Music Student Handbook

We welcome you to the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College. This handbook is designed to answer questions and acquaint you with our policies, procedures, and practices.

Please, read the document. Any handbook such as this is necessarily a work in progress. Upper-class students, as you come across matters you believe need attention, or items that need correcting, please bring those to our attention.  Addenda are made as needed.

New Students, we welcome you! It is our prayer that your years here will be an exciting, growing, joy-filled time for you. There is good information here to help you get started.

The outline of each Handbook Section is below with a link directly to its Handbook section. Remember, as questions arise look here first, ask afterwards.

Please note that this document is now available only on-line. If you wish you may download or print whatever sections you find useful.

A long-standing characteristic of Houghton music students continues to be an overall congenial and mutually supportive spirit. The negative competitive spirit too often seen in college music study is not seen much here. I’m often asked why. I think part of the answer lies in a deliberate attempt by us all to apply the guidance given by MSAC members (see “Organizations”) many years ago:

“Observing the simple rules of courtesy and love will solve 90% of all problems you are likely to encounter (Luke 6:31; John 13:34,35).

“Since there are no 'rules' governing the lounge, the rule of courtesy would speak to keeping it clean and orderly. We need to guard what we say and do there, taking care not to offend others. The lounge belongs to all of us.  (Colossians 4:5-6)

“We, as members of the music family and as brothers and sisters in Christ, cannot be reminded too often that our speech must be governed by truth and love. It is important that what students and faculty say about each other should not be tearing down, but should build us up as a Christ's body (Hebrews 12:15).

Courtesy necessitates making sure that equal opportunity exists for all. . .  (Proverbs 3:27)”

—MSAC, 1975              

Good luck and God speed to all!

—Ben R. King,
Director & Associate Dean for Music

Handbook Contents

• Mission & Goals
• People
• Organizations
  • Ensembles
  • NYSMEA/MENC
  • Music Students Advisory Committee
• Facilities & Equipment
  • Maps
  • Mailboxes
  • Lounge
  • Personal Belongings
  • Bulletin Boards
  • Practice Rooms
  • Ensemble Libraries
  • Keyboard Instruments and Maintenance
  • Small Instruments
• Procedures
  • Practice Cards
  • Practice Rooms
  • Accompanying
  • Tutoring
  • Pre-registration Procedures
  • Instrument Class Sequence
  • Assignment of Instructors
• Policies
  • Screening Policy
  • Grades Below C-
  • Levels
  • Off-campus Study
  • Practice Time
  • Ensemble Participation
• Music Library
  • Hours
  • Circulation Policy
  • Listening Room Policy
  • Music Reserves
  • Arrangement of Materials
  • Online Catalog
• Examination: Juries, Procedures & Requirements
  • General Guidelines for All Students
  • Performance Area Guidelines
    • Instrumental
    • Organ
    • Piano
    • Practical Keyboard
    • Voice
• Public Performance:  Recital Information & Procedures
  • Philosophy
  • Types of Recitals & Requirements
  • Studio Recitals or Classes
  • Departmental Recitals
  • Student Performers Series
  • Junior and Senior Recitals
  • Recital Etiquette for Performers and Audience
    • Performers
    • Audience
    • Social
    • Dress
      • Junior & Senior Recitals
      • YPS
      • Departmental Recitals
      • Studio
  • Appointment and Duties of Attendance Checkers
    • Appointments
    • Duties
  • Recital Attendance Policy
• Music Student Teaching: General Information
• Scholarships