Music Student Handbook

Course Numbering System: Music course prefixes indicate general areas within the curriculum.

MUAP = applied music (private lesson) or recital,
MUEN = ensembles,
MUSI = music academic or classroom courses.

The four digits of a UT Tyler course number carry specific meanings. First digit: 1 = freshman level, 2 = sophomore level, 3 = junior level, 4 = senior level. Second digit: number of credit hours earned in the course. Third and fourth digits identify the course; they may also indicate a sequence of courses.

Examples: MUAP 3287 is a junior level, two-credit private lesson in composition. MUSI 1116 is first-semester freshman Aural Skills, one credit hour; MUSI 1117 is the second semester of the Aural Skills sequence.

Levels of Study: four levels that generally correspond to the freshman through senior years of enrollment, as reflected by the first digit of MUSI, MUEN, and MUAP course numbers: MUSI 1xxx, freshman; MUSI 2xxx, sophomore; MUSI 3xxx, junior; MUSI 4xxx, senior. The concept of Level of Study exists because situations may arise where a student’s Level of Study does not correspond to his or her year of enrollment.

Lower Division: 1000- or 2000-level courses (typically taken in the 1st and 2nd years of study)

Upper Division: 3000- or 4000-level courses (typically taken in the 3rd and 4th years of study).

Full-Time Enrollment: a course load enrollment of 12 or more semester credit hours.

Part-Time Enrollment: a course load enrollment of fewer than 12 semester credit hours.

Half-Time Enrollment: a course load of six semester credit hours

SCH: Semester Credit Hours; the basic unit of course load, typically measured by number of hours the class meets in a week. Exceptions are usually made for music ensembles.

Primary Performing Area ("primary instrument"): the student's main performing medium, the one in which he or she must pass an entrance audition to be accepted as a music major or minor, in which he or she receives instruction, and in which he or she is expected to maintain satisfactory progress over the course of study.

Secondary Applied Area: all non-Primary applied study, either in class or private lesson, required or elective.

MUAP 3000 30-Minute Recital: counts as Senior Recital for BM in Music Education and Piano Pedagogy majors, and as Junior Recital for BM Performance majors.

MUAP 3001 Group Capstone Recital 15-Minute Recital: fulfills degree requirement for BM in Choral Music Education.

MUAP 4100 60-Minute Recital: counts as Senior Recital for BM Performance and Composition majors.

MUSI 4101 Capstone Project: directed study for BA degrees, leading to a culminating formal paper that demonstrates a competency in musical analysis, history, or other academic music research, indicative of the ability to succeed in a graduate program.

Formal Review: a conference called when a student fails to adhere to School policies or fails to meet academic, performance, or attendance requirements. The Director of the School of Performing Arts and a faculty committee meet with the student to discuss the student's progress, attitude, and/or actions. If the student fails to address the problems discussed, the faculty may recommend dismissal from the music major program of study.

EC-12 Teacher Certification: a series of professional education courses approved by the Texas Education Agency, leading to all-level certification (EC-12) to teach public school music in Texas in the areas of instrumental, choral, or general music. Bachelor of Music students who desire certification should contact the School of Education regarding enrollment in and progression through the Teacher Certification program.

To be accepted as a music major students must complete an audition before a faculty committee at either a department-scheduled audition day or arranged with the audition coordinator. The audition is also used for scholarship consideration. Specific audition requirements are elaborated below and are available on the school’s website at www.uttyler.edu/music, or by contacting an applied faculty member in the student’s primary performing area.

To be accepted as a music minor students must contact the instructor of their area (i.e. vocalist contact vocal faculty; saxophonists contact saxophone faculty; etc.) and express interest in pursuing a music minor. The student and faculty member will communicate to determine whether the student is eligible to be a music minor. After the instructor approves, the student will then complete and submit the Music Minor Declaration form and return to the music office. In addition, students will need to declare the music minor with their advisor. (declare to chair and CAS advisor)

The School of Performing Arts awards scholarships to music majors, minors, and elective students each year based on audition and available funds. These scholarships may be awarded to continuing students, entering freshmen, and transfer students. The criteria for selecting scholarship recipients are established by a faculty committee, which then makes award recommendations to the Director. Scholarship awards are credited directly to the recipient’s financial aid account, generally one-half during the Fall semester, and remaining half in the Spring semester. Students must check their my.uttyler.edu accounts and, if required, write letters of appreciation for their scholarships.

Specific Scholarship guidelines, such as GPA and course enrollment, are outlined in student scholarship offer letters.

Each music major is assigned an academic advisor within the School of Performing Arts. The School establishes a file for each student accepted as a music major or minor. This file, available to the faculty, contains audition and admission data, degree plans, transcripts from other schools, jury results, advising and course registration information, and other appropriate records.

Meet With Advisor Before Registration. During the advisement period that precedes registration for each semester, it is the responsibility of students to meet with their advisors for assistance in course selection and to ensure that all graduation requirements are ultimately met. Attention to the School’s recommended course enrollment sequence is important to assure success in courses and to avoid delays in graduation. Proper advisement will also prevent problems with courses that are offered on rotation.

Enrollment codes (computer call numbers) for private lessons will be given only during advising. Do not ask the School of Performing Art’s Administrative Assistant for codes.

Filing of Degree Plan. During the advisement period for the second semester of music-major study at UT Tyler, the student must contact his/her advisor to file a degree plan. The advisor and other involved faculty may review the student’s progress to determine potential for future success in the program. Failure to file a degree plan may delay graduation. The signed degree plan reflects the student’s chosen course of study, and only complete fulfillment of all requirements (including proficiency examinations) will enable the student to graduate.

Status as a Music Major or Minor. Students must promptly report any changes in their status as music majors (or minors) to their advisor. A student on scholarship who entered UT Tyler as a music major and changes to a different major will see a reduction in scholarship.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Music - Choral Education Concentration
Bachelor of Music - Choral Education Concentration (Pre-Certification)
Bachelor of Music - Composition Concentration
Bachelor of Music - Instrumental Education Concentration
Bachelor of Music - Instrumental Education Concentration (Pre-Certification)
Bachelor of Music - Instrumental Performance Concentration
Bachelor of Music - Piano Pedagogy Concentration
Bachelor of Music - Piano Performance Concentration
Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance Concentration 

Change of Degree. Students wishing to change from one music degree program to another, or to change from a music minor to a major, must obtain the approval of their applied instructor(s) and the Director. If the desired degree change requires demonstration of performing ability either in a new area of study, or at a higher level than previously required or exhibited, the student must re-audition before a panel of faculty members from the performance area in question. The audition results are reported to the Director and the decision is made whether to allow the requested change, and if approved, at what level of applied study to enroll.
 
Change of Full-time/Part-time Status. Students anticipating a change from full-time to part-time enrollment, or the reverse, must notify their advisor, applied music instructor, and the Director.
 
Readmission after Voluntary Leave. Music majors in good standing who choose to leave the program for two or more consecutive semesters, will be required to re-audition upon their return to the program.
 
Status as a Music Major or Minor. A student who changes during the course of a semester from a music major or minor to a degree program with fewer requirements will remain responsible for completing all former applied music requirements until the end of that semester. In essence, the change of major does not become effective until the end of the semester. Scholarship awards for successive semesters may be affected by a change of major.

The following is from the Undergraduate Academic Policies.
 
Class attendance is the student's responsibility. The University expects students to attend and actively participate in all activities for a course. Regular attendance and engagement in class activities/assignments contribute to learning the content. When a student has a legitimate absence, the instructor may permit the student to complete missed assignments. In many cases, class participation is a significant measure of performance and non-attendance may adversely affect a student’s grade. When a student’s absences become excessive, the instructor may recommend that the student initiate a withdrawal. Instructors shall include a statement in each course syllabus indicating how a student is to make up assignments missed which result from a legitimate absence. Consult with your faculty member about the attendance and engagement policy for your course as well as the policies for your department and college.
 
Excused Absence for University Events or Activities
When it is necessary for students to miss one or more regularly scheduled classes to participate in an official university event or activity, faculty sponsors and program directors will assist students to assure they have the opportunity to make up missed work. In doing so they are requested to observe the following procedures:
 
Student responsibilities for university sponsored-absence

1. The faculty sponsor or program director provides copies of the memorandum to the students.

2. Each student delivers a copy of the memorandum to the instructors, in person, at least two weeks* prior to the date of the planned absence. At that time the instructor will set a date and time with the student when the make-up assignment or equivalent work will be completed. Make-up work will be mutually arranged; however, availability of the instructor will be given priority in setting the arrangements.

3. It is expected that students will not abuse the privilege of being absent from class for authorized university events or activities.

*Events scheduled within the first month of an academic term may require a shortened lead time.

Absence Due to Injury, Illness, Death, or Major Illness in a Student’s Immediate Family
When a student has an injury/illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class or when a student experiences a death or major illness in their immediate family the student may request of an instructor that the absence be excused. Instructors are encouraged to review documentation on a case-by-case basis and allow students to make up missed coursework. Should an instructor(s) deny a request for an injury/illness or family emergency the student can contact the academic chair or dean the course reports for further review.

Refer to the university student handbook for procedures regarding further absences.

Lesson Scheduling. Students are responsible for arranging lesson times with their private applied instructor(s) during the first week of each semester, following the procedure required by the individual instructor(s).
 
Required Number of Lessons. Students enrolled in MUAP applied lessons should receive fourteen lessons per semester. Lessons should meet weekly at the scheduled time determined by student and instructor during the first week of class. If a student misses a lesson due to an excused absence, it is their responsibility to contact the instructor to reschedule the lesson. Any missing lessons at the end of the semester may impact the students’ final grade. Course expectations and requirements will not be altered because of missed lessons, either excused or unexcused.
 
Performance on Student/Studio Recital. All music majors in applied lessons must perform appropriate repertoire in a student or studio recital each semester. Exceptions are made only in extreme circumstances beyond the student’s control. Performance in student recital must be a part of the semester grade in applied lessons.
 
Studio Class. Studio class is a weekly masterclass led by applied instructors. Due to the schedule of some adjunct instructors, studio class may not be available for all studios. For the studios with full-time instructors and adjunct instructors who are able to schedule, attendance is required. 
 
Jury. All music majors taking applied music lessons must perform for a faculty jury at the end of the semester. The jury grade will be figured into the semester course grade according to the instructor’s syllabus. Students will be responsible for signing up for their jury time and providing the committee with access to the repertoire they will be performing on their jury. Students giving a degree recital may be excused from this requirement with the approval of their primary applied instructor.
 
Upper division Jury. Upon completion of 2000 level lessons, every music major will complete an upper division jury to be admitted into upper division (3000) level lessons. When scheduling the upper division jury, students will need to register for two consecutive jury time slots. Only the studio teacher may permit a delay in scheduling the upper-division jury. The jury panel must complete the appropriate form at the hearing, and a majority vote of “pass” means that the jury performance was successful. If the performance is judged unsatisfactory, students must enroll for additional lower-division applied music courses until the jury is passed. Students who fail to pass the jury in two attempts are subject to a formal review and may be dismissed from the music major program. The requirements are as follows:

Instrumental Majors: Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Guitar
Scales: All major, harmonic, and melodic minor scales performed by memory; minimum pace will be sixteenth notes at quarter note = 60. Articulation is at the student’s discretion. Tone quality should be even in all registers and show appropriate vibrato, evenness of intonation across the scale, and control of the extreme registers. Students should perform scales the typical number of octaves.
 
Repertoire: A major solo, major concerto, or single movement from a major concerto. It is recommended to consult the major professor about repertoire choice. Technique should be performed at or very close to the written tempo and should be controlled and smooth. There should be no (or very few) missed notes. Rhythms should be accurate, and a controlled tempo apparent. The basic interpretive aspects of rubato (if appropriate), dynamic control, and phrasing are expected.
 
Instrumental Majors: Percussion
Please contact instructor
 
Vocal Majors
Students should prepare five contrasting selections from the classical repertoire, sung by memory and total 12-15 minutes. The selections should represent from each language of English, Italian, German, and French. Students may perform two pieces from opera, oratorio, operetta, and musical theater shows as part of their selections. One of the selections must be an opera aria

Piano Majors
Please contact instructor

Changing/adding degree. Often students will choose to add a degree (i.e. a Bachelor or Music with concentration in education major will choose to add a second concentration in performance). If a student is interested in adding a second emphasis, the student should consult their professor and CAS advisor. When adding a performance concentration, the end-of-semester jury will serve as the audition for the added degree.

In addition to meeting the University's requirements for good academic standing (see the University Catalog), there are several areas in which a student must exhibit satisfactory progress, as determined by the music faculty, to retain music-major status.
 
Progress in Primary Performing Area. In applied music, a student is expected to progress from one level of study to the next in two semesters. Failure to progress to the next level after one additional semester of study may result in a Formal Review and denial of permission to continue in that program. Permission to register for the next level will be granted by recommendation of the faculty through the student performance at the end-of-semester jury.
 
Applied Music Courses and Ensembles. All students pursuing all concentrations of the Bachelor of Music degree programs must complete all necessary courses per their degree plan. If a student has met the MUAP requirement for their degree plan and has not completed their recital (MUAP 3000/3100/4100), that student is required to continue taking MUAP courses until recital completions. 
 
All students receiving a music talent scholarship must participate in the major ensemble stipulated in their scholarship letter. Participation in the ensemble is required even if all credits for the degree plan have been earned.
 
Music majors may not drop a required course of applied instruction without prior permission of their studio instructor, advisor, and the Director. Failure to obtain such permission results in a formal review of the student's music-major status.
 
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music - Instrumental Education degree, and whose primary applied instrument is guitar or piano, are required to enroll in at least two semesters of large ensembles – Wind Ensemble, Patriot Signers, and/or Concert Chorale – replacing two required registrations of Guitar Ensemble. This requirement is meant to provide future educators with ensemble work that is varied both in size and nature.
 
Theory/Aural Skills. A student who twice fails or drops the same Music Theory, Aural Skills or Harmony and Keyboard course will be subject to formal review and may be dismissed from the music major program.
 
Music Course Grades. A grade of D or F in any required music course in a student's music major or minor program will not count toward the degree and will result in a formal review of their music major (or minor) status. If the student continues in the program, the course which earned the D or F must be retaken and completed with a passing grade.
 
Course Repeats via Independent Studies. A student who earns a grade of D or F in a music course, for any reason, may not make up the course by means of an independent study. The student must retake the course when it is next offered in the regular rotation.
 
Upper Division Barrier. Music majors will be assessed by faculty at the end of their sophomore year (typically, the second semester of MUAP 2XXX) to determine their potential to complete the music degree. The students will need to register for MUAP 2002 Primary Applied Prolific Barrier. Unsatisfactory performance in any area may result in the assignment of remedial classes.

Transfer Student Entrance Evaluation. Students wishing to transfer to UT Tyler as upper-division music majors must perform an audition equivalent to the Upper-Division Jury discussed above (see “Auditions” above for specific requirements).
 
Transfer students must successfully demonstrate a command of repertoire and technique comparable to that required for the Upper-Division Jury to enroll in upper-division applied music in their Primary Performing Area. Students who do not meet this level must enroll for lower-division applied music until the Upper-Division Jury is passed. In the music academic course areas, students are strongly advised not to register for upper-division classes in any area in which skills are lacking. Students may choose to take or audit lower-division courses or retake the jury at the next semester's end.
 
Students wishing to transfer to UT Tyler as lower-division music majors must audition for a faculty committee, submit an academic transcript, and submit a list of repertoire and technique studied at the college level.
 
Graduation Requirements. Transfer students must pass the minimum number of registrations of MUSI Recitals, Concerts and Productions listed in their degree plans, MUAP 2001 Piano Proficiency and MUAP 2002 Primary Applied Proficiency Barrier. Regardless of prior courses completed, the school will not approve a student’s graduation evaluation until these requirements are fulfilled.

MUSI 1000. The Department requires enrollment in MUSI 1000: Recitals, Concerts and Productions each semester of university enrollment, for a total of six (typically consecutive) semesters. Transfer students may receive credit for up to four semesters earned at previous institutions. Attendance is required at Department student recitals, at other performances produced by the Department, and at performances produced or sponsored by outside organizations. A list of approved performances is provided at the beginning of each semester, which includes a syllabus containing the exact requirements in effect at any given time.

See the current semester’s syllabus for detailed procedures in regards of recording a attendance at a departmental event.

Failure to complete all recital attendance requirements, on time, in any se ester will require a minimum of one additional semester of attendance, which will delay graduation.

Status as a Music Major or Minor. A student who changes during the course of a semester from a music major or minor to a degree program with fewer requirements will remain responsible for completing all former MUSI 1000 requirements until the end of that semester. In essence, the change of major does not become effective until the end of the semester.

Types of Recitals

Student Recitals. Student recitals are scheduled regularly every semester during the Tuesday at 12:30 pm recital time. To schedule an appearance at a student recital, a student must fill out a Student Recital Information Form, available in the Music Office.
 
Student accompanists for student recitals may be requested by filling out an appropriate area in the previously mentioned form. Early deadlines apply and accompanists are assigned at the discretion of the piano faculty and the student’s applied instructor. If an accompanist cannot be assigned, students are responsible for securing and paying their own pianist, subject to the approval of the applied instructor. A list of area pianists may be obtained from the piano faculty.
Neither student nor faculty accompanists are provided for MUSI 3000/4100 recitals. The student must engage his/her own pianist for these events, with instructor’s approval. At any public performance, the student must secure the permission of the applied music teacher for choice of repertoire. If the applied instructor has not given permission to perform a particular work, the music cannot be performed and will not be heard or approved by the recital committee.

MUAP 3000 Recital. A 30-minute recital given by B.M. Performance majors during their third level of study (“junior recital”) and by B.M. Instrumental Music Education or Pedagogy majors during their fourth level of study (“senior recital”). The 30-minute time is the length of the total recital including time on and off stage. Students should plan repertoire accordingly to adhere to the 30-minute time constraint as to not be in excess. Students must coordinate recital hall reservations, printed programs, and other details with their applied instructors. See procedures below.
 
MUAP 3001 Capstone Recital for Choral Education. Required public performance for senior-level choral education majors. Each participating student is required to perform in a minimum of 15 minutes of music, at least one selection of which must be a solo (vocal or keyboard, based on their primary instrument). The program must be approved by faculty committee. 
 
MUAP 4100 Recital. A 60-minute recital given by B.M. Performance majors and B.M. Composition majors during their fourth level of study (“senior recital”). The 60-minute time is the length of the total recital including time on and off stage. Students should plan repertoire accordingly to adhere to the 60-minute time constraint as to not be in excess. Students must coordinate recital hall reservations, printed programs, and other details with their applied instructors. See procedures below. Composition majors must recruit, hire, and rehearse all musicians on their own time and at their own expense.
 
Optional Recitals. Full- or half-recitals not required by degree programs as described above are optional. Students wishing to present such recitals must obtain approval from their applied instructor and area faculty. See scheduling priority and procedures below.

Scheduling Priority for Recitals

Each academic year's Calendar of Performances is scheduled on a priority basis as follows:

1. Ensembles & Performing Groups
2. Faculty Recitals and Visiting Artists
3. Degree-Required Student Recitals
4. Optional Student Recitals

The student works with his/her applied instructor in choosing and confirming recital performance dates and all rehearsals in the recital hall. Recitals may NOT be scheduled against a UT Tyler ensemble performance or rehearsal.

Junior/Senior Recital Process

Students preparing a MUAP 3000/3001/4100 degree recital have several related responsibilities. 
 
Recital Committee. Students performing degree recitals will need to select a 3-member faculty committee: one panel member must be the applied instructor, and no more than one panel member can be an adjunct faculty member. It is important students secure their committee first to ensure the committee’s availability for the recital hearing and recital. 
 
Scheduling & Reservations. Recitals must be scheduled early in the semester to ensure the appropriate coordination of hall space, publicity, and recording. In addition, the music administrative assistant and MUSI 1000 faculty coordinator must also be notified to ensure that the program is entered into the various performance calendars. Recitals can be scheduled throughout the long semesters; however, no recital can be given after 5 PM of the last Friday of classes for the semester.
 
Department Recital Times. Students may enter the hall 30 minutes prior to their recital start time, and they must depart one hour after their start time.

Evenings starting at 6:00 p.m. or 7:30 pm
Weekends starting at 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, or 6:30 pm*

*Weekend recitals cannot guarantee student worker assistance, and therefore, the performer could need to acquire backstage assistance on their own.

Friday and Weekend recitals are discouraged as it is very difficult to gather a faculty committee.
 
Recital Hall Reservations. The student must reserve time in the recital hall by filling out this form. Arrangements should be made for rehearsal time prior to the hearing, the hearing itself, additional rehearsal prior to the recital, and the recital itself so students are comfortable performing in the hall.
 
For voice recitals, students must bring his/her accompanist to two voice lessons prior to the hearing and two lessons during the interim period. One of the two lessons with his/her accompanist and applied instructor during the interim period is a dress rehearsal. 
 
Recital Hearings. Students preparing a MUAP 3000, 3100, or 4100 recitals must be enrolled in the appropriate applied music and recital course numbers and perform their repertoire for a faculty committee in a recital hearing. This hearing is scheduled no closer than four weeks before the proposed recital date. Students who fail to meet this deadline will not be heard by a jury, and the recital date must then be rescheduled. In some cases, this schedule may be exclusive of school holidays; for example, if spring break falls within the four-week period, the hearing may be scheduled five weeks prior to the recital date. 
 
To be approved to perform the recital, the student must formally perform the entire recital program, with accompaniment if applicable, at a level judged acceptable for public performance. Full performance dress and procedure is expected. The student shall supply copies of the recital music for each panel member, along with a sample word-processed program and first draft of program notes.
 
The panel will evaluate the performance on a pass/fail basis. A majority vote of “pass” means that the student has permission to continue working towards the public recital. The decision of the committee is final.
 
If the student passes the hearing, but an unforeseen emergency arises so that the recital cannot be given in the semester enrolled, a grade of Incomplete (I) will be assigned for the MUAP 3000/4100 course and the student must continue to enroll in applied music through the semester of completion of the recital. It is not possible to simply fulfill the Incomplete without re-registering for applied music. Failure to complete the recital within one year of the issue of the Incomplete grade will result in a grade of F for the recital course and a formal review.
 
If the recital committee votes a grade of “fail,” a second hearing may be scheduled at a date determined by the committee. A maximum of three hearings will be scheduled for a required recital. Failure to gain permission to perform the recital in three hearings will result in a grade of F for the recital course. A student’s studio instructor can cancel the recital hearing and/or recital at any time before the hearing.
 
Interim Period. After a successful hearing, the student must continue rehearsal with the accompanist, incorporating any suggestions made by the hearing committee. Regular practice and full rehearsal is important in the period between the hearing and recital. Students must remember that the MUAP 3000/4100 grade is awarded for the recital performance itself, not the hearing. Failure to polish the program during the interim period threatens the recital grade. For composition recitals, students must have at least two full rehearsals with the instructor present after the hearing. This ensures that any committee recommendations, edits, or changes can be rehearsed thoroughly.
 
Program Notes for all Degree Recitals. All students giving degree recitals must author program notes and submit these to music office staff well before their performance date. These notes should be well-written, edited, and sources properly cited. They must include historical and/or musical analytic comments as relevant to the repertoire to be performed. For Composition Recitals, these comments must provide insights into the compositional process and techniques used in the creation of original works.
 
Submitting the Program. All program information must first be approved by the student’s applied instructor. Following a successful recital hearing, the student will enter all program information into the Program Information Form found in the front office. The form needs to be submitted three weeks prior to the performance. The office will create the event program from the information on the Program Information Form and submit to the student and faculty instructor for approval. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the recital proof is approved by the instructor and any corrections are submitted. If final draft programs are not submitted to the office two weeks prior to the recital date, there is no guarantee they will be printed for the recital.
 
The School can provide a sample program to guide students in submitting correct and complete program copy, and an editable template. The School reserves all rights to edit programs. Content must be appropriate to both professional standards and the public university environment. “Special Thanks” pages must not be included on the program. Such gestures are appropriate at the reception following the recital. Prose must demonstrate professional command of English style, grammar, spelling, and mechanics.
 
The program must include the following statement, normally applied at the bottom of the final inside page: “This program is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music [or Bachelor of Arts] degree in [your concentration]. [Your name] is a student of [your instructor].” Example: “This program is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music - Piano Performance Concentration. Gustav Holstslinger is a student of Dr. Robert W. Smythe.”
 
The Performance. Performers must dress appropriately and professionally. Confirm dress with your applied instructor. 
 
Grading. Depending on the type of recital students will receive a letter grade or a grade of credit/no credit. Each committee member will submit their grade for the recital and through an average of the grades, the primary applied instructor will issue the final grade.
 
Accompanist Fees. Students must hire their own accompanist and must be aware of the cost from the outset. Be polite and insist that payment terms be set before any rehearsals. These costs will include rehearsals prior to the hearing, the hearing itself, rehearsals between the hearing and the recital, and the recital itself. Students are expected to adhere to the payment terms established with their accompanists. In any case, full payment must be made by the recital date. Failure to do so will result in a grade of Incomplete for the recital until all accounts are settled.
 
Publicity. Students may choose to prepare their own posters and graphic for display and distribution on campus. Completed posters and graphics must be sent to the office administrator and obtained approval from the Department prior too their posting. Printing of posters is done at the student’s own expense. If posters are to be displayed in other areas of campus, the student must gain approval from the Office of Student Development prior to posting. Do not post anything on the walls.
 
Receptions. Family and friends may provide a reception following a MUAP 3000 or 4100 recital. Students must reserve the lobby and a table through the Music Office and must check for conflicts with other events in the building. All setup, cleanup, and expenses are the responsibility of those providing the reception. The lobby must be left clean and orderly.
 
Rehearsal Time in Recital Hall. Students are allowed to sign out Braithwaite Recital Hall in preparation for their recital. The event request should be done through the front office and students will be expected to follow all procedures when using the recital hall including:

1. Students should never move the Steinway without faculty and office staff assisting

2. Students should make sure to remove any extraneous stands and return them to FAC 1221 (do not leave backstage)

3. Students must turn off all lights when completed.

Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in all facilities, including practice and rehearsal facilities. Music and personal belongings are to be removed upon leaving, and the room restored to its proper order. When leaving the Wenger modules, leave the lights off and the ventilation fans on. Leave the doors slightly ajar for air circulation. Please do not leave the doors wide open, blocking the hallway. Fire codes prohibit such blocking of egress, and ADA regulations require a minimum open space. Turn off the A/V-Room electronics when leaving.
 
When leaving rehearsal rooms, return all objects to their proper places. Evidence of misuse or vandalism of any facility should be promptly reported to the Music Office. Do not remove music stands from the rehearsal room. Students should purchase their own music stands for practice use.
 
Piano Lab and Listening Lab. When classes are not meeting, the piano lab may be used for individual keyboard practice or computer use. Music students may enter the piano lab via their student ID cards. Do not bring food or drink into the lab. Do not alter connections to the equipment. Heed any equipment use guidelines posted in the lab. Turn all equipment off (especially the computers) when leaving. Leave the lights on and make sure the door is closed securely.
 
Rehearsals in Recital Hall (Performances and practice other than MUAP 3000/4100 Recitals). Students may rehearse in Braithwaite Hall only with a faculty member's approval. Reservations are required, which may be arranged through the Music Administrative Assistant. For rehearsals not attended by faculty, the student takes full responsibility for the room's use.

Equipment normally in the recital hall, storage closet, or backstage area should not be removed without faculty approval. Only University items may be left or stored in these locations. When finished with practice, the piano must be locked, covered and returned to its usual location. Standard setup for Braithwaite is the 9-foot Steinway center stage, with its bench. Chairs and stands are to be stored backstage. Excess stands must be returned to the rehearsal room upstairs. Students must leave the hall clean and orderly.

Leave lights at the appropriate settings. During normal school hours, students should change the lights to “House Low” before leaving. During non-school hours, students should change the lights to OFF before leaving.
 
Recital Hall Pianos. The 9-foot Steinway piano is available for use by piano students and for recital rehearsals with accompanists. The stage instruments must not be used without authorization.

Never move piano on or off the stage, the lift, or into or out of the hall without piano faculty approval, faculty supervision, and a crew of at least three people.

NEVER use the lift without faculty supervision. It can kill or dismember you.

NEVER lower the lift without being certain that no one or no property is under the platform.

NEVER leave either piano partially on the lift or partially on the floor. The lift will bleed down and damage the piano. The lift must always be left down when not in actual use. Immediately report damage to or malfunction of either piano to the piano faculty or the Music Office.

Shared spaces/lobbies. Throughout the building there are several lounge areas where students can congregate. These areas must be kept clean and orderly. Students are responsible for not leaving personal belongings unattended and for properly picking up after themselves. This includes all trash.

Photocopying of music materials is limited by Federal copyright laws. The School of Performing Arts seeks to abide by copyright laws in its use of musical scores, recordings, and other materials. Consequently, no student may photocopy music or text materials with the intent of using them for performance, or to avoid purchase of scores, texts, or anthologies for classroom use, nor may any student reproduce recorded media. All materials must be purchased originals.

Students may not engage in photography or videography of fellow students or faculty without obtaining prior written permission. Students are expected to follow this principle. Please be considerate of others and do not publicize them without permission.
 
The School of Performing Arts frequently utilizes photographs and videos of students and faculty engaging in activities related to the department. Please fill out this Release Form to provide the department with consent.

The University of Texas at Tyler School of Performing Arts in cooperation with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is committed to informing students, faculty, and staff members of the health and safety issues inherent in the practice of music. It is the responsibility of the institution to provide access to this information and maintain health and safety protocol, however, fulfillment of these responsibilities does not ensure the health and safety of individuals, which depends largely on decisions by informed individuals. Some helpful resources may be found here.

Health and Wellness Initiative

Beginning in Spring 2022, the School of Performing Arts committed to providing students with more regular access to opportunities that focus on their health and well-being. This has included lectures, masterclass, and wellness days that aim at training students in areas of their mental and physical well-being throughout their studies.

Hearing Health 

Student Information Sheet on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA).

Hearing health is essential to your lifelong success as a musician.

Noise-induced hearing loss is largely preventable. You must avoid overexposure to loud sounds, especially for long periods of time.

The closer you are to the source of a loud sound, the greater the risk of damage to your hearing mechanisms.

Sounds over 85 dB (your typical vacuum cleaner) in intensity pose the greatest risk to your hearing.

Risk of hearing loss is based on a combination of sound or loudness intensity and duration.

Recommended maximum daily exposure times (NIOSH) to sounds at or above 85 dB are as follows:

85 dB (vacuum cleaner, MP3 player at 1/3 volume) – 8 hours

90 dB (blender, hair dryer) – 2 hours

94 dB (MP3 player at 1/2 volume) – 1 hour

100 dB (MP3 player at full volume, lawnmower) – 15 minutes

110 dB (rock concert, power tools) – 2 minutes

120 dB (jet planes at take-off) – without ear protection, sound damage is almost immediate

Certain behaviors (controlling volume levels in practice and rehearsal, avoiding noisy environments, turning down the volume) reduce your risk of hearing loss. Be mindful of those MP3 earbuds.

The use of earplugs and earmuffs helps to protect your hearing health.

Day-to-day decisions can impact your hearing health, both now and in the future. Since sound exposure occurs in and out of school, you also need to learn more and take care of your own hearing health on a daily basis.

If you are concerned about your personal hearing health, talk with a medical professional.

(Adapted from: Protecting Your Hearing Health: Student Information Sheet on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss NASM/PAMA: November 2011, V-2.)

Students can receive free earplugs from the Department of Music main office.

Resources

Protect Your Hearing Everyday

Vocal Health

Student Information Sheet on Protecting Your Vocal Health from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA).

Vocal health is important for all musicians and essential to lifelong success for singers.

Understanding basic care of the voice is essential for musicians who speak, sing, and rehearse or teach others.

Practicing, rehearsing, and performing music is physically demanding.

Musicians are susceptible to numerous vocal disorders.

Many vocal disorders and conditions are preventable and/or treatable.

Sufficient warm-up time is important.

Begin warming up mid-range, and then slowly work outward to vocal pitch extremes.

Good posture, adequate breath support, and correct physical technique are essential.

Regular breaks during practice and rehearsal are vital in order to prevent undue physical or vocal stress and strain.

It is important to set a reasonable time limit on the amount of time that you will practice in a day.

Avoid sudden increases in practice times.

Know your
voice and its limits, and avoid overdoing it or misusing it.

Maintain healthy habits. Safeguard your physical and mental health.

Drink plenty of water in order to keep your vocal folds adequately lubricated.

Limit your use of alcohol and avoid smoking.

Day-to-day decisions can impact your vocal health, both now and in the future. Since vocal strain and a myriad of other injuries can occur in and out of school, you also need to take care of your own vocal health on a daily basis. Avoid shouting, screaming, or other strenuous vocal use.

If you are concerned about your personal vocal health, talk with a medical professional.

If you are concerned about your vocal health in relationship to your program of study, consult the appropriate contact person at your institution.

(Adapted from: Protecting Your Vocal Health: Student Information Sheet – NASM/PAMA: July 2013 DRAFT)

Musculoskeletal Health

Musculoskeletal health is essential to your lifelong success as a musician.

Practicing and performing music is physically demanding.

Musicians are susceptible to numerous musculoskeletal disorders.

Some musculoskeletal disorders are related to behavior; others are genetic; still some others are the result of trauma or injury.

Many musculoskeletal disorders and conditions are preventable and/or treatable.

Sufficient physical and musical warm-up time is important.

Good posture and correct physical technique are essential.

Regular breaks during practice and rehearsal are vital in order to prevent undue physical stress and strain.

It is important to set a reasonable limit on the amount of time that you will practice in a day.

Avoid sudden increases in practice times.
Know your body and its limits, and avoid "overdoing it."

Maintain healthy habits. Safeguard your physical and mental health.

Day-to-day decisions can impact your musculoskeletal health, both now and in the future. Since muscle and joint strains and a myriad of other injuries can occur in and out of school, you also need to learn more and take care of your own musculoskeletal health on a daily basis, particularly with regard to your performing medium and area of specialization.

If you are concerned about your personal musculoskeletal health, talk with a medical professional.

If you are concerned about your musculoskeletal heath in relationship to your program of study, consult the appropriate contact person at your institution.

(Adapted from: Protecting Your Musculoskeletal Health: Student Information Sheet – NASM/PAMA: July 2013 DRAFT)

Psychological Health

Maintain Mental Health

Develop a support network of friends.

If you have concerns about your study habits, ability to take tests or managing your coursework, talk with teachers, counselors, family, and friends for advice and support.

Visit the health center, and discuss concerns with a health professional. If the health professional advises treatment, follow instructions. Watch out for side effects, and attend follow-up appointments to assess improvement.

Fight Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation

Avoid simulants like caffeine and nicotine.

Have a good sleeping environment. Get rid of anything that might distract you from sleep, such as noises or bright lights.

Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends.

See your health provider if you continue to have trouble sleeping.

Avoid pulling an all-nighter to study.

Get Physical Activity

Stay active. Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp. It can also reduce your risk of depression and may help you sleep better.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Talk with a nutritionist or dietician at a health clinic on campus or in the community about improving your diet.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of an eating disorder, get help. Find a friend to go with you or offer to go with a friend to talk to a counselor or doctor who knows about eating disorders.

Avoid Substance Abuse

Access healthy activities and safe places on campus to meet friends.

Avoid second-hand smoke.

Don't drive after drinking or using drugs.

Have Healthy Relationships

Avoid relationships with those who drink heavily or use drugs, act aggressively, or treat you disrespectfully.

If anything in your relationship makes your feel uncomfortable, talk to someone you can trust.

(Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, College Health and Safety)

Resources

Student Counseling Center
The Student Counseling Center offers a variety of services to support the mental health and well-being of all UT Tyler Students.  

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

24/7 Crisis Line: 903.566.7254

The Student Counseling Center follows a collaborative stepped care model. This model provides a variety of options for students that allow them to step-up or step-down the intensity of support as needed.  All students start with a "Single Session" appointment. During the appointment, your counselor will work with you on a specific concern with a solution-focused approach. The counselor will then collaborate with you to determine your next step. Some students will only need one appointment, others may wish to schedule ongoing sessions. If you and your counselor decide that ongoing sessions are appropriate, your counselor will match you with one of the available counselors.

Schedule a First Single Session Appointment through our online platform, by calling the main office number at 903.565.5746, or by walking in to UC 3170.

Thrive at UT
A free app designed to enhance UT Student well-being and help busy students live their best life.

Thrive helps you make small changes in your routine that have powerful long-term impacts.

You will find short videos of UT students sharing their own stories and interact with activities designed to help you apply these concepts to your own unique experience.

Download and Select UT Tyler as your school

CARE Team (Formerly BIT)
Concerned about the behavior of a student? Submit an electronic report: CARE Report Form

The CARE Team engages in proactive and collaborative approaches to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with students exhibiting concerning behaviors or thoughts, or facing hardships. By partnering with members of the community, the CARE Team strives to promote an individual student's wellbeing and success.

Campus Safety

Essential contact information for campus departments and local emergency services:

Immediate Emergency - 911
UT Tyler Dispatch - 903.566.7300
UT Tyler Campus Police - 903.566.7060
Environmental Health and Safety - 903.566.7011
Animal Control - City of Tyler - 903.535.0045
Poison Control - 1.800.222.1222
Physical Plant - 903.566.7291

The RAVE Patriot Guardian Mobile Safety Application turns your smartphone into a personal safety device! The UT Tyler Police Department encourages every campus community member to take advantage of this free service.

You can quickly contact university police in cases of an emergency by phone call or text, and you can use the app to dial 9-1-1 when you are off campus. The app can also be used to report a crime in progress or suspicious activity.

This free app is available through your mobile app store. Download the RAVE Guardian App, which will then be personalized to UT Tyler and appear as Patriot Guardian.

Other features:

Safety timer – set a timer from five minutes up to 24 hours so that if you have not reached your destination and deactivated the timer, university police will be alerted.

GPS location – using your profile information, university police will be able to reach you and make sure you are safe.

Guardians – you may designate friends, roommates or family to be your guardian during your safety timer session.

Emergency call button – allows direct and immediate contact to campus police, including GPS location and user profile information.

User profile – provides campus police with as much, or as little, information as you wish to submit, including current location, medical conditions, addresses and photo. This data isn't shared with police until activation occurs either by call, text or expired safety timer.

These are all great features whether you are walking across campus late at night or on a date and want to ensure your friends and family can find you in case you need them.

You may also want to use the safety timer feature when you are traveling alone so that your designated "Guardians" can maintain contact with you.

If you have questions regarding the RAVE Guardian App, please email police@uttyler.edu