FAQ's for New Students
You're coming to Mary Washington in August. Congratulations.
You also perform in a number of ensembles in your high school.
In addition you may be planning on majoring in music.
What do you do next?
Click here to download the audition form.
What does the audition form do?
It lets you tell the music department what ensembles and private lessons
you'd like to try to perform in during your college years.
What do you do with the form?
Fill out the ensembles you'd like to perform in. Fill out the private lesson interest areas you'd like to keep up. Then send it back to the music department by Preview weekend.
Do you register for lessons and ensembles with your other courses?
No. The music department will provide you with registration override codes after the audition process.
What happens after you send in your form?
The music department, in August, will assign you an audition time, which
usually is an inclusive audition (one audition for ensembles and lessons).
You should expect the audition to occur the Sunday before classes or
during the first rehearsal of your ensemble, whichever the ensemble
director prefers. You'll receive confirmation by email or surface mail
to the email or street address you listed on the audition form.
What if I'm not home this summer?
Ask your family to pass on the information! Early in August you also
could contact the department secretary, Michael Morley at mmorley@umw.edu or call him at (540) 654-1012.
What should I prepare?
The department expects you to prepare two contrasting published pieces.
Contrast how?
Pick chronological eras--Bach as opposed to Beethoven.
or
Pick styles--religious or popular or "serious."
or
Pick technical difficulty--slow and expressive as opposed
to fast and scale oriented.
What are my chances of being able to perform in an ensemble
and receive private lessons?
Virtually all students are able to perform in an ensemble, which you
performed with in high school.
Some students need to take class lessons or obtain additional performing
experience in ensembles before moving into private lessons at the college
level. Think positively. We want you to make music with us!
What about academic music courses?
Prospective majors: you need to sign up for Theory I (MUTH 181). These are opened up every summer for you to enroll. If you are a 'might consider music as a major' be sure to take this course to put you on track. Even if you do not end up pursuing the music major, this course will fulfill one of your general education requirements (Goal 2).
For-sure non-majors: If you are absolutely certain that you will
not major in music, pick Great Musical Masterworks (MUHL 151) or Music
and Society (MUHL 152). The first is a typical appreciation course,
which focuses on about twelve composers and their works. The second
course is also an appreciation course, but with a particular focus depending
on the teacher--Broadway musical, American music, music connected with
politics, and music associated with features of "the other."
Is there an additional fee for music lessons?
It is $50 per semester for a type of lesson. For example,
you study voice; you will be charged a $50 fee each semester that you
study. If you want to study voice and violin, you will be charged
a $100 fee each semester ($50 for each type of lesson).
Is there a specific computer I should buy?
The department does not currently have particular requirements. All
theory classes incorporate Finale software projects which are produced
primarily in the department Music Resource Center using MacIntosh computers.