Music Performance: Instrumental (B.M.)
West Liberty is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Two bachelor’s degrees are offered: Bachelor of Arts - Music Education, and Bachelor of Music - Music Performance or Music Technology. For Music Education, the comprehensive music teaching field curriculum prepares students for positions in the public schools. The Bachelor of Music degrees are professional degrees that afford our students the opportunity of intensive study in either Music Performance (Instrumental, Vocal, or Piano emphasis) or Music Technology (Digital Recording or Electronic Music Emphasis). The music minor curriculum is available to students with previous musical experience who wish to continue music study, though not on a full-time professional basis. The Interdisciplinary Studies Program offers additional options by allowing a student to design his/her own degree by combining music with study in other fields.
Admission Process
In addition to meeting the regular university entrance requirements, an audition is required to be accepted as a music major or minor. During this audition students must demonstrate proficiency in instrumental or vocal performance and should have had considerable experience in school or community musical organizations. The prospective student should play or sing a solo of his or her own selection, and should demonstrate both ability at sight-reading and basic knowledge of music fundamentals. Transfer students are required to take proficiency examinations in theory and in applied music and will be assigned to the appropriate level in these areas. A prospective student should arrange for this audition by contacting the Chair of the Department of Music and Theater (music@westliberty.edu) at the same time he/she applies to the Office of Admissions. More information about auditioning can be found on the Music Program website: http://westliberty.edu/music.
Requirements
Required Courses
Required Lessons and Ensembles
Students are required to complete private lessons on their major instrument. Students must have a minimum of 14 credits in this area, divided between upper-division (MUS 400) and lower-division study (MUS 200). Students are also required to complete 17 semester hours of ensembles. For ensemble requirements, please see the Chair and the Director of Instrumental Activities for ensemble placements.