Section 7: Solo Performance Opportunities for Students Enrolled in Applied LessonsMusic Student Handbook

Section Contents

Required Performances

Optional Performances

Required Performances

Studio Classes and Area Seminars

Studio classes and Area seminars are scheduled throughout the semester in applied lesson courses. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to gain solo performance experience, to be exposed to literature and to hear others in a class setting. Furthermore, student and instructor comments and critiques, both content and delivery of, enhance professional musicianship.

End-of-Semester Performance Assessments/Juries

Near the end of lesson courses each semester, students perform an end-of-semester audition that demonstrates their level of achievement. This audition, like the entry audition and regular ensemble auditions, allows instructors to assess progress and make decisions about whether to allow students to continue in their applied lesson courses or encourage them as music majors.

Music Majors

Music Majors are required to present at least a partial recital as part of their senior capstone experience (MUS 390). Additional details about Honors in Performance and the Senior Music Major Capstone Experience can be found in Section 10.D and Section 10.F, respectively.

Jussi Björling Scholarship students

Recipients of Jussi Björling Music Scholarships are expected to present a public performance in their sophomore, junior, and senior years; this may be a Monday Night Recital, Friday Afternoon Voice Recitals, a Christ Chapel performance (when approved by the Area Coordinator), or a chamber ensemble performance

Optional Performances

Departmental Recitals

Monday Night Recitals and Saturday Morning Recitals occur in Björling Recital Hall on selected dates throughout the academic year. All students registered for lessons are encouraged to perform in these non-juried general recitals. An appearance on these programs is at the discretion of the instructor and student, but the performance should be preceded by solo experience in the studio class and area seminar settings mentioned above. Students should consult with their instructors about preparations for the performance and should obtain the appropriate forms and information from the materials in this handbook or the Department of Music Office and submit them to the Music Office. The purpose of these shared recitals is to give students an opportunity to perform in a public and formal setting and to present representative work from across the department. Performance for one’s peers is another step in the learning process that leads to outstanding musicianship. Monday Night Recital and Saturday Morning Recital performances are prerequisite for Junior-Senior Student Recital Auditions and the Honors Recital Audition. Specific information regarding Departmental student recitals is included in Section 8 of this handbook.

Student Solo and Shared Recitals

Juniors and seniors (non-majors) registered for applied lessons are encouraged, with instructor permission, to present solo or shared recitals. Juniors normally present shared recitals while seniors may present either shared or full recitals. A pre-recital audition is required and completed within the context of a Monday Night Recital.

Christ Chapel Performances

Students are welcome and encouraged to perform in Christ Chapel for daily or Sunday services. These performances provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience presenting literature especially appropriate for this liturgical setting or to highlight pieces from other recitals. Contact the Organist/Chad Winterfeldt (OM102B, X7447) to get on the Chapel Music Calendar. Instructor approval is required for these performances.

Concerto-Aria Competition

The Concerto-Aria competition is intended to showcase the best in student performance. It allows students to audition for the opportunity to be featured soloists with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra. The competition is open to all students who are currently taking private lessons and have formerly completed at least two semesters of private lessons at Gustavus. This annual competition, held in Björling Recital Hall or Christ Chapel, takes place in February and is not open to the public. The competition is adjudicated by the orchestra director and guest faculty from nearby colleges, who name one to three winners. Winners are invited to appear with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra during Spring Semester (See: Concerto-Aria Competition Audition Information in Section 8).

Senior Honors Recital

The Senior Honors Recital is presented as part of the Honors Day program in May. Only senior students are eligible to audition. An appearance in the Senior Honors Recital is a tribute to the recitalist’s dedication and achievement as a performer. Those selected represent excellence in individual performance study. In addition to performer biographies and program notes, the recital program contains the following statement:

It is with great pleasure that the Music Department presents its Annual Senior Honors Recital. These students are chosen by the Music Faculty in a special audition. An appearance on the Senior Honors Recital is a tribute to the recitalist's dedication to the art of music and achievement as a performer. It is indeed an honor to have these fine young musicians represent the Department of Music and the College on this special occasion.

(See: Senior Honors Recital Audition Information in Section 8)

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