FAQ for Current Students
Borrowing an instrument
Declaring a music major
Juries
Lockers
Music Practicum
Practice rooms
Proficiency exams
Tutors
Can I borrow an instrument?
Students who are enrolled in a Wittenberg ensemble may borrow an instrument at no cost. Please contact the Director of Wittenberg Symphonic Band and Wittenberg Chamber Orchestra: Dr. Brandon Jones (bjones@wittenberg.edu).
How do I declare a music major?
To declare a major in music, visit the music office, in Krieg Hall, and fill out the Declaration of Major and Degree Candidacy form. It is quite a simple form, with just a few lines to fill in. The top of the form looks like this:
What are juries?
At the end of each semester of study, students are required to perform for a small “jury” of faculty. Ask your applied teacher about scheduling. Juries are not required during a semester in which a student performs a full or half recital.
Are lockers available? How do I reserve a practice room?
Visit the music office if you need a locker or practice room. A locker is available for a non-refundable fee of $5.00 per academic year. You may sign up for a practice room, also for a non-refundable $5.00 fee for the academic year. Each practice room is shared by 3-5 students. (Use the signup sheet on the door to schedule a practice time.) Practice rooms with grand pianos are reserved for piano majors. Practice rooms may not be used as storage space. Three practice rooms (203B, 203C, 205B) are kept open and are available at no cost.
In case demand is especially high, priority for lockers and practice rooms will be given in this order: (1) music majors, (2) music minors, (3) students with music scholarships who are neither major nor minors. Krieg Hall (the music building) is locked at 10:00pm. To gain access to the building after this time, contact campus security (and have your Witt ID available).
What is Music Practicum?
Attending concerts is essential for all musicians. Music Practicum (Music 199) is a non-credit course that is required for all music majors. It entails attending at least 30 events (as listed on the Music Department’s concert calendar) each academic year. With prior approval, students may attend off-campus music events that are not listed on Music Department concert calendar.
What proficiency exams do I need to take?
To obtain a degree in music, students are required to pass two singing proficiency exams, one in rhythm and one in pitch. Each exam includes both prepared materials and sight reading. Students will be given the prepared material one week before the test. Singing proficiency exams are offered each year at the end of Music 258. Students may request to take (or re-take) either of the exams at any time during the school year, by contacting the instructor of Music 258.
Students who do not successfully complete all elements of Music 221 (Advanced Keyboard Skills and Improvisation) are required to pass a keyboard proficiency exam that will cover the element(s) not successfully completed.
What if I need a tutor to help me understand material in a music course?
Visit the music office and ask to speak with the Departmental Assistant, Melanie Gillaugh. An office worker who is also a music major, and likely has already taken the class that you are having trouble with, can work with you (at no cost). Regular work with a tutor will be extremely beneficial.