Please make it a habit to check your student email account every day for personal messages and announcements pertaining to the School of Music and the University. Also, look at the bulletin boards on each floor of the Wilson Music Building and in Massey Performing Arts Center for important information including class changes, important meetings, job opportunities and student activities.
Accompanists
Vocalists will need to find an accompanist for private lessons and for practice as needed (typical accompanist time is 1-2 hours weekly). Instrumentalists may need an accompanist for performances and rehearsals. A list of student and professional accompanists will be posted on the MyBelmont student e-board. Your applied teacher may also be able to recommend an accompanist. Accompanist fees vary, and are usually negotiated on an individual basis.
Course Fees
Course fees are charged to cover the additional costs of music instruction. A list of fees can be found on classfinder.belmont.edu or catalog.belmont.edu. Private lesson course fees range from $150 to $300 per semester, depending on credit hour. Class Piano classes have a course fee of $90 per semester.
Keyboards
Music students are strongly encouraged to own a portable electronic keyboard for personal use and study. Students will benefit in many classes from having access to a keyboard. Theory classes often have keyboard assignments, and teachers expect that students will have access to a keyboard for doing homework and reinforcing class activities. A keyboard with full-size keys and a 5 octave range (approximately 61 keys) is recommended.
Computers and Music Technology
Music students are strongly encouraged to own any standard Macintosh or Windows based computer utilizing the latest operating system for the computer platform. A laptop is preferred based on portability and functionality. Recommended specs include 16GB of RAM and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel). Music Technology majors are strongly encouraged to own any major DAW program along with a MIDI Keyboard controller (with USB capabilities), an external audio interface, at least one external hard-drive, and at least 1 basic dynamic (hand-held) microphone. Students in Music Technology classes will also have access to the School of Music labs that are equipped with music related software utilize for the music technology classes. For questions and more details concerning music technology needs, please contact the Coordinator of Music Technology, Professor Keith Mason.
Music
You are required to purchase music for your applied lessons, just as you are required to buy textbooks for other classes. The amount of music you need will depend upon your present stock of music and your level of training. Your applied teacher will help to determine what you will need.
Performance Attire
All majors and minors will participate in performances throughout the year that will require them to wear formal black attire.
Women
Measurements will be taken for women's dresses during the first few weeks of classes (watch for signs about time and place). Women should be prepared to pay approximately $150 at the time measurements are taken. This will pay for a dress, jewelry, and shoes.
Men
If you have a tuxedo, pleated shirt, black cummerbund, standard black bow tie, studs and cuff links, you may bring them and have your ensemble director look at them to see if they are acceptable. If you do not have a tux or if your tux is not suitable for School of Music performances, we have arranged for the men to purchase tuxedos through a local vendor. Measurements will be taken for tuxedos during the first few weeks of classes (watch for signs about time and place). The cost for a full tuxedo (everything mentioned above) is approximately $285 plus tax. If you need items a la carte, you may order as needed. Half of payment will be required at the time of measurement, and the balance will be due upon delivery. Men will also be required to wear black socks and black dress shoes with their tuxedos and should be prepared to have those by the first performance.
Lockers
Storage lockers are available for rent through the School of Music office each semester, beginning the first week of classes. The School of Music has lockers in the McAfee Annex, Belmont Heights, Hitch Building, Massey Performing Arts Center, and Wilson Music Building. There are a variety of sizes of lockers, though large lockers are prioritized by ensemble directors for students with large instruments. Students who wish to use a locker should come to the School of Music office in the Wilson Music Building and see April Simpkins at the front desk.
School of Music Office
When you have questions about something to do with the School of Music, someone in the SOM Office in the Wilson Music Building should be able to assist you. Please e-mail or drop by the SOM Office in the Wilson Music Building and speak to April at the front desk. For more general questions, visit Belmont Central or call 615-460-5402.