Music

Brian J. Pfaltzgraff, Chair; Barbara E. Ashton; Karen E. Black; Jeffrey E. de Seriere; Molly C. Doran; Kyle J. Fleming; Jennifer J. Larson; Scott J. Muntefering; Rebecca N. Nederhiser; Lee D. Nelson; Nicki Toliver; Suzanne K. Torkelson; Eric J. Wachmann

The Wartburg College Music Department is an accredited, institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The music therapy degrees are approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and lead to eligibility for board certification. Completion of the Bachelor of Music Education and the Bachelor of Music Education/Music Therapy leads to licensure in education. In addition to its degree programs, the Music Department invites participation by non-music majors in the many and varied musical activities offered throughout the school year.

Course work for the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music - Music Therapy, and Bachelor of Arts degrees are carefully planned. Requirements include weekly individual lessons in applied areas, basic piano skills, and recitals. The passing of first- and second-year performance examinations is required to major in music, and jury performance is required each term. Music majors are required to earn at least a C- in all music courses (applied lessons, B-). Music majors earning less than a C- in classroom work are required to retake the course. If the second effort also results in a grade of less than C-, the student will be dropped as a music major.

A student must maintain at least a B- for each term in the major applied area (lessons). Students earning less than a B- in applied lessons will be on probation for one term only while attempting to raise this grade in order to remain a major in that area or to retain a Meistersinger Scholarship. Students who do not maintain this standard must either qualify for another principal performing area or change majors.

Music students will:

• Gain an understanding of the elements of music including a competency level in music theory and aural skills.
• Gain an understanding of musical styles and periods and understand music within larger cultural contexts in Western and non-Western traditions.
• Develop performance skills through applied lessons and solo recitals.
• Participate in an ensemble experience at a high level.
• Develop the ability to write and speak as advocates for their art.
• Develop an appreciation of the value of music in education and society.

Intended Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. integrate the elements of music (music theory, aural skills, and music history) in performance and oral/written expression.
2. exhibit advanced performance skills in juried or public performances (through solo, chamber, and/or large ensembles).
3. express the value of music in education and a globally defined society via advocacy according to professional ethical guidelines.

Additional Intended Student Learning Outcomes By Degree Or Concentration

Students will:

• integrate theoretical and historical knowledge or the liturgy and demonstrate practical skills in a church music setting (Bachelor of Arts, Church Music concentration).
• manage professional competencies in piano pedagogy and studio operations required for certification by Music Teachers National Association (Bachelor of Arts).
• demonstrate applied and analytical skills intended to facilitate entrance into a graduate studies program or as independent studio instructors and/or performers (Bachelor of Music).
• integrate skills and knowledge for the purpose of effectively teaching music to K-12 students in the public schools in compliance with the standards as established by the Iowa Department of Education (Bachelor of Music Education; Music Therapy B.M.E.).
• manage professional competencies in areas of music skills, clinical foundations, and professional behavior required by the American Music Therapy Association (Music Therapy, B.M. and B.M.E.).

Programs

• Music, B.A.  
• Music Therapy, B.M.  
• Performance, B.M.  

• Music Minor  

Bachelor of Music Education

For additional information on teaching majors and endorsements, see Education  Department listings.

• Music Education (K-12), B.M.E.  
• Music Secondary Education Core (For All B.M.E. Majors)  

Bachelor of Music Education/Music Therapy

For additional information on teaching majors and endorsements, see Education  Department listings.

• Music Education/Music Therapy (K-12), B.M.E.  

Recitals and Recital Attendance

Two recitals are required of music majors: junior recitals of 30 minutes for B.M. students or 15 minutes for B.A. and B.M.E. students; senior recitals of 60 minutes for B.M. students or 30 minutes for B.A. and B.M.E. students. The Music Department Student Handbook contains specifics about recitals and recital attendance as required for graduation.

Preparatory Instruction

Music students may receive supervised teaching experience by serving as paid instructors for community residents who wish to learn piano or voice at beginning and elementary levels. Music students qualify to teach by meeting requirements in theory, applied music, and pedagogy.

Additional Information

Persons interested in a more detailed description of program goals and courses may request a Music Department Student Handbook. It outlines all policies for music programs.

The Music Department’s Health and Safety Policy may be found on the department’s web page.

Applied Music

Private applied lessons are available for credit to non-music majors. Fee.

Music Ensembles

A student may register for ¼ course credit per term. Up to one course credit may be applied toward graduation requirements.