The Department of Music offers several types of study. Each course, whether it results in a student's own performance or in heightened perception of others' performances, is designed to increase the student's sense of the richness and importance of music in the human experience.
MUSC 101 (Basic Musicianship) and MUSC 102 (Introduction to Music History) are considered especially appropriate introductory courses for first-year or upperclass students new to the department. As the foundation on which the other coursework in the department is built, these courses are required for students considering majors in the department. To facilitate proper placement of entering students, the department administers a music theory exam during Orientation.
Students not contemplating a major in music, but having prior experience in music, should also take the placement exam. If the exam is not taken, the student will begin with MUSC 101 or 102. Those who wish to develop basic skills should take MUSC 101, which covers the rudiments of music theory and the aural skills needed by practicing musicians. MUSC 102 is designed to provide both an overview of the subject and the requisite skills needed for active, informed listening. All other music courses follow logically from MUSC 101 and 102.
Students may also continue their instrumental playing or singing, or they may wish to begin such study. The majority of those taking individual lessons (applied music) at Kenyon begin without formal study before college. Lessons are offered as follows: Levels I and II: 25 minutes (0.13 units) or 50 minutes (0.25 units); Levels III and IV: 50 minutes (0.25 units) or 100 minutes (0.50 units). Students may take Level I for only two semesters, at which point they must advance to Level II, via a jury, in order to receive academic credit. Past the second semester, lessons may still be taken at Level I for audit credit.
The department's applied music program coordinator, Jessica Landon, can provide all pertinent information about the programs of studio instruction.
About one in four Kenyon students takes part in the department's applied music program, which consists of weekly lessons offered by distinguished adjunct faculty. These lessons are taken for credit or audit and involve an additional fee. When such instruction is required for the major or minor, these fees are waived.
Student recitals for nonmajors will be sponsored by the Department of Music only if the student has taken MUSC 102, Introduction to Music History, or passed that section of the placement exam.
As a corollary to the applied music program, the department offers ensemble work. The instrumental ensembles call for some degree of proficiency and are usually formed by audition. The Chamber Singers is open only by competitive audition. The Kenyon Community Choir is open to all with a voice-placement audition. Other ensembles include the Kenyon Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Kenyon Jazz Ensemble, the Musical Theater/Opera Workshop, the Early Music Ensemble, the Flute Choir, string, guitar and woodwind ensembles, and other groups as determined by student interest. As with lessons, it is best to plan to begin such an activity as early in one's academic career as possible.