placement audition and follow instructions given by the respective applied faculty. If approved, students may switch to the B.M. degree at any time but must note that ALL requirements must be completed for the B.M. degree. See catalog or advisement sheets for concentration requirements in Performance, Jazz Studies Composition, and Music Education.
H. Advising Procedure.
Attend the advising orientation. All new students must be advised during the first semester either at the orientation meeting or individually. Make an appointment with your major advisor by signing the sheet on his/her door or call for an appointment by phone. Check with the main Music Office for name of your current advisor. Bring advisement sheets and transcripts from other schools if you are a transfer student. If you are not advised, a hold flag will be placed on your record which can only be lifted by the department office AFTER you have been advised. All new students should be advised as soon as possible. For transfer students, GE assessments will be sent during the first semester of enrollment. If you are especially uncertain about GE requirements, make an appointment with the GE assessment center. Make sure you take the WST (Writing Skills Test) before your junior year or as soon as possible upon transfer. Details are available in the Schedule of Classes or the Testing Evaluation Center. Continuing students should be advised at least once a year and must certify graduation requirements three semesters before graduation.
I. Academic Standards.
Music students are encouraged to maintain high academic standards and level of applied performance. While an average of "C" in all major course work is required, students are encouraged to maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA in order to meet minimum standards for many graduate schools. (Note that a minimum grade of "C-" must be met in all music courses.) All students will be required to pass jury examinations in respective applied areas at the end of each semester. Failure to pass these examinations will result in probation or possible dismissal from the program. Students are encouraged to attend the many live faculty and student performances available on campus and in the greater Bay area.
1.6 How To Get Through the First Two Weeks at the School of Music & Dance
A. The Schedule of Classes is online at www.sjsu.edu. MEMORIZE all the information in the front of the schedule of classes. Know the courses required for your specific degree, emphasis and concentration. Make sure you understand all the requirements thoroughly since the ultimate responsibility for graduating is YOURS.
B. Obtain advising sheets for your degree and emphasis or concentration from the Music Office.
C. Pick up the requirements for piano proficiency from the Coordinator of Piano Studies or see Section 2.8 in this Handbook.
D. Pay your Music Use Fee ($30) in the Cashier's Office in the Student Services Center. Bring the receipt to the music office to obtain the music fee card that officially enrolls you in the department. Be aware that the card must have the signatures of your adviser, applied lesson instructor, and ensemble director.
1.7 Curriculum Advisories
A. Take Music 1AB, 2AB, 3AB, 4AB in sequence. Take the A and B courses together.
B. Take Music 12, 110 and 111 (music history) preferably in sequence, and preferably AFTER Music 1- 4. Music 12 should be taken in the Spring semester after the sophomore year.
C. Take Advanced Music Systems/Theory courses (electives) after Music 1AB- 4AB. Transfer students should see the Undergraduate Advisor regarding this process.
D. Those interested in seeking the teaching credential should make an appointment with the Music Education Coordinator. Note that the waiver courses you must take prior to applying for the fifth-year credential program are listed on the emphasis advisement sheets.
1.8 Applied Lesson Codes
All Music Majors must complete the following steps before obtaining their lesson and special study registration codes:
A. Pick up the Music Use Fee Registration Card from the School office.
B. Pick up the Applied Music Registration sheet from the School office.
C. Pay your Music Use Fee at the cashier's office ($30). Keep the receipt.
D. Obtain ALL required signatures from the faculty. Applied faculty must sign the Music Use Fee card and Applied Music Registration sheet.
E. Go to the Music Office with all the above materials, plus the Music Use Fee receipt.
F. The Music Office will then assign an add code for your applied lessons.
G. After you have added your class, check your account on-line, then pay for your applied lessons.
1.9 Departmental Attendance and Grading Policies
A. A grade below "C-" in any course in the major will not be considered a passing grade, and the course must be repeated. All end of the semester juries must be passed with a grade of C or better.
B. Class attendance is a vital component in a complete musical education; students are expected to attend all meetings of their classes in the music major.
C. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances of primary and secondary ensembles is absolutely mandatory. While each conductor institutes different policies, unexcused absences from rehearsals are totally unacceptable and carry grave consequences for the student's grade.
1.10 School Writing Style
The School of Music & Dance requires students to follow the writing style as outlined in The Chicago Manual of Style.
1.11 Scholarships
The School of Music & Dance offers Music Scholarships ranging in length from two semesters to eight semesters. Music Scholarships are awarded on the basis of performance skill. Scholarship auditions for new students are scheduled three times during the academic year (call the School office for specific dates).
A. Preparing for the Scholarship Audition
Live Auditions: Prepare approximately five minutes of music of varying styles demonstrating your present level of achievement on your instrument or voice. Upon request, a professional accompanist will be available to assist you during your program.
Taped Auditions: If you are unable to audition in person, please prepare an audio or video recording of a solo performance following the guidelines listed for live auditions. Mark your tape with your name and the title(s) of the music you are performing. Taped auditions must be received by March 15th. Mail all materials to the School of Music & Dance.
B. Letters of Recommendation for Scholarships
Request letters of recommendation from two people who know your musical, leadership, and/or personal skills. On the application form, provide the names, addresses and phone number of the individuals should the committee wish to contact your references. It is your responsibility to ensure that reference letters are sent.
1. Must maintain a "B," (3.0) or higher, grade point average in music and a "C+" (2.5) overall grade point average.C. All Scholarship Students must meet the following criteria:
2. Must enroll as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 units.
3. Must declare a major in music with an appropriate course of study as approved by the Music Faculty.
4. Must receive instruction in a major applied area with a member of the SJSU Music Faculty each semester that the scholarship is awarded.
5. Must participate in assigned performance ensembles.
6. Must maintain satisfactory performance in studio lessons and the required ensemble(s).
7. Any change in applied study must meet with the approval of the School of Music & Dance Scholarship Committee.
D. Marching Band Stipends
Perform with the Spartan Marching Band. Band stipends are $350 for musicians and $650 for the Drum Major. All members of the Spartan Marching Band receive priority registration at SJSU. See the director of the Spartan Marching Band for more information (Music 108).
1.12 Employment Opportunities
A. Work Study
Depending upon availability of legislative funding, and where there is appropriately demonstrated student need, Work Study Grants are made available for up to twenty hours per week. The hourly wage scale currently is $8.00 per hour for first-year appointment. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for further details.
Student Assistantships
Depending upon availability of legislative funding, Student Assistantships are available for up to twenty hours per week. The hourly wage scale currently begins at $8.00 per hour for first year appointments. Check with the school office for further information.
Current Student Assistant Positions
1. Recruitment Coordinator (instrumental) (1)
2. Recruitment Coordinator (vocal/choral) (1)
3. Concert Manager (10)
4. Office Assistants (2)
5. Music Library Assistant (2)
6. Readers for GE classes (2-3)
7. Tutors for Systems/Theory and Music History (2-4)
Music Education Assistantships
There are several assistantships available to music education majors. Ten upper-division, graduate, and credential students receive $5000 each year to work 8-10 hours ($15+ per hour) each week in low socio-economic public schools surrounding the university. Another assistantship exists for a graduate student to help administer the program. All recipients must be members of the SJSU MENC Collegiate Chapter (see Student Organizations, 9.2) Students interested in these assistantships should contact the Music Education Coordinator.
1.13 Student Leaves of Absence
If a music major is absent from San Jose State for two consecutive semesters, they must re-audition for admission into the music program.
