Sophomore Barrier for Piano Majors/Concentration

The student pursuing a piano concentration or piano performance major will enroll in this course number while in the fourth semester of Applied Piano (MUSI 2120 or 2220). Ideally, the piano performance major or concentration is in the second semester of level VII at the time of this exam. Each student will be evaluated regarding his/her progress in the program. This constitutes a Sophomore Barrier Jury Exam that evaluates the student's current level while also evaluating the student's progress and potential for successful completion of their stated degree program. Transfer students who have already completed four semesters of study will be evaluated in the same manner after one or two semesters of study at DBU at the discretion of his or her current applied professor. At the conclusion of the exam, the piano faculty will make a recommendation regarding the student's continued pursuit of his or her current degree program through the average of the grades for the Sophomore Barrier Exam. The jury average communicates the following: Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance is recommended for an average of 92-99; Bachelor of Music with piano concentration is recommended for an average of 80-91; repetition of the exam is recommended for an average of 70-79. An average below 70 will result in a recommendation to explore other degree options.