Department of Music

The mission of the Florida A&M University Department of Music is to provide the highest quality of music at the undergraduate level for music majors embarking on careers as teachers, scholars, performers or composers.  It is also the mission of the department to teach non-majors and members of the community about music as a part of human culture and experience.  Our tradition of excellence with caring continues.

Placeholder

Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Chairman

To carry out its select mission, the Florida A&M University Department of Music commits itself to the following goals:

  1. Realize in practice its commitment to the developmental function of higher education and the ideal of accessible public education
  2. Provide undergraduate programs and curricula of the highest quality for students aspiring to careers in music.
  3. Provide students who do not wish to pursue professional degrees in music with opportunities to explore musical interests and develop musical skills and knowledge.
  4. Maintain a positive learning and working environment that attracts and retains a high quality and diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
  5. Create a rich and collaborative community of independent and self directed artist/scholars by supporting faculty and student creative, scholarly, and service initiatives.
  6. Provide professional service to school music programs and arts and arts education agencies and organizations.
  7. Serve the cultural needs of the University, community, and state through concerts, lectures, festivals, and other public events.
  8. Maintain the highest level of professional, artistic, curricular, and pedagogical integrity in all areas of operation.

 

Admissions Information

All music majors must meet the minimum institutional admissions requirements listed elsewhere in this catalog. They should have at least three years preparation on their principal applied instrument and some preparation on piano. Competence in music performance and knowledge must be demonstrated during entrance examinations given to determine placement in applied music and theory courses. Transfer credits are subject to validation by examination, upon approval of the department chairperson.  Details concerning audition preparation may be obtained from the department office. Upon acceptance to the university and successful audition, music students may select one of the following majors:

Bachelor of Science in Piano or Voice

Bachelor of Arts in Piano or Voice

Bachelor of Science in Wind, Piano or Percussion
Concentrations offered in:

  • Saxophone
  • Trumpet
  • Clarinet
  • Low Brass
  • Flute
  • Horn
  • Percussion
  • Piano

Bachelor of Science in Music - Music Industry

Bachelor of Science with Emphasis in Jazz Studies


You must submit a minimum 1010, SAT score (critical reading and math only) or 21 ACT score. Your high school preparation must have included earning a minimum 2.50GPA (4.0 scale) and 19 academic units in English (4), Mathematics (3), Natural Science (3), Social Science (3), Foreign Language (2), and Electives (4). There is a $20 application fee. 

 

Academic Advising

Mrs. Karen Parker - Advisor

Office Location: 312-A Foster-Tanner Music Building
Phone: 850-412-7939
Email Address: karen.parker@famu.edu

All new and returning students are encouraged to meet with the Department of Music advisor each semester to receive aid in course enrollment.  Music Majors may also consult with their applied instructors for additional assistance with academic advising.

 

Our Programs

 

placeholder  

Bachelor of Science in Music & Bachelor of Arts in Music

The BA/BS in Music is a degree which allows for more extensive study in general education and related fields.

placeholder  

Ensembles

Whether you are a music major or non-music major, you may be interested in performing in one of our many ensembles. These ensembles cover a range of instruments and styles, ranging from choir to the FAMU Marching 100 band.

 

Our Music Community

 

placeholder
 

Concert Choir

The FAMU Concert Choir - very well known for the versatility of their various singing styles.  Their diverse repertoire spans the choral genres of classical, jazz, contemporary, spiritual, gospel, and multicultural styles.

placeholder
 

The Institute of Music Research & Music Industry Studies

For students who are pursuing careers as producers, artists, composers, engineers, label executives, managers, music publishers and all areas in the music industry. 

Placeholder image
 

Marching 100

Internationally renowned, the incomparable Florida A&M University March 100 is the standard by which all other marching bands are judged.

More information about the Department of Music

Specialized music training in a diverse university setting. 

Performance Criteria

LEVEL I

  1. Perform six major scales with arpeggios.
    1. Percussion – Xylophone (Scales), Snare Drum (Rudiments)
    2. Piano - 2 octaves, hands together.
    3. Voice - Major and Minor scale
  2. Chromatic scale, full range of the instrument in any pattern and articulation (voice, one octave).
  3. Prepared Piece
    1. Instrumental - Perform two solos or etudes of your choice. The choices should be contrasting; one displaying slow, lyrical playing with the other displaying proficiency in technique and articulation. Any piece Grade 4 or above on the FBA list (or other state festival list) would be considered appropriate.
    2. Percussion students should prepare etude/solo on snare drum (Cirone, Firth, Delecluse), xylophone (Goldenberg), and timpani (Goodman, Firth, Carter etudes).
    3. Voice - Perform an Art song (e.g. Pathways of Song, Spirituals of H.T. Burleigh), and one song of choice.
    4. Vocal Jazz - Perform three jazz standards (an accompanist will be provided for on-campus auditions or students may opt to bring their own accompanying track).
  4. Sight-reading     

LEVEL II

  1. Perform eight major scales with arpeggios and two minor scales.
  1. Percussion – Xylophone (Scales), Snare Drum (Rudiments)
  2. Piano - 2 octaves, hands together.
  3. Voice - Major and Minor scale
  1. Chromatic scale, full range of the instrument in any pattern and articulation.
  2. Prepared Piece
    1. Instrumental - Perform two solos or etudes of your choice. The choices should be contrasting; one displaying slow, lyrical playing with the other displaying proficiency in technique and articulation. Any piece Grade 4 or above on the FBA list (or other state festival list) would be considered appropriate.
    2. Percussion students should prepare etude/solo on snare drum (Cirone, Firth, Delecluse), xylophone (Goldenberg), and timpani (Goodman, Firth, Carter etudes).
    3. Voice - Perform two (contrasting in style) Art songs (e.g. 24 Italian Arias, G. Schrimer, Favorite French Art Songs, Spiritual-Folk Songs) and one song of choice.
  1. Vocal Jazz - Perform three jazz standards (an accompanist will be provided for on-campus auditions or students may opt to bring their own accompanying track).
  1. Sight-reading       

LEVEL III

  1. Perform all major scales with arpeggios and four minor scales.
    1. Percussion - Xylophone (Scales), Snare Drum (Rudiments)
    2. Piano - 2 octaves, hands together.
    3. Voice - Major and Minor scale
  2. Chromatic scale, full range of the instrument in any pattern and articulation.
  3. Prepared Piece
    1. Perform two solos or etudes of your choice. The choices should be contrasting; one displaying slow, lyrical playing with the other displaying proficiency in technique and articulation. Any piece Grade 5 or higher on the FBA list (or other state festival list) would be considered appropriate.
    2. Percussion students should prepare an etude/solo on snare drum (Cirone, Firth, Delecluse), three or four-mallet marimba solo/etude, and timpani (Goodman, Firth, Carter etudes).
    3. Voice - Perform two selections (contrasting in style) from (e.g. 24 Italian Arias, G. Schirmer - Opera Anthology & Singer’s Library, Hal Leonard-Standard Vocal Literature, and Favorite French Art Songs).
    4. Vocal Jazz - Perform five jazz standards (an accompanist will be provided for on-campus auditions or students may opt to bring their own accompanying track).
  4. Sight-reading    

LEVEL IV

  1. Perform all major scales with arpeggios and four minor scales.
    1. Percussion - Xylophone
    2. Piano - 2 octaves, hands together.
    3. Voice - Major and Minor scale
  2. Chromatic scale, full range of the instrument in any pattern and articulation.
  3. Prepared Piece
    1. Perform two solos or etudes of your choice. The choices should be contrasting; one displaying slow, lyrical playing with the other displaying proficiency in technique and articulation. Any piece Grade 5 or higher on the FBA list (or other state festival list) would be considered appropriate.
    2. Percussion students should prepare etude/solo on snare drum (grade 6), four-mallet marimba solo/etude, and timpani (grade 5) solo/etudes.
    3. Voice - Perform two selections (contrasting in style) from (e.g. 24 Italian Arias, G. Schirmer-Opera Anthology & Singer’s Library, Hal Leonard-Standard Vocal Literature, and Favorite French Art Songs.
    4. Vocal Jazz - Perform five jazz standards (an accompanist will be provided for on-campus auditions or students may opt to bring their own accompanying track).
  4. Sight-reading 

Grants, scholarships, loans and employment opportunities are available to help families meet the cost of investing in a FAMU education.  Students begin the financial aid process by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at your high school and on the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  For additional information please call the Office of Financial Aid at (850) 599-3730 or access finaid@famu.edu.

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Department of Music offers a limited number of music scholarships to students based on musical skill and knowledge. All students applying for music scholarships must complete a departmental audition and theory placement examination (music majors/minors only) to be considered for funding. Students are eligible to receive music scholarship funding for a maximum of four years. If needed, an accompanist will be provided for on-campus auditions.

Voice students must provide the accompanist with the music for all pieces in the proper keys.

Piano majors receiving a scholarship will be required to accompany instrumental and/or voice students for recitals and department programs.

Talent Based Award

Scholarships are granted on a year-to-year basis (based on the availability of funds) and may be renewed on the following student academic and performance progress guidelines:

  1. Maintain good standing with the university; and
  2. Maintain full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 hours) status each semester of award with no incompletes, withdrawals, or failing grades; and
  3. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5; and
  4. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in all music courses; and
  5. Successfully complete the Department of Music scholarship renewal audition each year of eligibility.

Upon completion of a music audition and theory placement examination (music majors/minors only), candidates may be recommended for one the following annual scholarships:

  • LEVEL I           
  • LEVEL II          
  • LEVEL III         

Student of Excellence (Music Honors Award) The student of excellence is award is granted to music majors who achieve the highest level of academic and musical performance skill. First-Time-In-College students are eligible with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and Departmental Audition. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to keep scholarship. Continuing college student, transfer student, or community college graduate with an AA or AS degree are eligible with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0, and Departmental Audition. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to keep this scholarship. Upon completion of a music audition and theory placement examination, candidates may be recommended for the following annual scholarship:

  • LEVEL IV        

Student of Excellence scholarships are granted on a year-to-year basis (based on the availability of funds) and may be renewed on the following student academic and performance progress guidelines:

  1. Maintain good standing with the university; and
  2. Maintain full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 hours) status each semester of award with no incompletes, withdrawals, or failing grades; and
  3. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0; and
  4. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all music courses; and
  5. Successfully complete the Department of Music scholarship renewal audition each year of eligibility.


Read the previous tab above to view scholarship audition performance criteria.

  • Mr. Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Chairman

  • Mr. Darryl Baker, Band Assistant Director

  • Mr. Donald Beckwith, Equipment Manager

  • Dr. Mark Butler, Voice Professor and Choral Studies Director

  • Dr. Shelby Chipman, Marching and Symphonic Band Director

  • Mr. Robert Griffin, Trombone Professor and Jazz Director

  • Mr. Brian Hall, Strings and Theory Professor

  • Dr. Geoffrey Horn, Theory Professor

  • Dr. Shaylor James, Percussion Professor

  • Mr. Ralph JeanPaul, Lower Brass Professor

  • Dr. Alethea Kilgore, Voice Professor

  • Dr. Deirdre L. McRoy, Compliance Officer

  • Ms. Tanina Packer, Industry Studies Professor

  • Dr. Longineu Parsons, Composition and Trumpet Professor

  • Mr. Scott Reinfeld, Audio Technology Professor

  • Dr. Rebecca Sager, Ethnomusicology Professor

  • Dr.  Joanna Sobkowska, Piano Professor

  • Dr. Nicholas Thomas, Coordinator of Music Teacher Education

  • Mr. Darryl Tookes, Music Industry Studies Director

  • Dr. Carlos Vega, Saxophone Professor and Latin Jazz Director

  • Mrs. Dennine White, Flute Professor

  • Dr. Sylvester Young, Instrumental Music Professor

  • Dr. Katsuya Yuasa, Woodwinds Professor

Visit our alumni page here.

Trombone Professor and Director of Jazz Studies Robert Griffin

Visit Jazz Studies here:

placeholder

Visit our applied page here.

placeholder

  • Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of Bands
  • Mr. Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Arranger
  • Dr. Shaylor James, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion
  • Dr. Longineu Parsons, Director of Trumpets
  • Dr. Sylvester Young, Assistant Director of Bands
  • Dr. Nicholas Thomas, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Woodwinds
  • Mr. Robert Griffin, Director of Trombones
  • Mr. Darryl Baker, Assistant Director of Bands
  • Mr. Ralph JeanPaul, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Lower Brass
  • Mr. Tovah Lovely, Assistant Director of Percussion
  • Mr. Donald Beckwith, Store Keeper and Equipment Manager
  • Dr. Deirdre McCroy, Compliance Officer

Dr. Longineu Parsons, Director of Composition & Trumpet Professor

placeholder

Dr. Longineu Parsons is a force of nature. He obtained his Bachelor of Music degree at FAMU and earned a Masters in Classical Trumpet at the University of Florida. He pursued a supplementary degree in Jazz Studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, studied composition at the doctoral level at Florida State University and received the PhD in Composition at the University of Florida.

Composition students have the rare opportunity to study one on one with Dr. Longineu Parsons, a FAMU alum who played with Nat Adderley, Cab Calloway, Doc Severinsen, Herbie Mann, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra, Branford Marsalis and many more. He appeared in the national production of Satchmo. He was a featured soloist in the Great Performances special "Three Mo' Tenors." Dr. Parsons has active international career as a recording and performing artist, and is the father of professional musician Longineu W. Parsons III.

 

 

 

Contact Info:

1660 Pinder Street
206 Foster-Tanner Music Bldg.
Tallahassee, FL  32307-4400
Phone: 850-599-3024
Fax: 850-561-2176