Music

Department of Music 

Professors: 

• Wayne Bucknor, D.M.A. 
• Audley Chambers, Ph.D. 

Associate Professors: 

• Julie Moore Foster, D.M.A. (Chair)
• Sung Jun Kim, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors: 

• Iris Fordjour-Hankins, M.M.
• Sarah Ruff, M.M.
• Michael Parham, M.M. 

Director of Choral Affairs: 

• Jeremy Jordan 

Purpose 

The Music Department supports the mission of the university by providing students with access to quality music instruction, opportunities, and services. The Department prepares students for graduate school and employment by offering curricula leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Music Education, a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition and Recording Arts, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. Students who are committed to developing their musical talent for service to God and to humankind are encouraged to apply.

Application for Admission 

Music majors must fulfill all the general admission requirements of the University. Acceptance to the University, however, does not guarantee admission to the Music Department as a music major. Students who want to major or minor in music at Oakwood University will need to audition on their instrument or voice. The Admission Audition for the music faculty can be either in person or by audio/video tape. This audition must be accompanied by three letters of recommendation. Students must take placement examinations.

How to Prepare for Auditions 

Naturally, music study and vocal and/or instrumental practice are very important. While it is not a requirement for admission as a music major, most students auditioning for acceptance as music majors have had private lessons. All music majors at Oakwood, regardless of performance area, are required to reach a basic proficiency in piano, so piano study before attending the university is useful. If a deficiency is found in this area at the Admission Audition, the student will be required to take the Piano Proficiency course MU 161-164. Failure to accomplish this task by the end of the sophomore year may prolong the time for fulfilling the degree requirements. Foreign language study is also helpful for all music majors; French, German, or Italian is required, for voice majors.

Music Ensemble Participation 

Majors and minors must participate in a departmental ensemble eight consecutive semesters (except when student teaching or doing internship). Students may enroll in more than one ensemble but must remain for the entire year. Large ensembles include Aeolians, University Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra. Small ensembles include composition, piano, chamber ensembles, vocal, string and instrumental.

Recital Requirements 

Every student majoring in music is required to enroll in and successfully complete a recital class every semester of residence. Graded on a pass/fail basis, this course receives zero (0) hours credit. A passing grade is based on the attendance of seven approved recitals, forums, or master classes per semester. This requirement is prorated for part-time students according to hour load. The requirements for transfer students are determined on an individual basis by the department chairperson.

Examinations

• Placement Audition. All entering students into the music department are required to take written and aural placement examinations in music theory, piano proficiency, and in the applied area. The results of these exams are used to place students in classes appropriate to their level of ability. To obtain Freshman standing as a music major, the student must qualify for MU 211, Theory I and MU 165, applied area.
• Piano Proficiency. All music majors must demonstrate keyboard proficiency by passing a piano proficiency examination. Students who fail the exam will be required to take piano proficiency courses until the exam can be passed. This must be completed by the sophomore year. Keyboard proficiency includes the ability to play hymns, scales, triads, several moderately easy compositions and accompaniments, and harmonize simple folk melodies.
• Solo Recital. Solo recitals are required for junior and senior music majors and minors. Individual instruction is required and must be preceded by a pre-recital four weeks prior to the recital date.
• Exit Examinations. All majors in the Music Department are required to take a written exit examination, administered during the fall and spring semesters of the student’s senior year, and pass with the minimum score of 70 percent. 

Career Opportunities 

Study in the field of music offers a general creative education as well as skills in communication and analysis that are essential in most careers. Some students pursue careers closely related to music, such as performers, educators, songwriters, church musicians, conductors, arrangers, composers, musicologists and music business attorneys. Others choose to work behind the scenes, or in the business area of music in careers such as producers, engineers, managers, agents, and in publishing and sales. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Thus, some graduates pursue careers in fields quite unrelated to music. Regardless of your career choices, increasing your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades, and involvement in university activities is important. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions, but for advancement in an area of specialization, an advanced degree may be required.