The music theory sequence for the Music Education students is 21 credits extended over six semesters. These classes cover the language of music (melody, rhythm, harmony), the form and organization of music, and the creation of new music (composition and arranging). The skills learned can be transmitted in classrooms by incorporating musical concepts into creative and fun activities for students who are beginning their musical journey. Students are able to learn the logic and beauty behind the creation of music and gain a deeper appreciation of what it takes to perform music at a high level.

Every student is required to participate in large and small ensembles, with seven credits being required. Music Education students are encouraged to sing/play in multiple ensembles each semester. Students learn to teach by performing in ensembles led by outstanding faculty members. Musical, leadership, and motivational skills are part of every rehearsal and will help the student develop his/her own set of skills in these areas.

Each student is also required seven credits of private instruction on a primary instrument and four credits on a secondary instrument. This study relates to the students preferred teaching area and helps them build the tools necessary to teach someone else in music.

Each music education student must also complete four credits of ‘methods’ courses where the student explores performing on a wide variety of orchestral instruments as well as the voice. These required courses give the student a deeper appreciation for the discipline needed to excel on each musical instrument.

The Music minor introduces you to key concepts in theory and practice, applied music, and ensembles. It is ideal for students in any major who want to develop a deeper understanding of music to implement in their future career.

Download the Minor in Music Checklist

Students may not minor in the same areas as their major.

The Music and Fine Arts Division offers a variety of music ensembles for students by audition.

Vocal Ensembles

• CHORALE is a performing ensemble for both music majors and non-majors. They perform locally and across the state for churches, high schools, conferences, and civic events. The group presents sacred and secular music, both historical and contemporary. Rehearsals are scheduled four hours each week.
• CHAMBER SINGERS is an auditioned vocal group of 12-16 singers for both music majors and non-majors. Students are exposed to small ensemble literature from the major Western historical eras as well as vocal jazz and popular styles. The group rehearses two hours each week.
• COMMUNITY CHOIR is a group which meets each fall, one evening per week, to prepare for a major concert with orchestra. It is open to the entire student community as well as singers from around North Georgia.

Instrumental Ensembles

• WIND ENSEMBLE is open to all students possessing some proficiency on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Performances are given at student convocations, concerts, and other activities on campus and throughout the state. The group rehearse four hours weekly.
• JAZZ ENSEMBLE is an auditioned instrumental group whose repertoire consists of jazz , swing, fusion, and “big band” literature. The group performs on and off campus in a variety of venues. Rehearsals are scheduled two hours each week.
• ROAR!  is an indoor marching ensemble, combining the excitement of the marching brass, woodwinds, and percussion with the intimacy of an indoor performance venue. This ensemble is open to all experienced musicians.
• PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE rehearses two hours weekly. It is open by audition to all percussion players.
• STRING ORCHESTRA rehearses on Tuesday evenings and is made up of string players from across the Northeast Georgia area.

The Music and Fine Arts Division awards scholarships to eligible students working toward a music degree.  Students seeking scholarship aid must use the audition/interview process for that purpose.  To be considered for a music scholarship the student should put a check by the statement “I wish to audition for the following degree program” at the bottom of the Audition Form.  Students auditioning for music scholarships also should read carefully the sample Music Scholarship Agreement and the Policy Manual for Maintaining Music Scholarships. The deadline for music scholarships is July 31 for the fall semester.

Accompanist Scholarships – Qualified piano majors or talented pianists who are non-piano music majors may be eligible for accompanying scholarships.  These students will accompany music majors in practices, lessons, and recitals.  Students interested in this scholarship should contact Dr. Becky Lombard for details. (blombard@tmunistg.wpenginepowered.com)

Ensemble Scholarships – Non-music majors who participate in ensembles will be awarded a scholarship for each semester they actively contribute to their performing group.  The availability of this scholarship is based upon remaining funds after music major and music minor scholarships have been awarded. 

Audition Information for The Felix Manz School of Music

Students wishing to study music at Truett McConnell University are encouraged to perform an audition and interview for the music faculty. This audition should highlight the instrument in which the student wishes to major but can feature more than one instrument. This audition is used to determine the amount of music scholarship to be awarded and placement in music classes.

After performing, the student will meet with the faculty. The faculty will give an overview of music study at TMU and ask questions which demonstrate the student’s level of preparation and strengths.

Audition dates may be scheduled on TMU Preview Days, but may also be scheduled as the faculty is available by contacting the School of Music Office at 706-865-2134, ext. 6308 or emailing jgabrielse@tmu.edu.

To schedule an audition, complete the audition form and submit to schoolofmusic@tmu.edu.

Audition Requirements

BRASS and WOODWIND auditions should include at least two solo works written for the specific instrument. One work may be an etude or study. The other work should be a solo, sonata, or concerto which specifically demonstrates contrasting styles — a faster, articulate section and a slower, lyrical section. Major scales and a chromatic are expected. Sight reading may be tested in the audition.

COMPOSITION auditions are intended for students with advanced abilities in piano or guitar in addition to music theory. In most cases the audition will happen at the end of the freshman year after two semesters of music theory. Freshmen will only be allowed to study applied composition at the discretion of the entire music faculty after extensive evaluation of compositional aptitude.

GUITAR auditions must include at least two works of contrasting styles.

PERCUSSION auditions include demonstrations on as many of the following instruments as possible:

• Snare Drum: Demonstrate knowledge of rudiments, orchestral style, marching band style; one prepared piece
• Drum Set: Demonstrate basic swing, rock, and Latin styles; one prepared piece
• Mallets: Demonstrate sight reading ability; major scales (minor, if possible); one prepared piece
• Timpani: Demonstrate sight reading ability; one prepared piece

PIANO auditions must include:

• Two pieces from the classical piano literature, preferably from contrasting style periods.
• Scales and/or arpeggio representing student’s facility with technical exercise.

STRING auditions should include one major scale (at least two octaves, preferably 3); one minor scale (two octaves, natural or harmonic or melodic); One etude; two contrasting movements of a concerto or sonata (may be from different works)

VOCAL auditions should demonstrate good diction, accurate pitch, acceptable tone quality, breath control, and a concept of phrasing. Two memorized solo songs of contrasting nature are required. One song should be selected from classical repertoire. Sight reading and tonal memory will be tested.