On behalf of the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Old Dominion University. This handbook will help you become aware of the general policies of the department. Please read it carefully and follow its guidelines closely. The restrictions and requirements are intended to enable us to work smoothly together. They are necessary, and it is essential that you follow them.
Please make sure that you work closely with your departmental advisor to fulfill all degree requirements; however, if I can help you with a particular problem, please arrange an appointment to see me.
The faculty and I look forward to helping you with your education and your preparation for a career in music. Never lose sight of your personal career goals and always strive for excellence!
Sincerely,
Nancy K. Klein Ph.D.
Chair, F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music
All Music Majors must take ENGL 211C and must obtain a minimum grade of C in both English 110C and ENGL 211C before declaring a major and in order to graduate. Students must earn a C or better in MUSC 221, 222, 223, 224, 321, and 323 to advance to the next level of theory and sight singing.
Go to the Music Education Resources page to access the Music Education Curriculum Guide for your specific concentration.
Music Education students registering for MUSC 300, MUSC 402, MUSC 404 or MUSC 408 must obtain a background check/clearance prior to starting the field experience. This process may take up to eight weeks, so plan ahead. It is highly recommended that Music Education students complete the background check process in the second semester of the freshman year. Follow the instructions for completing this process at ODU Field Experience Clearance Procedures.
Music Education majors are advised to take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educator Tests OR the equivalent by the end of the freshman year. Equivalent scores on the SAT or ACT exams are accepted; also, other methods of meeting this requirement are accepted by the Virginia Department of Education. Completion of this requirement is one of the requirements for acceptance into the Teacher Education Program in the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies. There is no advantage in waiting; the longer you wait, the more content you may forget. NOTE: Students MUST discuss this issue with Dr. Owens before registering for any exams, as money-saving exemptions may apply.
In addition, Music Education majors are advised to take the Praxis II Music Content Knowledge Test #5113 and the Virginia Communication Literacy Assessment (VCLA) before or during the final music education practicum course (MUSC 402, 404 or 408). Passing scores on these examinations are required to pass MUSC 402, 404 or 408. In addition, both exams must be passed prior to the Teacher Candidate Internship (student teaching). Contact Dr. Owens for details.
Requirements for graduation include passage of the Exit Examination of Writing Proficiency; completion of the Senior Assessment; a minimum 2.75 grade point average overall, in the major, and in the professional education core, with no grade less than a C- in the major, minor, and professional education core; and completion of a minimum of 127 credit hours. Specific course requirements are listed in the Music Education section of the ODU Catalog.
