Music at Hamilton
Solo Performance
Solo Performance is a college level course for which a letter grade is given. An intermediate or higher skill level is expected, and some public performance is central to the course. Beginning or early-level students who are studying an instrument or voice at Hamilton College may enroll in Applied Music study.
Half-hour weekly tutorial for .25 credit, or hour weekly tutorial for .5 credit and graded A-F. In order to be accepted into Solo Performance, a student must be capable of delivering an acceptable performance of intermediate level repertoire and have the permission of the instructor. In order to continue in Solo Performance for subsequent semesters, the student must demonstrate improvement in technique and musicality. It may be repeated for credit with the consent of the instructor. Senior non-concentrators may not begin lessons at the Solo Performance level unless they have already studied at the Applied Music level prior to their senior year.
Students in Solo Performance must perform on at least one Weekday Musicale. This requirement is waived for students performing on a List Musicale during that semester of study. Students may choose to audition for the Student concert. A student who fails to participate in any one of these required performances will automatically fail the course.
Successful completion of, or placement out of, Mus 110 must occur within three semesters of Solo Performance study (students may email Prof. Carter to take the Music Theory Placement Exam if they wish to place out of Mus 110). Subsequent semesters of Solo Performance may not be taken without this prerequisite.
Students enrolled in Solo Performance must be able to perform solo repertoire of at least intermediate level in a creditable manner before a live audience. Intermediate level work should approximate the kind of performance expected of a high school senior who is auditioning for general admission to a school of music. Teachers who are familiar with NYSSMA guidelines may refer to grade 5 listings for suggestions as to what might constitute appropriate repertoire prerequisites for enrollment in Hamilton College’s Solo Performance classes.
Music concentrators are encouraged to study Solo Performance for at least four semesters in addition to participation in department ensembles. Students who are preparing recitals are required to register for Advanced Solo Performance.
Course Description
Skill Level
Students in Solo Performance should have reached at least an intermediate level of performance skill:
- Be able to perform solo repertoire of at least intermediate level in a creditable manner before a live audience.
- Intermediate level work should approximate the level expected of a high school senior who is auditioning for general admission to a school of music.
- Teachers who are familiar with NYSSMA guidelines may refer to grade 5 listings for suggestions as to appropriate repertoire for enrollment in Hamilton College's Solo Performance classes.
Course Requirements
A. Mus 225: 1/2 hour lessons for 1/4 credit
B. Mus 226: 1 hour lessons for 1/2 credit
C. Student must be performing at an intermediate level.
D. Letter grade given
E. Public performance required (see details below)
F. Concert attendance required (see details below)
G. Successful completion of, or placement out of, Mus 110 must occur within the first 3 semesters of Solo Performance Study. Students may place out of Mus 110 by passing the Music Theory Placement Exam. Students may email Prof. Carter to take this exam. Subsequent semesters of Solo Performance may not be taken without this prerequisite.
H. Consent of Instructor required.
I. Solo Performance students may revert to an Applied Music course at any time.
Grades are based on:
A. Improvement in
1. Technique
2. Musicianship
3. Performance
B. practice
1. Five 30-minute practice sessions per week required for 1/2 hour lessons
2. Five 60-minute practice sessions per week required for 1 hour lessons
3. An unprepared lesson is considered an unexcused absence
C. Lesson Attendance
1. two unexcused absences result in a midterm warning
2. three unexcused absences result in course failure
D. Concert Attendance (programs on which the student is not performing; one of which must be the Student Concert)
1. Hour lessons: five concerts required per semester
2. Half hour lessons: three concerts required per semester
3. Other events as required by the teacher
4. Failure to meet concert attendance requirement will result in a grade reduction.
5. Students are expected to purchase any necessary materials for this course.
Performance Requirement
Students in Solo Performance must perform on at least one Weekday Musicale to pass the course. This requirement is waived for students performing on a List Musicale during that semester of study. Students may choose to audition for the Student Soloists Concert.