Ensemble Policies

Some ensembles may require an audition or permission of instructor to enroll. Students should contact individual ensemble directors for details.

Students with scholarship awards may be assigned participation in ensembles beyond the minimum required by their degree. The primary ensemble directors, in consultation with the deans, determine appropriate ensemble workloads for those receiving music scholarships.

All music majors are limited to participating in three ensembles per semester. In exceptional circumstances, a student wishing to participate in one additional (fourth) ensemble could petition the dean's office for permission to do so. In order for the petition to be considered, the student must have a grade point average at 3.0 or higher. First-year students in their first semester at Stetson are limited to participating in two ensembles only. 

Taking more ensembles than permitted under this policy may have implications for your financial aid. Please discuss this with your academic advisor and financial aid officer.

Chamber Music (MUSE 331)

A chamber music ensemble is a small, conductor-less group of two or more participants. As part of MUSE 331, each ensemble meets with a faculty coach for one hour per week for 13 weeks and is expected to rehearse independently according to its coach’s expectations. At the start of the semester, each ensemble must establish a weekly rehearsal and coaching schedule in coordination with its assigned faculty coach. All university course policies apply to MUSE 331, including add/drop deadlines, workload expectations, and grading, as outlined in each instructor’s syllabus. Each ensemble must present a public performance approved by its faculty coach and the Chamber Music Coordinator.

A core component of MUSE 331 is student initiative: participants are expected to form their own ensembles, identify and connect with a faculty coach, and engage in the process with an entrepreneurial approach. The Chamber Music Coordinator and faculty are available for guidance throughout this process.

All ensembles must be approved by the Chamber Music Coordinator. Students are primarily responsible for identifying a faculty coach; however, all coach assignments are finalized by the Chamber Music Coordinator with approval from the Associate Dean of the School of Music.

Process for Registering for Chamber Music (MUSE 331)

Prior to each registration period, the Chamber Music Coordinator issues a call for Chamber Ensemble Applications. Each student must submit an individual application form, whether applying as part of a complete ensemble, a partial ensemble, or as an individual seeking placement.

MUSE 331 is a closed course, and students may not self-enroll. After the application deadline, the Chamber Music Coordinator finalizes ensemble rosters and faculty coach assignments, then reviews student credit loads and faculty workloads with the Associate Dean. Once approved, the Dean’s Office enrolls students in their respective MUSE 331 sections.

Extra-Curricular Ensembles

Students are free to form extra-curricular ensembles if rehearsals and performances do not conflict with curricular activities. Limited and responsible use of Music School facilities is available to such groups where such a conflict does not exist. In no case are the rehearsal halls (Tinsley Hall - Presser or Feasel Hall - McMahan) to be used for rehearsals of extra-curricular ensembles without permission from the Music Office.