Applied Study Levels
Level Promotion
Promotion from one level to the next (100 to 200, for example) is not guaranteed based on completion of 2 semesters at a given level. While students generally progress at that rate, it is important to realize that promotion is based on musical achievement. Students generally take the longest to be promoted out of the 100 level, where fundamentals of performance on an instrument are developed. The 200 level is a transition toward becoming a recitalist. The 300 and 400 levels often coincide with junior and senior recital preparation, where the 400 level students will have a more mature understanding of musical interpretation and increased stamina for performance.
Music Majors must complete at least one semester at the 400 level, whether they decide to prepare a senior recital or not (some choose another project).
Music Minors must complete at least one semester at the 300 level.
Non-music majors/minors are eligible to experience the same applied study progression as music majors. Some progress as far as a junior or senior recital. Others are content to have the guidance of Concordia's applied faculty as a supplement to their participation in major musical ensembles. These students might repeat lower division applied study instead of engaging in the more rigorous levels of study.
Level Descriptions
Over your undergraduate career, you will progress through levels of applied study as follows:100 | The entry level for all applied students.
Goal: (1) To establish competency in fundamental playing skills for participation in Concordia Wind Orchestra or String Ensemble, or (2) To establish a foundation for promotion to the 400 level by senior year or sooner.
- This level has particular jury requirements (see "Juries" section)
- 1 student recital performance is required in order to be eligible for promotion to the 200 level.
- Highly advanced students might be promoted directly to the 300 level if they complete 2 student recital performances.
200 |
Goal: Gain competency in the critical and technical skills needed for solo interpretation.
- 2 student recital performances (while student is at this level) are required in order to be eligible for promotion to the 300 level.
300 |
Students at this level are capable of preparing a sophomore or junior (half) recital within 1-2 semesters of preparation.
- Students should complete at least one semester at this level, after which they may enroll in MUS398 Junior Recital (do this instead of MU_300 during the semester of your recital).
- 4 student recital performances (while student is at this level) are required in order to be eligible for promotion to the 400 level.
- Music Minors must complete at least one semester at this level.
400 |
Students at this level are capable of preparing a senior (full) recital with 1-2 semesters of preparation.
- Students should complete at least one semester at this level, after which they may enroll in MUS498 Senior Recital (do this instead of MU_400 during the semester of your recital)
- Music majors must complete at least one semester at this level.