Monthly Archives: February 2022

FAQs About PUC Music

Leave a reply

By Becky St. Clair

So you’re thinking PUC is the place for you (we think so, too, for the record), and you’ve always really enjoyed music, but you’re not sure what that will look like in college. Good news: We’ve got you covered. Here are answers to a few of the most common questions we get about music at PUC. The bottom line is that we have a place for you–guaranteed–and you’ll be at home here. Promise.

What music ensembles does PUC have?
So glad you asked! Our four regular ensembles are Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chorale, and Vox Pro Musica (select touring choir). Additionally, the PUC’s String Quartet is pulled from Orchestra members, and they perform off-campus and tour at various times during the school year, sometimes with VPM. 

Do I have to be a music major to be in an ensemble?
Absolutely not! We welcome anyone who wants to participate in collaborative music-making, and we enjoy hosting diverse groups as a result. Not only do we have non-majors playing with us, but we have several community members and occasionally some local professional musicians as well. It’s a wonderful way to connect with people you may not otherwise meet.

Can I be in more than one ensemble?
Of course! None of our ensembles meet at the same time, so as long as the rehearsals fit into your class and work schedule, we encourage you to participate in as many groups as you’d like.

Do I have to audition?
Yes…and no. Wind Ensemble and Chorale require no audition to enroll, you simply register and show up (that last part is very, very important). Orchestra does not require a traditional audition, but our director does like to hear everyone who wants to be in the group, just to get an idea of where they’re at musically when they’re joining for the first time. Vox Pro Musica requires an audition to join.

I’m a nursing major and my schedule can be tricky. Can I still be part of an ensemble?
Absolutely. We have many nursing majors amongst our ensemble ranks, and we totally understand the schedule challenge. We’ll do our best to ensure you can fulfill your clinical duties and still participate in as many rehearsals and performances as possible.

Can I take lessons?
Yes! Music majors are, of course, required to do so, but anyone is welcome to take private lessons to enhance their educational experience. We offer individual lessons on a quarterly basis in a variety of instruments–just ask us!

If joining an ensemble pushes me into overload status, do I have to pay the overload fee?
Nope! Students who go into overload as a result of joining an ensemble (or two or three) get their overload fees waived. All you have to do is talk to the music office manager.

Do I have to be a music major to use the practice rooms?
Not at all! There are several practice rooms in Paulin Hall that are open whenever the building is open, and they are available to anyone, regardless of their major or whether they’re in a PUC ensemble. If you happen to be a piano major, we have some reserved practice rooms with grand pianos you’ll need a key to get access to.

What degrees can I get as a music major?
Great question! We have five options for our music majors to choose from:

  • Bachelor of Science in Music
  • Bachelor of Science in Music: Composition Emphasis
  • Bachelor of Science in Music: Pre-Teacher Training Emphasis
  • Bachelor of Science in Music: Performance
  • Associate of Science in Music

Can I be a double major?
Yes! In fact, many of our students are double majors, often coupling music with a science discipline. Talk to your advisor about this possibility, or make an appointment to talk with the chair of the department of music.

I’m interested in teaching music; is there a way to get experience with that before I graduate?
Yes, there is! Paulin Center for the Arts is a community music program run from the department of music office, and we frequently hire college students as student teachers in this program. (Yes, for pay!) Mention your interest to the department chair or the music office manager to get the conversation going.

Are there any jobs for students in the department of music?
There are always jobs available in the department. From ensemble assistants who help set up and tear down for concerts, to music librarians who organize scores and sheet music, to recording managers who record concerts and process the recordings, to office assistants who work with the office manager, there are plenty of options. Check in at the music office to see what’s available when you get here. Want to be ahead of the game? Email music@puc.edu and ask about possible jobs for next school year. (Pro tip: We love students who get ahead of the game!)

What about scholarships? Are there any specific to music?
Oooh, we knew this question would come up! The answer is yes, we do have scholarships available. Most are awarded during spring quarter for application the following fall, and are based on leadership, academic diligence, and involvement, but there is also one for ensemble members. The Campus Impact Scholarship is a renewable quarterly scholarship awarded each quarter you participate in any of the four major ensembles or String Quartet, for up to $1,000 per year. 

Okay, be honest: How good are the music teachers at PUC?
This is such an easy question, because the answer is a loud and emphatic “VERY.” Our instructors have:

  • Toured with Yo-Yo Ma
  • Been concertmaster at Carnegie Hall
  • Conducted professional symphonies
  • Studied at high-caliber schools such as The Juilliard School, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Indiana University, University of Michigan, and others
  • Won international awards
  • Traveled around the world as soloist, concertmaster, chamber musician, and masterclass instructor

And the best part? Every single one of them cares deeply and personally about each and every student who walks through our doors. They’ll get to know you and will treat you like family even before you arrive–and it’s a forever thing. Once a part of the PUC music community, always a part of the PUC music community. 

We look forward to having you here at PUC, and would be thrilled to have you as part of the department of music–whether that means becoming a music major, joining an ensemble, taking a composition or world music class, or all of the above. 
Still have questions? Give us a shout: 707-965-6201 or music@puc.edu.

Caitlyn Koester

How Music Practice Habits Can Enhance Your Entire Life

Leave a reply

By Caitlyn Koester, PUC instructor in piano and harpsichord

With the start of every new year comes anticipation for what’s to come, and the spark of inspiration to fortify, streamline, and enhance one’s personal potential. The annual New Year’s Resolution is the perfect opportunity for us as musicians to apply these principles to our practice routine. The great thing is that the principles behind each of these music-specific tips apply to anyone in any field or area of study. 

I find myself constantly reconsidering and rejiggering my own process and methods in order to continue to improve, and over the years have found some favorite tips and tricks. Here are a few I share time and again with my students, and frequently reintroduce to myself.

  1. Keep a practice journal. As when we were in elementary school and our first music teachers wrote down our assignments, it is useful to have a plan of attack when you sit down to play. For adults, the practice journal provides personal accountability, and the opportunity for both planning and reflection pre- and post-practice. At the end of my time at the instrument I like to take note of what specifically I need to look at tomorrow (down to the measure), and which practice methods I would like to apply to these sections. I also like to look forward to concerts and projects I have approaching in order to plan appropriately and learn my music in an organized fashion. 

Non-music application: Use this method for your lab projects, workout sessions, studying for exams, rehearsing speeches, etc.

  1. Schedule your practice time. As with anything important in our life, it is imperative that we prioritize the activity by dedicating real time on a regular basis. When I block out time to practice in my smartphone’s calendar, I find myself honoring the commitment as I would with any other priority. Plan ahead, block out those hours on your calendar, and check your daily practice off your to-do list!

Non-music application: Schedule solid time for working on an essay, reviewing lab notes, making sure to grab breakfast, calling your mom, spending time outside, etc.

  1. Become an early bird. All too recent are my memories of practicing at Juilliard until midnight… Although this seemed like the perfect solution to fitting in more hours during my busy graduate degree, I now realize that much of my time at the instrument was at less than 100 percent efficiency, energy, and creativity. When we practice in the morning–and better yet, make it the first cognitive activity we engage in upon waking–our mind and our physical alignment are fresh and ready for the task. At this time, we are not weighed down by a day full of conversation, work, physical activity, and distraction. Take this a step further and make practicing the last thing you do before winding down for the evening and the first thing you do upon waking, and you’ll be reinforcing your practice efforts on the daily.

Non-music application: Practice getting up earlier in the morning to finish your assignments, rather than staying up late to cram them in. When studying for an exam, try studying in the evening, going to bed at a reasonable hour, and then rising early to study more, reinforcing what you’re reviewing.

  1. Visual Manifestation. Practice is not only the act of physically playing your instrument. Be sure to visualize yourself performing in preparation for recitals and concerts, whether sitting in the practice room at the instrument or at home with music in hand. Envisioning the atmosphere, what you’ll smell, the temperature, your attire, the time of day, and how you’ll begin are all helpful for your mental preparation and focus. Take this a step further to enhance your expression of a piece of music before you begin playing by envisioning where the music might transport you. What does the place or scene look like / smell like / taste like / feel like? 

Non-music application: Imagine the end result of the final project you’re starting. What message do you want to convey with what you’ve created? When you’re presenting, what will the room look like / smell like / taste like / feel like? Envision your success from the very beginning and it will give you a definite end goal that feels (and is!) attainable.