Orientation & Registration

Preparation for Matriculation for Undergraduates
Orientation
Registration
Academic and Departmental Policies

Orientation Materials

PREPARATION FOR MATRICULATION FOR UNDERGRADUATES

Before matriculating at Eastman, all entering undergraduates are advised to develop their basic musical skills (keyboard, sight-singing, ear-training) to the highest level. Work in all three areas is required immediately in the undergraduate theory courses, and students with insufficient skills will be required to take remedial courses which may be challenging and which may delay any elective coursework until late in the degree program. A list of appropriate books and software for review is included in the orientation materials co-ordinated by the Admissions Office.

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ORIENTATION

Several days before the start of the school year, Eastman holds a program of orientation meetings, tests, auditions, and other activities for all entering students. The tests and auditions help determine placement. A schedule of orientation activities is published during the summer on the Dean of Students’ website: www.rochester.edu/orientation. The following is a partial list of orientation activities for undergraduates and graduates:

• Undergraduate theory exam: A two-hour written theory placement exam plus individual skills interviews (sight-singing and keyboard) are given to all entering freshmen. The results of this test determine placement in theory classes including, if necessary, placement in remedial theory classes.

• Graduate placement exams: Graduate students take an advanced-standing theory test to validate their undergraduate theory courses. Entering graduate students also take a music history examination. Those students with deficiencies in theory or history will be required to complete remedial courses that are not included in the total credits for the degree. Summer courses offered at Eastman allow graduate students to get a head start on their testing and remedial requirements. All new masters degree students take a Listening Exam during orientation week; repertory is available in a streamed, online format during the summer in preparation for this exam.

• Advanced standing or placement for undergraduates: All decisions regarding advanced standing or placement are made by the Eastman registrar in consultation with department chairs, generally prior to registration. Details concerning “Advanced Standing” are available on the registrar’s office website using the search feature embedded within the webpage.

• Undergraduate piano class audition: This audition is required for all entering undergraduate students, except for students whose primary applied music subject is piano or organ. The purpose of the audition is to place incoming students in appropriate piano classes, or to exempt students from piano study. Students exempted on the basis of previous experience and achievement have the option of electing private secondary piano lessons.

• Ensemble auditions: Auditions for conducting faculty in large instrumental ensembles take place during the first week of classes in the fall. Auditions for vocal ensembles take place during orientation.

• Orientation seminars: Seminars are offered on a number of topics by the Dean of Students Office. These aim to orient new students to the Eastman environment.

• Social events: A number of social events are offered during orientation, including picnics, dances, happy hours for graduate students, and activities designed to help students become better acquainted. The Eastman Orientation Committee, the Resident Assistant staff, and the Graduate Student Association all sponsor social events during this period.

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REGISTRATION

Registration for courses for new students takes place at the end of orientation, after students have completed placement testing. All students are assigned faculty advisers; all matters concerning registration for classes should be initiated with, and approved by, the adviser prior to registration. Undergraduate students combining a BM at Eastman with a degree at the College will be assigned advisers on both campuses.

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ACADEMIC AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES

The Academic Policy Handbook published by the registrar contains detailed information on degree requirements. In addition, it contains course numbers and descriptions needed for registration. The handbook may be found on the Registrar’s Office website at www.rochester.edu/registrar.

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