Departmental Policies/Procedures for Sophomore Review
Rev. Fall 2012
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Students must complete the 1) application, 2) update their portfolio, and 3) provide 1 photocopy of all musical selections
for the Sophomore Review. Due date for applications: Nov. 7 and April 1 of each semester.
Faculty will be asked to evaluate students applying for Sophomore Review based on an evaluation from: the private
applied teacher, ensemble director(s), and from the professors in music theory, music history, and class piano (see
evaluation sheets). Note: Students must have completed piano proficiency and scales (instrumental) or vocalises (vocal)
prior to their appearance at Sophomore Review.
Faculty will be notified on Nov. 1 and April 1 of those students applying for Sophomore Review. Faculty may address
any concerns about a student by forwarding a letter to the Department Chair indicating concerns two weeks prior to the
Sophomore Review.
Area faculty (i.e. Instrumental, Vocal, Keyboard) will meet between Nov. 1-15, and April 1-15 to review portfolios and
evaluate candidates. A recommendation from the area faculty will be brought to the faculty meeting prior to the review.
One faculty meeting 2 weeks prior to Sophomore Review will be devoted to discussion of the candidates.
Recommendations from area faculty will be brought to this meeting. If a candidate is not recommended by a 2/3 vote of
the faculty, a meeting will be held with the area faculty and department chair to address concerns and recommend a plan
for improvement.
Students will be evaluated in their Sophomore Review using this area Jury form (the jury form will be returned to the
student to become part of their portfolio (this can be done by either full faculty or area faculty). All faculty will score
each candidate using the Scoring Rubric for Solo Performance.
Sophomore Review will be held on Tuesday afternoon of finals week. Please allow between 1:00-5:00 PM for the
review (including faculty discussion).
At the conclusion of the Review after all candidates have performed, the faculty will recess to discuss the candidates
review.
A letter will be sent to the student on the status of their Sophomore Review. A copy of this letter will be placed in the
student’s file. Students will be given a “pass” (P) or “no pass” (NP) for MUS 299.
Criteria for evaluating candidates:
Students not achieving the minimum overall GPA for their major will not be allowed to present a Sophomore Review until
the standards have been met.
Music Department policy requires a minimum grade of “C” in all music courses. (B.A., B.M. Degrees)
College of Education—Admission to Professional Education requires a GPA of 2.5. (B.S. Music Education)
From Music Department Student Handbook:
Areas in which assessment occur include: (these assessments will become part of the student’s portfolio).
Performance:
Every music major is required to perform at the end of each term for a jury of faculty members. Students will perform
repertory for their instrument/voice, and will be asked to demonstrate their ability to perform scales.
Class Evaluations:
Every music major will be evaluated in music courses each semester during their first two years. Those evaluations will
cover course material, as well as the student’s ability to communicate in both oral and written assignments.
Ensemble Evaluations:
Every music major will be evaluated in ensembles during each semester of the first two years of study. Directors will
take into account preparation for rehearsals, development and progress over the course of the year, and how well the
student demonstrates leadership to his/her peers.
Sophomore Review
Admit to Upper Level Study
Revised Spring 2012
Name ________________________________________
Fall___________
Spring ____________
Tech ID #_____________________________________
Email : _______________________________________
Campus Phone: __________________________
Instrument or Voice Category ______________________________________________________________
__________1st Appearance ____________2nd Appearance
Accompanist____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________
Number of Semesters of Study at MSU
_______________________________________
Amount of daily Practice
Degree Objective: (Check One)
___Bachelor of Science in Music Education
____Bachelors of Arts
____Bachelors of Music
Attach one copy of your Repertoire Sheet and one Copy of all music to be performed at Sophomore Review to this form and return to the
coordinator (Dr. Amy K. Roisum Foley) By November 1st for fall semester review or April 1st for spring semester review. An updated
portfolio with current transcript must be turned in with this form.
Students performing their Sophomore Review will be registered for MUS 299 (0 Credits) and will receive a grade when the review is
completed.
Scales or Vocalise Piano Proficiency Completion:
This student has demonstrated their competency by successfully preparing and playing/singing the required scales (including rudiments
for percussionists) or vocalises. (Instrumentalists must have their completed scale sheet in their portfolio.)
Private Applied Teacher Signature
Faculty Signature: ________________________________________ Date Completed: __________________
Piano Proficiency Advisor Signature
Faculty Signature: ________________________________________ Date Completed: __________________
Faculty will score the student using the solo rubric established by the Department of Music (see other side for rubric).
Faculty will be asked to submit the recommendation form for Sophomore Review to the coordinator by the deadline date for applications.
Students are requested to refer and complete all the items on the Sophomore Review Checklist prior to their appearance at the Sophomore
Review.
Sophomore Review
Students by the 4th semester of private study (transfer students-by the 2nd semester of study) will
present a Sophomore Review for the Music Faculty in lieu of their end of semester jury.
___Students planning to present a Sophomore Review should register for MUS 299 during the
semester of their planned Sophomore Review.
___ Consult with applied faculty to determine repertoire for the semester. (Refer to guidelines
for area requirements, i.e. voice, instrumental, piano, organ)
___ Secure an accompanist at the beginning of the term. (Staff accompanists are available)
___Complete and return the application for Sophomore Review to Dr. Amy K. Roisum Foley,
Coordinator. Completed applications with updated portfolio and a copy of all music to be
presented are due by November 1st and April 1st. Forms are Available from Dr. Amy K. Roisum
Foley. Piano Proficiency must be completed prior to review.
___Check bulletin board across from PAC 229 for the scheduled time of your review. Sopomore
Review will be held on Tuesday afternoon the week of Final Exams from 1-4 PM. You are
responsible for notifying your accompanist of the time and place.
___After the review has been completed, Portfolios should be picked up at the Performing Arts
Office (PA 202) by Friday of Finals Week.
___Notification of the outcome of the Sophomore Review will be forwarded to each candidate in
a letter from the Department Chair. Students may wish to stay until the conclusion of the Review
to meet with the coordinator. Comments will be forwarded to the private applied teacher who
will share the results with the candidate.
____Students who successfully complete Sophomore Review should obtain permission to
register for 300 level applied private study. Permission can be obtained from the private
instructor or by requesting permission from Sharon in PAC 202.
The following criteria will be used in the evaluation of Sophomore Performance Review.
Unsatisfactory
The performance level indicates that the student is unable to perform effectively as a soloist.
Improvement required in the following areas include: undeveloped tone quality, numerous
inconsistencies in technique (accuracy of notes, rhythms, intonation, appropriate
articulation/sticking/pedaling/bowing), and inconsistent interpretation (lack of expression,
phrasing and dynamics), musical effect (appropriate style/tempo), and ensemble (musical effect
between soloist and accompanist)
Satisfactory
The student demonstrates a satisfactory level in solo performance. Improvement required in the
following areas may include: tone quality, technique (accuracy of notes, rhythms, intonation,
appropriate articulation/sticking/pedaling/bowing), interpretation (expression, phrasing and
dynamics), musical effect (appropriate style/tempo), and ensemble (musical effect between
soloist and accompanist).
Proficient
The student demonstrates a proficient level in solo performance in the following areas: tone
quality, technique (accuracy of notes, rhythms, intonation, appropriate articulation/sticking/
pedaling/bowing), interpretation (expression, phrasing and dynamics), musical effect
(appropriate style/tempo), and ensemble (musical effect between soloist and accompanist).
Exemplary
The student demonstrates a high level of solo performance. The individual performance shows a
consistently beautiful tone quality, a solid technique, and good musical interpretation. The
faculty feels this student is now ready to prepare music on their own and to continue performing
appropriate repertoire without constant supervision.