Music Student Recitals
Overview
The following degree programs in music have recital components. Students must enroll in the appropriate course during the semester of their recital and complete the requirements as detailed below. Please read all materials carefully before the beginning of the semester, as it is critical to meet the required deadlines.
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
MUS 492: Senior Recital-Music Education Majors (Required)
- This is a half-hour solo recital of representative literature. Students must be enrolled in Applied Music in the semester in which the recital is performed.
- 0 credit hours
- Prerequisites: 12 credit hours (six semesters) of Applied Music in the appropriate instrument
Bachelor of Music in Performance
MUS 391: Junior Recital (Required)
- This is a half-hour solo recital of appropriate literature. Students must be enrolled in Applied Music in the semester in which the recital is performed.
- 0 credit hours
- Prerequisites: 15 credit hours (five semesters) of Applied Music in the appropriate instrument
MUS 493: Senior Recital-Music Performance Majors (Required)
- This is a one-hour solo recital of representative literature. Students must be enrolled in Applied Music in the semester in which the recital is performed.
- 0 credit hours
- Prerequisites: 21 credit hours (seven semesters) of Applied Music in the appropriate instrument.
Master of Music Education
MUS 591: Graduate Recital (may be required, according to student's individual Plan of Study)
- Students perform a public recital of literature from various stylistic periods.
- 0 credit hours
- Prerequisites: Consent of departmental graduate committee.
Recital Committee
Your recital committee must consist of three faculty members, one of whom will of course be your applied instructor. The others may be any combination of full-time or part-time faculty of your choosing. Get a commitment from each committee member by obtaining his/her signature on the Recital Reservation Request Form.
Scheduling Procedures
On Campus
Senior and graduate recitals are usually performed in Sapinsley Hall, although Roberts Auditorium, the Forman Theatre or Room 198 may also be used. Junior recitals are performed in Room 198. Space must be reserved well in advance of the event.
A list of available dates and times must be obtained by meeting with your instructor. Schedule this meeting by emailing your instructor during the first week of classes.
In consultation with your teacher, accompanist, committee members and the instructor, select a date and time from among the available choices.
Request the date and time by completing the Recital Reservation Request Form, obtaining the necessary signatures (committee members and accompanist) and returning it to the instructor. Be advised that, once selected and reserved, the date and time cannot be changed without a great deal of difficulty.
The instructor will submit an online request for the recital reservation, and you and your applied instructor will receive confirmation of the request by email. PLEASE NOTE: This is only a request at this point, not a confirmed reservation. Do not publicize the recital yet or invite friends and family. Once approved, you and your applied instructor will receive a second email confirming the request. It is only at this point that your recital date/time is official.
Off Campus
You may also choose to perform your recital off-campus, though any associated rental/custodial costs are your responsibility. Churches and schools are common off-campus venues.
In consultation with your teacher, accompanist, committee members and the instructor, select a date and time that is available at your off-campus venue.
Complete the Recital Reservation Request Form, obtaining the necessary signatures (committee members and accompanist), and return it to the instructor.
As long as YOU have confirmation of the off-campus venue from the appropriate person, at this point your recital date/time is official.
Required Written Items
Press Release
A press release of professional quality must be submitted electronically to the instructor eight weeks before the recital date. Length should be 200-300 words and ONE PAGE MAXIMUM. Use online sources of help such as the New England Conservatory. 
Accuracy of content, spelling, grammar, sentence structure and appealing format are all important. Once approved, the press release must be submitted to at least three local news outlets (including the RIC Office of College Communications and Marketing) by the student.
Recital Program
Using the Recital Program Template, prepare your program, including the composer and composition dates. Formatting of the template must be followed. After the applied instructor has checked the program for accuracy, the student must submit it to the recital instructor at least two weeks before the recital. The instructor will do a final proofreading and forward it to the department secretary for printing and copying. Students must get the printed programs from the department secretary the day before the recital.
Program Notes and Translations
Using guidelines such as these Writing Concert Program Notes from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and these Program Notes, Programs, and Posters from Gettysburg College, you must prepare program notes for your recital repertoire and submit them electronically to the instructor two weeks before the recital. Notes should be limited to approximately 150-200 words per selection and will be assessed on accuracy of content, spelling, grammar, sentence structure and style. In addition, vocal performers must prepare and submit English translations for all songs performed. The instructor may require revisions, and the final version must be printed, copied and stapled by the student.
Grading
The recital acts as three events: 1) the recital performance itself, for which a grade of S or U is given; 2) your required Music 091 performance; and 3) your end-of-semester jury. The recital committee will give you a letter grade, which is your jury grade. Your applied teacher is responsible for executing the proper form for recording your recital grade (see link below) and then submitting it to the recital instructor.
Recording
If you would like an audio or video recording of your recital, you must make arrangements. In some cases the Nazarian Center technical staff can help with audio recording.
Rehearsal
Rehearsal time in Sapinsley Hall is limited and available only at the discretion of the Nazarian Center staff. In most cases, however, rehearsal time can be arranged. You must arrange any rehearsal time in the performance hall with the director of operations well in advance.
Ushers
Ushers, if needed, are the responsibility of the recitalist.
Reception
If you want to host a post-recital reception, you must see the instructor for details two weeks before your recital.
Physical Arrangements
If your recital will be in Sapinsley Hall, the technical staff will set up the acoustic shell, bring the appropriate piano on stage and arrange the side curtains. Any other stage equipment, instruments or furniture is the responsibility of the recitalist.
Recitals in Room 198
All recitals held in Room 198 will follow the same procedures, with the following exception: Nazarian Center staff will not be available to assist with recording or physical arrangements of the room. These are the responsibility of the recitalist, including returning the room to its original setup.