Performance Opportunities, Degrees, Scholarships, & Financial Aid

All students have many opportunities to participate in studio recitals and master classes with their teachers. Every student participates in either the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Chorale, or University Singers. Placement in any of these ensembles is by audition at the beginning of each year. Students will also have the opportunity to attend master classes given by nationally renowned guest musicians/lecturers. The performance major will give full-length junior and senior recitals.

In addition to any academic merit scholarships available from the university, Music students are eligible for Talent Based Scholarships. These awards take the form of Performance Scholarships, Housing Scholarships, Work Study, and Basketball Band Scholarships. All scholarships are awarded after a prospective student auditions live for the faculty, completes the University Application and is accepted to both the University and the Music Department.

Admission to the Department of Music:

Acceptance as a music major is a two-part process. One, you must be admitted to the university, Click here for the Texas A&M Commerce admissions page; and two, you must be accepted via an audition to the appropriate division (vocal, instrumental, piano) within the Department of Music. Access the 2007/2008 Audition and Scholarship Application form by selecting the appropriate online form for VOICE OR INSTRUMENTAL, OR PIANO

All candidates are expected to complete the Audition/Information Form to the department before an audition. All auditions require a confirmed reservation with Dr. Jeff Gershman, Director of Instrumental Activities (Jeff_Gershman@tamu-commerce.edu), Dr. William Witwer, Director of Choral Activities (William_Witwer@tamu-commerce.edu), or Dr. Luis Sanchez, Piano Division (luis_sanchez@tamu-commerce.edu) at least two weeks prior to the audition date. For scholarship applicants, an on-campus audition is encouraged and required before May 1st of the school year. If a live audition is impossible on one of the Department’s audition dates, or if the applicant resides 400 or more miles from the University, a high quality cassette tape or CD may be submitted, provided that the audition repertoire complies with the announced requirements below. Please be sure to enclose the tape or CD with the Application Form in the packet.  Recordings will not be returned unless a self-stamped envelope is accompanied.
 

The Undergraduate Degrees we offer:
• The Bachelor of Science in Music (with Certification)
• The Bachelor of Music in Performance

The Graduate Degrees:
• The Master of Music in Performance
• The Master of Music in Music Education

*Students who want professional training in music normally seek the Bachelor of Music degree. Several double major or degree programs are available, combining music with other disciplines. Areas of concentration for Graduate Degrees in Piano include Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy.

Performance-Based Scholarships

There are many sources of scholarships available to students depending on the result of the audition. All applicants need to complete their on-line applications to the university and auditions before May 1 of the academic year to be fully considered for scholarships. The Graduate Assistantship Award is available in substantial amounts. The amount of the awards varies according to the student’s talent, and potential contribution to the department. Other awards may include housing for recipients.

Financial aid for performance-based scholarships are talent-based and are contingent upon a successful live audition. In unusual circumstances, a preliminary audition by tape is acceptable.

Typical scholarship amounts range from $300 to $750 (per semester), with larger awards given to exceptional talent and/or department need.  Scholarship recipients are required to perform in the following:

INSTRUMENTALISTS:
Either the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band, Marching Band and to enroll in applied instruction (private lessons) with the instrument in which the scholarship was awarded.

VOCALISTS:
Either the Chorale or the Women's Choir and to enroll in applied instruction.

KEYBOARD:
Perform as accompanists for student recitals, ensemble rehearsals and performances as needed.

Housing Scholarships

A unique aspect of TAMU-Commerce is its offering of financial aid in the form of a Housing Scholarship.   These awards may be talent-based.  The Housing Scholarship is usually $1000, awarded as a credit for on-campus housing at the rate of $500 per semester.

Work Study

Positions are available for work in the Band and Choir Offices.   These student worker positions involve clerical duties consistent with the maintenance of a high-profile University program.  Students work 8-10 hours per week and will make approximately $150 to $200 per month.  Contact the Director of Bands, Assistant Director of Bands, or the Director of Choral Activities for details.

Basketball Band Scholarships

Usually $200 per semester to perform at home basketball games.

Eligibility

Students must meet the eligibility requirement of the University. Music performance scholarships are awarded based on player ability and talent.  Work study hours are granted based on financial need. 

Scholarship Renewal

Scholarships are available up to 5 years contingent on the following:

	INSTRUMENTAL	VOCAL	KEYBOARD
	The student must play in the band--Marching Band and Wind  Ensemble or Symphonic Band in the fall semester and Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band in the Spring semester.	The student must perform in the Chorale or Women's Choir.	The Student must be available as an accompanist for a reasonable amount of rehearsals and performances as needed.
	A yearly GPA of 2.75 must be maintained.	A yearly GPA of 2.75 must be maintained.	A yearly GPA of 2.75 must be maintained.
	Satisfactory participation in private lessons each semester (2 semester hours for music majors, one semester hour for non-music majors).	Satisfactory participation in private lessons each semester (2 semester hours for music majors, one semester hour for non-music majors).	Satisfactory participation in private lessons each semester (2 semester hours for music majors, one semester hour for non-music majors).