Conservatory of Music

Return to: Undergraduate Programs and Department Information

Dean-T. Zugger
Professors-Cox, Gershman, Hasseler, Jelle, Lentsner, Wang, G. Zugger 
Associate Professors-Ryan, Zilincik, C. Payton
Assistant Professors-Kitchel, Loughrige, E. Paton, Witty

Instructor-Schmitt,  Ryker                
Adjunct Faculty-Aliyeva, Alonso, Archembault, Barlow-Ware, Bates, C. Baker, D. Bennett, Bonardi, Carter, Cave, Cherwinski, Compston, Davis, DiPiero, S. Dowdy, J. Dowdy, Fisher, Gilliland, Graham, Hainrihar, Hamilton, Hines, Jones, Kavicky, Kilgore, King, Lester, Locke, Matsuda, McCann, Mollenhauer, Mueller, Muth, Nagy, Neel, Nienkirchen, O’Day, Pellegrino, Sahr, Skeel,  Smith, Souza, Stohrer, Sturdevant, Weikel, Zhang

Conservatory of Music History and Background

During the 1918-19 academic year, a department of music was established at Capital University. In 1926, the initial department became the Conservatory of Music. Throughout the years, music has become a thoroughly established and vital part of Capital University, and the Conservatory has grown in size and excellence providing intensive training on the collegiate level, as well as providing opportunities for middle school and high school ensemble performers and pre-collegiate students desiring private instruction. All members of the faculty represent professional expertise and diversity of background and experience. Several members of the faculty hold prominent positions in the greater metropolitan area’s music organizations, including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, as well as in major professional and academic organizations throughout the nation.

The Conservatory of Music offers a selective admissions policy of acceptance by audition. After being academically accepted by the university, each applicant desiring to become a Conservatory major must audition on a primary instrument (voice, woodwind, brass, keyboard, percussion, or string). Auditions are scheduled by the Admission Office and are normally conducted by two or more members of the Conservatory faculty from the student’s performance area. Students accepted on the primary instrument will be offered entry in the Conservatory.

The Conservatory of Music, offering undergraduate degree programs during the fall and spring semesters and masters programs during the summer, attracts an international student body while serving Ohio and surrounding regions through music performances, clinics, workshops, festivals, consulting work, and other research and scholarly activity. Performances are given by university students, faculty and guest artists, and include regional, national, and international ensemble tours. All activities serve communities at large, as well as public and private schools in the state and region.

The Conservatory offers courses leading to the following degrees: (1) bachelor of music in music education; (2) bachelor of music in performance with emphases in voice, wind and orchestral instruments, and piano or organ; (3) bachelor of music in jazz studies; (4) bachelor of music in keyboard pedagogy with optional emphases in piano pedagogy, organ pedagogy or church music; (5) bachelor of music in composition; (6) bachelor of music with emphasis in music industry; (7) bachelor of arts in music; (8) bachelor of music in music technology; and (9) master of music in music education with emphases in Kodály, Instrumental, or Jazz Pedagogy. The Conservatory also offers Bachelor in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Musich Technology and a music minor.  

In addition to degree offerings, the Conservatory serves the Greater Columbus Area through its Conservatory Preparatory Division for pre-collegiate musicians, Early Music in Columbus, hundreds of musical recitals and concerts annually, as well as major events such as the Christmas Festival, Jazz and World Music Festival, and the NOW MUSIC Band Festival.

Conservatory of Music Mission

The Capital University Conservatory of Music promotes excellence through creativity, performance and scholarship to enhance the value of music in everyday life.   

Conservatory of Music Learning Outcomes

Bachelor of Music Degree Students will: :

1. Demonstrate the application of technical skills and music analysis in interpreting music. 
2. Contextualize and/or communicate music through the lens of current and past cultures and societies. 
3. Develop, practice, and implement professional knowledge.
4. Articulate musical knowledge through speaking, writing, and critical listening.

B.A. in Music Degree Students will: :

1. Apply technical skills and analysis in music interpretation.
2. Contextualize and/or communicate music through the lens of current and past cultures and societies.
3. Develop and implement varied professional skills within chosen disciplines.
4. Articulate musical knowledge through speaking, writing, and critical listening.

Core Values

1. We support the Capital University mission. (Transforming lives for a brighter world.)
2. We value a blend of professional and liberal arts education.
3. We believe in providing an atmosphere dedicated to scholarly and creative activity.
4. We recognize and value the role of music within our diverse culture and the culture of others.
5. We create advocates for musical arts, education, and culture in our society.

Goals

Goal: To provide quality curricular programs in Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Music Education Programs.
Objective: We will review and evaluate our programs through employing national standards as our benchmarks.

Goal: To understand and meet the changing needs of our students, community, and society through individual inquiry and a dynamic curriculum.
Objective: We will investigate and employ best practices and methodologies for both existing and potentially new areas of curricular development.

Goal: To provide aesthetic and educational experiences for Conservatory students and the university community.
Objective: We will enhance the experience of our students and university community through ongoing programs and course offerings, guest artists, lectures, tours and other opportunities.

Goal: To demonstrate our expertise with the music profession through educational programs, service, and events.
Objective: We will expect the highest level of scholarship, leadership, and performance from our students and faculty as they interact with prospective students and collaborate with the professional arts community.

Goal: To engage in expanded forms of community outreach.
Objective: We will develop and lead initiatives to connect with a broader constituency.

Goal: To use technology in advancing the mission of the Conservatory.
Objective: We will incorporate technology as a tool for teaching, research, and learning for our Conservatory faculty and student body.

The Conservatory of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). In addition, the Conservatory is an affiliate member of the National Association of Music Merchants Affiliation of Music Business Institutions.

The Conservatory of Music occupies a complex that includes Mees Hall, Bexley Hall, and Leonard Hall. On-campus instructional equipment includes a full complement of instruments, a comprehensive electronic music studio, multiple recording and production spaces, an electronic class keyboard room, a computer classroom/lab, practice rooms, the 180-seat Huntington Recital Hall, and the 950-seat Mees Auditorium with a world-class Shantz organ.

International Music Study

Capital University offers a unique opportunity for a semester of study at the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary. Students live at the institute, which is in a restored early 18th century monastery just outside of Budapest. All classes are taught in English. The Conservatory also offers an exchange program with the Hochschüle für Musik-Carl Maria von Weber in Dresden, Germany. Because most of the courses are in the school’s native language, it is essential that exchange students have sufficient German speaking and reading skills. Students who successfully complete either program can earn 18 semester hours of university credit. The courses offered generally substitute for a typical semester of music study at the junior level. With careful planning, students can participate in these international study programs and remain on schedule for graduation. Other international programs can be arranged through Capital’s International Education office.

Requirements for all Undergraduate Music Degrees

 (Requirements vary for Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Professional Studies emphasis Music Technology degrees.)

Private Study: *The student’s chosen degree program determines the required number of semesters of private study on the primary instrument. Study on a secondary instrument is available and may be required in certain degree programs. Composition majors are required to complete private study both on a primary instrument and in composition. In addition, some study is carried out in small groups. Additional fees for all private (one-on-one) and group study are listed under SPECIAL FEES in the FINANCIAL INFORMATION section of this bulletin.

Class Keyboard: *All entering students will be placed in an appropriate Class Keyboard section (or private lesson in special cases) based upon a keyboard skills assessment administered either at the time of audition or during fall orientation.

Music Theory: *All entering students will be placed in an appropriate Musicianship/Audiation section based upon a skills assessment administered at the time of audition and/or during fall orientation.

Recital Attendance: Recital attendance is required of all students according to the minimums set forth in their chosen degree program. Students attend performances by their peers, alternating as scheduled between area and Conservatory-wide performances, and by visiting artists associated with special Conservatory events. In addition to these scheduled activities, enrolled students are required to attend 10 additional recitals or concerts that may come from any combination of on- and off-campus musical events. For additional details, refer to the most current Conservatory Student Handbook.

Additional Concert Requirements: *In addition to enrollment in Recital Attendance, attendance at 16 specified musical events is required prior to graduation. The policies and procedures related to this requirement are detailed in the annual Conservatory Student Handbook.

Ensembles: *All Conservatory majors are required to participate in at least one ensemble each semester on their primary instrument. (Composition majors who have completed the 202 level on their primary instrument may select ensembles by advisement.) Membership in ensembles is determined by audition. Participation in ensembles for students in degree programs that include a professional semester (e.g. music education, music technology) is optional during that professional semester. Participation during the professional semester requires completion of a Conservatory Exceptional Consideration form. See the Conservatory Student Handbook for additional information.

Signature Learning Requirements: In general, music majors are required to meet all goals of the university Signature Learning curriculum (see the section “Signature Learning” in this bulletin). The Fine Arts requirement is waived in all Bachelor of Music degrees, since the competencies are met by completion of the music requirements. Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree are required to take a non-music section of the Fine Arts requirement.

Conservatory Foundational Studies: Classes designed to provide specific foundational knowledge and functional skills for musicians are considered the general education curriculum of the Conservatory. The required foundational courses are designated in the individual degree programs, but in general include the topics of functional keyboard, music theory, audiation skills, music literature and history, basic conducting skills, and basic music technology awareness.

*Not required for the degree B.A. in Professional Studies, Music Technology track.

Lessons

Six categories of lessons exist: Primary, Performance Level Primary, Provisional Music Major Entry Level One-hour, Elective and Secondary One-hour, Elective and Secondary Half-Hour, and Group. Due to the extremely low faculty-to-student ratio of this course of study, a special fee is attached to all Conservatory Lessons (see “SPECIAL FEES” in the “FINANCIAL SECTION” section of this bulletin).

Non credit-bearing lessons on voice and various instruments are available through the College Preparatory Division (CPD). Additional information is available in the Conservatory Office.

Prerequisite: Conservatory Major, degree requirement or permission of the Dean in consultation with the Instructor.

Lessons may be individual or group lessons. Group Lessons consist of weekly lessons through the semester delivered to a relatively small number of students simultaneously by one instructor. The size of the group will depend on the type of lesson being taught.

Primary Lessons-(1)

Primary Lessons, required of all Bachelor of Music degree majors, normally consist of 14 hours of private (one-on-one) studio instruction on the student’s primary instrument, delivered one hour per week throughout the semester and are valued at one (1) academic credit each semester, plus an area jury at the end of each semester.

Primary Lesson course numbers coincide with the student’s performance level, as determined by the area jury process. Normally, students audition into the Conservatory at the 101 level, with normal progress consisting of advancement to 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402 in consecutive semesters. For students entering at a higher level (e.g., 201), advanced levels are offered as needed (403, 404, etc.). Minimum study and level achievement on the primary instrument is determined by the student’s degree curriculum. Prerequisite: Conservatory Major. Special Fees apply. (See “Course Fees” located at https://www.capital.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/.)

Performance Level Primary Lessons-(2)

Performance Level Primary Lessons: Following the 102 Level of study, any student may audition to study on the primary instrument at the Primary Performance Level (201P, 202P, 301P, 302P, 401P, 402P). All BM in Performance and BM in Jazz Studies degree majors are required to study six semesters at the Performance Level Primary Lesson on the primary instrument. For composition majors, five semesters of Performance Level composition lessons are required. Performance Level lessons are valued at two (2) academic credits each semester. Prerequisite: Conservatory major and acceptance via 102 Level Jury or later. Special Fee applies (See “Course Fees” located at https://www.capital.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/.)

Group Composition Hour Lessons-MUSIC 042G-(1)

Open to composition majors or by permission of the instructor for other majors.  Students will receive weekly group lessons.  Priority will be given to Music majors.  Placement is subject to faculty load availability.  Special fees are applied for instruction.  Course is repeatable for credit.  It is offered only on an as-needed basis. Special Fee applies (See “Course Fees” located at https://www.capital.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/.)

Provisional Music Major Entry Level Hour Lessons-MUSIC 098-(1)

This course is required of music majors who were not placed into MUSIC 101-One Hour Private Lessons on their primary instrument when admitted to the Conservatory and is limited to one semester. Students pursuing a BM or BA in Music must attain level 101 by the end of the course to continue as music majors. Special Fee applies (See “Course Fees” located at https://www.capital.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/.)

Elective and Secondary Half-Hour Lessons-MUSIC 099-(0.5)

Open to non-majors and music majors; required of Bachelor of Arts majors for a minimum of four semesters. Students will receive weekly private instruction on voice or a particular instrument. Priority will be given to music majors and placement is subject to faculty load availability. Repeatable for credit. Offered each semester. Special Fee applies (See “Course Fees” located at https://www.capital.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/.)

Elective and Second One Hour Lessons-MUSIC 100-(1)

Open to music majors who are pursuing studies on a secondary instrument or voice with permission of instructor.  Open to non-music majors with permission of instructor. Placement is subject to faculty load availability. Special fees are applied for one-on-one instruction. Repeatable for credit. Special Fee applies (See “Course Fees” located at https://www.capital.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/.)

Ensembles

Ensembles are open by audition to all Capital University students.

Major Ensembles-1 credit, rehearsing 3 or 6 class hours weekly

INSTRUMENTAL

50 Orchestra

51 Wind Symphony

52 Chamber Percussion Ensemble

53 Symphonic Winds

JAZZ      

55 Big Band

56 Fusion Band

57 Jazz Concert Ensemble

58 Contemporary Arts Workshop

VOCAL 

60 Chapel Choir

61 Capital Cantabile

62 Choral Union

63 Opera/Musical Theatre

65 Capital Consort

66 Philomel

OTHER 

68 Lab Band Jazz Lab  01 Lab Band MIDI band 02

69 Rock Ensemble (C.U.R.E.)

Minor Ensembles-0.5 credit, rehearsing 1 or 2 class hours weekly

Courses for Non-Music Majors

Prerequisites: None for most, permission of the instructor for some. Open to all Capital University students. Conservatory majors are given priority placement in these courses if the course cap is reached. See Course Descriptions. Ensembles open to all students, regardless of major, by audition (see above).

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