2010-2011 HBU Catalog - Houston Baptist University

SCHOOL OF MUSIC
This program is currently undergoing a major review. Please check with the Dean of the College of Arts and
Humanities for current information.
Faculty: Dr. John Yarrington, (Director); Dr. Jonathan Blackmon; Dr. Richard Fiese; Dr. Rhonda Furr; Dr. Ann
Gebuhr; Ms. Melissa Givens; Dr. Dan Kramlich; Dr. Melissa Marse; Dr. Brian Runnels.
The School of Music is committed to a program that‘s designed to provide broad aesthetic experience in music for
both the major and the general student. In addition to the course work that introduces the student to the fine arts,
and to the theories that underlie them, many means are afforded for actual involvement in creativity. Regular
performances by the HBU ensembles all bring opportunity for participation and enrichment. The location of HBU
near the cultural center of the city of Houston is an added advantage. Students may enjoy noted artists and
lecturers, outstanding theater, and performances by world class performance organizations.
The curricula in Music at HBU are designed to provide the specialization and depth of study necessary for
performance, church music, or teacher certification. The School of Music serves other students who wish to take
electives in music or to participate in one of the performing ensembles.
Students who wish to major in music at HBU must apply for acceptance to a degree program that leads the
Bachelor of Music degree. In the Bachelor of Music degree, a student may choose an instrument, organ, piano,
voice, theory/composition, or Church Music as a major, or may pursue a course which leads to teacher
certification.
ENTRANCE EXAMS IN MUSIC
FRESHMEN AND TRANSFER STUDENTS
A. Applied Music: A student wishing to major in music must demonstrate talent for performance by means of an
audition for the faculty in the major applied area before being admitted to the curriculum. A student who, at the
time of the audition, does not meet entrance requirements for the projected degree but who demonstrates unusual
potential, may, at the recommendation of the music faculty, be accepted to the School of Music on a trial basis.
Such students must fulfill all deficiencies within a specified time. Failure to complete the deficiencies within the
specified period will automatically end the student‘s status as music major.
B. Theory and Music Literature: Before a student‘s initial enrollment in the School of Music, placement examinations
will be given in music theory. If the examinations are not passed, Fundamentals of Music (MUTH 0312) will be
required before the student may begin the regular series of music courses. Transfer students will be placed into the
curriculum by means of placement exams and/or personal interview with a member of the music faculty. The
current School of Music Handbook may be referenced for further details.
APPLIED MUSIC
Individual instruction is offered in voice, piano, organ, harpsichord, brass, woodwinds, percussion, strings, harp,
guitar, and composition. All students electing applied music for credit will be required to take a jury examination at
the end of each semester. (See School of Music Handbook for more specific information.)
Music majors must be registered for applied music in their area of concentration until the Upper Division
Examination is passed and recital requirements are met.
All lower level applied music courses (lessons) will carry an MUSA 1000 number and all upper level courses will
carry an MUSA 3000 number. Applied music (MUSA) courses beginning with ―0‖ number will not be counted
toward a major.
MUSIC ENSEMBLES
Ample opportunity is offered to all students at HBU for creative participation in music ensembles. Any student
who meets the audition requirements may participate in an ensemble. Music majors must participate in Schola
Cantorum, University Singers, Symphonic Band, Guitar Ensemble, or an ensemble assigned by the Director of the
School of Music each semester in residence. Keyboard majors are required to participate in one ensemble and will
be assigned accompanying duties.
Choral Activities: Music majors with an emphasis in voice must participate in University Singers, or Schola
Cantorum.
Instrumental Activities: Music majors with an emphasis in instrumental music must participate in Symphonic
Band, Orchestra or Guitar Ensemble and may elect other ensembles each semester.
2010-2011 HBU Catalog www.hbu.edu/catalog Page 105