Prospective Students
Undergraduate Advising: FAQ

Questions Frequently Asked by Music Students

Click here to download our School of Music Brochure that includes basic information about our programs, made by Dr. Hayden.

*Not all linked Adobe pdf, Microsoft .doc, and Microsoft .xls documents below have active links yet, please visit Dr. Hayden's current FAQ for the active links.

I don't know what I want to study!
  • Not to worry! We made a list of questions you should ask yourself before deciding to pursue any one degree. It's important to understand the differences between each degree and understand how each of your own personal interests should influence your degree choice.

How do I become a major in music?
  • Writing your desired major on the USF application form does not qualify you to become a music major or minor. You must audition for members of the music faculty, per the instructions and forms at http://makemusic.arts.usf.edu/.

Which ensembles are considered "Major Ensembles" for music degree requirements?
  • Chamber Singers, Jazz Ensembles (Big Bands), Jazz Chamber Ensembles (Jazz Combos: only for jazz studies majors), Piano Ensemble/Chamber Ensemble (only for piano majors) Symphony Band, Symphony Orchestra, University Singers, Wind Ensemble

What does the State of Florida require for a music education degree?
Is there a general summary of application and graduation requirements?
Is there a Music Student Handbook?
  • Not necessarily. The Undergraduate Catalog contains all essential information normally presented in a handbook. The catalog also contains information specific to each music major, including degree requirements, prerequisites, and a recommended order of classes.

What are the career options with a music degree?
Where is the Herd of Thunder (HOT) Marching Band web page?
  • It is at http://band.arts.usf.edu. In the future, it will be incorporated into this site, where you'll be able to scroll over "Ensembles" in the menu bar at the top of this page and click on "Marching Band (HOT)" to get to the website as well.

How do I get established at USF to take an online course?
How can I calculate my GPA and plan for future grades?
What are the rules about copyrighted music?
What happens if my course registrations are canceled for financial reasons?
  • You must go to the Cashier's Office in ADM 131 and complete and submit a Petition for Reinstatement. This requires paying for the courses, even if you hope to have financial eventually cover the tuition. Once all of the originally registered courses have been paid and reinstated as fully registered, you can process any changes (late add or drop) you wish to make through an ARC Petition. You may file for a refund if there is an outstanding balance in your account after all transactions are completed.

Who can I contact for more information?
What happens if I get accepted into the School of Music, but don't get accepted into the University?
  • Applying for acceptance by audition into the School of Music is a separate procedure from the University admissions process. If you are accepted into the School of Music but denied acceptance into the University, you may contact the School of Music for assistance in appealing this decision.