Students in the BM must perform at a minimal accepted level at the bachelor's degree.
Objective
Instrumental/Vocal Performance Proficiency
Each student will demonstrate, through a juried performance, proficiency in instrumental/vocal performance relative to technical command, rhythmic accuracy, intonation, tonal control and musicianship.
Indicator
Performance Jury
Each BM Music student, regardless of level, is required to complete a juried instrumental/vocal performance each semester. The juries consist of School of Music faculty from the designated area (i.e woodwind, brass, string, guitar, percussion, and vocal). The performance is evaluated using a departmental jury form. Students should demonstrate a well prepared performance exhibiting technical command, rhythmic accuracy, intonation, tonal control and overall musicianship appropriate to their academic level.
Criterion
Performance Standards
Scores from the end of semester juries are categorized as "A"= Excellent; "B"= Average; "C" Below Average. The School of Music considers 80% of the students scoring in the excellent range to be a success. These scores are independent of the semester grade and are a comprehensive assessment of their musical development.
Finding
Performance Findings
BM music students performed well according to the criterion. Over 80% scored in the excellent range. All students met for feedback individually with their applied teacher.
Action
Evaluation Report
The School of Music faculty have found that the constructive criticism received on the jury forms from the other faculty members in their respective areas have assisted in the structure of the individual lessons with the students involved. In addition, we have increased the standard of performance for each individual student during juries and therefore lowered the percent expectation to 80% in the excellent range.
Goal
Music Theory
BM music students will become proficient with the necessary fundemental skills associated with Music Theory.
Objective
BM Music Students Will Demonstrate Proficiency In Music Theory
Each student will demonstrate proficiency in music fundamentals, part writing, and analysis through a skill based assessment exam administered at the end of the semester of their respective course of study.
Indicator
Music Theory End Of Semester Assessment
Each student will be assessed in interval recognition, be expected to complete a 4-voice part writing example and analize an excerpt appropriate to the skill level they are studying. The results are then graded by the music theory faculty as a unit. A final, comprehensive score representing the evaluation of all music theory areas of proficiency is determined.
Criterion
Music Theory Proficiency Standards
Grades resulting from the final, comprehensive score are categorized as 90-100= Excellent; 80-89= Above Average; 70-79= Sufficient. As a unit, the department will consider 90% of the students scoring 70% or higher to be a success.
Finding
Music Theory Results
91% of students met the target: 12% at the Excellent level; 38% Above Average; and 41% at the Sufficient level. The remaining 9% did not work at Sufficient level.
Action
Actions
The Music Theory faculty continue to evaluate the curriculum and teaching methods in order to improve the student acheivement/understanding. In addition, they have found that individual sessions with faculty members and peer-tutors allow for the most benefit to students. These types of individual sessions continue to be available for all music theory students.
Goal
Music History
BM music students will be proficient in identifying composers, genres, and styles of compostions from the representative periods of Music History they have studied.
Objective
Music History Listening Identification
Students will identify, on the final exiting listening quiz for each music history course, the relevant composers, genres, and styles of compositions from the respective period of music history.
Indicator
Identifying Music From The Major Periods Of Music
Each student will be required to take a comprehensive listening exam covering the respective composers, genres and styles of composition for the period of music history they are studying. Aural examples will be played and the students are expected to identify the appropriate information for each recording excerpt demonstrating his/her knowledge of musical styles and time periods.
Criterion
Music History Listening Standards
Scores resulting from the end of semester listening quiz are categorized as 90-100=Excellent; 80-89=Above Average; 70-79=Average; Below 70= Below Average. As a unit, the department considers above average proficiency by 90% of students to be a success.
Finding
Findings
92 % of the students demonstrated above average success in acheiving the goal for the 19th century, 20th century and Baroque, but only 84% acheived above average concerning the Classic, Renaissance, and Medieval periods.
Action
Listening Results
Students were successful in identifying musical works from the more familiar time periods (19th century, 20th century and Baroque), but continue to be weaker in their retention of information concerning the Classic, Renaissance, and Medieval periods. The department has initiated a center for early music studies in an effort to address this weakness and make these periods of music more accessable and familiar.