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.
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:
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 2.50 GPA
(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.
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.
Ms. Melanie Parham
Office Location: 206 Foster-Tanner Music Building
Phone: 850-599-3024
Email Address: melanie.parham@famu.edu
The BA/BS in Music is a degree which allows for more extensive study in general education and related fields.
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.
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.
For students who are pursuing careers as producers, artists, composers, engineers, label executives, managers, music publishers and all areas in the music industry.
Internationally renowned, the incomparable Florida A&M University March 100 is the standard by which all other marching bands are judged.
Specialized music training in a diverse university setting.
LEVEL I
LEVEL II
LEVEL III
LEVEL IV
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:
Upon completion of a music audition and theory placement examination (music majors/minors only), candidates may be recommended for one of the following annual scholarships:
Student of Excellence (Music Honors Award) The Student of Excellence scholarship is awarded to music majors who achieve the highest level of academic and musical performance skill. First-Time-In-College students with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and Departmental Audition are eligible. 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:
Student of Excellence scholarships are granted on a year-to-year basis (based on the availability of funds) and may be renewed via the following student academic and performance progress guidelines:
Read the previous tab above to view scholarship audition performance criteria.
Dr. Longineu Parsons, Director of Composition & Trumpet Professor
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 an active international career as a recording and performing artist, and is the father of professional musician Longineu W. Parsons III.
1660 Pinder Street
206 Foster-Tanner Music Bldg.
Tallahassee, FL 32307-4400
Phone: 850-599-3024
Fax: 850-561-2176