The purposes of these pages is to keep Albion College Music Majors informed and up to date with policies and procedures that have a direct impact on the success of our students. This site is an invaluable resource for our majors as they prepare for juries, recitals, apply for scholarships within the department, and for preparing for their career beyond Albion College.
Use the links below to learn more about the specific aspects of being a Music Major at Albion College.
The Music Department Handbook is the survival guide of the Albion College Music Major. In it you will find all the departmental policies and procedures for virtually everything a major will need to know. Should students not find the answers to their specific questions, they are encouraged to speak with the chair person or any other full-time faculty member.
At the end of a 12.5-unit Music Major's third semester of study (usually Fall semester, Sophomore year), the student is expected to perform a Sophomore Jury. This jury is more in-depth than the regular jury and consists of an interview in addition to the student's usual performance. Sophomore Juries are also completed at the end of the semester, but are scheduled separate from the regular juries. See the Music Department Handbook for more information. Note: 8 unit majors are not required to do a sophomore jury, but do have to complete the standard end of semester jury.
All students taking lessons at Albion College are expected to perform a jury at the end of each semester. As part of that jury, students must complete a jury performance evaluation form and repertoire sheet that is to be signed by their studio teacher. Below you will find jury sheets and repertoire sheets for all applied lessons.
12.5-unit Music Majors are required, as part of their private study, to perform a Senior Recital in their 4th year as a major. See the Music Department Handbook for details concerning length, repertoire, logistics, et al.
8-unit Music Majors are encouraged, but not required, to perform a senior recital. In addition, 12.5-unit juniors are also encouraged to perform on recitals.
It is in everyone's best interest to keep our pianos in the best shape possible. To that end, it is up to you to inform the appropriate faculty when you notice problems with pianos.
Take a few minutes and print out a Piano Repair Form , fill it out, and drop it off in the Music Department Office for Dr. David Abbott, or deliver it to him in person. We would all greatly appreciate your help in this matter.
The Helen Sue Koether Memorial Music Scholarship was established by her husband, Bernard A. Koether, '29, in 1987. The monetary prize is presented annually to 1-3 sophomore or junior music students who excel in music. The recipients are selected by the music faculty. The award is presented at the Honors Convocation and student's names are engraved upon a plaque displayed in the Music Department. Deadlines for the Koether and other scholarships are posted downstairs in Goodrich Chapel.
Koether Memorial Scholarship Criteria and Guidelines
Koether Memorial Scholarship Application
The Presser Scholarship Award is provided by the Presser Foundation of Bryn Mawr, PA. The award is presented to an outstanding music major, at or after the end of the student's junior year, and the student is to be known as a Presser Scholar. The student is to be selected by the music faculty solely on the basis of merit. The scholarship is for one year and no application is required.
Other scholarships available in the Music Department are based on the decisions of the Music Department faculty and applications are not required. For a complete listing of scholarships available to Albion College students consult the Music Department Handbook.
Each year the Albion College Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. James Ball, holds a concerto competition open to all Albion College musicians. The deadline for applications will be posted downstairs in Goodrich Chapel. Requirements for the competition can be found in the Music Department Handbook. You can download an application by clicking on the link below, or contacting the Music Department secretary. For more information about the Concerto Competition, contact Dr. James Ball.
Competition Rules
Concerto Competition Application Form
The Music Department places a strong emphasis on musician health and safety. Students, as well as faculty and staff, rely upon their hearing, vision, and general physical health to produce the highest quality music possible. To this end, the Music Department has adopted the following statement regarding health and safety of all musicians participating in our ensembles and other academic courses:
"Performers need to learn about health and safety issues in order to perform at a high level throughout their lives, and are expected to take steps to maintain best performance health throughout this course. For more information about physical health and hearing safety for performers, please consult the Student Handbook [ http://www.albion.edu/
Additionally, below is a select list of web-based resources addressing general and specific issues related to the topic of musician health and safety (check back regularly as the list is frequently updated). The Music Department also has on file many hard copy documents available for perusal and/or photocopying pertaining to the same topic. If a student is experiencing difficulty with a particular issue related to health and safety, the Music Department strongly recommends the student schedule an appointment with their primary care physician, and/or campus health services.
Performing Arts Medicine Association, PAMA (website) - link
The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique (Alexander Technique website) - link
Musical America Sepcial Reports - Musicians and their Healthcare, June 2012 (PDF) - link
Musician's Way (website) - link
The American Tinnitis Association (website) - link
Musicians and Injuries (website/resource) - link
Healthy Musician Workshop (website) - link
Body Mapping - Andover Educators (website) - link
Musicians Health - Dr. Timothy Jameson (website) - link
Hearing Health Matters - Hearing Loss Prevention for Musicians (website) - link
Beta Blockers (Brass Musician & Forum) - link
Stress - How to Control the Body's Responses (PDF) - link
Embouchure Overuse Syndrome (Polyphonic.org - The Orchestra Musician Forum) - link
trumpetdoctors.org (website) - link
Hearing Health Matters - Woodwind and Large Stringed Instruments (website) - link
Hearing Health Matters - Bass Players and Drummers (website) - link
Healthy Practice and Performance Measures for the Percussionist (PDF) - link
Hearing Health Matters - Guitar and Rock/Blues Vocalists (website) - link
Voice Health Institute (website) - link
McClosky Institute of Voice (website) - link
Singers and Stress - How to Control the Body's Responses (PDF) - link
Hearing Health Matters - Violin and Viola Players (website) - link
Hearing Health Matters - Bass Players and Drummers (website) - link
Hearing Health Matters - Woodwind and Large Stringed Instruments (website) - link
Hearing Health Matters - Guitar and Rock/Blues Vocalists (website) - link
pianomap.com (website) - link