Music minors are not required to take lessons (also called applied study) in order to complete the program (see the UW-Whitewater Undergraduate Catalog or the "Requirements for the Music Minor" for an overview of required and elective choices for the minor). Lessons for minors are available, however, as electives for those students who can demonstrate sufficient performance skills to qualify for lessons by audition. Permission to register for an applied lesson is required, and dependent upon instructor availability and approval of the department chair.
When do I audition, and for whom?
If you are interested in auditioning for lessons as a music minor, please contact the appropriate area coordinator:
Auditions will be scheduled for the first Friday of the first week of classes in the fall and spring. You will perform for studio instructor of your applied area, and at least one other music department faculty member. Students will be notified within one week of the audition whether they are approved to register for lessons, and also whether there is room in the instructor?s load during that semester.
Scheduling priority will be given to active minors (students who are enrolled in or have completed MUSC 151, MUSC 153, or MUSC 152). No more than 7 registrations of applied study are permitted in the minor. Students must maintain satisfactory progress in order to continue registering for applied study.
How should I prepare for an audition?
You should prepare to play or sing at least two contrasting selections of literature appropriate for your voice classification or instrument. If you participated in Solo and Ensemble Festival in high school, you might perform selections from the festival list, for example. In addition, the applied instructor may ask you to play scales or sightread new music, if applicable.
What level of applied instruction is appropriate for minors?
There are many levels of lessons listed in the Schedule of Classes. The appropriate levels for music minors involve a one-half hour lesson per week throughout the semester, and an expectation of five hours of practice per week outside of the lesson. These courses include:
When you are approved for registration, the applied studio teacher will help you select the correct section in the Schedule of Classes.