Downloadable/Printable Setnor School of Music Faculty Handbook PDF
Welcome
Welcome to the Setnor School of Music! It is our hope that this handbook will facilitate a productive and enjoyable educational experience. The Setnor School of Music is a small community of faculty and student musicians whose passion is music. In order to ensure a positive experience for everyone, it is important that all members of the community interact with goodwill, generosity and awareness that individual actions have a great effect on the community. All community members should treat others with respect, free of racial, ethnic, religious, gender, or sexual orientation-based discrimination. In addition, respect for others is shown through basic courtesies such as punctuality, preparation, making expectations clear, and participation in those activities that strengthen the community.
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The primary aim of the Writing Center is to help you become a stronger, more accomplished writer. No matter which form of support you choose, writing consultants will work with you at any stage of your writing process.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
General Information
Academic Information
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The Minor in Private Music Study is designed for students from any degree program on campus, except those in the Setnor School of Music, who want to study music privately on guitar, drum set, piano or organ. Students who perform other instruments may petition to be accepted into the Minor in Private Music Study. Please click here for more information, or contact Dr. Anne Laver (alaver@syr.edu).
Auditing a Course
A student may audit courses with instructor approval. A student must submit the audit option by the grading option deadline, and cannot rescind the option after the deadline. Audited courses are non-credit, do not meet any degree requirements, and are not counted toward enrollment status. Instructors may record a grading symbol of NA instead of AU if the student never attends the class. The student may have limited access to Syracuse University library resources if he or she is auditing a class and is not registered for any credit classes for the term. Courses that require a Proposal for Independent Study, studio art or applied music courses offered by the College of Visual and Performing Arts cannot be audited. Additionally, these types of courses taken through Syracuse Abroad cannot be audited: Signature Seminars and courses required for a Syracuse Abroad program (exceptions may be made for graduate students) and courses taken through partner universities abroad.
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- Auditions can be done in person, online via Acceptd Slate or via recording, however, students wishing to receive scholarship consideration for School of Music scholarship must audition in person. (This is different than the process for academic merit scholarship) Though we are no longer listing this as an option, students auditioning via recording must submit a DVD recording. CD/tape recordings will not be evaluated and are unacceptable for submission to the School of Music.
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- Faculty members evaluate the suitability of auditionees for acceptance into the Setnor School of Music using specified criteria. The online Acceptd Slate program is used for the faculty to provide the assessment to the director. The attention to the detail of ratings in all categories of both musical and personal attributes assists in creating a better and more accurate picture of the potential candidate. Acceptd Slate is reviewed by the Setnor School of Music Director. These ratings, combined with a thorough evaluation of resume and other application materials, culminate in a recommendation from the Director that is submitted to the college and, ultimately, university admissions offices.
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- An undergraduate degree in music, music education, or satisfactory other degree plus experience.
- A completed graduate application form, available online at apply.embark.com/grad/SyracuseThe The completed application includes:
- Transcripts demonstrating a B average in courses at the undergraduate level.
- Three letters of recommendation (forms are included in the application packet.)
- Results of the Graduate Record Examination (optional, but required for consideration for
- a graduate fellowship).
- Performance, Conducting, Voice Pedagogy, and Collaborative Arts majors must complete an audition prior to admission, which can be arranged by going to vpa.syr.edu/musicregistration. See audition requirements at vpa.syr.edu/prospective-students/graduate/music
- Music Education majors are encouraged to schedule an interview with the Chair of Music Education, Dr. John Coggiola, jccoggio@syr.edu.
- Special application is required for all graduate students interested in assistantships. Interviews are required of all students who are finalists for graduate awards (assistantships, fellowships, scholarships).
- International students for whom English is a second language, or who have earned degrees outside the United States, are required to take the TOEFL Examination, and encouraged (though not required) to take the Graduate Record Examination. With students submitting online or mail-in auditions, faculty are encouraged to set up a real-time communication with the students, as TOEFL scores are not always the best measure of conversational communication. In turn, International students should seek clear information on visa requirements, tuition, housing costs and the limited possibilities for financial aid through the VPA Graduate Office (admissg@syr.edu). Also, before applying for graduate study, foreign students must consider the possibility that they will need special assistance in pursuing their graduate studies in English.
- Minimum TOEFL score for regular acceptance to Setnor by an international student is 86. Minimum IELTS score is 6.5.
- If a student has not achieved a score of an 86 or higher (6.5 or higher if IELTS), or if they have that score, but still do not demonstrate sufficient command of the language, a student can be recommended for ELI (English Language Institute). If we say that a student must go through ELI in order to come to Setnor, they must complete that program at their own expense, and they will not be able to take a single class in Setnor until they have passed out of it. This should take the equivalent of a semester, but could take longer.
Audition Requirements
An audition in person is encouraged, but not required for full acceptance into graduate performance and compositions programs. Applications and auditions should be completed by February 1. Audition requirements may be found at http://vpa.syr.edu/prospective-students/graduate-students/programs/music/application-process/. Accompanists will be available for voice auditions on campus only. Accompanists for other instruments are not required.
Poor quality recordings will not be considered. Recordings (Online submission through Acceptd Slate is preferred, and DVDs only) must be direct recordings with no subsequent alterations or editing. Recordings must be labeled with applicant’s name and address. A program must be included with the recording that lists the music, composers, applicant’s name, address, and date (day, month, and year) of recording. Submitted recordings and compositions will not be returned to the applicant.
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Music Majors pay a fee for the use of practice rooms which is used for instrument purchase, tuning, and maintenance. Practice rooms are for the exclusive use of music majors, students taking private students taking private lessons, and students participating in ensembles or classes within the School of Music. A list of students participating in each major ensemble or class will be provided by the conductor/professor of that ensemble/class to the Assistant Director of Operations by the end of the second week of the semester.
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- Lockers are available for storage of music and instruments for music majors on their primary instrument. Students should check in with the graduate assistant Bryan Watson in the Operations Office for assignment of a locker. Space is extremely limited, so additional lockers, or lockers for non-music majors may not be available. Students can request to be placed on a waiting list at bwatso02@syr.edu. Please be reminded that the school is not responsible for lost or stolen items, including musical instruments.
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BM Music Education Performance Honors: Junior recital - Fall or Spring of Junior year; Senior recital - Fall of Senior year. BM Music Industry Performance Honors: Junior recital - Fall or Spring of Junior year; Senior recital - Fall of Senior year unless internship is in the fall, in which case the recital will be in Spring of Senior year.
- Arrange a Setnor recital date at the Recital Lottery and complete the recital forms on the Setnor School Music website.
2. TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE RECITAL:
- Select a recital committee (jury) consisting of:
- Your major teacher
- Another teacher from your area
- A third faculty member from a different area.
NOTE: You may have more than three jurors. All the jurors MUST be able to attend the recital.
- Set a pre-recital jury date (no later than 3 weeks before recital). You are responsible for scheduling this with your jurors. You must book room/date/time and arrange for a room key in the Operations office in 301 Crouse with Bryan Watson (bwatso02@syr.edu).
- Submit your PRJ form with these dates and your selected jury noted
3. FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE RECITAL:
- If you need a harpsichord, you MUST arrange for tuning with Bob Lee four weeks in advance and arrange for additional help in your recital.
- Your recital will be listed on the website
4. THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE RECITAL:
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5. TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE RECITAL:
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6. ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON TIME
- Confirm date with Michelle Taylor (see recital date selection information below)
- Submit event details and image for calendar listings
- Submit the Student Recital Form
This is due no later than three weeks prior to the event and is required for all events in order to be sure the event can be properly supported. Please note: use of any space requires compliance with applicable guidelines. Please monitor university, local, and school information for updates. - Submit the program template.
This is due no later than 10 days prior to event (or you can provide your own printed programs if preferred). If not received by that date, please do not submit late, we will assume you will print and bring the programs to the event.- PROGRAM TEMPLATE-2024-25
- PROGRAM TEMPLATE jcm 2024-25
- program notes are the responsibility of recitalist - we do not proof or print program notes
PLEASE BE SURE TO SUBMIT ALL THESE FORMS
WHEN SELECTING A DATE, you must also
- select a recital committee (jury) consisting of your major teacher, another teacher from your area, and a third faculty member from a different area. NOTE: You may have more than three jurors. All the jurors MUST be able to attend the recital.
- set a pre-recital jury date (your PRJ should take place no later than 3 weeks before recital). You are responsible for scheduling this with your jurors. You must book room/date/time and arrange for a room key in the 301 Crouse with Bryan Watson bwatso02@syr.edu
- Submit your Student Pre-Recital Jury Form
TIMELINE:
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE RECITAL: If you need a harpsichord, you MUST arrange for tuning with Bob Lee four weeks in advance and arrange for additional help in your recital.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE RECITAL: Perform a Pre-Recital Jury:
- For the PRJ, bring the following with you! STUDENT PRE-RECITAL JURY FORM (PRJ), which must be signed by the committee at your PRJ and four printed copies of your recital program
- After the successful completion of the pre-recital jury, return the signed Student Pre-Recital Jury Form (PRJ) to Dr. Jill Coggiola in 108B Crouse.
- Submit Student Recital Form
- Schedule your dress rehearsal; 1 hour is allowed, if available, and arrange for keys with the Bryan Watson in 301 Crouse – this is your responsibility – if you do not make arrangements in advance, you may not be able to access the hall!
- Submit the program template. Please be sure to check the program with your professor, and include all collaborators, composer years, etc before submitting it. If the program is not received on time, programs will not be produced by the office and student will have to provide on their own.
- You are responsible for creating and printing any program notes
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE RECITAL: You may post a maximum of 10 posters announcing your recital no sooner than 2 weeks before the recital. Posters cannot be placed on glass or in classrooms, elevator, restrooms or offices (they will be removed). They may only be posted on bulletin boards and lockers. Please remove them immediately afterward or they may be removed and discarded.
SELECTING RECITAL DATES: Recital requests are for REQUIRED recitals only:
- Students eligible to participate in recital date selection are Performance Majors, Composition, Conducting, and students with Performance Honors who have required recitals.
- Students who wish to arrange a lecture recital who want to use a classroom will discuss this with their advisor and should schedule with Michelle directly.
- Elective recitals are available to music majors only, and only if scheduling is possible. Elective recitals must meet all recital requirements, including faculty approval, a passed PRJ, and meeting all deadlines for paperwork and program submissions.
Students generally select dates in the order below:
- FALL RECITALS - anyone who needs to schedule a recital but will be off campus in the spring
- GRAD II – requests open for one week or until all required dates are confirmed, filled in order received
- GRAD I – requests open when notified until all required dates are confirmed (if students do not reply, open dates will move to the next group after two attempts at contact), filled in order received
- Seniors – requests open when notified until all required dates are confirmed (if students do not reply, open dates will move to the next group after two attempts at contact), filled in order received
- Junior – requests open when notified until all required dates are confirmed (if students do not reply, open dates will move to the next group after two attempts at contact), filled in order received – then new calendar is sent to all. (juniors have a ½ hour, so must share a slot with another junior, and should plan to choose their date and submit one form for their recital. Juniors who do not wish to share a date may request on their own, but may be paired with another student if necessary
Scheduling a Faculty Recital or Ensemble Concert
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Current faculty, staff, or students (Party) using campus spaces for programs that are not part of the academic program need to register the program and enter into a short-term license for use of the facilities. If the use involves minors, you may be required to have a background check and to take training. If faculty, staff or students are earning money outside of campus earnings while on University university owned, operated or controlled property, there may also be tax implications. It is the Party’s responsibility to comply with all campus policies. Due to limited space and availability, the School of Music is generally able to permit use of facilities only by current faculty, staff, and students. For more information or an agreement for usage, please contact Michelle Taylor (mjtaylor@syr.edu).
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For information on requirements for MM degree programs in Composition, Conducting, Performance, Voice Pedagogy, and the MA Audio Arts please visit the College of Visual and Performing Arts page on the Graduate Course Catalog website at the link: http://coursecatalog.syr.edu/content.php?catoid=16&navoid=2062
Once you have arrived to at this page, scroll all the way to the bottom in order to locate the links for each of the Setnor School of Music masters degrees.
For information on requirements for MM and MS degree programs in Music Education please visit the School of Education page on the Graduate Course Catalog website at the link: http://coursecatalog.syr.edu/content.php?catoid=16&navoid=2055
Once you have arrived to at this page, scroll all the way to the bottom in order to locate the links for each of the Music Education masters degrees.
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Master’s Thesis in Music Education
The content of the thesis should clearly state the following:
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The format of the thesis must be consistent. One style manual should be used. Students writing an an experimental or descriptive thesis will use the current edition of the publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Students, in consultation with their thesis advisor, should request other pertinent information from the Graduate School office before submitting a final draft.
The student is cautioned to work closely with their thesis advisor and program advisor in preparation of the thesis. It is advisable to seek help from the committee members when problems in style or content arise. At At a time determined by the thesis advisor, a prospectus or rough draft of the thesis will be circulated thesis advisor, a prospectus or rough draft of the thesis will be circulated to the student’s committee (three members of the faculty, including the program program advisor). Committee Committee suggestions for the final draft should be assimilated prior to the oral defense.
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Oral Defense of Thesis: It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for the oral examination, after consultation with the advisor. The panel panel for the oral oral examination will will be the student’s the student’s thesis committee. The student should prepare a thirty-minute presentation summarizing the content of the thesis. The presentation may be made as a public presentation. This presentation will be followed by an oral examination defense of of the thesis with the committee only. Once consent has been reached by the committee members on the acceptance of the completed thesis, the Department Chair is responsible for filing the completion of thesis form and submitting it to the appropriate academic advisor in 270 Huntington Hall.
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Graduate music education students who do not write a thesis are required to complete written and oral comprehensive examinations. The comprehensive exams demonstrate to the faculty that the student has a scholarly and sophisticated understanding of the content of the degree program. The timeline is as The timeline is as follows:
Beginning of final semester of classes
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- Schedule the actual times of the exam. The written exam requires three weeks of your time. The oral exam (if requested by your committee) takes place at least five days after the written exam, and generally lasts about an hour.
- Remember that faculty schedules can be difficult to to coordinate; while scheduling the while scheduling the written exam time will be relatively easy, the oral portion of the exam requires the full committee to meet together with you, and it may require some effort to find a mutually agreeable time.
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- Require the entire comprehensive exam process be repeated with new questions. The student may elect to use the same committee, or may choose a new committee.
- Require that the written and/or oral portions of the exam be repeated with the same questions.
- Require that the answers to certain questions be re-written. The committee will decide a deadline, as well as which committee member(s) will need to approve the new answer(s).
- Require that the oral portion of the exam be repeated for either some questions, or all questions. The committee may determine which committee member(s) will be present at the new oral present at the new oral examination.
- Based on the quality of the student’s answers, will choose to pass the student and not hold the oral portion of the comprehensive examination.
- Upon unanimous consent, assign a grade of pass or fail to the examination. Once consent has been reached by the committee members, the Department Chair is responsible for filing the completion of exam form and submitting it to the appropriate academic advisor in 270 Huntington Hall.
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Graduate students who do not write a thesis are required to complete written and oral comprehensive examinations. The comprehensive exams demonstrate to the faculty that the student has a scholarly and sophisticated understanding of the content of the degree program. These exams can be very be very stressful. Faculty members who serve on examination committees must set aside the appropriate time so that these procedures are followed. The timeline is as follows:
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- Pick the examination committee. It should consist of:
- Your major teacher, or the Department Chair
- Another faculty member from your area of specialization (preferably someone with whom you have studied).
- One other School of Music or Department of Art and Music Histories faculty member (again, someone with whom you have studied).
- Schedule the actual times of the exam. The written exam requires three days of your time. The oral exam takes place at least five days after the written exam, and generally lasts about an hour.
- Schedule the exams AFTER your final recital (if applicable).
- Schedule the exam at least two months in the future to allow you adequate time to study.
- Remember that faculty schedules can be difficult to coordinate; while scheduling the written exam will be relatively easy, the oral portion of the exam requires the of the exam requires the full committee to meet meet together with you, and it may require some effort to find a mutually agreeable time.
- After providing a list of courses taken to each committee member, the student should discuss the possible question areas in general terms with each committee member. The faculty will provide specific questions at the actual exam. (An example of a general question would be: “What were the principle principal developments in woodwind construction in the nineteenth century?” You have two months months to study this information. At the actual written exam, the faculty might specifically ask, “What significant changes happened in flute construction between 1820 and 1860?”) Each committee member is responsible for two questions (for a total of 6 questions) and committee members may want to discuss the questions with the other two committee members. Remember that questions may:
- pertain to the content of your degree recitals, course work, and general experiences.
- require you to study areas of importance which have not been covered in the curricula.
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- Pick up your examination from your Department Chair. You should return three typed copies of both questions and answers to your Department Chair within 72 72 hours. References and and footnotes must be documented in APA, Turabian, or Chicago Manual of Style.
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- Check with each committee member after they have read the responses to see if they are willing to proceed with the oral examination. Committee members may ask for questions to be re-written prior prior to the oral examination. If this happens, the oral examination may need to be re-scheduled.
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- Require the entire Comprehensive Exams be repeated with new questions. The student may elect to use the same committee, or may choose a new committee. In this case, the two-month preparation preparation time for the exam may be shortened upon the mutual consent of the student and the committee.
- Require that the written and/or oral portions of the exam be repeated with the same questions.
- Require that the answers to certain questions be re-written. The committee will decide a deadline, as well as which committee member(s) will need to approve the new answer(s).
- Require that the oral portion of the exam be repeated for either some questions, or all questions. The committee may determine which committee member(s) will be present at the new oral examination.
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