Applied Music Requirements
The F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music does not provide accompanists to students. Students needing accompanists may either collaborate with students studying keyboard at Old Dominion University or may negotiate a fee with an accompanist from the Approved Accompanist List, with anyone approved by the Director of Keyboard Studies, or with anyone approved by both the student’s applied teacher and applicable Area Director. Failure to abide by this policy may result in an Applied Music grade of F for the semester.
Students needing accompanists may not negotiate directly with Diehn School of Music keyboard students. Requests for student accompanists should be made through the student's Applied Music instructor and the Director of Keyboard Studies. Students needing accompanists may not negotiate directly with Diehn School of Music keyboard students.
Students must provide their approved accompanist with scores no less than three weeks in advance of the performance. Additionally, the student must arrange at least one accompanied lesson or coaching session with their applied teacher.
Each voice studio has their own requirements for when a collaborative artist needs to be at lessons, please talk to your studio teacher at your first lesson to determine what is expected. Since everything needs to be memorized by week ten (10), getting your music to your collaborative artist as early in the semester as possible is advised. Please check with your collaborative artist to determine the format in which they prefer their music (single sided hard copies, a pdf, etc.).
Accompanists are required for all juries and performances for which the repertoire being performed requires accompaniment.
All BM Keyboard Performance students are required to collaborate with an instrumentalist or vocalist at least once per semester in a Student Performance Hour or jury. This requirement applies after students have achieved the Applied Music level of MUSA 251 or higher and have completed at least one semester of keyboard study at Old Dominion University. Assignments are made exclusively through the student’s respective applied teacher.
Junior and senior applied music students are expected to perform at least once per term during Student Performance Hour (SPH). Freshmen and sophomores may fulfill this requirement within their area studio class, under the guidance of their applied teacher. Specific requirements are outlined below.
Performance majors may be required to perform more than once per term, at the discretion of their teacher. All students are encouraged to perform regularly to develop proficiency and comfort with the demands of solo performance. Performances must be scheduled by your applied teacher through Dr. Mike Hall via email and should reflect the literature studied in the applied studio that semester. The primary goal of this requirement is regular, solo performance. If all SPH programs are fully booked, the requirement may be fulfilled through any public, solo performance approved by the applied teacher.
Whenever possible, students should keep Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. available for SPH. Attending SPH not only supports your peers but also counts toward Recital Attendance Credit required for graduation. Performers should dress appropriately for afternoon concert performances.
Failure to meet the SPH requirement will result in a two-letter grade reduction in the final applied music grade. Performance majors who do not fulfill the requirement will receive a final applied grade of F.
Each professor decides how repertoire will be chosen, with some choosing all the repertoire for their students, and others giving that responsibility to the student (with the guidance of the professor). Everything needs to be memorized by week ten (10), and for the jury, with the exception of one (1) oratorio selection where the student can use the music. All voice students are required to attend all voice studio events. Non-attendance can affect your Applied Music grade.
All applied music students taking an hour lesson at the 142 level or above must perform at least once each semester and are encouraged to perform more than once, early and often.
All applied music students taking an hour lesson at the 142 level or above must perform at least once each semester and are encouraged to perform more than once, early and often.
All Composition majors registered at the 331 level and above, as well as all Composition Minors registered at the 439 level and above, are required to produce a performance of one of their works on an SPH or comparable venue approved by their teacher, at least once each semester.
Applied music students taking hour lessons at the 141 level or higher must play a jury examination each semester. Failure to perform a required jury will result in a final applied grade of F. The first (MUSA 141) jury is designed to display technical progress during the first semester; a prepared solo is not required. All voice students will prepare at least four (4) selections each semester and the expectation is for significant technical and artistic growth. The jury grade counts as 50% of the final applied grade. The remaining 50% is based on progress in lessons and is determined by your teacher.
Students may not audit Applied Music Lessons.
Any student missing five or more lessons in one semester will fail applied music that semester. Any student who fails two consecutive semesters of applied music is required to re-audition for applied music placement and may be advised to choose another degree program that does not require applied music. An audition is required to re-enter applied music after an absence of two consecutive semesters or more.
Juries are performed before a faculty panel, consisting of all faculty within an area (i.e. string area, woodwind area, voice area, etc.). Adjunct teachers are required to attend the jury in their area (i.e. all string faculty attend all string juries) . All recitals, undergraduate and graduate, will be performed before a representative committee of the faculty.
Students are not required to give a jury performance in any semester they perform a recital. This waiver does not include recital approval hearings or any other recitals on which they perform throughout the semester.
Instrument Specific Information:
Repertoire will be at least two selections assigned by the teacher. Memory is required; no music scores are allowed to be used by the singer with the exception of one (1) selection from an oratorio. Use of scores will result in the grade of F for the semester.
- Scales and arpeggios (selected from the student's current repertoire is required. Repertoire will consist of two selections in contrasting styles or periods. Solos with accompaniment parts must be accompanied. Sight reading is optional; individual teachers must bring sight-reading material to the jury if desired. The first (141) jury is designed to display technical progress during the first semester; a prepared solo is not required.
- BM Performance Majors will perform one (1) piece from memory each year on one jury. The memorized piece must be appropriate for the collegiate year, degree, and skill level of the student. This memory requirement can be applied in either the fall or spring semesters. The senior recital must contain one piece played from memory, which fulfills the memory requirement for the fourth year. The memory requirement is waived for all other applied music students.
Piano
All students enrolled in one hour applied piano lessons are required to present 10-15 minutes of music each semester for the jury. The repertoire presented must consist of a minimum of 2 pieces in at least 2 contrasting styles, including concerti. (Pianist is responsible for his/her own accompanist.)
All jury performances are required to be memorized. However, an exception is granted for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music, PreK-12 Music Education degree program, who are only required to memorize one selection from their program.
Note: A student may NOT include repertoire for any undergraduate jury or degree recital that was performed in a previous jury, degree recital or entrance audition.
Organ
All organ majors in all organ degree programs are required to play one piece from memory at each jury. Please see your individual applied teacher's syllabus for more information.
Each degree program has specific ensemble requirements, which can be seen in the University Catalog. For detailed ensemble information click here.
To fulfill large ensemble requirements, students may only use the ODU Wind Ensemble, ODU Symphony Orchestra, singing a major role in Opera/Musical Theatre workshop, or ODU Concert Choir.
To fulfill small ensemble requirements, students should perform on their main instrument (unless a secondary instrument option has been approved by the Area Director and DSoM Chair/Director to fulfill this requirement) and may use Madrigal Singers, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Choir, Jazz Combo, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, String Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, non-leading role in Opera Workshop, etc. A musical ensemble refers to a standard group of musicians performing together as a cohesive unit. Examples include, but are not limited to, traditional formations such as a string quartet, piano trio, woodwind quintet, as well as contemporary groups like rock bands or mixed instrumentation contemporary music ensembles.
A "choir" of instruments (e.g., flute choir, saxophone choir, etc.) may not be used for more than one semester to fulfill the small ensemble requirement, unless no other small ensemble option is available for that specific instrument or group of instruments. While students may continue to participate in instrument choirs, they will not count toward the small ensemble requirement beyond one semester.
Students should be aware of the necessity for ensemble diversity and are encouraged to participate in as many different ensembles as their schedules and advisors will allow.
Students are expected to be prepared, prompt and regular for ensemble rehearsals.
Ensemble Auditions
All large ensembles and some small ensembles hold auditions during the first week of each semester, with the exception of the Monarch Marching Band; Visit the Ensembles page for more information.
Students in the Bachelor of Music, PreK-12 Music Education program are required to participate in five semesters of large ensemble and two semesters of small ensemble. The large instrumental ensemble requirement will be met through participation in ODU Wind Ensemble or the ODU Symphony Orchestra; vocalists will elect Concert Choir. Those woodwind, brass, and percussion students pursuing instrumental certification are also required to participate in one semester of marching band.
Students in the Bachelor of Music in Performance program, with the exception of keyboard majors, are required to participate in seven semesters of large ensemble and four semesters of small ensemble. Keyboard, harpsichord, organ, and guitar majors will have a seven-semester requirement, of which at least two should be in a large ensemble.
Students in the Bachelor of Music in Composition program are required to participate in three semesters of large ensemble and two semesters of small ensemble.
Students in the Bachelor of Music Sound Recording Technology program are required to participate in seven semesters of ensemble. At least two semesters should be large ensemble and the remaining five semesters can be either large or small ensembles.
All BA in Music majors are required to participate in two semesters of ensemble, large or small. Additional credits for participation in ensembles can be used as elective credit.
All courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Music degree have specific piano requirements. Unless otherwise specified by the program of study, students may fulfill piano requirements by taking MUSC 101-102 courses (piano class), enrolling in Applied Music courses at the half-hour, hour, or performance level, or by attempting to receive Advanced Placement credit. Students seeking Advanced Placement credit should refer to the Piano Placement section of the Handbook.
All Bachelor of Music (BM), Bachelor of Arts (BA) Music Majors, and Music Minors are required to pass six semesters of MUSC 311+. This is a pass/fail course, with attendance requirements categorized into four main event types:
- Diehn Series Concerts: Concerts sponsored by the Diehn Endowment.
- Diehn Series Events: Master classes, lectures, clinics, and similar activities.
- Student Performance Hour (SPH): Recitals featuring student performers from across the school.
- School of Music Approved Events: Any event marked with an *asterisk in its title on the official calendar.
- Transfer students should consult their MUSC 311+ instructor to confirm their specific recital attendance requirements.
Eligible Events for Recital Attendance Credit:
- Internal School of Music Events:
- All student and faculty recitals, including Student Performance Hours.
- Ensemble concerts hosted by the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music (attendance, not participation, is required).
- Master classes.
- Diehn Concert Series events, including concerts and master classes.
- Off-Campus Events:
- Off-campus events cannot be used to fulfill recital attendance requirements. Only approved events designated with an asterisk (*) on the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music calendar are eligible for credit.
Attendance Tracking:
Attendance is recorded using your ODU student ID card. You must "swipe" your ID card through the card reader both before and after each performance to receive credit. Please note that arriving late or leaving before the conclusion of an event will result in no credit being granted.
A list of qualifying Diehn School of Music events for recital attendance credit is posted on the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music Performance and Event Calendar each semester. These events are clearly marked with an asterisk (*) in their title.
Official Records:
The official recital attendance record is maintained through the Monarch Music app and documented in your Degree Works record. The requirement can only be fulfilled by attending live performances; listening to recordings as a substitute for missed events is not permitted. Graduation is contingent upon fulfilling this requirement, with no exceptions.
The Diehn School of Music encourages students to begin fulfilling their recital attendance requirements early in their college career and to attend beyond the required number. Regular attendance will help shape your stage presence and artistic development.
Students are expected to demonstrate proper concert etiquette when attending recitals and concerts. As experienced students of music, you are encouraged to set a positive example for others who may be less familiar with concert customs.
- Arrive on time: Plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow enough time to find your seat.
- Late arrivals: If you arrive late, do not enter the hall during a performance. Wait outside until there is a break, such as during applause, and then enter quietly and quickly. Sit in the nearest available seat to minimize disruption.
- During the recital: Give the performers your full attention. Talking, doing homework, or reading anything other than the program is disrespectful to the musicians. Food and drink are strictly prohibited inside the hall, and cell phones should be silenced.
- Arrive on time: Plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow enough time to find your seat.
- Late arrivals: If you arrive late, do not enter the hall during a performance. Wait outside until there is a break, such as during applause, and then enter quietly and quickly. Sit in the nearest available seat to minimize disruption.
- During the recital: Give the performers your full attention. Talking, doing homework, or reading anything other than the program is disrespectful to the musicians. Food and drink are strictly prohibited inside the hall, and cell phones should be silenced.
When to applaud:
- When the recitalist or conductor enters the stage.
- At the end of a composition (instrumental) or a longer work (vocal).
- After a "set" of shorter compositions by the same composer or in the same language (vocal).
- After a solo section within a composition (jazz only).
When not to applaud:
- After each movement of a multi-movement work.
- After each short song in a "set" (vocal).
- Any time the conductor's arms or the recitalist’s instrument is still raised, signaling that the performance is ongoing.
Being a Front of House Manager is one way to meet your recital attendance credit requirement for the semester. Front of House Managers work a set amount of events that count towards their recital attendance credit. Front of House Managers arrive early to events, help pass out programs, have attendees sign into performances for non-ticketed events, and check tickets or assist attendees purchase tickets through ODUArtsTix. For more information, please contact the Office Manager.