Quick Tips for New Students!

No matter what your major is, we invite you to join us!

 

There are three main ways for you to get involved:

1. Private lessons
2. Ensembles
3. Academic classes (theory, history and culture, composition and arranging, and more)

Private lessons are available in all orchestral instruments, guitar, voice, and keyboard (piano, organ), including jazz guitar and jazz piano.

1. To register for lessons, look for the Music course L27-100 in WebSTAC.
   1. Register for the letter and section that corresponds to your instrument.
   2. Register for 1 unit if you want 30 minute lessons; register for 2 units for a 1-hour lesson.
   3. Decide if you would like regular grading, pass/fail, or audit (no credit given)
2. Sign up online for a placement audition. Students without experience will have an interview instead.
3. Go to your audition/interview. You will be assigned a teacher following this appointment.
4. Contact your assigned teacher ASAP to set up a lesson time that works for both of you.
5. Be sure to note the lesson fees, as well as rebates and scholarships.
6. How to reduce your lesson fees:
   • Be a music major: receive a 100% rebate for up to 2 instruments.
   • Join a large ensemble: receive a 50% rebate for 1 instrument.
   • Join a large ensemble and be a music minor: receive a 100% rebate.
   • Be a music minor (without joining an ensemble): receive a $100 rebate.

NOTE: All students receiving need-based financial aid from the university receive an automatic rebate of approximately 40%. You may petition for more aid if needed.

To be eligible for major or minor rebates, your major or minor declaration must be approved by Sept. 15 or Feb. 15. The approval process includes scheduling a meeting with the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the department’s administrative coordinator—make sure you allow time for that meeting!

 

 

Ensembles are our performing groups.

 

Large ensembles: orchestra, wind ensemble, choir, jazz band

Small ensembles: chamber string ensembles and small jazz combos

 

1. Auditions for instrumental ensembles are held in the first days of the semester. Choir auditions continue through the end of the drop/add period.
2. Sign up online for an audition time.
3. Go to your audition. You will be assigned to an ensemble following your audition.
4. Register for your assigned ensemble through WebSTAC.
5. Note that our small ensembles (jazz combo, chamber strings) carry a fee. Rebates and scholarships are available for small ensembles, too.
6. Be sure to consult the syllabus of your assigned ensemble for concert dates, attendance requirements, and other important information.

 

Academic music classes are open to all, even if you aren’t a music major or minor. Check the course description to see if the class you’re interested in has any prerequisites. Some require the first semester or first year of Music Theory, for example.

 

Degree programs in music include the Minor in Music (18 units of credit), the Minor in Jazz Studies (18 units), the Bachelor of Arts degree (45 units), and the Bachelor of Music degree (55-70 units, depending on area of emphasis).

 

No audition is required for the minor programs or the BA. An audition is required for the BMus.

 

Questions about ensembles or lessons? Contact Ensemble Coordinator Jamie Perkins, jmperkin@wustl.edu or 314-935-3913.

 

Questions about academic courses or majoring/minoring in music? Contact Director of Undergraduate Studies Christopher Stark, starkca@wustl.edu.