Music Division

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Faculty

Joseph Hopkins, Dean, Professor, Voice
Kathryn Fouse, Associate Dean for the Division of Music, Professor, Piano
Eric L. Mathis, Chair, Academic Studies in Music, Associate Professor, Music and Worship
W. Randall Richardson, Chair, Performance Studies in Music, Professor, Voice
Demondrae Thurman, Director, Graduate Studies, Professor, Low Brass
Philip L. Copeland, Professor, Choral Music
Sharon L. Lawhon, Professor, Voice
Ronald R. Shinn, Professor, Piano
Susanne Finch Burgess, Associate Professor, Music Education
Grant B. Dalton, Associate Professor, Percussion
Joel Scott Davis, Associate Professor, Music Theory, Composition
Brad Diamond, Associate Professor, Voice
Jeffrey Z. Flaniken, Associate Professor, Violin
Kristin Kenning, Associate Professor, Voice
Larry E. Hardin, Assistant Professor, Music Education
Mark A. Lackey, Assistant Professor, Music Theory, Composition
Margaret Elizabeth (Beth) McGinnis, Assistant Professor, Class Piano, Musicology
Brian B. Viliunas, Assistant Professor, Clarinet
Emily Snider Andrews, Instructor, Music and Worship
Timothy Heath, Instructor, Music Education
Kimberly A. Bain, Lecturer
Ryan A. Beach, Lecturer, Trumpet
Kenneth D. Berg, Jr., Lecturer, Choral Arranging
Allison Clough, Lecturer, Class Piano
William J. Dorroh, Lecturer, University Organist
Laura H. Doss, Lecturer, Voice
Angela M. Flaniken, Lecturer, Viola
Barbara K. Harrington, Lecturer, Flute
Judith S. Hicks, Lecturer, Harp
W. Michael Huebner, Lecturer, Music Theory
Stephen B. Knight, Lecturer, University Carillonneur
Kevin J. Kozak, Lecturer, Horn
Sarah J. Lanclos, Lecturer, Class Piano
Tariq M. Masri, Lecturer, Bassoon
Caroline J. Nordlund, Lecturer, Violin
Samuel Nordlund, Lecturer, Cello
Vicki L. Portis, Lecturer, Music Education
John Robertson, Lecturer, Staff Accompanist
Barbara A. Shinn, Lecturer, Class Piano
Brandon S. Slocumb, Lecturer
Christopher Smith, Lecturer, Guitar
James B. Sullivan, Lecturer, Oboe
Jaroslaw P. Szurek, Lecturer, Music Appreciation, Assistant Librarian
David Walbert, Lecturer, Guitar

Mission

The Division of Music is preparing musicians to enrich society through a diligent pursuit of excellence.

General Information

Music study at Samford University is essentially a threefold program, including training in basic musicianship, training in specialized professional areas, and studies in the liberal arts. The core of the program is musicianship-continuous study in music performance, including solo and ensemble experiences, along with extensive work in music theory and history. In specialized areas, such as teacher training, composition, and music and worship, requirements include training and experiences in the special skills and knowledge appropriate to the respective degree program to equip the graduate to function effectively on the professional level. The liberal arts requirements contribute to the breadth of knowledge appropriate for the professional musician.

The Division of Music in the School of the Arts is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, and the teacher education program is accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education. In addition to the academic programs, a wide variety of ensembles offer opportunities to both music and non-music majors for meaningful experiences in music making. University ensembles include A Cappella Choir, University Chorale, Samford Opera, Opera Workshop, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and numerous chamber ensembles.

Undergraduate Programs and Requirements

Majors

Composition Major (B.M.)  

Music Major (B.A.)   
Music Major (B.S.)  

Music Major: Instrumental Music Concentration (B.M.E.) 
Music Major: Vocal/Choral Music Concentration (B.M.E.)  

Music & Worship Major (B.M.)  

Performance: Instrumental Music Major (B.M.) 
Performance: Organ Major (B.M.) 
Performance: Piano Major (B.M.) 
Performance: Piano Major w/Pedagogy Emphasis (B.M.) 
Performance: Voice Major (B.M.)  

Minors

Music Minor 
Minor in the Arts (MUSC)  *
Worship Leadership Minor  *

The Division of Music offers undergraduate programs that meet requirements for the bachelor of arts, the bachelor of science, the bachelor of music education, and the bachelor of music degrees. Degrees offered through the graduate program include the master of music and the master of music education. The music division also offers minors in music, the arts*, and worship leadership*.

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*The minor in the arts is interdisciplinary, offered in cooperation with the Division of Visual Arts and the Department of Theatre and Dance. The worship leadership minor is also interdisciplinary, offered in cooperation with the Department of Religion.

Student Objectives

Bachelor of Arts in Music: This degree is designed for students desiring to major in music within the framework of a liberal arts degree. The degree is intended to serve the needs of undergraduate students who are interested in a broad program of general studies and who wish also to develop their musical skills and knowledge.

Bachelor of Music in Composition: This degree is designed for students pursuing a career in the field of music theory and/or composition. Most students in this field continue their study with graduate-level work in the discipline.

Bachelor of Music in Music and Worship: This degree is designed for students committed to vocational music and worship ministry. The program includes coursework in music, worship, ministry, and religion, and a supervised experience in a congregational setting.

Bachelor of Music in Performance: These degrees (instrumental music, organ, piano, and voice) are designed for students highly motivated toward excellence in performance. The student combines studies in basic musicianship and music history with concentrated emphasis in the major performance area.

Bachelor of Music in Performance: Piano with Emphasis in Piano Pedagogy: This degree is designed for piano majors who have a strong interest in teaching as well as performance.

Bachelor of Music Education in Music: This degree (with concentration options of instrumental music and vocal/choral music) is designed for students who wish to prepare for a career as a K-12 music educator and leads to the Alabama Class B teaching certificate. Practical experiences in teaching music are provided in the greater Birmingham area.

Bachelor of Science in Music: This degree is designed for students who would like to combine premedical studies with concentrated studies in music.

Admission Policies

Students desiring to major or minor in music must be admitted to the Division of Music in addition to gaining admission to the University. All prospective music majors and music minors must audition in their principal performance area(s) and take a music placement examination. If not admitted, a student may re-audition. A maximum of two (2) auditions is allowed in a single performance area. Non-keyboard majors must also complete a piano placement.

Appointments for auditions and placement examinations will be scheduled upon receipt of School of the Arts application materials, which can be obtained by contacting the Arts Recruiter, School of the Arts, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, 35229. Students will be notified by mail of the results of the auditions and will be admitted for registration as music majors only if they have acceptance notices sent by the dean of the School of the Arts.

Transfer students desiring to major in music must audition in the principal performance area(s) and take a placement examination in music theory and piano to determine both acceptance and transfer of credit. Transfer of credit for other music courses is determined by either placement examinations or review of the student’s previous work in an equivalent course.

Non-music majors desiring instruction in applied music may register for private or group instruction only with the permission of the associate dean.

Grade Restrictions

No grade below C- in music courses which are required for a degree with a major or a minor in music will count toward fulfillment of degree requirements. Any grade below C- in sequenced courses (such as Theory and Class Piano) requires that the class be successfully repeated in order for the student to advance to the next course in the series.

Recital Requirements

All students seeking a degree in music must present a half-hour degree recital (MUSC 4698). Composition and all performance majors have additional performance requirements associated with their SOA 470 Senior Project enrollment. Consult your advisor for details.

Ensembles

Students with an undergraduate major in music must register for at least one major ensemble each semester in residence. As a general principle, music majors will enroll in major ensembles associated with their principal applied performance area. At Samford University the following groups are defined as major ensembles: A Cappella Choir, University Chorale, Musical Theatre Ensemble, Samford Opera, Opera Workshop, Orchestra, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Marching Band.

The following guidelines also apply:

1. All keyboard principals must fulfill two of the required major ensemble credits by taking MUSC 1740 (Accompanying) for two semesters. Keyboard principals may fulfill two additional credits of major ensemble requirements by taking two additional credits of MUSC 1740.

2. All vocal principals must take at least four semesters of a major choral ensemble. Vocal performance majors must also take a minimum of two semesters of Samford Opera or Opera Workshop.

3. Music and worship majors may substitute MUSC 1750/3750 (Worship Arts Ensemble) or MUSC 1751/3751 (Campus Worship Team) for up to four credits as a major ensemble.

4. Music and worship major with an instrumental or keyboard performance principle must take at least two semesters of a major choral ensemble.

Piano Proficiency

In order to graduate, all non-keyboard majors must complete the piano proficiency examination. Such students must enroll for piano study each long semester until the piano proficiency examination has been passed. All degree candidates must complete piano proficiency requirements before enrolling in a senior recital. Music education majors must complete all piano proficiency requirements before enrolling for student teaching.

Upper Level Status

Each music major will be evaluated for approval for upper level status at the end of two years of music study. Consult the Division of Music Manual for Undergraduate Studies for more details.

Performance

One of the most important aspects of a music major’s educational experience is the area of performance. The requirements for number of credits in performance appear in the curricular tables for the various degrees in music.

Progression Policy for Bachelor of Music Education

Once admitted into the bachelor of music education program with a major in music, a 3.00 GPA requirement must be maintained in all areas: cumulative, major courses, and education courses. These GPA requirements also pertain to graduation and certification.

General Education: University Core Curriculum and Distribution Requirements

General Education Distribution Requirements are noted in the individual degree tables. In those cases where a requirement is not specified, see General Education Overview  in the Howard College of Arts and Sciences introductory pages for a list of required and applicable courses.

Programs

• Composition Major (B.M.)
• Music & Worship Major (B.M.)
• Music Major (B.A.)
• Music Major (B.S.)
• Music Major: Instrumental Music Concentration (B.M.E.)
• Music Major: Vocal/Choral Music Concentration (B.M.E.)
• Performance: Instrumental Music Major (B.M.)
• Performance: Organ Major (B.M.)
• Performance: Piano Major (B.M.)
• Performance: Piano Major w/Pedagogy Emphasis (B.M.)
• Performance: Voice Major (B.M.)

• Music Minor
• Worship Leadership Minor

• Minor in the Arts (MUSC)

Courses

• MUSA 2160 - Composition (1)
• MUSA 2260 - Composition (2)
• MUSA 2360 - Composition (3)
• MUSA 2570 - Composition I (2)
• MUSA 2580 - Composition II (2)
• MUSA 3160 - Composition (1)
• MUSA 3260 - Composition (2)
• MUSA 3360 - Composition (3)
• MUSA 3540 - Composition III (2)
• MUSA 3550 - Composition IV (2)
• MUSA 4160 - Composition (1)
• MUSA 4260 - Composition (2)
• MUSA 4360 - Composition (3)
• MUSA 4560 - Composition V (2)
• MUSA 4570 - Composition VI (2)
• MUSC 1560 - Introduction to Composition (2)
• MUSC 4599 - Senior Composition Recital (0)

• MUSC 1200 - Basic Conducting (2)
• MUSC 3220 - Choral Conducting (2)
• MUSC 3230 - Instrumental Conducting (2)

• MUSC 2110 - Introduction to Music and Worship (2)
• MUSC 2115 - Introduction to Worship Leadership (3)
• MUSC 2120 - Music and Worship with All Generations (2)
• MUSC 3130 - Singing the Faith (3)
• MUSC 3151 - Service Playing I (1)
• MUSC 3152 - Service Playing II (1)
• MUSC 4140 - Worship Design (3)
• MUSC 4180 - Music and Worship Practicum (2)

• MUSC 1310 - Foundations of Music Education (2)
• MUSC 2331 - Marching Band Techniques (1)
• MUSC 3300 - School Music (2)
• MUSC 3310 - Materials and Methods of Teaching Music in the Elementary Grades (3)
• MUSC 3311 - Vocal Techniques (1)
• MUSC 3320 - Materials and Methods of Choral Music in the Secondary Grades (3)
• MUSC 3330 - Materials and Methods of Teaching Instrumental Music in the Secondary Grades (3)
• MUSC 3331 - Instrumental Techniques I (1)
• MUSC 3332 - Instrumental Techniques II (1)
• MUSC 3390 - Music Education Practicum (1)
• MUSC 4399 - Student Teaching Grades P-12 (12)

• MUSC 200 - Music Appreciation (2)
• MUSC 1970 - Special Topics (0-3)
• MUSC 2400 - Introduction to Music Literature (2)
• MUSC 2412 - Musicology I: Music of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance (2)
• MUSC 3404 - World Music (2)
• MUSC 3423 - Musicology II: Music of the Baroque and Classic Eras (3)
• MUSC 3433 - Musicology III: Music of the 19th Century to the Present (3)
• MUSC 3970 - Special Topics (1-4)
• MUSC 4421 - Survey of Vocal Literature (2)
• MUSC 4422 - Survey of Choral Literature (2)
• MUSC 4430 - Survey of Symphonic Literature (2)
• MUSC 4440 - Survey of Piano Literature (2)
• MUSC 4450 - Survey of Organ Literature (2)
• MUSC 4499 - Senior Seminar in Music (2)

• MUSC 1500 - Music Fundamentals (3)
• MUSC 1510 - Theory I: The Syntax of Music (3)
• MUSC 1511 - Theory Lab I (1)
• MUSC 1520 - Theory II: Diatonic Harmonic Idioms (3)
• MUSC 1521 - Theory Lab II (1)
• MUSC 2500 - Introduction to Music Technology (2)
• MUSC 2530 - Theory III: Formal and Chromatic Expansion (3)
• MUSC 2531 - Theory Lab III (1)
• MUSC 2540 - Theory IV: Analysis and Formal Structures (3)
• MUSC 2541 - Theory Lab IV (1)
• MUSC 2550 - Elementary Keyboard Harmony (1)
• MUSC 2551 - Keyboard Harmony I (1)
• MUSC 2552 - Keyboard Harmony II (1)
• MUSC 3520 - Choral Arranging (2)
• MUSC 3530 - Orchestration (2)
• MUSC 3531 - Instrumental Arranging (2)
• MUSC 3560 - Theory V: Post-Tonality to the Present (3)
• MUSC 4510 - Counterpoint (3)

• MUSA 0011 - Performance Lab (0)
• MUSC 0999 - Music Seminar/Recital Attendance (0)
• MUSC 1610 - Diction for Singers I (2)
• MUSC 1620 - Diction for Singers II (2)
• MUSC 2649 - Piano Proficiency (0)
• MUSC 4620 - Vocal Pedagogy (2)
• MUSC 4630 - Instrumental Pedagogy (1)
• MUSC 4640 - Piano Pedagogy I (2)
• MUSC 4641 - Piano Pedagogy Practicum I (2)
• MUSC 4643 - Piano Pedagogy II (2)
• MUSC 4644 - Piano Pedagogy Practicum II (2)
• MUSC 4650 - Organ Pedagogy (2)
• MUSC 4698 - Degree Recital (0)
• MUSC 4699 - Performance Recital (0)

The 1000-level courses are designated for the first four successful semesters of ensemble participation.

The 3000-level courses are designated for junior and senior music majors only.

• MUSC 1720 - University Chorale (0-1)
• MUSC 1721 - A Cappella Choir (0-1)
• MUSC 1723 - Samford Opera (0-1)
• MUSC 1724 - Opera Workshop (0-1)
• MUSC 1730 - Wind Ensemble (0-1)
• MUSC 1731 - Orchestra (0-1)
• MUSC 1732 - Chamber Ensemble (0-1)
• MUSC 1739 - Marching Band (0-1)
• MUSC 1740 - Accompanying (0-1)
• MUSC 1750 - Worship Arts Ensemble (0-1)
• MUSC 1751 - Campus Worship Team (0-1)
• MUSC 3720 - University Chorale (0-1)
• MUSC 3721 - A Cappella Choir (0-1)
• MUSC 3723 - Samford Opera (0-1)
• MUSC 3724 - Opera Workshop (0-1)
• MUSC 3730 - Wind Ensemble (0-1)