An unsent (thus far) email

Dear Ms. Vincent:

Pardon me, but this policy is ridiculous. According to my official ASU transcript, I have credit for MTC125. There are 50 seats open in the MTC221 lecture, and several sight-singing recitations are still open. There is no rational basis for my exclusion from MTC221.

To exclude non-music majors from the majority of music classes reeks of a parochial elitism—of course those who choose not to major in music should be kept away from the real musicians. They don't deserve to learn about music theory, musicology, or solo performance. Let's keep these uncircumcised masses away from our sacred music courses.

I'm not a math major, but I can take advanced math classes. I'm not a physics major, but I can take advanced physics classes. I'm not a Spanish major, but I can take advanced Spanish classes. Why should music classes be any different?

One of the reasons I decided to attend a large university like ASU was that I would be able to explore the vast world of intellectual pursuits. From economics to philosophy to music theory, I would be able to sample it. I did not know then that the School of Music adhered to such absurd, self-centric policies.

Sincerely,
Jakob Hansen
A Livid Student


ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

Dear Jakob,

Music courses are not open to non-majors. Your test scores and any transfer music credits will be evaluated after you have applied to the School of Music and successfully passed an audition.

Although you would like to get a head start on music theory, this is never permitted. The only class you may take as a non-music major is MUP 100, Concert Attendance. Six semesters of Concert Attendance are required for all music degrees. You may also enroll in ensembles; these may also count toward your music degree.

Feel free to contact me if you have further questions.

Thank you,

Margie Vincent
Coordinator, Academic Affairs
Herberger College School of Music