The Boyer College of Music and Dance is committed to nurturing and advancing music as a form of human expression, as an art, and as a subject for intellectual inquiry. Recognizing that music possesses unique powers -- to move the spirit, to excite the mind, to reveal the past, to chart the future, to instruct, to heal, and to foster communication -- the College seeks to perpetuate music in its myriad forms through creative and scholarly work, teaching, and service, according to the highest artistic and academic standards.
As an integral part of Temple University, the Boyer College shares the ideals of Russell Conwell upon which Temple was founded: to recognize talent and personal potential wherever they may be found; to provide educational opportunities for meritorious students of limited financial means; and to serve as a constructive presence in the wider Philadelphia community.
In carrying out its mission, the Boyer College seeks both to continue the long tradition of artistry and scholarship that we have inherited and to develop new insights, perspectives, and practices. This dual objective -- to explore both past and future, old and new -- should be reflected broadly in the life of the College: in curricula and instruction; institutional policy; professional activities of faculty; advisement of students; and musical performances.
For the art of music to remain vital, our culture must develop both highly trained, professional musicians and informed, perceptive listeners. Accordingly, the College recognizes its responsibility to administer professional education to the student seeking a career in music, provide opportunities for the general University student to study and experience music, and share its musical life with the public.
The Boyer College provides a distinctive union of the best conservatory-type training with intense academically-oriented classroom teaching. Coupled with the performance opportunities of the University and the culturally rich Philadelphia area, the Boyer College offers students the competitive edge in complete, comprehensive musical preparation. Many programs throughout the University offer minors. Students who wish to pursue a minor outside of music should contact the appropriate department.
National Association of Schools of Music, Middle States Association, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and American Music Therapy Association.
Entrance Requirements The following requirements for admission to the College are to be considered minimal. Applicants who pass the following examinations may be recommended to the Director of Admissions as eligible for admission to the College. In addition, candidates must meet general requirements set by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Undergraduate Music Entrance Examinations An audition in the major performing medium and a series of tests must be completed before an applicant can be accepted into the Boyer College of Music and Dance. After submitting the application, the applicant is responsible for scheduling one of the test dates which is most convenient. This may be done by writing or calling the Office of the Dean, Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122; (215) 204-8301. The requirements for these tests are listed in this section. Entrance examinations are given in the Boyer College, Presser Hall, which is located on the northeast corner of 13th and Norris Streets.
The freshman and transfer application deadline is March 1st, with the priority scholarship auditions taking place in January and February. Applicants for admission to the spring semester must take the tests in December, and applications must be received no later than November 1st. Contact the Boyer College of Music and Dance at 215-204-8301, or access the website at http://www.temple.edu/boyer for specific audition dates.
If the applicant is unable to be present because of distance, a national or a taped audition may be acceptable. National auditions are scheduled in several U.S. cities. Please refer to the Boyer College web site (www.temple.edu/boyer ) or contact the Boyer College for specific cities and dates. All students wishing to schedule a national audition must have a completed application on file with the Office of Undergraduate Admission by November 1st. Tapes should be sent to Ms. Linda White, Director of Music Admissions, Boyer College of Music and Dance, Presser Hall, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA19122. Students must have an application on file before audition tapes are reviewed.
Prospective composition majors should submit several representative scores at the time of their audition.
Prospective theory majors should arrange for an interview with the chair of the Theory Department.
Music Entrance Examinations The examinations are given to all entering freshmen and transfer students planning to pursue any of the various music curricula at Temple University. The primary objective of the tests is to determine potential and achievement in music. Students will be tested on fundamentals (scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, etc.) and ability to read and notate music; these exams are used primarily for placement but are sometimes considered in the admission process.
Transfer Credits In addition to the University's statement regarding transfer credit (see Undergraduate Admissions), the Boyer College of Music and Dance will, during New Student Orientation, determine all transferred music credits, through placement exams. Where deemed necessary, students may be tested in music theory, music history, and secondary piano. Tests in other music areas may be arranged through individual departments.
Audition Requirements
Classical Guitar Guitar Performance and Concentration Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance Bachelor of Music in Music Education Bachelor of Music in Theory**** Bachelor of Music in Composition* Bachelor of Music in Music History Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy All auditions must be taken on a classical guitar using classical technique. Technique: Scales and arpeggios; an étude by Fernando Sor or equivalent. Repertoire: A work from the 17th or 18th century, and a work from the late 19th or 20th century. These works must be performed from memory.
Harp Harp Performance Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance Two contrasting movements of a sonata, concerto, or other solo work, two contrasting études, and orchestral excerpts
Harp Concentration Bachelor of Music in Music Education Bachelor of Music in Theory**** Bachelor of Music in Composition* Bachelor of Music in Music History Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy A representative solo work and two contrasting études.
Jazz Studies Major Jazz Instrumental Performance Major Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance Technique: Scales-major and minor (harmonic and melodic). Arpeggios triad and seventh chord, two octaves (piano four octaves). Repertoire: 1. Perform Bags Groove and two additional tunes The Standards Real Book, Sher Music Company (www.shermusic.com). One selection must be a twelve-bar blues form. All selections must be performed from memory. Candidates are expected to improvise on each selection. 2. Players of chord instruments are required to accompany in various styles: jazz, Latin, jazz waltz, etc. 3. Sight reading in the jazz idiom. Players of chord instruments are expected to sight read both melody and accompaniment. 4. Submit videotapes only. No audio tapes or DVD’s will be accepted. Videotape auditions must include all of the components listed above. The sight reading component must be replaced with an étude (either traditional or jazz).
Jazz Instrumental Concentration Bachelor of Music in Jazz Arranging/Composition** Bachelor of Music in Music Education/Jazz Studies Component*** Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy/Jazz Follow all audition requirements for Jazz Instrumental Performance selecting Bags Groove one additional selection from The Standards Real Book, Sher Music Company.
Jazz Percussion (Performance and/or Concentration) Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance Bachelor of Music in Jazz Arranging/Composition** Bachelor of Music in Music Education/Jazz Studies Component*** Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy/Jazz Please call the Boyer College of Music at 215-204-8301 to request a drum packet with audition repertoire. Detailed requirements are listed on the Boyer website at www.temple.edu/boyer/admissions/music/undergraduate/requirements.htm.
Jazz Vocal Performance Bachelor of Music in Jazz Voice Performance Technique: Scales, major and minor (harmonic) using solfege syllables, one octave. Repertoire: 1. Prepare #94, 100, 105, 188, 344, 349, 381, 387, 390 from Melodia: A Comprehensive Course in Sight-Singing, (Presser Music Company) with solfege syllables. 2. Vocalists are expected to perform Bags Groove and two additional selections from The Standards Real Book, Sher Music Company (www.shermusic.com). All selections must be performed from memory. One selection must be a twelve-bar blues. Candidates are expected to improvise on the twelve-bar blues form. Bring sheet music and an audio tape of the accompaniment for each of your selections. 3. Submit videotapes with accompaniment. No audio tapes, compact disks, or DVDs will be accepted.
Jazz Vocal Concentration Bachelor of Music in Jazz Arranging/Composition** Bachelor of Music in Music Education/Jazz Studies Component*** Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy/Jazz Follow all audition requirements for Jazz Vocal Performance selecting Bags Groove and one additional tune from The Standards Real Book, Sher Music Company.
Keyboard Piano Performance Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy Technique: Scales, major and minor (melodic and harmonic), and arpeggios, major and minor, four octaves, hands together at a fast tempo. Sight reading. Repertoire: One piece from each of the following periods, all works are to be played from memory: Baroque: Prelude and Fugue from Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, or a major work by Bach. Classical: Entire sonata by Mozart, Beethoven (excluding Opus 49, Nos. 1 and 2), or Schubert. Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary: Any piece of advanced difficulty.
Harpsichord Performance Bachelor of Music in Harpsichord Performance Applicants without previous harpsichord study, same as piano performance audition requirements. Applicants with some harpsichord and piano experience, the work of J.S. Bach (required in the piano audition) or another baroque work should be performed on harpsichord, with the remainder as listed in the piano requirements. Applicants with harpsichord but no piano experience should be prepared to perform:
1. A work of J.S. Bach. 2. A work from the French baroque repertoire. 3. A Scarlatti Sonata OR an English work from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book. 4. Sightreading.
Harpsichord Concentration Bachelor of Music in Theory**** Bachelor of Music in Music History Audition requirements are as follows: 1. For applicants without previous harpsichord student, same as Piano Concentration Audition Requirements. 2. For applicants with some harpsichord experience, a work by J.S. Bach or another baroque work should be performed on harpsichord, with the remainder of the audition performed on the piano following the Piano Concentration Audition Requirements 3. Applicants with harpsichord but no piano experience should be prepared to perform a Prelude and Fugue, Invention or Sinfonia of J.S. Bach; a work from the French baroque repertoire, and a Scarlatti Sonata OR an English work from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book.
Piano Concentration Bachelor of Music in Music Education Bachelor of Music in Theory**** Bachelor of Music in Composition* Bachelor of Music in Music History Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy Technique: Scales, major and minor (melodic and harmonic), and arpeggios, major and minor, two octaves, hands together at a fast tempo. Sight reading. Repertoire: One piece from each of the following periods, at least two must be from memory: Baroque: Two- or Three-Part Invention of Bach. Classical: First movement of a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven (except Opus 49, Nos. 1 and 2). Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary: Any piece equivalent in difficulty to the sonata movement above.
Percussion Percussion Performance and Concentration A list of specific percussion audition requirements is available upon request from the Dean's Office of the Boyer College of Music: 215-204-8301. Detailed requirements are listed on the Boyer College website at www.temple.edu/boyer/admissions/music/undergraduate/requirements.htm.
Strings String Performance Bachelor of Music in String Performance Technique: Scales and arpeggios, major and minor, in three octaves, and an étude of advanced difficulty. Repertoire: Two contrasting movements of a Bach sonata or suite, a movement from a Classical sonata, and a Romantic or Contemporary work to represent the student's level of proficiency.
String Concentration Bachelor of Music in Music Education Bachelor of Music in Theory**** Bachelor of Music in Composition* Bachelor of Music in Music History Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy Technique: Scales, major and minor, in three octaves; an étude. Repertoire: Two contrasting movements from a Baroque sonata and a Romantic or Contemporary piece.
Winds or Brass Winds or Brass Performance Bachelor of Music in Performance Two movements of a sonata, concerto, or other solo work, two contrasting études, and orchestral excerpts.
Winds or Brass Concentration Bachelor of Music in Music Education Bachelor of Music in Theory**** Bachelor of Music in Composition* Bachelor of Music in Music History Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy One movement of a solo work and two contrasting études.
Voice Voice Performance Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance Applicants should prepare an Italian song from the 17th or 18th century, an English song from the baroque or contemporary period, and an additional classical selection to be chosen by the applicant. All songs should be memorized and sung in their original languages. Accompanist will be provided for on-campus auditions.
Voice Concentration Bachelor of Music in Music Education Bachelor of Music in Theory**** Bachelor of Music in Composition* Bachelor of Music in Music History Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Applicants should prepare an Italian song from the 17th or 18th century and an English song from the baroque or contemporary period. All audition pieces should be memorized and sung in their original languages. Accompanist will be provided for on-campus auditions.
NOTE: Some programs have additional requirements as listed below. Those programs having additional requirements appear with asterisks which correlate to the following:
* Bachelor of Music in Composition In addition to a concentration-level audition on their major instrument or voice, applicants to this degree program must submit scores and/or tapes of original composition.
** Bachelor of Music in Jazz Arranging and Composition In addition to a concentration-level jazz audition, candidates must provide a composition portfolio of three complete and contrasting pieces. Tapes and scores should be presented at the time of the audition.
*** Bachelor of Music in Music Education/Jazz Studies Component Applicants to this degree program are required to present jazz and classical concentration-level auditions.
**** Bachelor of Music in Music Theory In addition to a concentration-level audition on their major instrument or voice, applicants to this degree program must arrange for an interview with the chair of the Theory Department.
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance with a Music Technology Component Candidates should expect to complete the audition requirements listed under Jazz Performance. The Music Technology component requires an additional two semesters to complete, bringing the total to five years.
Financial aid is available to full-time undergraduates in the form of music grants, academic scholarships, loans, grants, music grants-in-aid, and work-study programs. Also see Financial Aid in this Bulletin.
· Financial aid awards are made after the student has been admitted as a fully matriculated student. Students are to be enrolled full-time, unless prior permission is granted to do otherwise by the Associate Dean. · Music Grants are awarded based on merit. No separate application is required. The Boyer College has application and audition deadlines for priority music scholarship consideration. Contact the Boyer College at 215-204-8301, or consult the Boyer College website at www.temple.edu/boyer for current deadlines. Music scholarships and awards for currently enrolled and graduating undergraduate and graduate students include, but are not limited, to the following: · Esther Boyer Music Endowment Fund · Esther B. Griswold Voice Scholarship · Peter Vennett Piano Scholarship · Garrigues Foundation · Presser Foundation Scholarship · Dr. Arthur Bennett Lipkin Memorial String Scholarship · Dr. Millard Gladfelter Tribute Scholarship · Dr. David Stone Tribute Scholarship Award · Irving Berlin Scholarships · Elsa Fink Voice Scholarship · Howard Chivian Memorial Award · E. M. Yarnell Scholarship · Elizabeth K. Prescoln Award · Jeffrey Yagoda Memorial Award · Dr. John Henry Heller, Jr. Memorial Award · Dr. Milton J. Sutter, Jr. Memorial Award · Elizabeth Smith String Scholarship · Arronson Student Aid Fund · Ruth Lafferty Award · Natalie Hinderas Scholarship · J. Earl Ness Scholarship · Clifford Taylor Scholarship · Florence Berggren Voice Grant · David M. Katz Scholarship · Bruce Archibald Scholarship · Dr. Elaine Brown Tribute Award · Max Aronoff Prize · J.H. and E.L.M. Beach Book Award · Dr. B. Stimson Carrow Award · Emily and Arthur Crosby Award · Douty Scholarship · Roscoe Gill Scholarship · Jacobs Music Company Steinway Award · Williams and Carmen Middleberg Scholarship · Jack Moore Memorial Percussion Scholarship · Helen Laird Tribute Award · Klara Meyers Tribute Award · Schnader Memorial Award · Esther M. Schultz Award · William Singer Memorial Award · Albert Tashjian Prize · Alice Tully Scholarship · Gerald Wingenroth Scholarship
In addition to coursework leading to bachelors degrees in Music, the Boyer College of Music offers a 36-credit component in Music Technology to qualified music majors. This component, which is distributed over a students freshman through senior years, normally results in a five-year program.
The music technology component provides a structured sequence of courses for those students who desire to use new technologies to enhance their skills as performers, composers, teachers, and scholars. Courses focus on the creative, performance, and pedagogical aspects of music technology. See Music Technology Component under Programs and Music.
Music Preparatory Division and Community Music Program of the Esther Boyer College
Music Prep is the division of Temple's Boyer College that provides life-long learning in music through non-credit programs. Its offerings range from group instruction for infants and toddlers in the development of their basic musical skills to adult classes designed to prepare music listeners for their next orchestra concert or opera. Central to Music Prep are programs for young people. Beginning with Early Childhood Music Foundations and Creative Movement, the classes provide building blocks for a solid musical education. Parents learn to recognize and nurture their child's musical strengths. Outstanding faculty encourage the further development of musical skills through individual lessons in voice and more than a dozen instruments.
The Center for Gifted Young Musicians is the component of Music Prep that focuses on the training of exceptionally gifted students, many of whom are unable to bear the full cost of the finest musical education but have the ability and willingness to make a serious commitment to music. By audition only.
Instrumental Program (for string, woodwind and brass players) The Center's instrumental program provides a comprehensive package of music instruction and performance for young musicians who have demonstrated the greatest potential for musical achievement. Emphasis in this program is placed on the development of superior musical skills through large and small ensemble performance. The faculty is made up of the finest artist/teachers in the region, including members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and professors from Temple's own Boyer College of Music.
Children's Choir The Children's Choir is designed for outstanding young singers, male (unchanged voices) and female, ages 7 to 17. The choir focuses on expressive singing built upon a foundation of good vocal technique and musicianship. Singers perform repertoire representing diverse world cultures and a wide range of styles. The choir is made up of three groups: a training choir for beginning choral singers, a full concert choir, and a small chamber/touring choir.
The Festival of Young Musicians The Festival of Young Musicians has long been the centerpiece of the Center for Gifted Young Musicians. Held annually in late April, it consists of a series of concerts throughout the region that feature all the performers in the Center.
The Community Music Scholars Program - The Community Music Scholars Program provides 30 weekly private lessons for a nominal fee for up to 50 young instrumentalists from Philadelphia schools. By audition only.
The Boyer College of Music Preparatory and Extension Division is located at Temple University's Center City Campus, 1515 Market Street, in the heart of metropolitan Philadelphia. Acceptance into the program is based upon a personal interview. For further information concerning curricula and fees, write to Mr. Mark Huxsoll, Director, Preparatory Division, Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street, Suite 501, Philadelphia, PA19102 or phone 215-204-1512.
Presser Hall, opened in 1967, is the center of musical activity at Temple University. This building houses practice rooms, classrooms, ensemble rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, faculty offices, two computer synthesis studios, student and faculty lounges, a large listening library, and the Presser Learning Center. Presser Hall's performance facilities include Klein Recital Hall and Arronson Rehearsal Hall. Also utilized by the Boyer College are Tomlinson Theater and Thomas Hall, located across the street from Presser Hall.
The Boyer College's newest facility, Rock Hall, was extensively renovated for music and dedicated in early 1994 in recognition of the generous support of Dr. Milton Rock and the late Mrs. Shirley Rock. Located at Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue on Temple University's Main Campus, Rock Hall houses the string and chamber music programs of the New School Institute, the Department of Composition, the Keyboard Department, the Early Music Program, the Alice Tully Library, three state-of-the-art computer/electronic music laboratories, practice rooms, classrooms, and a 325-seat chamber music recital hall.
The nationally recognized Presser Learning Center, located on the first floor of Presser Hall, houses over 6,000 books, recordings, periodicals, videotapes, audio tapes, classroom instruments, and other materials used in the preparation of music teachers and music therapists. Included in the computer lab, now housed in Rock Hall, is the hardware and software necessary for future teachers and therapists to become knowledgeable about the role of computers in music and administration.
The Experimental MIDI studio features a variety of voice modules controlled by a computer workstation, a multi-channel mixer, and digital and analog recording facilities. Students are encouraged to design their own libraries of timbres for use in composition. The computer synthesis studio uses several computer workstations with expanded disk memory, digital and analog recording equipment, and a broad range of software for music synthesis.
The Presser Hall Listening Library houses a collection of more than 10,000 recordings and tapes, compact discs, video tapes, 250 reference books, and 1,000 scores. Music listening assignments for courses in music history, theory, composition, education, and literature can be completed with this collection, which spans music history and performance from the earliest times to the present. A larger collection of music books and scores is found in Paley Library.
