Incoming Freshmen

If you are getting ready to start the music program at SLCC, there are a few things you should be aware of so that your transition into the program will go as smoothly as possible:

Audition for an Ensemble.  Every semester you are in the program, you need to participate in one of SLCC's performing ensembles.  General auditions for these ensembles are typically held in February or March for placement in an ensemble the following Fall.

If you will be joining the music program in Spring Semester, or if you have already missed the general audition date for the coming Fall Semester, you should contact the ensemble's director as soon as possible for placement in an ensemble.

Take Music Theory.  From your first semester, you should also begin to take the series of Music Theory and Ear Training classes, starting with Theory I (Music 1110) and Sight Singing/Ear Training I (Music 1130). 

If you do not possess the ability to read music, knowledge of the 12 major and 12 minor scales, and the ability to identify major and minor keys by their key signature, you should take the Intro to Theory class (Music 1100) first.

Students who are signed up for Theory I but have not taken Intro to Theory will be tested within the first couple weeks of class for placement in either Theory I or Intro to Theory.

For any questions regarding the theory classes at SLCC, contact Thomas Baggaley.

Take Recital Attendance.  Another class you should be signed up for every semester that you are in the music program is Recital Attendance (Music 0990). This is a zero-credit pass/fail course in which you will be required to attend departmental recitals and other musical performances during the semester.

At the beginning of each semester, the course instructor will notify you (usually via your campus e-mail) how you can obtain credit for attending these concerts. All music majors are required to take Recital Attendance every semester.

For any questions regarding recital attendance, contact Craig Ferrin.

Taking private lessons is encouraged.  Although it is not technically a requirement to receive your associates degree, we also recommend that you take private lessons in the area of your specialty (vocal or instrumental performance or composition).  In addition to being an invaluable part of your music education, most four-year degree programs have a private instruction requirement that you will need to meet if you transfer.