New Students

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I take the Music Theory Placement Exam?

The Online Exam is available starting June 1 for new students. 

How do I sign up for lessons?

Visit our Music Lessons webpage for information on signing up for lessons.

Do lessons cost money?

All private music lessons and group classes require an additional fee on top of regular tuition. 

The rates for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:
Half-hour private lessons: $660 per semester 
One-hour private lessons: $1320 per semester

$385 per student for group lessons

*Note: Voice Class (MUSC 106 and 107) and Piano Class (MUSC 109) no longer require an additional fee.
See the Scholarships & Awards page for information on scholarships that can cover or defray the cost of lessons.

Are there scholarships available for lessons?

Yes, scholarships are available for members of faculty-directed ensembles.

How do I join the Glee Club?

Check out the Glee Club Prospective Members Page for detailed information on auditions, repertoire and more!

When are the Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble auditions?

For orchestra auditions, please complete the audition form. Once the audition form is submitted, you will be assigned an audition time. Jazz Ensemble auditions will be Monday, 8/26, 6:00pm-10:00pm; for more information, contact Director Jonathan Richards at richards@oxy.edu.

I need a practice room to prepare for auditions. How can I get access to one?

Visit the Practice Room Policies webpage for more information.

I'm a percussionist and need to prepare for auditions. How can I get access to percussion instruments? 

If you are auditioning for Symphony Orchestra or Jazz Ensemble, contact Prof. Kim to schedule time to use the facilities.

For percussionists to gain access to the Percussion Studio, they must be taking lessons with either Prof. Yuri Inoo or Prof. Jamey Tate. There are no exceptions to this rule.

I hear there's a new production center - how do I get access?

Visit the Production Center FAQ page for more information.

I want to form a band this year on campus. Is there a room in the department where we can practice?

While the department does not have any space for student band rehearsals, the College has just completed creating a band rehearsal space for the student community. Contact SLICE about this space.

I have an instrument that I don't want to keep in my room. Is there an instrument locker I can use?

Instrument lockers are reserved for members of faculty-directed ensembles. Please contact Chris Kim for a locker assignment.

Is there an Oxy instrument I can borrow such as a string bass, viola, etc.?

Yes. There are a limited number of instruments available for members of the Symphony Orchestra and the Jazz Ensemble.

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More Information

2023-2024 Catalog

Course Counts

Music Theory Placement Exam

Whether you’re interested in  majoring in Music  or simply taking a  songwriting or production  course, you will need to begin by taking music theory courses. If you’ve already studied music theory, then you need to take the online  Music Theory Placement Exam , if you haven’t done so already. If you haven’t studied music theory previously, then you should enroll in MUSC 101 Music Theory I, which is only offered in the fall semester.  

PLEASE NOTE, the four-course music theory sequence is offered every academic year as follows:

     Fall Semester             MUSC 101, MUSC 251/251A

Spring Semester            MUSC 151/151A, MUSC 351/351A

Music Lesson Placement & Ensemble Scholarship Auditions

If you want to take private lessons for voice or an instrument, or if you want to play in an ensemble , you need to fill out the Music Lesson Placement & Ensemble Scholarship Auditions form. These informal auditions will help us place you with an instructor suited to your needs. You will also be considered for ensemble scholarships. 

Audition Sign-up Form

Ensemble Auditions

If you want to  perform in an ensemble , you should sign up for an audition. All audition schedules and sign-up sheets, as well as descriptions of each of our ensembles, can be found on the Ensembles page. If you're new to playing music, don't worry; College Chorus, Son Jarocho Ensemble, and Afro-Cuban Drumming Ensemble don't require auditions and welcome beginners.