Frequently asked advising questions

1.     Can I have my PIN number?  

We no longer use the PIN number system. At the end of your advising session, your advisor will check a box (on your advising page) for the semester for which you are registering.  After that, you will be able to access online registration system.

2.     Do I have to take piano so soon?

Yes. You will find that beginning piano early in your career only sets you up for success for the rest of the music degree.  However, if the theory assessment exam indicates that you need a theory fundamentals class, we will require you to delay your start of class piano, MUS 1160, until you are in Theory I (MUS 1180).  However, you may always choose to take private lessons option, if you want to get an early start.

3.     Do any music offerings count for core?

Yes – Intro to Music Literature (MUS 1970, for Liberal Studies majors) and World Music (MUS 2030, for Music Education majors) will satisfy one of your humanities and/or fine arts core requirements. The term before graduation, the Chair will process a core substitution authorization.

4.      How soon after junior level hearing may I give my senior recital?

Three semesters of upper division individual instruction are required before a student can give a senior recital.

5.     What are the requirements for music minor?

*Students are required to successfully pass a minor hearing at the completion of the course work.

6.     What are the Praxis I and the Praxis II tests?

• Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST)
  These tests measure basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. In addition to licensure, these tests are often used to qualify candidates for entry into a teacher education program.
• Praxis II Subject Assessments
  These tests measure subject-specific content knowledge, as well as general and subject-specific teaching skills, that you need for beginning teaching.  (See ETS website for more details:  http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/praxisi) There are three parts for music majors: a. Music 111 (concepts and processes) and b. Music 113 (content knowledge) and c. Principles of Teaching and Learning (PLT).

 7.     When do these tests need to be taken?

• Praxis I: During to sophomore year (to be provisionally accepted into the College of Education).
• Praxis II a. (Music 111): At end of fall semester of junior year.
• Praxis II b. (Music 113): At end of spring semester of junior year.
• Praxis II c (PLT):  During EDUC 4080 (Class Org. & Mgmt.)

 8.     What is the Milestones schedule for music education students?

• Milestone I: take after Mus2240 (Foundations of Music Education) and BEFORE taking any other Education courses.
• Milestone II is completed while taking EDUC 3070.
• Milestone III is completed in EDUC 4080.
• Milestone IV completed during student teaching.

For more information and detailed Milestone requirements, see: http://www.apsu.edu/education/2010/undergradmilestones