Music Department Student Handbook
Here you will find answers to questions not covered elsewhere on the Performing Arts website.
If you have questions not answered on the website, contact your faculty advisor for assistance.
When are the Music and Theater Arts offices open?
Music and Theatre Arts Offices are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
How can I reach my teachers outside class?
Faculty members hold office hours on a regular basis during the semester. Current office hours for each faculty member are on this website on the faculty members page. Office hourse are also on file in the Music and Theater Arts offices, and are usually posted on their office door.
You are welcome to drop in to see a faculty member during their scheduled office hours, but making an advance appointment is more likely to assure you a meeting. If you can't make any of the scheduled hours, a special time can generally be arranged.
Please telephone or e-mail the Music ir Theater Arts Department office or the faculty member if you can't make an arranged meeting. If your current phone number is on file, the faculty member can return the courtesy in case a cancellation is necessary.
Who is my advisor?
Music Student may choose their advisor. Initially, students are assigned an advisor based on their degree concentration.
Music degree concentration advisers:
Applied Music
Lynne Morrow
Ives 74
664-2117
lynne.morrow@sonoma.edu
Jazz Studies
Mel Graves
Ives 62
664-2134
mel.graves@sonoma.edu
Music Education
Brian Wilson
Ives 22
664-2468
brian.wilson@sonoma.edu
Liberal Arts
Will Johnson
Ives 17
664-2631
will.johnson@sonoma.edu
In addition, each Music Program listed on the website has a program adviser.
Choral Music
Robert Worth
Ives 2
664-2218
robert.worth@sonoma.edu
Composition/Music Technology
Will Johnson
Ives 17
664-2631
will.johnson@sonoma.edu
Chamber Music
Marilyn Thompson
Ives 15
664-2973
marilyn.thompson@sonoma.edu
Jazz
Mel Graves
Ives 62
664-2134
mel.graves@sonoma.edu
Music Education
University Bands
Brian Wilson
Ives 22
664-2468
brian.wilson@sonoma.edu
Opera/Music Theater
Vocal Studio
Lynne Morrow
Ives 74
664-2177
lynne.morrow@sonoma.edu
World Music
Laxmi Tewari
Ives 58
664-2989
laxmi.tewari@sonoma.edu
If you have questions about a particular Music program, you should contact the advisor for that program.
Theater Arts students are assigned to an adviser, based on their degree concentration.
Theater Arts concentration advisers
Acting
Paul Draper
Ives 11
664-3904
paul.draper@sonoma.edu
Dance (freshmen & transfer students)
Kristen Daley
Ives 70
664-3907
kristen.daley@sonoma.edu
Dance (continuing students)
Nancy Lyons
Ives 70
664-2529
nancy.lyons@sonoma.edu
Technical Theater
Anthony Bish
Ives 219
664-2797
anthony.bish@sonoma.edu
General Theater
Judy Navas
Ives 53
664-2477
judy.navas@sonoma.edu
How do I get a locker?
It's really simple! Unless you play a large instrument, just bring a lock and put it on one of the unclaimed medium-sized or small lockers found on the bottom floor of Ives. Large lockers are reserved for performers on large instruments. Arrange for a large locker in the Music office (we provide the locks). The small lockers outside Ives 80 are reserved for dance students. Otherwise, it's open season on lockers.
How Do I Check Out an Instrument?
Students who are currently enrolled in Music classes and who have no instruments overdue, can check out an instrument for the semester if their music coursework requires it. To check out an instrument a current Music Use Fee card is required and a $20.00 deposit is collected. The deposit is refunded if the instrument is returned by the deadline date, but is forfeited if the instrument is damaged or returned late. Delinquent students also may not be allowed to check out instruments in the future. Speak to the Administrative Coordinator for Music about checking out an instrument.
If you need an instrument in order to participate in an ensemble rehearsal, the ensemble director will help you to check it out each week. Please be responsible for returning the instrument promptly after each rehearsal.
What are the rules for practice rooms?
The policies which follow balance the reasonable needs of music students against the necessity of maintaining safe and secure facilities.
The Campus Public Safety Officers and the Music Department have cooperated in establishing the following policy: Ives Hall is open from 6:30 AM to 11PM on weekdays. The building is not open on weekends or on holidays. Ives Hall is locked each weekday night at 11PM. Students in the building at 11PM may remain in the building until midnight without a building pass. Students with a building pass are permitted to enter the building after 11PM on weeknights, to remain in the building after midnight, and to use the building on weekends.
Passes are issued on either a semester or a monthly basis. They are designated as midnight passes or weekend passes. Midnight means "after midnight, seven days a week" including the entire weekend period. Weekend means "from 6:30 AM to midnight, Saturday, Sunday and holidays".
Building passes are restricted to students in the following groups:
- Students approved by the Department to use the recording studio or the electronic studio may be issued midnight semester passes.
- Students in music classes who need access to the practice rooms on weekends may be issued monthly weekend passes. These people must get a new pass at the beginning of each month. Homework needs and instrumental practice are not sufficient reasons to qualify for a midnight pass except that those preparing for a senior recital or a solo performance may be issued a two-week midnight pass for the two weeks before their performances.
All building passes must bear the following:
- The signature of the Music Department Chair.
- The time period for which the pass is valid. On the monthly passes, the month must be indicated. In addition to the building pass, a student must have proper identification to show to a Campus Public Safety Officer or a faculty member, if asked. Persons without a building pass are allowed in the recording studio if they are necessary participants in a recording project. An authorized person must be with them and take full responsibility for them.
NOTE THESE ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES ON BUILDING USE:
Public Safety will not open the recording studio or electronic studio. In the absence of the Music Department Chairman, the Administrative Coordinator for Music may sign temporary passes for one night or one weekend. All persons with signed passes are listed with the Department Secretary. A copy of this list is kept by Public Safety.
The following five Music Department rules also apply:
- Persons using Music Department instruments, including rooms with pianos, must purchase a Music Use Fee card. You must show this card whenever you are occupying a room, day or night. See the Music Use Fee section for details on how to obtain a card.
- Use of Music Department facilities is normally restricted to current SSU students. If a group includes both SSU students and others, an SSU student in the group must have written permission from the Music Department Chairman before they can use any room in Ives.
- Any time that a group is using a room in Ives, at least one current SSU student with a Music Use Fee card must be present.
- When using practice facilities be respectful of others. The decibel level must be kept within bounds in order not to interfere with those using nearby rooms. If your practicing is too loud you may be asked to leave the building. Repeated problems of this sort will result in loss of practice privileges by the individual or group concerned.
- Under no circumstances are outside doors to be propped open after the building is locked. This is a serious safety risk and might result in the loss of after-hours privileges for all students.
What is the Music Use Fee?
The Music Use Fee is a $25.00 fee paid once each semester by all music majors. It is one of the requirements for access to piano practice rooms, Recording and Midi Studios, to theory and ear training classes, and so forth. In another words, whenever equipment or instruments are used, payment of the Music Use Fee is required. The State of California requires that students who use specialized equipment such as pianos, synthesizers, trap sets, and so forth, help pay for their tuning, repair and maintenance. Thus your $25.00 helps to replace worn pads on clarinets, to buy new drum heads, to pay for tuning and maintenance of our many pianos, and so forth.
HOW DO I PAY THE FEE?
You normally pay the $25.00 Music Use Fee at announced times during the first two weeks of a semester. You can pay by cash or by check. When you pay, you will be issued a Music Use Fee card, which is your proof of payment. You must pay as soon as possible after classes have begun or you will be dropped from those courses requiring the fee.
WHERE DO I PAY THE FEE AFTER CLASSES HAVE BEGUN?
At the Cashier's window in Administration & Finance Building 4, the same window where parking fees are collected. Bring the receipt to the Administrative Coordinator for Music who will issue your Use Fee card to you. Take your card to each instructor whose class you are enrolled in to prove that you are now entitled to continue. The instructor will sign your Change of Program Form if you are adding the class and take it to Admissions and Records to file.
IF I TAKE THEORY, PRACTICE THE PIANO, AND ENROLL IN RECORDING, DO I PAY THREE FEES OR JUST ONE?
One $25.00 fee covers all possible courses for which you might be charged in any given semester.
IF I DROP ALL COURSES REQUIRING A USE FEE BY THE CENSUS DATE, DO I GET THE $25.00 BACK?
Yes. Get an Application for Refund of Fees form from the Administrative Coordinator for Music, fill it out, and file it with the Cashier. The Census Date normally falls at the end of the 2nd or 3rd week of instruction, so don't delay completing this process.
How do I check out the key to a room in Ives?
SEMESTER CHECKOUT PROCEDURE
Music and Theater Arts students frequently need keys to specific rooms in Ives-- Ives 15, 20 and 65 (the keyboard studios), Ives 72 (the percussion studio), and sometimes, with the faculty member's approval, to faculty offices. Students authorized to be in these rooms sign out keys for the semester.
- Ask the Administrative Coordinator for Music to help you fill in a Key Request Form.
- Next, if the key is to an office for some special purpose, have that faculty member sign the form.
- Ask the Music Department Chairman to sign the form.
- Take the form to Nichols 380 for the signature of the Dean of Arts and Humanities.
- Go to the Plant Operations office, near the East entrance to the campus across from the tennis courts, to obtain the key. You won't get the key unless all necessary signatures are on the form.
- Guard the key with your life! You are responsible to keep it from getting lost or stolen. You will be charged $5.00 if the key is lost and you may forfeit all rights to any future keys.
- Return the key to Plant Operations at the end of the semester.
- To renew a key, apply at the Music Office at the end of each semester. Failure to return or renew the key places a hold on your grades and you won't be able to get a transcript or to register the following semester.
SHORT TERM CHECKOUT
Keys to all other special rooms, such as the Electronic Studio and Recording Studio or the theater or dance studios, are checked out on a short term basis only. See the Administrative Coordinator for Music (Recording Studio, MIDI Studio) or Theater Arts (Ives 76 and Ives 80) to sign out keys for these facilities.
How do I get access to the Recording Studio (Ives 32)?
WHO MAY USE THE RECORDING STUDIO?
Only students registered in a Recording Class and certified by the instructor or a tutor may use the Recording Studio. A Music Use Fee card is required to use these facilities.
HOW DO I BECOME CERTIFIED?
Students in Music 481, Recording Studio Lab, prepare for the certification check, which may be completed at any time during the semester.
HOW DO I GET THE KEY FOR THE RECORDING STUDIO?
The Administrative Coordinator for Music lets certified students sign up for Studio time and issues the key. Return the key promptly when your assigned time is over.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
The Recording Studio is controlled by an alarm that alerts campus Public Safety if entry is illegal. Students authorized for Studio use get instructions for deactivating the alarm system when they first sign out a key.
MAY I USE THE STUDIO AFTER THE MUSIC OFFICE IS CLOSED FOR THE DAY?
Yes. Arrange for use of the studio during evening hours with the Administrative Coordinator for Music. You must return the key to the Music Office by 10 am the next morning that the Office is open. Also be sure to obtain an Ives Hall Building Pass to use the Recording Studio late at night or on the weekends.
FOR HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK MAY I USE THE RECORDING STUDIO?
Limits are set by the instructor and are calculated to give all enrolled recording students a fair share of the available time.
How do I get access to the MIDI Studio (Ives 33)?
WHO MAY USE THE MIDI STUDIO?
- Students registered for a course in Electronic Music or who are on an instructor's approved list.
- Students enrolled in theory, composition or arranging classes who need to use a music notation program.
HOW DO I GET THE KEY FOR THE MIDI STUDIO?
If you are on an approved list, the Administrative Coordinator for Music or your instructor will let you sign up for Studio time and will explain the system for obtaining a key. You must also read the Use Policy for this Studio and sign that you have read it.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
The Electronic Studio is controlled by an alarm that alerts campus Public Safety if entry is illegal. Students authorized for Studio use get instructions for deactivating the alarm system when they first sign out a key.
FOR HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK MAY I USE THE MIDI STUDIO?
As with the Recording Studio, the instructor sets limits that provide a fair distribution of the available time to enrolled students.
MAY THE STUDIO BE USED IN THE EVENING OR ON WEEKENDS?
Yes. Sign up for access on the sheet posted outside the studio and arrange for getting the key. Failure to return the key results in the loss of Electronic Music Studio privileges for a week. Be sure to obtain an Ives Hall Building Pass to use the Electronic Studio late at night or on weekends.
How do I get access to the Percussion Studio (Ives 72)?
The Percussion Studio is a practice room set up as a permanent practice facility for percussionists.
WHO MAY USE THE PERCUSSION STUDIO?
Students registered for Studio percussion lessons (private instruction), or who have permission from the percussion instructor can use this room and its equipment. A Music Use Fee card is required to use these facilities.
HOW DO I GET THE KEY TO THE PERCUSSION STUDIO?
Once you've qualified to use the Studio, a key will be checked out to you for the semester. Refer to the section, All About Keys, for a detailed description of the process for checking out a key.
How do I get access to a keyboard studio?
Ives 15 and Ives 65 are Piano studios; these rooms house two pianos so that two-piano music may be rehearsed. Ives 20 is a Harpsichord studio.
WHO MAY PRACTICE IN THE KEYBOARD STUDIOS?
Students who are registered for Studio keyboard lessons or who have the permission of a music faculty member can use these rooms. A Music Use Fee card is required to use these facilities.
IF I MEET THE CRITERIA FOR USE OF THE KEYBOARD STUDIOS, HOW DO I GET A KEY?
You can have a key issued to you for the semester. Refer to the section, All About Keys, for a detailed description of the process for checking out a key.
MAY I EVER USE THE CONCERT GRAND PIANOS?
Yes provided that you are scheduled to perform on one of them (they live in Ives 119, Ives 101 and Person Theatre). You need to make special arrangements for rehearsal times and for obtaining the key. See the Administrative Coordinator for Music.
How do I sign up for private lessons in music?
The Music Department offers students the opportunity for private vocal or instrumental study. Private lessons are taught by performer specialists. One unit of credit is offered for 15 half-hour lessons.
IS FREE PRIVATE INSTRUCTION AVAILABLE ON AN INSTRUMENT OR IN VOICE?
Yes. But there are conditions that you must meet.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS WHICH MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FREE PRIVATE INSTRUCTION?
- You must be majoring in music.
- You must carry 5 music units in addition to one unit of private instruction.
- You must perform an audition at the beginning of each semester, and be accepted by the instructor on the basis of this audition for free private lessons.
- You must participate in an appropriate ensemble.
HOW DO I ENROLL FOR FREE PRIVATE INSTRUCTION?
All students desiring to enroll in private instruction must pass an audition each semester, and be accepted by the private instructor. Some students are given private instruction scholarships if their Fall semester auditions are exceptional. These students have yearlong awards and need not reaudition in the Spring.
- Auditions usually occur during the first week of school. Sign-up for an audition time in the Music Department office, Ives 206 (phone 664-2324), prior to that week.
- Students are notified of audition results during the first or second week of classes. If accepted, you should immediately contact your instructor and agree on a time for lessons.
- Students must add the appropriate Studio Instruction class on a Change of Program form. If you do not properly enroll within a few days after audition results are announced, you will be dropped from private instruction and an alternate will be given lessons in your place.
- Students receiving private lessons in voice, piano or percussion must also enroll in the appropriate Repertory Class (Music 151 or Music 451).
CAN I STILL RECEIVE PRIVATE INSTRUCTION IF I DO NOT QUALITY FOR FREE PRIVATE INSTRUCTION?
Yes. There is a limited amount of money available each semester for all univiversity-supported lessons; this can mean that there is not sufficient money to fund all students who ideally should receive lessons . If you do not compete successfully for University-supported lessons, you may still qualify for lessons with the SSU Studio Instructor for your instrument or voice that you pay for yourself. See the individual Studio instructor for specific arrangements.
Students who are paying for their own lessons enroll in Music 147 (freshmen and sophomores) or Music 447 (Juniors and Seniors) to receive credit for their lessons.
MAY I RECEIVE LESSONS ON MORE THAN ONE INSTRUMENT?
Yes, and no! You may take two sets of lessons, but no more than one set can be paid for by the University. If you qualify for a second set of lessons, you must pay the individual Studio instructor. The same restriction applies if you want hour lessons rather than half-hour lessons. The University pays for one half-hour and you pay for the other half-hour.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION IN COMPOSITION OR CONDUCTING
Qualified music majors may receive private lessons in composition (including songwriting) or conducting. Normally, such lessons are preceded by classroom instruction. Private lessons are taught by full time faculty or by part-time specialists.
HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR COMPOSITION OR CONDUCTING LESSONS?
- See the instructor(s) listed in the class schedule at the beginning of the semester to arrange for study.
- Have your instructor notify the Administrative Coordinator for Music that you have been accepted for these lessons. The Coordinator will reserve a place for you in the appropriate course number.
- Sign up for the lessons as you would for any other class.
DOES PRIVATE INSTRUCTION IN COMPOSITION OR CONDUCTING PRECLUDE MY GETTING FREE LESSONS ON AN INSTRUMENT OR VOICE?
If the composition, songwriting or conducting lessons are taught by a full-time instructor, you may take free vocal or instrumental lessons as well, provided of course that both instructors accept you. Only one set of free lessons of any type is allowed if taught by part time instructors.
What is the Music Department Performance Requirement?
Every student must participate in a Music department major performing ensemble each semester you are in residence as a music major .
The most important step in enrolling in any performing ensemble is to go to the first meeting of the class. For more specific information, check with the Administrative Coordinator for Music.
See page 3 of the Music portion of the online Catalog under Performance Ensemble Requirement for a detailed description of the requirement. The following questions supplement the catalog information.
DO I RECEIVE CREDIT FOR PERFORMANCE?
Yes, if you enroll in the ensemble as you would in any other course. Most music students prefer to register for a letter grade. Their performance levels are usually sufficiently high to assure getting good grades. But you may, if you prefer, enroll in ensembles on a Credit/No Credit basis.
MAY I SKIP A SEMESTER AND MAKE IT UP BY TAKING TWO ENSEMBLES IN ANOTHER SEMESTER?
This is not normally permitted. The intent of the requirement is to give you sustained experience over time. See your advisor if extenuating circumstances force you to double up ensembles this way. In rare instances we will bend the rule.
MAY I USE AN OFF-CAMPUS ENSEMBLE TO MEET THIS REQUIREMENT?
No. There are many excellent off-campus groups and many inferior ones. We would create some very poor community relations in attempting to draw a line between the two.
What are Special Studies classes (MUS/THAR 495 and MUS/THAR 595)?
Student in either department may engage in individualized special studies to pursue interests not currently offered in a course nor likely to be offered within 2 years. For example, suppose you want to learn about medieval counterpoint or you want to study the dance of Tibet but you find nothing in the schedule or catalog to suggest that these subjects are ever formally offered for credit. Ask you advisor if anyone on the faculty can guide the topic you are interested in and then discuss the proposed project with this faculty member. If the faculty member agrees to supervise the project, you may initiate steps to enroll in either Music or Theater Arts 495 or, if a graduate student, in Music or Theater Arts 595.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A SPECIAL STUDIES CLASS?
You need to fill out a form which specifies the contract you have made with the supervising faculty member. The contract will spell out the scope and nature of the project. It needs to be signed by you and the supervising faculty member and submitted to the Department Chair for full faculty action. Give special attention to the name you give your project on the contract. This name will appear on your permanent transcript. If the project is approved, you and the supervising faculty member then agree on a schedule of proposed meeting times. Depending on the nature of the project, these might be weekly or bimonthly meetings, or you might be working fairly independently. It is your responsibility to set up the meetings with the faculty member.
HOW MANY UNITS IS A SPECIAL STUDIES COURSE?
You may take from 1 to 4 units for each Special Studies course, depending on the size and scope of the project. Negotiate the unit value with your faculty supervisor. In general expect to spend 30 to 40 hours of work for each unit of credit.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF UNITS I MAY TAKE AS SPECIAL STUDIES?
Yes. No more than 12 units of Special Studies may count toward the BA
MAY SPECIAL STUDIES UNITS IN MUSIC COUNT TOWARD THE MAJOR?
Yes, as elective units in the major when approved by your advisor.
WHAT IS A GROUP SPECIAL STUDIES?
When a small group of students is interested in pursuing the same topic of study, a group special studies can be arranged. The instructor will help you with the necessary paperwork and will arrange for meeting times. This type of class normally operates in a seminar format.
What is CIP (Community Involvement Project) (MUS/THAR 295 and MUS/THAR 395)?
A CIP project is a volunteer activity which brings music, drama or dance into the community. Here are some examples: Playing guitar for senior citizen residences. Offering a dance class after school for a charter school Teaching recorder to elementary school classes. Leading group singing in a mental hospital. Working with middle school students to write and perform a drama sketch. Conducting or assisting in your church choir. Working as stage manager or lighting designer for community theater. For other suggestions, go to the CIP office (Village 405) or see the Music or Theater Arts Coordinator for CIP.
MUST THE ACTIVITY BE VOLUNTARY, OR CAN I GET PAID?
It absolutely must be voluntary. You are not permitted to receive academic credit for any paid work except internships (MUS/THAR 499).
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR CIP?
First, see the Music or Theater Arts Coordinator for CIP, to get the proposed volunteer work approved. Then go to Village 405 to fill out a contract and a time log. The contract must be signed by the off-campus supervisor of your project, by the Music CIP Coordinator (who assigns the grade when work is done), and by the CIP Director. Turn the signed contract into the Village 405 CIP office and add the class. You keep the time log, showing all the hours you worked. When your contract is completed, have your off-campus supervisor sign your log. Then return it to the faculty member coordinating Music CIP projects for your grade.
WHY ARE THERE TWO COURSE NUMBERS?
MUS/THAR 295 is taken by lower division students (freshman and sophomores). MUS/THAR 395 is taken by upper division students.
HOW DO THE UNITS FOR CIP WORK?
One unit of academic credit is received for each 30 hours of field work in a semester. Two units are received for 60 hours in the field, etc. You can receive a maximum of 4 units (that is, 8 hours per week for a total of 15 weeks = 120 hours).
HOW CAN THE FACULTY MEMBER ASSIGN ME A FAIR GRADE?
CIP can only be taken Credit/No Credit. The faculty member relies on your time log, on meetings with you during the semester and on a written report of your activities signed by your off-campus supervisor.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "MEETINGS DURING THE SEMESTER"?
CIP students may be required to meet with the supervising faculty member for two seminars in addition to the initial meeting setting up the project. Since your project may be very different than those of other students, and since enrollments in Music CIP are usually small, the seminar may instead be a private meeting between you and your faculty supervisor.
WHAT CAN CIP DO FOR ME?
CIP can be valuable learning experience in the field. Use it to test whether or not you'd like a particular career, and add it to your resume as field experience. For example when the Education Department considers candidates for the credential program, it looks for just such volunteer experience.
What are the Music department guidelines for a Senior Project?
The Senior project or Senior Recital is the culminating activity in your work as a music major at Sonoma State. It gives you a chance to synthesize all the skills and knowledge that you have acquired here. It shows you, your peers, and the music faculty that you have earned your right to a bachelor's degree in music.
I'M NOT IN THE APPLIED MUSIC CONCENTRATION. MAY I STILL GIVE A RECITAL AS MY SENIOR RECITAL?
Yes, you may. Students in the Performance Concentration must give a recital as the culminating activity. They register for Music 491, Senior Recital. Other students may give a recital. They register however for Music 490, Senior Project. Because of the number of majors giving recitals each year, the department encourages students to collaborate in shared programs where two or more perform their Senior Recitals jointly.
OTHER THAN A RECITAL, WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES QUALIFY AS SENIOR PROJECTS?
Here are some examples: Asking to teach a student-taught class. To be effective teachers must draw upon many skills, and must apply much of their learning. Giving a lecture/demonstration (which would include some performance) on a topic of your choice. Writing original music and supervising a performance of it. Doing a comprehensive research paper. You may have an idea for a senior project that does not fit any of the descriptions above. Discuss it with your advisor. It may be a perfectly suitable idea that no one has thought of before.
HOW MANY UNITS MAY I RECEIVE FOR SENIOR PROJECT OR RECITAL?
One to three units for a Senior Project (MUS 490) depending on its scope, and three for a Senior Recital (MUS 491).
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A SENIOR RECITAL OR PROJECT?
- Your studio teacher supervises your Senior recital. Discuss a Senior project proposal with an advisor who will help you find the proper faculty member to supervise it.
- Get the approval and signature of the supervising faculty member on the appropriate form.
- File the form with the Administrative Coordinator for Music and add the class.
- Schedule all performances, either Senior Recital or Senior Project presentations, with Kamen Nikolov, the Scheduling Coordinator of the Center for Performing Arts, Plan performances or presentations at least a year in advance to assure getting a confirmed performance date.
- All arrangements for publicity, setup and lighting of the recital room, rehearsal times, and so forth, need to be confirmed with Kamen.
Can a Student Teach a Class?
If you are an advanced student with a good "track record" in the Department, you may be able to arrange to teach a class. Teaching is the best way to consolidate what you have learned, and is therefore a possible senior project.
HOW DO I ARRANGE TO TEACH A CLASS?
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for teaching a class. The Music and Theater Arts faculty are selective and allows only those students to teach classes whom they expect to succeed. Students who enroll in these classes deserve full value for their time and energy. If you think you have the necessary qualifications, discuss the possibility with the Music or Theater Arts Department Chairman.
WILL I GET CREDIT FOR THE CLASS?
Yes. A department faculty member will supervise you in your teaching role. This faculty member is available for help and advice, and will occasionally come to observe you while you are teaching. Ask yo ur supervisor for suggestions for ways to make your job easier or more effective.
DO I REGISTER FOR THE SAME CLASS THAT I AM TEACHING?
No! In Music, you register for Music 460 (Teaching Assistant in Music) or for Music 490, if this is your Senior Project. Theater Arts students whould determine the course to sign up for in consultation with the faculty member supervising the class. The students in the class register under the number assigned to the course.
DO I ASSIGN GRADES TO THE STUDENTS?
Yes! Student instructed courses (MUS/THAR 199 or 399) receive credit/no credit grades only. Your faculty supervisor must cosign the final grade roster.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THIS JOB?
You should check with the Administrative Coordinator for Music or Theater Arts to confirm the meeting times and the room scheduled for the course. Make sure that textbooks are ordered for the class if they are needed. Also check the student-teachers' mailbox frequently for messages from your students and for updated enrollment rosters. Above all be scrupulously responsible about showing up to meet the class at the assigned times.
IF I THINK I CAN DO ALL THIS AND THAT I AM QUALIFIED, WHEN SHOULD I MAKE THE ARRANGEMENT?
Make the arrangement by the middle of the previous semester before the next class schedule goes to print. It may still be possible to arrange a course at the beginning of the semester in which you want to teach, but if the possibility of teaching intrigues you, please inquire as early as you can.
What is the Music department grading policy?
The basic policy is very simple : except for Major's courses offered only on a Credit/No Credit basis, all music courses taken to fulfill music major requirements must be taken for an A to F letter grade.
ARE SOME MUSIC COURSES OFFERED CREDIT/NO CREDIT ONLY?
Yes. Music 199/399 (student taught classes), Music 295 and 395 (Community Involvement Program), Music 460 and the Recording Studio Workshop Music 481) are offered Credit/No Credit only.
MAY I TAKE A MUSIC COURSE CREDIT/NO CREDIT IF IT IS NOT REQUIRED IN MY MAJOR?
Yes, you may. But the maximum number of Credit/No Credit units you can apply toward graduation is 24.
HOW ARE GRADES DETERMINED IN MY MUSIC CLASSES?
Grading criteria vary from class to class and from instructor to instructor. But you have the right to know the specific criteria used to determine your grade in each of your college classes. If the instructor does not clarify this at the beginning of each semester, ask! Some music classes, consider attendance in determining your grade. Be sure to find out which classes require attendance and exactly how your attendance affects the grade.
MUST I RECEIVE A GRADE OF C OR BETTER IN A MUSIC CLASSS TO GET CREDIT TOWARD THE MUSIC MAJOR?
No. University requirements require only that, for graduation, your Grade Point Average in your major be 2.0 in your major. Note, though, that certain specific music classes require a grade of B or better to go on to a more advanced class.
MAY I CHANGE THE GRADING MODE OF MUSIC CLASSES TO CR/NC?
Yes, provided that the classes are not part of your graded major requirements. File a Change of Program Form with the Admissions Office at the beginning of the semester for this type of change. Note that the deadline for this type of change comes very early in the semester. Changes are not allowed after that deadline.
What kind of tutoring help is available in music?
The Music department offers peer tutoring through the campus Tutorial Center.
Information about specific tutorial help is provided in individual classes.
For more information about the way to schedule tutoring, go to the Tutorial Center home page, http://www.sonoma.edu/sas/tutorial/, or visit the center in Salazar 1040.
FOR WHAT MUSIC CLASSES IS TUTORING AVAILABLE?
The department tries to provide tutors in all beginning level classes. Tutoring is also available for students in the Recording classes by tutors assigned to that studio.
IS THE TUTORING FREE OR DO I HAVE TO PAY?
There is no charge for tutorial help.
WHO ARE THE TUTORS?
The tutors are advanced music students who themselves receive credit for tutoring on a Credit/No Credit basis.
HOW DO I BECOME A TUTOR?
You must be approved as a tutor by the music faculty. First get faculty approval for your work as a tutor; then get an application from the Tutorial Center. The Tutorial Center staff work with tutors to schedule hours.
DO TUTORS GET PAID?
Yes. Check with the Tutorial Center for more details.
May students attend faculty meetings?
Yes!! The faculty wants each of you to have a good experience at Sonoma State. We appreciate hearing your concerns, questions, comments and suggestions for making this an ever better place to attend Music faculty meet every other Tuesday at 1:00 in Person Theater Lobby; Theater Arts faculty meet?????. . We welcome students at our faculty meetings; we also urge you to feel free to speak to any faculty member informally. These are your departments as much as they are ours.
What information is posted on bulletin boards in Ives?
Bulletin boards with various purposes are found throughout Ives Hall. Information about concerts, both on and off campus, is updated regularly on most bulletin boards around the building.
Some specialized ones might be of interest to you:
The large bulletin board between the Recording and Electronic Music Studios is the music student’s bulletin board. Use it to post: requests for book exchanges, instruments for sale, cartoons, or poetry about music.
The MENC (Music Educator's National Conference) bulletin board outside of Ives 11 is primarily of interest to Music Education students, and especially of interest to those who are student MENC members.
A large bulletin board outside the Music Office's north door carries useful information about instruments for sale, instruments needed, music lessons, gigs, and so forth.
The bulletin board between Ives 76 and Ives 78 on the bottom floor is for Theater Arts information only.
A blackboard on the lower floor just inside the parking-lot entrance to the building is useful for daily notes to students or faculty. Use it, for example, to let your ensemble members know where you are practicing.
How can I find information about careers in music or theater arts?
Inside the Music/Theater Arts Office is an information table primarily devoted to careers in music, acting, dance and technical theter, graduate opportunities, fellowships, scholarships, music and theater arts schools, and position opportunities. Various pamphlets and brochures are filed by category on the table. Browse through this material freely whenever the office is open.
You should also discuss your career plans with department faculty.
Is there a lost and found in Ives Hall?
A temporary lost and found box is located in the Music and Theatre Arts Office. After a few days of being "lost" and not "found", items are transferred to the Customer Services office in Salazar Hall, where the official campus Lost and Found is located. They can be reached at 664-2308.
