Guidelines
for the
Oral Competency Examination
for
Senior Music Majors
(rev. 7/11/02)

All music majors are required to satisfactorily complete a demonstration of senior competency before being eligible to graduate. All music majors must pass written examinations in music theory and music history. Bachelor of Arts candidates must also pass a senior recital requirement. Bachelor of Science candidates are required to submit a satisfactory senior music technology portfolio as well as pass a written comprehensive examination in music technology. More complete information on these requirements are available on-line at www.unca.edu/music/handbook.htm.

All music degree candidates must pass also an oral demonstration of senior competency. This demonstration of competency includes a formal presentation to the full-time music faculty. Degree candidates should prepare a seven- to ten-minute presentation that focuses on the similarity and differences of two works presented in their senior recital or music technology portfolio. The candidate should articulate the significance of these works within the context of theoretical and/or historical perspectives. Candidates may not use written notes. If directly pertinent to their presentation, students may bring copies of notated scores and parts for faculty members’ use. B.S. candidates should be prepared to play brief recorded excerpts from their music technology portfolio to illustrate the salient points of their oral presentation.

Following the presentation, the faculty will ask students to respond to questions pertinent to one or more of the following: oral presentation, written examinations and senior recital/portfolio.

NOTE: You do not need to make separate application for this examination. You will be notified of your eligibility to take this examination after successful completion of your other senior competency requirements, i.e., written theory, history, music technology examinations and recital or technology portfolio (as appropriate to your degree requirements).