Sonoma State University

Junior & Senior Recital Requirements

All students are required to fill out the following forms:

Recital Evaluation Form (PDF)

Recital Requirements

The Junior Recital is required for the BM Performance and BM Jazz Studies degree programs.

Junior Recital First Steps

  1. Students should enroll in MUS 397 Junior Recital (1 unit).
  2. Clear recital and dress rehearsal dates with your private instructor, accompanist, and any assisting musicians.
  3. Submit the Recital Request Form (PDF)
  4. Submit the Student Recital Tech Event Form
  5. A collaborative pianist will be assigned to you. Yvonne Wormer will assign pianists for vocal recitals. Marilyn Thompson will assign pianists for instrumental recitals.

Junior Recital Requirements

  • The junior recital comprises approximately 30 minutes of music. The recital should be representative of the repertoire list and academic guidelines set forth by the private instructor and program director.
  • The junior recital may be performed during the Repertory/Forum class or as an afternoon or evening performance. Students should consult with the private instructor and program director before scheduling the recital.
  • The private instructor and program director will provide you with information as to how the recital is evaluated.

Junior Recital Hearings

  • Students are required to pass a recital hearing for a faculty panel approximately 6 weeks prior to the scheduled recital date. 
  • A program and poster may be required. Consult the guidelines of the private instructor and program director.

Senior Recital First Steps

  1. Register for the appropriate course:
    • BM Instrumental or Vocal Performance (MUS 491, 2 units)
    • BM Music Education Concentration (MUS 491, 1 unit)
    • BM Jazz Studies (MUS 490 Senior Project, 2 units)
    • BA Liberal Arts (MUS 490 Senior Project, 2 units)
  2. Clear recital and dress rehearsal dates with your private instructor, accompanist, and any assisting musicians.
  3. Submit the Recital Request Form (PDF)
  4. Submit the Student Recital Tech Event Form
  5. A collaborative pianist will be assigned to you. Yvonne Wormer will assign pianists for vocal recitals. Marilyn Thompson will assign pianists for instrumental recitals.

Senior Recital Requirements

  • Recitals should be representative of the repertoire list and academic guidelines set forth by the private lesson instructor.
    • BM Performance: prepare approximately 50 minutes of music
    • BM Music Education: prepare approximately 30–35 minutes of music
    • BM Jazz Studies: prepare approximately 50 minutes of music (or half, 30–35 minutes of music)
  • Be considerate of your collaborative pianist by scheduling rehearsals well in advance.
  • Discuss stage presence and performance etiquette with your instructor.
  • Choose appropriate attire for a formal performance in your field of study.
  • Make approximately 75–100 copies of your program. Two copies of your program must be submitted to the Music Department Office.
  • Make approximately 15–25 copies of your poster. Two copies of your poster must be submitted to the Music Department Office.
  • A stage crew will be provided at your recital.
  • If you choose to hold a post-recital reception, please be respectful of the space and leave it as you found it.

Senior Recital Hearings

  • Students are required to pass a recital hearing for a faculty panel approximately 6 weeks prior to the scheduled recital date.
  • The Recital Hearing should be scheduled in consultation with the Private Instructor and Program Director. 
  • Bring two copies each of your music scores, program, and poster proof.

Poster Guidelines and Program Templates

The poster and program must be completed by the recital hearing.

  • The poster must be on letter sized paper 8.5 X 11 or legal sized paper 8.5 X 14
  • At the top of the poster, the following words must appear: Sonoma State University, Department of Music
  • Include the name of performer, instrument or vocal designation, from the studio of (insert teacher name), and the heading Senior Recital (no smaller than 14 point)
  • Date of recital, including year (no smaller than 14 point)
  • Time of recital (no smaller than 14 point)
  • Place of recital (no smaller than 14 point)
  • At the bottom, include the text, “Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music Degree in (insert concentration).”
  • Submit a copy of the program to the music office for approval
  • Once approved, you may post one poster per bulletin board
  • Do not post on walls or glass doors

Students are responsible for producing and copying their own programs.  

Make sure all the elements listed on the Program Template (PDF) are in your program.