Prospective Student FAQ Have questions? We've got answers.
This is probably the most common question from students and parents alike. To answer this one question, ask yourself a few more:
- Am I dedicated to my music studies right now, and willing to practice even when it sometimes means I can't hang out with my friends?
- Am I studying with a qualified teacher who has told me that I stand a good chance as a music major?
- Is there another interest of mine that I also feel strongly about pursuing, to the point that it might interfere with my practicing or music study?
If you've come this far on the site, you obviously have a real interest in the horn,
and a strong desire to continue your studies. There are many ensemble playing opportunites at UD, so you're sure to find one that
fits your skills and schedule. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester for the major ensembles
and chamber ensemble placement is determined by personnel needs and consultation with the ensemble coach.
Private lessons are also available to non-majors.
Your band or orchestra director would be a good person to ask, and if you have access to a qualified private instructor, he or she can guide you in the steps you need to take to play at the college level.
Another great way to find out is to have a sample lesson with me during a visit to the UD campus. Together we can determine the best course of study for you, and which playing opportunities best fit your needs.
The University of Delaware offers a number of music degrees, including a Bachelor of Music in Applied Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music with concentration in another area, as well as the opportunity to declare a music minor to complement another degree program.
At the graduate level, we offer the Master of Music degree in Applied Performance or Music Education.
The Bachelor of Music in Applied Performance is geared toward the student who intends to pursue a performance career, either as a soloist, chamber musician, player in an orchestra or military band, as a freelance musician, or in ways that we can only imagine today! A performance major is expected to devote the majority of his/her time perfecting musical skills and to gain experience with a wide repertoire of solo and chamber works, orchestral literature and a comprehensive program of technical studies. Performance majors are held to a very high standard of technical/musical achievement, which will be demonstrated by frequent performances on and off campus.
Bachelor of Music Education students are held to essentially the same standard as performance majors, but they also pursue an intensive course of study to prepare them for careers as educators. Part of this training includes courses in educational theory and trends, practical exams to test general aptitude and knowledge of music pedagogy, methods courses where students learn to play all of the orchestral instruments, and a semester spent as a student teacher in an area school.
For students who want to combine their musical study with another discipline, the Bachelor of Arts degree is a good choice. One program at UD allows a student to complete a B.A. and M.B.A program in Music Management, but a student can combine music with a wide array of liberal arts disciplines.
Bachelor of Music Education students are held to essentially the same standard as performance majors, but they also pursue an intensive course of study to prepare them for careers as educators. Part of this training includes courses in educational theory and trends, practical exams to test general aptitude and knowledge of music pedagogy, methods courses where students learn to play all of the orchestral instruments, and a semester spent as a student teacher in an area school.
For students who want to combine their musical study with another discipline, the Bachelor of Arts degree is a good choice. One program at UD allows a student to complete a B.A. and M.B.A program in Music Management, but a student can combine music with a wide array of liberal arts disciplines.
There really isn't a set number of hours for practicing according to degree program, but generally
performance majors are expected to devote the most time to practicing, followed closely by education majors then
by BA and minors according to their performance goals. This means practice apart from large and chamber ensemble
rehearsals, which should adequately cover the technical and musical issues discussed in our weekly lessons. The bottom line is that all students are expected to practice as long as it takes to accomplish assignment objectives.
One of the great things about UD's music program is the wide array of ensemble and repertoire possibilities. Ensemble choices include marching band, wind ensemble, orchestra, symphonic band, brass choir, horn quartet, horn ensembles, woodwind and brass quintets, jazzz ensembles, new music ensembles and a wide array of mixed or unusual combinations.
Our strong composition program allows students to collaborate with emerging composers in the creation of new works as
well as the insights provided by visiting composers, conductors and pedagogues.
The short answer is yes. You will need to have an instrument for your exclusive use available for your lessons, rehearsals and individual practicing. The Department does have a collection of instruments, but these are primarily for use in the methods courses. If you need help in selecting a horn,
please feel free to get in touch with me, and I can give you some suggestions to fit your needs and budget.
The Bachelor of Music (Applied and Education) and the Bachelor of Arts programs do require an audition as a part of your application.
We have a number of dates set aside early in the year where you will perform for the brass faculty.
In some cases, we can arrange an alternative date for a live audition, or in extraordianry instances we can hear auditions by video,but it is always best to schedule a live audition when possible.
Information about upcoming auditions can be found here.
Absolutely! I highly recommend a "sample" lesson prior to your audition, and I am happy to arrange a time for you so we can get to know each other a little better.
Many students come to see me during their junior or senior year - feel free to contact me to set up a time.