Music Faculty Resources
Documents and Forms
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Purpose
The Admission Action Form is used by faculty to formally document a prospective or incoming music student’s audition evaluation and determine their admission status to the music program at Missouri State University. It helps assess musical ability and readiness for placement as a major or pre-major in a specified applied area.
The form captures the student’s name, address, M-number, ACT score, instrument or voice area, and intended major. It also includes applied faculty evaluations using a standardized 10-point scale for elements such as pitch matching, sight reading, technique, musicality, and potential. The ensemble component includes similar scoring by faculty. The final section allows faculty to indicate an admission decision—either to admit (with specified emphasis) or not admit—and logs the date an official action letter was sent.
Instructions
Faculty should complete the form after the student’s audition and theory placement. Each scoring category should be filled out based on the student’s performance. Once evaluations are complete, the form must indicate whether the student is to be admitted or not, specifying their area of emphasis. The date the official admission or rejection letter is sent must be recorded. Faculty signatures are required in designated sections to validate evaluations. The completed form becomes part of the student's file for department records and academic advising.
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Purpose
The Overload Permission Form is used to authorize a student to register for credit hours exceeding the standard enrollment limit for a given semester or session (Fall, Spring, or Summer). It allows the university to formally document approval for students carrying an academic overload.
Approval is based on the student’s academic history, including their previous semester GPA and total credit hours attempted. Approval levels vary depending on the student’s classification and situation. Possible approvers include the Dean of the College, Dean of the Graduate College, Associate Provost for Student Success, Co-Director of Professional Education Services, or the Director of Missouri State Outreach.
Instructions
The student should complete the top portion of the form, including their name, BearPass number, the semester in question, and signature with date. Faculty or department representatives must fill out the student’s GPA, prior hours attempted, and the number of hours approved for the overload. The appropriate approval authority must check the correct category, sign, and date the form. Once approved, the form should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar for processing.
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Purpose
The Recital Hearing Form documents the proposed recital program and hearing committee for a junior, senior, diploma senior, or graduate recital. It serves as formal approval that the student is prepared to proceed with scheduling their recital. The applied instructor initiates the form and oversees the process.
Recital hearings must be completed by Wednesday of the 11th week of the semester. The recital must be passed no later than two weeks prior to the performance date. The hearing committee must include at least three faculty members, with a majority from the student's applied area. Per-course faculty may only serve if they are the student’s current instructor. No changes may be made to the recital program after a successful hearing. If the hearing is not passed, the same committee must be retained for any re-hearing.
Instructions
Discuss recital timing with the student and confirm the appropriate recital type. Direct the student to sign up for a recital date in the Music Office. Complete the Recital Hearing Form, including the student's name, applied instrument, your signature, and the full proposed program with titles, composers, and durations. Assign a qualified hearing committee and submit the form to the appropriate Area Coordinator for approval. Once approved, coordinate with the committee chair to schedule the hearing. The chair will submit the final form to the Music Office after the hearing is complete.
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Purpose
The Applied Music Repertory Jury Card is used to document a student’s progress in their applied music studies by recording the repertoire assigned during the semester and the grades received from faculty jury evaluations. It serves as a formal assessment of the student's performance level at the end of the term.
The form must include the student’s name, instrument, academic status, semester, year, and degree program. Repertoire assigned during the semester should be listed, with an asterisk indicating any pieces not completed. The form requires both student and instructor signatures and must be submitted at the time of the jury performance. Each evaluating faculty member must record a grade and sign the form. The form applies to majors, minors, non-majors, and English Language Institute (ELI) students.
Instructions
Prior to the jury, the applied instructor completes the student’s academic and course information and lists the assigned repertoire. The student and instructor must both sign and date the form before it is brought to the jury. During the jury performance, faculty evaluators each assign a grade and sign the form. After all evaluations are complete, the form is submitted to the department for recordkeeping.
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Purpose
The Missouri State University Independent Contractor Form is used to determine whether an individual providing services should be classified and paid as an independent contractor rather than an employee. It replaces the W-9 or Vendor Registration Form (VRF) for independent contractors only. The form collects payee information, verifies tax status, and asks detailed questions to ensure compliance with IRS rules. It must be completed before services are performed. If the individual does not qualify as an independent contractor, they must be processed through payroll instead.
Instructions
To complete the form, the payee must provide personal and contact information, tax identification details, dates of service, total payment amount, and a description of the services. They must answer questions about their relationship to the University, current or past employment, and the nature of their work to determine contractor status. Additional sections address guest speakers and researchers. The payee must read and agree to the independent contractor definition in Part II, sign the form, and return it to the hiring department. The department head/director reviews and signs, after which Financial Services confirms whether the individual qualifies. Original signatures are required for payment, and services may not begin until the form is approved.
Awards and Funding Requests
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Purpose
The Faculty Achievement Funding Application is used by Missouri State University faculty to request reimbursement from the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (RCASH) Faculty Achievement Fund. This fund supports activities that enhance professional development, scholarly or creative achievements, or other initiatives that contribute to the university’s mission. Eligible expenses may include travel, conference registration, research materials, performances, exhibitions, and similar academic or professional activities. Funding is issued as a reimbursement only—p-cards may not be used for prepayment.
Instructions
To complete the form, provide your contact and department information, BearPass number, a description of the project or activity, and an itemized budget request with any other funding sources noted. Include a justification explaining how the activity aligns with RCASH goals and benefits your department, college, or the university. Obtain department head and dean approvals, then submit the completed form to the RCASH Dean’s Office by the stated deadline, keeping a copy for your records. Incomplete forms, missing approvals, or unallowable prepayment methods may result in processing delays or denial of funding.
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Purpose
The RCASH Special Projects Funding Application is used by Missouri State University’s Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (RCASH) to request support for significant, one-time projects that go beyond departmental budgets. Funding supports large-scale, mission-aligned initiatives that enhance the College’s academic, creative, or public affairs profile. Examples include major equipment purchases, travel or hosting expenses for special events or visiting professionals, interdisciplinary collaborations, and other projects advancing the College’s strategic priorities. This is not a reimbursement-based program; funds are provided upfront, and ongoing operational costs are ineligible.
Instructions
To complete the form, provide applicant and project details, including title, type, amount requested, and a clear project summary outlining goals, timeline, and outcomes. Submit a detailed budget with cost categories, total estimated cost, and funding plan showing departmental, internal, and external contributions. Attach required supporting documents: cost breakdown with bids (if applicable), letter of support from the department head or school director, and any relevant documentation (quotes, itineraries, brochures). Incomplete submissions or projects outside eligibility guidelines will not be considered.
Applied Area Performance Rubrics
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Download Brass Performance Grading Rubric
Purpose
The performance grading rubrics are designed to provide structured, consistent evaluation criteria for applied music juries across all instrumental and vocal areas. They ensure faculty assess students using clearly defined performance benchmarks appropriate to their discipline and level of study. These rubrics guide grading and provide meaningful feedback for student improvement.
Each rubric outlines key performance categories—such as tone quality, intonation, technique, musicality, rhythm, stylistic accuracy, and professionalism—with descriptors aligned to varying levels of achievement. Some rubrics include space for written comments, numeric scoring, and final grade calculation. Though tailored to specific areas, all rubrics align with departmental standards for applied music assessment. Faculty should ensure that scores reflect the jury performance only and are independent of studio lesson grades.
Instructions
Faculty evaluators should complete the appropriate rubric during each student’s jury performance. Use the criteria provided to assess the student's demonstration of skills, checking or scoring within the appropriate level for each category. Provide comments as needed for clarity or feedback. After the jury, submit the completed rubrics to the applied area coordinator or designated administrative staff for recordkeeping. Rubrics should be kept consistent across faculty within each area and updated periodically to reflect evolving expectations or curricular adjustments.
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Download Percussion Performance Grading Rubric
Purpose
The performance grading rubrics are designed to provide structured, consistent evaluation criteria for applied music juries across all instrumental and vocal areas. They ensure faculty assess students using clearly defined performance benchmarks appropriate to their discipline and level of study. These rubrics guide grading and provide meaningful feedback for student improvement.
Each rubric outlines key performance categories—such as tone quality, intonation, technique, musicality, rhythm, stylistic accuracy, and professionalism—with descriptors aligned to varying levels of achievement. Some rubrics include space for written comments, numeric scoring, and final grade calculation. Though tailored to specific areas, all rubrics align with departmental standards for applied music assessment. Faculty should ensure that scores reflect the jury performance only and are independent of studio lesson grades.
Instructions
Faculty evaluators should complete the appropriate rubric during each student’s jury performance. Use the criteria provided to assess the student's demonstration of skills, checking or scoring within the appropriate level for each category. Provide comments as needed for clarity or feedback. After the jury, submit the completed rubrics to the applied area coordinator or designated administrative staff for recordkeeping. Rubrics should be kept consistent across faculty within each area and updated periodically to reflect evolving expectations or curricular adjustments.
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Download Strings Performance Grading Rubric
Purpose
The performance grading rubrics are designed to provide structured, consistent evaluation criteria for applied music juries across all instrumental and vocal areas. They ensure faculty assess students using clearly defined performance benchmarks appropriate to their discipline and level of study. These rubrics guide grading and provide meaningful feedback for student improvement.
Each rubric outlines key performance categories—such as tone quality, intonation, technique, musicality, rhythm, stylistic accuracy, and professionalism—with descriptors aligned to varying levels of achievement. Some rubrics include space for written comments, numeric scoring, and final grade calculation. Though tailored to specific areas, all rubrics align with departmental standards for applied music assessment. Faculty should ensure that scores reflect the jury performance only and are independent of studio lesson grades.
Instructions
Faculty evaluators should complete the appropriate rubric during each student’s jury performance. Use the criteria provided to assess the student's demonstration of skills, checking or scoring within the appropriate level for each category. Provide comments as needed for clarity or feedback. After the jury, submit the completed rubrics to the applied area coordinator or designated administrative staff for recordkeeping. Rubrics should be kept consistent across faculty within each area and updated periodically to reflect evolving expectations or curricular adjustments.
Tenure, Promotion and Annual Appointment
Guidelines for Tenure, Promotion and Annual Appointment