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Esther Boyer College of Music web site: www.temple.edu/music/
Esther Boyer College of Music email address: music@blue.temple.edu
Founded 1962
Jeffrey Cornelius, Dean
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.
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The Esther Boyer College of Music 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 - is reflected broadly in the life of the College: in curricula and instruction; institutional policy; the 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 provide professional education to the student seeking a career in music, to provide opportunities for the general University student to study and experience music, and to share its musical life with the public.
The Esther Boyer College of Music was named to honor Mrs. Esther Boyer Griswold, Temple Alumna, for her generosity to the College of Music. Her endowment has permitted the College to provide substantial scholarships and other forms of funding for talented students.
The College maintains a tradition of high caliber musical training through active and innovative programs designed to focus on the individualized art of music-making. Within the framework of the large, diversified University, this performance-oriented College provides a maximum level of personal interaction with a 10 to 1 student-faculty ratio.
The College's reputation for excellence is founded on the work of a faculty whose distinction as performers, scholars, and, most of all, teachers, has won acclaim for the Esther Boyer College of Music. Temple alumni have distinguished themselves in virtually every area of the professional musical world-from positions in major metropolitan orchestras, opera houses, concert halls, recording studios and jazz clubs, in this country and abroad, to teaching on every level in public and private schools and in colleges and universities throughout the country.
Performance opportunities are an integral part of each curriculum, whether the student is enrolled as a performance major or in another concentration. The Temple choirs, comprised of the Concert Choir, University Singers, and University Chorale, offer experiences in a wide variety of choral literature. The Temple choral experience has included tours, broadcasts, and numerous concerts and recordings with major orchestras. Instrumentalists can perform with several large ensembles such as the University Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. Specialized ensemble experience is available to members of the Wind Chamber Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, and a wide variety of string, wind, and brass chamber groups. The Early Music Ensemble offers students the experience of performing early music on reproductions of authentic instruments. The Opera Theatre provides vocal students with opportunities to perform in fully-staged opera productions as well as programs of opera scenes and excerpts.
In 1986-87, the instrumental performance program was significantly enhanced by the merger of The New School of Music with the Esther Boyer College of Music. Guided since its founding by members of the Curtis String Quartet, The New School of Music was devoted to the education of musicians for careers as orchestra or chamber ensemble players. In joining two distinguished faculties, and in establishing The New School Institute in a new Department of Instrumental Ensemble and Orchestral Studies, this merger has broadened the opportunities for private instrumental study and for training in the performance of chamber ensemble and orchestral literature.
The Esther Boyer College of Music 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 Esther Boyer College of Music 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.
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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 Examination
An audition in the major performing medium and a series of
tests must be completed before an applicant can be accepted into
the Esther Boyer College of Music. After submitting the
application, it is the applicant's responsibility to schedule one
of the test dates which is most convenient. This may be done by
writing or calling the Office of the Dean, Esther Boyer College
of Music, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122; (215)
204-8301. The requirements for these tests are listed below. Entrance
examinations are given in the Esther Boyer College of Music,
Presser Hall, which is located on the northeast corner of 13th
and Norris Streets.
Final auditions for the fall semester are usually scheduled in March. Please contact the College regarding deadlines for priority scholarship consideration. Applicants for admission to the spring semester must take the tests in December and applications must be received no later than November 1st.
Transfer students follow the same procedures as new applicants. If the applicant is unable to be present because of distance, a tape may be acceptable. Tapes should be sent to Ms. Linda White, Director of Music Admissions, Boyer College of Music, Presser Hall, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122.
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.
Transfer Credits
In addition to the University's statement regarding transfer
credit (see Undergraduate Admissions), the Esther Boyer
College of Music 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.
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VOICE
Voice Performance Major
Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance
Applicants should prepare the following audition: 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. These songs should be memorized and sung in their original languages.
Voice Concentration
Applicants should prepare the following audition: an Italian song; an English song. These songs should be memorized and sung in their original languages.
PIANO
Piano Performance Major
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, all four octaves together, quickly.
Repertory: Three pieces representing the following stylistic periods all of which 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: Piece of advanced difficulty. Sight Reading.
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 together.
Repertory: Three pieces representing the following stylistic periods of which 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: Piece of equivalent difficulty, to be chosen by the applicant.
STRINGS
String Performance Major
Bachelor of Music in String Performance
Technique: Scales and arpeggios, major and minor, three
octaves, and an etude of advanced difficulty.
Repertory: 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, three octaves; an etude.
Repertory: Two contrasting movements from a Baroque sonata; a Romantic or Contemporary piece.
CLASSICAL GUITAR
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 with nylon strings using finger style, no plectrum.
Technique: Scales and arpeggios, major and minor, two and three octaves; an etude by Fernando Sor or Hector Villa Lobos
Repertory: A work from the 17th century; a work from the 18th century; and a work from the 20th century. Compositions must be performed from memory with at least one lasting more than five minutes.
PERCUSSION
A list of specific percussion audition requirements is available upon request from the Dean's office of the Esther Boyer College of Music.
INSTRUMENTAL MAJORS AND CONCENTRATIONS
(other than string players and pianists)
All woodwind and brass performance applicants should be prepared to play two movements of a sonata or other solo work, two contrasting etudes, and orchestral excerpts.
All woodwind and brass concentration applicants should be prepared to play one movement of a solo work and two contrasting etudes.
JAZZ STUDIES 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).
Accompaniment-chord instruments will be asked to accompany in
various styles, jazz, Latin, etc.
Repertoire-choose one tune from two categories from the Temple repertoire list (provided upon request). Selections will be performed from memory and candidates will be expected to improvise on them. Sight-reading-in the jazz idiom. Chord instruments are expected to sight-read both melody and accompaniment. Rhythm players will be asked to accompany different styles: jazz, Latin, etc. A drum packet is available upon request. Taped auditions must include all of the components listed above. The sight-reading component must be replaced with an etude (either traditional or jazz).
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Voice
Scales-major and minor (harmonic) using solfege syllables, one octave. Vocalists are expected to perform two contrasting tunes from the Temple repertoire list (from memory). Bring an audiotape of the accompaniment to these two selections to your audition. Taped auditions must include accompaniment. Candidates are expected to improvise (scat sing) on the blues form.
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Arranging and Composition
In addition to the performance requirements listed above, candidates should provide a 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 with a Jazz Component
Candidates should expect to complete the requirements for the specific program listed above as well as complete a classical audition.
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.
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Financial aid is available to full-time undergraduates in the form of scholarships, loans, grants, music grants-in-aid, and work-study programs.
Financial aid awards are made after the student has been admitted as a fully matriculated student. Specific music scholarships and awards for graduates and undergraduates include the following:
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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, a recording studio, student and faculty lounges, and a large listening library. Presser Hall's performance facilities include Klein Recital Hall and Arronson Rehearsal Hall. Also utilized by the Esther Boyer College of Music are Tomlinson Theater and Thomas Hall, located one block 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 is located at 1938 Park Mall. It houses over 6000 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. In addition, an audio studio provides a laboratory for student training in audio engineering.
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; an additional audio room with 10,000 phono-discs and tapes available for student and faculty use is available in the Zahn Learning Center in Ritter Hall.
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Undergraduate Diploma Program
In addition to undergraduate degree programs, the College offers a four-year non-baccalaureate Diploma program for undergraduates in keyboard, voice, orchestral instruments, and classical guitar. This program--similar to a conservatory curriculum--is designed for students who do not plan to go on to study in a graduate degree program, but rather wish to enter the performance profession upon completion of intensive undergraduate training in music. Prospective Diploma students are encouraged to talk with the appropriate department chair about the program prior to an audition. Curriculum sheets are available upon request from the Boyer College. Call 215-204-8598.
Music Technology Component
In addition to coursework leading to bachelor's 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 student's freshman through senior years, 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. The table below summarizes the music technology component.
| Content Area | Requirements | Credits |
| Core Curriculum Science (6 cr) | Acoustics (Physics C067) | 3 |
| Comp. In Mus. App. (MUS ST C315) | 3 | |
| Music Notation (3 cr) | Tech. For Ed. In Music (MUS ED 331) | 3 |
| Interactive Multimedia (6 cr) | Interactive Multimedia I (MUS ED 332) | 3 |
| Interactive Multimedia II (MUS ED 333) | 3 | |
| Audio Engineering (3 cr) | Sound Recording (MUS ST 321) | 3 |
| Synthesis and Sequencing (9 cr) | Computer Synthesis (MUS ST 316) | 3 |
| Composing for Media (MUS ST 335) | 3 | |
| MIDI (MUS ST 346) | 3 | |
| Advanced Work (3 cr) | Independent Study | 3 |
| Electives (minimum 6 cr) | Computer Music Studio (MUS ST 347) | 2 |
| Audio Production (BTMM/FMA 275) | 4 | |
| Calculus (C085) | 4 | |
| C programming (CIS C081 or C071) | 4 | |
| Other electives as developed | ||
| TOTAL with Electives | 36 |
An example of how the Music Technology component can be incorporated into a five-year option can be found in the Program Description section of this Bulletin under the Music Education Department. Students interested in adding the component to their curriculum should contact their respective chair for further information and specific curriculum guidelines.
Music Preparatory Division and Community Music Program of the Esther Boyer College
The Music Preparatory Division offers pre-college students and adults an opportunity to pursue music studies with artist-teachers from the Philadelphia area.
For young musicians from birth to college age, Temple Music Prep can provide the foundation for a career in music or its lifelong enjoyment through musicianship classes, private instruction, and ensembles. A special "Center for Gifted Young Musicians" is available by audition for talented youths from 6 to 17 years of age.
For adults seeking to develop their musical skills and broaden both their knowledge and appreciation of music, the Division offers a varied curriculum of lessons and classes in performance, music theory, and music listening. The Esther Boyer College of Music Preparatory and Extension Division is located at Temple University's Center City Campus, 1616 Walnut Street, in the heart of metropolitan Philadelphia and at Temple's suburban Ambler Campus, Meetinghouse Road and Butler Pike, Ambler, PA.
Acceptance into the program is based upon a personal interview. For further information concerning curricula and fees, write to Mrs. Nancy Hess, Director, Preparatory Division, Temple University Center City, 1616 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 or phone 215-204-1512.
The Temple University Community Music Program provides a unique package of musical training and experiences for young people who inhabit the larger area surrounding Temple University. Up to two hundred children each year receive this special privilege. The tuition-free program includes instrumental lessons, orchestra, large ensembles, workshops, and concerts.
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The University policies and regulations generally apply to all undergraduate students and provide a framework within which schools and colleges may specify further conditions or variations appropriate to students in their courses or programs. Policies specific to the College follow.
Band Camp and Choir Retreat
Each fall, prior to the opening of school, the University Marching Band holds its annual band camp. In addition to having a concentrated four day work period to prepare for the coming season, students get to know each other in both a working and social relationship. They also become acquainted with the group directors personally and professionally. Attendance at band camp is mandatory for group participation.
The University Concert Choir often meets a few days prior to fall classes or during the first weekend of fall classes for extensive rehearsals.
The University Orchestra initiates its rehearsal schedule with the beginning of classes in the fall.
Courses Inapplicable to Graduation
Courses completed in ELECT, SRAP, Military Science, Mathematics 0015 and 0045 and, for some programs, Mathematics 0073 and 0074, do not accrue toward graduation.
Dean's List
Undergraduates honored by inclusion on the Dean's List must have completed 12 semester hours, have no "Incompletes," and have a GPA of at least 3.50.
Ensemble Requirements
Graduation Procedures
Upon completion of 80 semester hours of course work, it is the students' responsibility to initiate an appointment with their advisers and the Associate Dean to be certain they are meeting all University, College, departmental, and program requirements in anticipation of their graduation.
Early in the semester in which requirements for graduation will be completed, each student must pick up an Application for Graduation form from the Main Office (before the established deadline) and pay the University graduation fee at the Student Financial Services Office. The validated Treasurer's receipt should accompany the completed application form which is submitted to the Office of the Dean
Independent Study
Independent Study provides a special opportunity for juniors and seniors to work in a highly individualized setting with one or more faculty members.
Those who wish to design an Independent Study project must prepare a written proposal six months in advance of the semester in which the study is to be accomplished. This proposal is then submitted for the approval of a special Honors subcommittee of the Academic Planning and Review Committee, which includes the Dean and Associate Dean. Private lessons beyond those required in the curriculum are not an appropriate form of Independent Study.
Professional Development Policy
All students in the College, in addition to passing the required subjects toward their degrees, are obligated to serve in a number of capacities in order to enrich their academic and musical expertise. The Boyer College believes that such experiences give impetus to successful professional careers. Among the duties that may be required are conducting laboratory classes, tutoring, teaching private lessons, coaching, participating in the distribution and inventory control of University-owned musical instruments and instructional materials, participating in ensembles, accompanying, supervising performance classes, and other academically-related activities. In addition, Boyer College of Music performances must be given priority over non-college commitments.
Recital and Concert Attendance
The Dean and Faculty of the Esther Boyer College of Music consider recital and concert attendance to be a significant educational activity in the training of a musician. It is largely through the process of active listening that the young musician develops powers of discrimination and critical judgment with relation to musical performance. Therefore, attendance at a minimum of 16 College recitals or concerts throughout the course of an academic year is mandatory for full-time undergraduate students. Part-time, matriculated undergraduate students are also responsible for attending a specific number of concerts in a direct ratio to the number of credits for which they are registered. During student teaching, therapy internship, or senior recital, this requirement is waived. A minimum of 56 recitals is needed to complete the requirement. The requirement for full-time transfer students will be based on the number of semesters they attended the Boyer College. Failure to comply with this ruling may result in delay of graduation from the College.
Recital Extension Policy
Some students may need to extend their applied study beyond the required number of semesters in order to complete the preparation for the Senior Recital. Students who do not present a recital during the recital semester will receive the grade of "Incomplete" and must register for Music 300-Recital Extension for 2 semester hours of non-degree credit. Recital Extension must be taken each semester until the recital has been presented. The sole exceptions to this rule are as follows:
At the satisfactory completion of the recital, the "Incomplete" for the recital course will be replaced by a letter grade. Music 300 -- Recital Extension will then be issued a grade of "CR". Credit derived from this course will not be counted toward degree requirements.
Private applied lessons beyond the eight semester requirement currently in effect for undergraduate performance majors may be taken by permission of the jury and/or the appropriate performance department chairman. Music 300-Recital Extension carries a $350 fee (subject to change without notice). Tuition scholarships do not cover this private lesson fee.
Screening for Music Students
All music departments reserve the right to dismiss an undergraduate student at any time from a given undergraduate degree program, regardless of grade point average, if in the opinion of the major department, he or she is unable to meet departmental standards. The decision will receive automatic review by the Academic Review and Planning Committee. The student has the right to appeal the dismissal to the Academic Review and Planning Committee of the Boyer College of Music.
Undergraduate Private Lesson Policy
Weekly one-hour private lessons are arranged for full-time matriculated undergraduates in the Boyer College for as many semesters as required by the particular curriculum. (A full-time student must be registered for at least 12 credits each semester.) A per semester lesson fee of $150 (subject to change without notice)-above and beyond the regular tuition-will be automatically added to the tuition charge of each student for this study. Students who do not complete a minimum of 12 semester hours must pay a private lesson fee of $350 for the succeeding semester of private lessons. Students who are accepted for a double concentration or a double major in performance must be fully accepted by both departments by audition. A private lesson fee of $350 is assessed for the second instrument. Approval of the Associate Dean is required for all students desiring a double major or double concentration. Tuition scholarships granted by the Boyer College do not cover the private lesson fees.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF MUSIC
The degree of Bachelor of Music may be conferred upon the recommendation of the faculty and the completion of a minimum of 124 credit hours distributed in three requirement areas: the University Core Curriculum, Boyer College of Music requirements, and major or program requirements, described in Program Descriptions.
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Comments and questions about the Esther Boyer School of Music may be sent to music@blue.temple.edu.
Boyer College of Music web site: www.temple.edu/music/