Undergraduate Student Handbook
Space limitations do not permit inclusion of many specific policies and regulations in the Programs and Courses Catalog. Therefore, it has become necessary for the School of Music to publish these items separately.
- UNIFI
Inspired by the University of Northern Iowa mission to engage students in high-quality and high-impact learning experiences within a challenging and supportive environment, UNI’s new general education requirements are designed to ensure that students’ foundational learning experiences lead to a lifetime full of potential.
Called UNI Foundational Inquiry (UNIFI), the new program comes after years of thoughtful work by trusted faculty and administration. Its bold mission statement highlights the experiences students will have: "UNI’s general education curriculum is an innovative, common experience for all students, enabling them to develop skills and knowledge across a breadth of disciplines. We take pride in preparing students for fulfilling personal, professional, and civic lives."
For more information on UNIFI (or the former LAC program for students enrolled prior to summer 2022), visit https://undergraduatestudies.uni.edu/unifi .
- Music Courses
All music majors are required to take courses in music theory, music literature, applied music, and ensembles, but the number and type of required courses vary from degree program to degree program. For most programs a standard sequence of courses is expected (see Plan of Study Major Templates). If it is not followed, the student may find that he or she will have to spend more than four years in residence.
Note that not all degree programs require the same number of hours in theory or music literature, and that certain programs require additional music courses: Performance and Music Education curricula, for example, include Conducting, and voice students are required to take Diction, while other programs do not have these requirements.
Not all courses are offered each semester. Students must plan ahead in the event that the course they wish to take is not offered. Examples of such classes include 570:163 (Instrumental Methods III) and 570:165 (Choral Methods and Materials, both of which are offered only in spring semester. The Plan of Study Major Templates will be of help in this regard.
- Professional Education Courses
In Music Education degree programs, students are required to complete all three Levels in the Professional Sequence as taught by the College of Education. At present, 28 hours of Professional Education courses are required, including student teaching. There are some options regarding the times when these courses may be taken. If the Bulletin and the Plan of Study Major Templates do not answer your questions, contact the Music Education Chair, Dr. Justin Mertz, for details.
- Electives
Electives and elective requirements vary from program to program. PLEASE NOTE: Music Education curricula are filled with required courses; there is no room for electives in these programs.
A Plan of Study for each degree program is included on the Plan of Study website. The template is a semester by semester suggested course schedule. It is very important that you and your advisor create a master plan for your coursework at UNI at the end of your freshman or beginning of sophomore year. Update and revise the plan as needed every semester. The POS Major Templates should be carefully considered when planning your four years here because there are many music courses that are offered only in the Fall or Spring semester. If you do not follow the suggested templates you may not be able to graduate in four years.
Listed below are some of the courses that have specific semester offerings.
| FALL | SPRING |
|---|---|
| Theory I, III | Theory II, IV |
| Sight-Singing I, III | Sight-Singing II, IV |
| Aural Training I, III | Aural Training II, IV |
| Diction II | Diction I |
| Conducting I | Conducting II |
| Elem/Gen Methods & Materials | Secondary Methods & Materials |
| Opera History | History of American Musical (when offered) |
| Brass Instrumental Techniques | Strings Instrumental Techniques |
| Marching Band |
There are other course offerings, for example Counterpoint, Orchestration, Performance Literature and Vocal Pedagogy, which vary from year to year. Consult your advisor or area chair to determine when the courses you desire will be offered. Plan early and review plans often!
- Bachelor of Music in Performance
Students wishing to major in Performance will declare a Bachelor of Arts Major in Music for their Freshman year. Admission to the Bachelor of Music in Performance Degree is secured by audition at the end of the second semester of music major study (end of freshman year). This is usually done at the applied jury time when the faculty from each area are present.
It is the student's responsibility to obtain the "Admission to Performance Degree" forms from the main office, secure the faculty signatures from the area after successful completion of the audition, and return the completed forms to the main office before a change in curriculum declaration can be made. If the student gains admission to the performance degree program after the third semester of study, extra semesters of applied study may be required.
- Music Education Programs
All music education programs are extended programs. Students will most likely be able to complete the program in four years only if they plan to be in attendance during at least one summer session. Many students will opt to attend UNI for five years instead of four. The B.M.in Music Education with Jazz Emphasis cannot be completed in less than nine semesters.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - multiple tracks available
The Music major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
B.A. Music majors are not permitted to declare a double major within the School of Music.
B.A. tracks included Jazz Studies, Performing Arts Management, Music History, Music Technology and String Pedagogy.
For a complete updated listing of requirements for each of the B.A. tracks, visit the UNI Catalog.
Each transfer student must audition in an applied area and be accepted by the faculty of his/her area as a music major. Additionally, transfer students must take a theory placement exam upon entering UNI.
Transfer students will enroll in the level of Music Theory/Aural Training/Sight-Singing recommended by the Theory area. This placement and the frequency of course offerings will determine the number of semesters required for each transfer student to graduate.
In other words, a transfer student who has completed two years at another university, college, or junior college may not be able to graduate with two more years of study at UNI.
Additional Contacts
- School of Music Curricula Questions
Dr. Justin Mertz - (Music Education)
Dr. Suzanne Hendrix-Case - (Voice)
Dr. Jon Schwabe - (Theory)
Dr. Melinda Boyd - (Any Curriculum Questions)
- BA Tracks Questions
Mr. Chris Merz - (Jazz Studies)
Mr. Steve Carignan - (Performing Arts Management)
Mr. Sandy Nordahl - (Music Technology)
Dr. Melinda Boyd - (Music History)
- Transfer Requirements and Transferal Credit Questions
Dr. Melinda Boyd - (Any Curriculum Questions)
- UNIFI Requirement Questions
- Advising Questions
Academic Advising Office (UNI)
Academic Advising Office (School of Music)