Introduction

This Handbook explains the requirements and procedures that need to be followed in order to attain a major or minor in music. It also provides supplementary information regarding requirements that may not be explained in the college catalog. Comments and proposed changes are always encouraged and will be included in future editions as appropriate. The music program at Bilkent University provides breadth and depth of musical performance and academic experience. Music majors will work closely with a music faculty advisor on the requisite planning to pursue their goals. It is each student's responsibility to seek the assistance and counsel of their advisor.

This Handbook covers rules, regulations, and practices specific to the Department of Music. For university-wide policies and regulations, students must consult the official documents published by Bilkent University:

1. Undergraduate Curriculum

All music majors follow a single curriculum. Students can study in three different tracks: instrumental performance, composition, and voice. Students in each track need to take appropriate courses in the elective pools.

College Core Curriculum (16 courses, 40 Credits)

  • ENG 101 & 102 — English and Composition I & II
  • TURK 101 & 102 — Turkish I & II
  • HIST 200 — History of Turkey
  • GE 100 — Orientation
  • GE 250 I & II — Collegiate Activities Program I & II
  • HCIV 101 & 102 — History of Civilization I & II
  • MATH 103 — Thinking Mathematically I
  • CS 121 — Introduction to Computer Applications and Programming
  • COMD 358 — Professional Communication
  • One Science core elective
  • One Social Science core elective
  • One Humanities core elective

Music Core Curriculum (11 courses, 18 credits)

  • 2 Concerts/Recitals
  • MSC 121–122 Basic Musicianship (Test out is possible)
  • MSC 171 & 172 Music Theory Group
  • MSC 173, 174, 273 & 274 Music History Group
  • MSC 200 Career and Professional Development

Studio Lesson Electives — 6 courses, 4 credits each (24 credits total)
Individual weekly lessons with the instrument/voice/composition professor

Graduation Project Electives — 2 courses, 4 credits each (8 credits total)
Individual instrument/voice/composition lessons in the 7th and 8th semesters

Applied Music Electives — 8 courses, 2 credits each (16 credits total)
Orchestra/Choir/Ear-training/Conducting courses

Track Specific Electives — 6 courses, 3 credits each (18 credits total)
Courses specifically designed for your area: Instrument/Voice/Composition

Music Theory and Literature Electives — 2 courses, 3 credits each (6 credits total)

Restricted Electives — 3 courses, 3 credits each (9 credits total)

Total: 139 Bilkent credits, 241 ECTS

1.1 Instrumental Performance Track

Musicianship Requirement

  • MSC 121 Fundamentals of Musicianship I
  • MSC 122 Fundamentals of Musicianship II

Music Theory Requirement

  • MSC 171 Theory I: Fundamentals
  • MSC 172 Theory II: Harmony and Voice Leading
  • MSC 271 Theory III: Modal Counterpoint (in Music Theory and Literature Electives)
  • MSC 272 Theory IV: Classical Form (in Music Theory and Literature Electives)

Music History Requirement

  • MSC 173 Origins of Western Music: From Antiquities to Baroque
  • MSC 174 Opera and Instrumental Music in the Baroque Period
  • MSC 273 Music in Europe during the Age of the Enlightenment
  • MSC 274 19th Century Music and Modernity

Instrument Requirement (in Studio Lesson Electives)

  • MSC 131 Instrument I
  • MSC 132 Instrument II
  • MSC 231 Instrument III
  • MSC 232 Instrument IV
  • MSC 331 Instrument V
  • MSC 332 Instrument VI
  • MSC 431 Instrument VII (in Graduation Project Elective)
  • MSC 432 Instrument VIII (in Graduation Project Elective)

Concert Requirements

  • MSC 100 Freshman Concert
  • MSC 300 Junior Concert

Career Course

  • MSC 200 Career and Professional Development

Chamber Music (in Track Specific Electives)

  • MSC 133 Chamber Music I
  • MSC 134 Chamber Music II
  • MSC 233 Chamber Music III
  • MSC 234 Chamber Music IV
  • MSC 333 Chamber Music V
  • MSC 334 Chamber Music VI

Chamber Music VII and VIII can be taken within the Restricted Elective pool.

Orchestra (in Applied Music Elective)

  • MSC 103 Symphony Orchestra I
  • MSC 104 Symphony Orchestra II
  • MSC 203 Symphony Orchestra III
  • MSC 204 Symphony Orchestra IV
  • MSC 303 Symphony Orchestra V
  • MSC 304 Symphony Orchestra VI
  • MSC 403 Symphony Orchestra VII
  • MSC 404 Symphony Orchestra VIII

Fundamentals of Musicianship (MSC 121–122)

MSC 121 and 122 are non-credit courses designed for students who don't meet the required level of musicianship skills. Placement and exemption exams are given at the beginning of the semester. These courses are prerequisites for all history courses, so it is highly recommended that students finish these courses in their first year. Students exempted from MSC 121 and 122 may take Music History courses.

Theory I: Fundamentals (MSC 171)

MSC 171: Theory I, Fundamentals introduces students to the elements of music theory, including pitch and rhythm, triads and seventh chords, chord labeling, voice-leading principles, part-writing for triads in root position and inversion, harmonic progression, sequences, cadences, small formal units, and non-chord tones.

This course is intended for first-year entering students. However, if a student lacks some fundamental musicianship skills — such as sight-reading or basic solfège — it is strongly advised that they take MSC 171 after completing MSC 121 and 122. Following the test-out exam for MSC 121–122, students will be advised whether they would be better suited to take MSC 171 in their second year.

Lessons

Each student taking instrument lessons is assigned to a faculty member for private instruction. Individual instruction is given in two-hour lessons. Students are entitled to 14 two-hour lessons per semester. Four credits of instrument lessons are taken each semester for eight semesters. The instrument teacher selects the repertoire according to the guidelines. The Instrument Committee must approve this program. Students cannot work on a piece that they have previously presented to an instrument or chamber music jury. Students are responsible for declaring if they have previously played any of the pieces before a jury.

Syllabus / Semester Program

At the beginning of each semester, the instrument teacher submits a syllabus to the Instrument Committee for approval. This syllabus specifies the repertoire the student will work on throughout the semester and serves as the basis for the final jury examination. If any changes or modifications to the program are necessary during the semester, these may be reported through the Final Exam Program Form, which is typically submitted approximately one week before the second midterm examinations. Once the final program form has been submitted and approved by the department, no further changes to the program are permitted. Students are fully responsible for performing the approved program at the jury examination.

Scheduling and Canceling Lessons

Students are expected to adhere to their scheduled hours for lessons and examinations. The Department of Music holds the student responsible for such appointments except in case of emergency or, if for good reason, the student cancels the lesson at least 24 hours in advance. The teacher is not obliged to make up for unexcused absences or lessons canceled for non-emergency reasons.

Teachers are obliged to give each student 14 two-hour lessons during the course of each semester. They are responsible for setting up a make-up class if they miss any of these meetings.

Accompaniment

Each student is entitled to one hour of accompaniment per week. Students are responsible for scheduling their accompaniment sessions directly with the department's accompanists and should do so well in advance, particularly before juries and recitals. The same attendance rules that apply to instrument lessons apply to accompaniment sessions; missed sessions cannot be made up at the end of the semester. Students are expected to work with their accompanists regularly throughout the semester rather than overloading rehearsals close to examination periods. As extra rehearsal time before exams is generally limited, students are strongly advised to plan their accompaniment schedule carefully from the beginning of the semester.

Grading

There are two midterm evaluations:

  1. Week 7. Technical Assessment (except brass instruments — they fill out teacher assessment evaluation forms). 25% of the final grade.
  2. Week 11. Teachers assess students' cooperation, commitment, preparedness, attentiveness, progress, and other indications of effort toward technical development and musical growth. 15% of the final grade. The dates of these assessments are posted at the beginning of each term.

Jury Examinations are held during the final examination period. The exact dates are announced at the beginning of the semester. Juries consist of 5 or 7 members. The majority of jury members come from the student's field of study. Jury evaluation determines 60% of the final grade.

Passing the final exam is a compulsory requirement for successfully completing this course. Regardless of performance in the midterm exams, if a student receives a grade of "F" on the final exam, they will automatically fail the course.

Chamber Music Requirement

There are six compulsory Chamber Music courses: MSC 133, 134, 233, 234, 333, 334. Two additional chamber music courses MSC 433 and 434 can be taken as Restricted Electives. At the beginning of each term, the chamber music committee determines which ensembles students will participate in. The pieces to be studied are selected by the chamber music teachers and approved by the committee at the start of the term. One of the fundamental principles of the program is that the pieces must be studied in their entirety, covering all movements. However, in exceptional circumstances, the committee may approve the study of only specific sections of a piece. Selecting a piece for the chamber music course that has already been studied in the instrument lessons is prohibited.

Structure and Lessons

The Chamber Music Committee determines chamber music groups. Students are placed in groups according to the level of their instruments. Students and faculty may submit requests regarding the type of ensemble they want to be in. Students who wish to be placed in a specific group should inform the chamber music coordinator at least three weeks before the start of classes. Such requests are taken into consideration but cannot always be granted. Chamber music groups meet once a week for 2 hours.

Grading (Chamber Music)

Teacher's assessment of the student's cooperation, commitment, preparedness, attentiveness, progress, and other indications of effort toward technical development and musical growth accounts for 40% of the final grade.

Chamber Jury Examinations are held during the final examination period in the concert hall. Ensembles should be prepared to present the full program. The exact dates are announced at the beginning of the semester. Jury evaluation determines 60% of the final grade. Regardless of performance in the midterm exams, if a student receives a grade of "F" on the final exam, they will automatically fail the course.

Orchestra and Choir Requirement

There are eight compulsory Orchestra courses: MSC 103, 104, 203, 204, 303, 304, 403 and 404. The orchestra is the main student orchestra, which meets from 10:40 to 12:30 every Tuesday and Thursday.

Piano and guitar students may fulfill their ensemble requirement with choir courses: MSC 153, 154, 253, 254, 353, 354, 453, 454. Bilkent Chorale meets from 10:40 to 12:30 on Thursdays.

Concert Requirements

The primary goal of these recitals is to encourage students to perform regularly in front of an audience and to keep their repertoire fresh and ensure they are ready when a concert opportunity arises. Students should view these recitals as a chance to practice for a real concert experience, rather than merely treating them as practice for final juries. For more detailed information, please refer to Section 3 for full guidelines.

1.2 Composition Track

For detailed information about composition education, check the Composition Guide.

Ear Training and Musicianship Requirements

  • MSC 121 Fundamentals of Musicianship I
  • MSC 122 Fundamentals of Musicianship II
  • MSC 153 Bilkent Chorale I
  • MSC 154 Bilkent Chorale II
  • MSC 181 Ear Training I (in Applied Music Elective)
  • MSC 182 Ear Training II (in Applied Music Elective)

Music Theory Requirement

  • MSC 171 Theory I: Fundamentals
  • MSC 172 Theory II: Harmony and Voice Leading
  • MSC 271 Theory III: Modal Counterpoint (in Music Theory and Literature Elective)
  • MSC 272 Theory IV: Classical Form (in Music Theory and Literature Elective)
  • MSC 321 Tonal Counterpoint (in Track Specific Elective)
  • MSC 322 Post-Tonal Theory (in Track Specific Elective)
  • MSC 323 Theory and Analysis of Sonata Forms (in Track Specific Elective)

Music History Requirement

  • MSC 173 Origins of Western Music: From Antiquities to Baroque
  • MSC 174 Opera and Instrumental Music in the Baroque Period
  • MSC 273 Music in Europe during the Age of the Enlightenment
  • MSC 274 19th Century Music and Modernity

Composition Requirement (in Studio Lesson Elective)

  • MSC 111 Composition I
  • MSC 112 Composition II
  • MSC 211 Composition III
  • MSC 212 Composition IV
  • MSC 311 Composition V
  • MSC 312 Composition VI
  • MSC 411 Composition VII (in Graduation Project Elective)
  • MSC 412 Composition VIII: Graduation Project (in Graduation Project Elective)

Instrumentation / Orchestration Requirements (in Track Specific Elective)

  • MSC 113 Notation
  • MSC 114 Instrumentation
  • MSC 213 Orchestration

Score Reading and Conducting (in Applied Music Elective)

  • MSC 315 Score Reading I
  • MSC 316 Score Reading II
  • MSC 326 Conducting I
  • MSC 425 Conducting II

Career Course

  • MSC 200 Career and Professional Development

Fundamentals of Musicianship

MSC 121 and 122 are non-credit courses designed for students who don't meet the required level of ear training. Students may be exempted through the entrance examinations.

Lessons

Each student taking composition lessons is assigned to a faculty member for private instruction. Individual instruction is given in two-hour lessons. Students are entitled to 14 lessons per semester.

Syllabus / Semester Program

Composition teachers must complete a syllabus in the first week of the semester and submit it to the Field Committee for approval. The program on the syllabus will be the program the student must present in the final jury examination.

Grading

  1. Teacher's assessment of the student's cooperation, commitment, preparedness, attentiveness, progress, and other indications of effort toward technical development and musical growth: 30% of the final grade.
  2. Jury Examinations are held during the final examination period. Exact dates are announced at the beginning of the semester. Juries consist of 5 or 7 members. The majority of jury members come from the student's field of study. Jury evaluation determines 60% of the final grade.

Passing the final exam is a compulsory requirement for successfully completing this course. Regardless of performance in the midterm exams, if a student receives a grade of "F" on the final exam, they will automatically fail the course.

Ear Training Requirements

After taking MSC 122, students must take at least two more Ear Training courses according to their level. If the students took MSC 121 and 122, they continue with the next level courses. Students who have studied Ear Training before can test out these courses; in that case, they may take some other courses in lieu of ear training.

Department Seminars

Weekly composition seminars are part of composition lessons. They meet between 15:40 and 17:30 every Friday. Participation in seminars is compulsory for all composition students. Attendance and participation in seminars constitute 10% of the student's grade in the composition course.

Concert Requirements

  • MSC 100 Freshman Concert
  • MSC 300 Junior Concert

Concert courses are non-credit courses. Students enrolled must fill out the online Concert/Recital Program Notification Form by the indicated deadline. Failure to do so may result in a U (Unsatisfactory) grade.

Students need to have one of their pieces performed in a public concert. If no faculty members are able to attend, students can submit the program and the recording (if available) to the composition committee.

1.3 Voice Track

Musicianship Requirement

  • MSC 121 Fundamentals of Musicianship I
  • MSC 122 Fundamentals of Musicianship II

Music Theory Requirement

  • MSC 171 Theory I: Fundamentals
  • MSC 172 Theory II: Harmony and Voice Leading
  • MSC 275 Vocal Literature — American and English/Italian (in Music Theory and Literature Electives)
  • MSC 276 Vocal Literature — German/French (in Music Theory and Literature Electives)

Music History Requirement

  • MSC 173 Origins of Western Music: From Antiquities to Baroque
  • MSC 174 Opera and Instrumental Music in the Baroque Period
  • MSC 273 Music in Europe during the Age of the Enlightenment
  • MSC 274 19th Century Music and Modernity

Voice Requirement (in Studio Lesson Electives)

  • MSC 151 Singing Voice I
  • MSC 152 Singing Voice II
  • MSC 251 Singing Voice III
  • MSC 252 Singing Voice IV
  • MSC 351 Singing Voice V
  • MSC 352 Singing Voice VI
  • MSC 451 Singing Voice VII (in Graduation Project Elective)
  • MSC 452 Singing Voice VIII (in Graduation Project Elective)

Concert Requirements

  • MSC 100 Freshman Concert
  • MSC 300 Junior Concert

Career Course

  • MSC 200 Career and Professional Development

Diction Requirements (in Track Specific Elective)

  • MSC 155 Diction — English/Italian
  • MSC 156 Diction — German/French

Pedagogy Requirements (in Track Specific Elective)

  • MSC 355 Pedagogy I: Anatomy of the Voice
  • MSC 356 Pedagogy II: Technique Applications

Acting (in Track Specific Elective)

  • THEA 181 Acting Techniques I
  • THEA 182 Acting Techniques II

Choir (in Applied Music Elective)

  • MSC 153 Bilkent Chorale I
  • MSC 154 Bilkent Chorale II
  • MSC 253 Bilkent Chorale III
  • MSC 254 Bilkent Chorale IV
  • MSC 353 Bilkent Chorale V
  • MSC 354 Bilkent Chorale VI
  • MSC 453 Bilkent Chorale VII
  • MSC 454 Bilkent Chorale VIII
  • MSC 257 Opera Studio I
  • MSC 258 Opera Studio II

Fundamentals of Musicianship

MSC 121 and 122 are non-credit courses designed for students who don't meet the required level of musicianship skills. Placement and exemption exams are given at the beginning of the semester.

Lessons

Each student taking singing lessons is assigned to a member of the faculty for private instruction. Individual instruction is given in two-hour lessons. Students are entitled to 14 two-hour lessons per semester. Four credits of singing lessons are taken each semester for eight semesters.

Accompaniment

Each student is entitled to one hour of accompaniment per week. Students are responsible for scheduling their accompaniment sessions directly with the department's accompanists and should do so well in advance, particularly before juries and recitals.

Syllabus / Semester Program

All teachers must fill out a syllabus in the first week of the semester and submit it to the Field Committee for approval.

Scheduling and Canceling Lessons

Students are expected to adhere to their scheduled hours for lessons and examinations. The Department of Music holds the student responsible for such appointments except in case of emergency or, if for good reason, the student cancels the lesson at least 24 hours in advance. The teacher is not obliged to make up for unexcused absences or lessons canceled for non-emergency reasons.

Teachers are obliged to give each student 14 two-hour lessons during the course of each semester. If they miss any of these meetings, they are responsible for setting up a make-up class.

Grading for Individual Instruction

There are two midterm evaluations in weeks 7 and 11. Teacher's assessment of the student's cooperation, commitment, preparedness, attentiveness, progress, and other indications of effort toward technical development and musical growth accounts for 40% of the final grade.

Jury Examinations are held during the final examination period. The exact dates are announced at the beginning of the semester. Juries consist of 5 or 7 members. The majority of jury members come from the student's field of study. Jury evaluation determines 60% of the final grade.

Passing the final exam is a compulsory requirement for successfully completing this course. Regardless of performance in the midterm exams, if a student receives a grade of "F" on the final exam, they will automatically fail the course.

Choir Requirement

Bilkent Chorale is the university choir, open to all students by audition. It meets once a week for two hours. Voice students are expected to complete eight Chorale courses — MSC 153, 154, 253, 254, 353, 354, 453 and 454 — as part of their Applied Music Elective requirement.

Opera Studio

MSC 257 Opera Studio I and MSC 258 Opera Studio II are open to all students, including non-music majors, by audition. Auditions are held at the beginning of the semester. Voice students may fulfill up to two of their Applied Music Elective requirements by enrolling in Opera Studio in lieu of choir; this substitution may be made in any semester. Opera Studio courses focus on operatic repertoire, rehearsal technique, and ensemble performance, and culminate in public stage productions each semester. MSC 257 is a prerequisite for MSC 258.

2. Final Juries

Jury examinations are held at the end of each semester and serve as the final examinations for instrument and composition lessons. Juries take place during the final examination period; instructors cannot excuse students from their scheduled jury for any reason, and students are therefore requested not to seek event permission during their scheduled final examination times. All students are required to perform a jury; any student who fails to appear without a valid medical report will receive a failing FX grade in lessons for that semester. The instrument or composition teacher submits the Final Program Form (Müzik Final Programı Bildirim Formu) by the given deadline. Students then perform their prepared program for a jury panel of 5 or 7 members, the majority of whom are drawn from the student's major area of study.

Passing the jury is a compulsory requirement for successfully completing the course. Regardless of performance in the midterm examinations, a student who receives an F on the jury will automatically fail the course.

During their graduation year, students enrolled in MSC 431 Instrument VII: Graduation Concert I do not perform a standard jury examination; the final grade for this course is determined entirely by the course instructor. In their eighth and final semester, students take MSC 432 Instrument VIII: Graduation Concert II, which follows the standard format of an instrument course. The final jury for MSC 432 consists of two public performances — a solo recital and a concerto — and the final grade is determined solely by jury evaluation.

Jury Grades

AExcellent — meets completely or exceeds all expectations
A−Very successful — meets all expectations; some deficiencies should be addressed for the highest level
B+Very good — meets many expectations; some deficiencies should be addressed
BGood — generally at a good level but should overcome some deficiencies
B−Close to good level — there are some significant deficiencies
C+Above average — level is sufficient but there are significant deficiencies to overcome
CAverage — level may be sufficient but there are serious deficiencies
C−Below average — at the mediocre level; pace of practice must be increased
D+Attention — there are critical deficiencies in many aspects
DAttention — at the lowest level of acceptable performance
FUnsuccessful
FXMissed the final exam without a valid health report
FZExceeded the teacher's allowed absences during the semester

3. Concert Requirements

Music Department students are required to complete two concert courses: MSC 100 Freshman Concert, which must be completed by the end of the fourth semester, and MSC 300 Junior Concert, which must be completed by the end of the sixth semester.

Overview

  • Concert courses are non-credit courses. Students enrolled in the course must complete the appropriate form by the deadline. These are pass/fail courses. Students may receive: P (Progress), S (Successful), or U (Unsuccessful).
  • Students who take MSC 100 Freshman Recital typically have 4 semesters to complete the requirement. If they register for the course but fail to give the recital, they will receive a "P" (Progress) grade and must fulfill the concert requirement by the fourth semester at the latest. Failure to do so will result in a "U" (Unsuccessful) grade.
  • MSC 300 Junior Recital is normally taken in the fifth semester and must be completed by the sixth semester at the latest.

Recital Program Requirements

  • The recital program must be finalized by the end of the 4th week of the semester. Students should refer to the academic calendar for the exact date.
  • Students are required to specify their recital programs and preferred dates through the form provided by the Music Department, which must be completed by the deadline.
  • The recital must be at least 40 minutes in duration. Only one-fourth of the program can be selected from the student's current semester repertoire. The remaining works should be drawn from the student's broader repertoire, including pieces from previous semesters, but not those performed in past recitals.
  • All program proposals are evaluated based on duration, content, and quality. Students may be asked to revise their programs accordingly.

Venue and Scheduling

  • Recitals are typically held at the Ahmet Adnan Saygun Hall or Studio 242 at 6:00 PM.
  • Students are responsible for reserving the venue for their recital by contacting Sinem Özcan at the high school office.
  • After the jury is determined, any cancellations or changes to the recital date must be processed through the appropriate form, with all necessary signatures obtained. Failure to follow this process will result in an automatic "U" (Unsuccessful) grade.

Program Content and Performance

  • The program may include pieces with piano accompaniment, solo sonatas, solo suites, and other solo pieces.
  • All movements of sonatas must be performed, but selected movements can be played in suites. Concertos are not permitted in recitals.
  • Etudes, caprices, pieces with piano accompaniment, and solo suites/sonatas for string instruments must be played from memory. For piano recitals, the entire program must be performed from memory.

Recital Cancellations and Changes

  • Any changes to the program must be submitted in writing to the relevant administrative assistant at least 10 days before the recital date, with the signed approval of the artistic department coordinator.
  • If a recital is canceled without proper approval after the jury has been determined, the student will receive a "U" grade.

Grading

Concert courses are graded on a pass/fail basis. Students receive either an S (Successful) or U (Unsuccessful) grade.

Recital Course for Composers

For composers, the recital course requires that at least one of their compositions be performed in public. This performance can take place in an on-campus or off-campus concert. Composers must submit the concert program to the Music Department Office and complete the appropriate form by the 4th week of the semester.

4. Advising

4.1 Assignment of Faculty Advisors

Upon entering the Department of Music, each student is assigned a faculty advisor. Students are strongly encouraged to maintain regular contact with their faculty advisors regarding all academic matters, including degree program planning, petitions, advisement, and obtaining necessary signatures for academic actions, recitals, and final projects. Meeting with your advisor at least once per semester before course registration is highly advisable to ensure a well-organized and effective study plan. All formal registration requests (such as petitions, study outlines, terminal projects, and requests for leaves or extensions) must carry the signature of the student's advisor, regardless of whether the advisor approves the requested action. Students can find their assigned faculty advisor listed in the SRS system. Advisors are assigned by the Department Chair, who may provide supplementary advising when a student's primary advisor is unavailable.

4.2 Area of Study Coordinators (Sanat Dalı Koordinatörleri)

Each area of study is assigned a coordinator who oversees the study of each area. Students are encouraged to contact their coordinators if they have specific problems concerning their instrumental or compositional study.

Instrument / Composition Coordinators

Other Coordinators

4.3 Administrative Personnel

5. Undergraduate Petition Process

Petitions may be submitted for any of the following purposes. Please fill out the required forms. Forms can be obtained from the Music Department Office.

Changing instrument teachers is not a simple matter and should not be requested without careful thought. This request is subject to the area committee's approval.

6. Course Guidelines and Special Permissions

Class participation is an important part of the Music Department. You are expected to come to each class prepared and contribute to the class. There are no allowances for absences, and the department will not issue any exemptions or permissions for your absences.

6.1 General Guidelines for Attendance

In Bilkent University, each instructor is responsible for determining their attendance guidelines. These are always indicated in the syllabus. If you have questions about a course's attendance policy, please do not hesitate to ask.

Generally, students with more than three unexcused absences from studio lessons will automatically receive a failing "Fz" grade.

See Section 12: Code of Ethics for a comprehensive outline of professional conduct and expectations in the Department of Music.

6.2 Grades

The standard grading scale at Bilkent University ranges from A+ to F, with corresponding grade points (e.g., A = 4.00, B = 3.00, C = 2.00, etc.).

In addition to these, the following special grades are used:

  • A+ — Awarded for exceptional performance. Due to university-wide restrictions, A+ grades can only be given in courses with 25 or more enrolled students. Since most Music Department courses have smaller enrollments, the A+ grade is rarely applicable in our program.
  • FZ — Given to students not eligible to take the final exam due to attendance or other requirements.
  • FX — Given to students who do not meet the minimum course requirements and did not take the final exam.
  • W — Indicates official withdrawal from a course. It does not affect GPA, but previous grades from repeat attempts may still be counted.
  • I — Incomplete, given for valid, documented reasons (excluding illness). Students must complete all missing work within 14 days or before the next semester registration, whichever is sooner.
  • T — Transfer credit from another institution. It appears on the transcript but does not affect GPA.
  • S/U — Used in non-credit courses: Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory. These grades do not affect GPA.
  • P — Indicates progress in a course that spans multiple semesters. It is temporary and does not count in GPA.

Grade Correction Policy

If a student suspects a clerical error in a grade, they must contact the instructor within 5 working days of the grade being posted. Confirmed errors must be reported by the instructor to the Faculty Dean's Office within 14 days or before course registration for the next semester. Grade changes after this deadline are not accepted.

6.3 Other Policies Concerning Courses

Course Repetition Policy

Students who fail a required course must retake it within the following two semesters. For first-year English courses, university regulations require immediate re-enrollment in the next available term. Registration for these may be done automatically by the university, and withdrawal from these courses may not be permitted. Students who fail the first English course may not take any other courses in the summer term. Those who fail the second English course may take other summer courses only if they also register for the failed English course concurrently.

Students on academic probation or with unsatisfactory status may choose to repeat any course in which they previously earned a C−, D+, or D.

Students in good academic standing may repeat a course from the past two semesters if they previously earned B−, C+, C, C−, D+, or D, provided space is available. Registration dates for repeated courses are announced by the university.

In the case of elective courses, if a student has already completed at least one course in the required elective group, they may take a different course from the same group as a replacement for a previously taken elective. In such cases, the original elective remains on the transcript but is excluded from GPA calculations. Once this substitution is made, it cannot be reversed. The original elective may still be reused to fulfill another curriculum requirement if applicable.

Students Who Exceed the Maximum Duration of Study

Students who reach the maximum duration of study and have taken all required courses at least once are granted make-up exam rights for courses they previously failed. If the failed course was an elective, the make-up exam may be taken in any other course within the same elective group.

For studio and lab courses with more than 30% practical content, students are not granted a written make-up exam; instead, they are allowed to participate in the practical components of the course as external participants.

Students must register for make-up exams or practical participation during the standard course registration period. Failure to register within this time is considered a waiver of exam rights for that semester. If a course is not offered that semester, students may retain their rights for a future term. Fees for make-up exams are determined based on credit hours and paid according to university policy. No excuse exams are granted for missed make-up exams.

Duration and limits:

  • Students with 6 or more failed courses: up to 2 semesters of make-up rights per course. If they reduce their failed courses to 5 or fewer, they are granted 3 additional semesters.
  • Students with 5 or fewer failed courses: up to 4 semesters of make-up rights per course.
  • If a student eventually has only 1 failed course remaining, they continue to retain make-up rights for that course.
  • Students who exceed these limits without sufficient progress will be dismissed from the university.

Students who have no failed courses but a GPA below 2.00 at the end of the maximum study period may take make-up exams for any course in which they received a grade below C to improve their GPA.

Students who are granted unlimited exam rights but fail to take any exams for 6 semesters will lose their remaining exam rights.

Cheating and Plagiarism

If a student is suspected of cheating, attempting to cheat, plagiarism, or other similar violations during exams, assignments, reports, or any form of assessment, a disciplinary investigation will be initiated. While the investigation is ongoing, no grade will be given for the relevant work.

If the student is found not guilty, the exam or assignment will be graded, or a make-up exam or activity will be arranged. If the student is found guilty, they will receive a zero (0) for the relevant assessment, in addition to the disciplinary penalty imposed.

All graded activities that contribute to the final course grade — including projects, lab reports, assignments, and similar work — are treated as examinations in terms of disciplinary regulations.

6.4 Medical Reports, Make-ups

For reports issued elsewhere than the Bilkent Health Center, you need to get your medical report approved at the Bilkent Health Center. Students with a valid medical report who missed a Midterm or a Final due to illness are given a make-up exam. No make-ups can be given for exams missed if your report is late or has not been approved by the Bilkent University Health Center.

6.5 Off-Campus Activity Request (Üniversite Dışı Etkinlik İzin Formu)

If you attend an off-campus concert or similar activity, you need to fill out the appropriate form. However, this form does not grant you permission to be absent from courses. It is important to check with your teacher and let them know your absence beforehand.

Off-campus activity requests will not be accepted during the final jury examination period. Students are reminded not to schedule performances or events that conflict with their jury dates.

Similarly, if you attend an on-campus concert, you will not be exempt from your courses. You will still be considered absent. If you don't want to be penalized for absences, please plan accordingly and come to every class that you can.

7. Preparatory Program

7.1 Music Courses During the English Preparatory Program

Students who are accepted into the undergraduate program but do not pass the English Proficiency Exam are enrolled in the English Preparatory Program. During this year, they are entitled to receive two hours of individual instrument or composition instruction per week. The purpose of these lessons is to help students maintain their musical form and prepare for the demands of the undergraduate curriculum.

To continue receiving music lessons, students must maintain good standing in the English Preparatory Program. If a student fails the same English course twice, their right to receive instrument or composition lessons will be revoked.

Students enrolled in the English Preparatory Program are not required to take jury exams. However, they may request to play before a jury voluntarily in order to receive feedback. Regardless of participation, students do not receive grades for their musical studies during the preparatory year.

7.2 Music Preparatory Program

The Music Preparatory Program no longer exists as of Fall 2021. Students will automatically start undergraduate education upon successfully completing the English Preparatory Program.

8. International Exchange Programs

8.1 Erasmus+ Program (Europe)

Students in the Department of Music may apply to the Erasmus+ exchange program between their 3rd and 6th semesters. Applications are submitted once a year during the Fall semester of the previous academic year.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applications submitted outside this portal will not be considered. Application timelines are announced by the department. For details, please check with the Departmental Erasmus Coordinator and the Office of International Students and Exchange Programs.

Partner Institutions (Erasmus+)

Note: This list is subject to change. The most current list can be found on the Exchange Office website.

  • Conservatorio di Musica "Santa Cecilia", Italy
  • Conservatorio di Musica "A. Vivaldi" di Alessandria, Italy
  • Conservatorio di Musica Giuseppe Nicolini, Italy
  • Conservatorio "G.B. Pergolesi", Italy
  • Grazyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Lodz, Poland
  • Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Hungary
  • Folkwang University of Arts, Germany
  • The Liszt School of Music Weimar, Germany
  • Carl Maria von Weber Dresden University of Music, Germany
  • University of Music, Drama and Media Hannover, Germany
  • Chopin University of Music (Warsaw), Poland
  • Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Vigo, Spain
  • Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock, Germany
  • Conservatorio "G. Verdi" di Milano, Italy
  • Conservatorio "Niccolò Piccinni" di Bari, Italy

8.2 Bilateral Exchange Agreements (Global)

In addition to Erasmus+, Bilkent also has bilateral exchange agreements with universities outside of Europe, such as those in the United States, Canada, and Asia.

Eligibility Requirements:

Application Materials:

  • CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Signed application form
  • TOEFL score (required for U.S. and Canada destinations)

Qualified students must maintain the minimum CGPA requirement until departure. Students with disabilities are prioritized during selection.

Important Reminders:

  • Always follow deadlines announced by the department or the International Office.
  • Contact your departmental coordinator early for guidance and available partner schools.
  • Updated lists of available schools and deadlines are published annually.

8.3 Additional Regulations and Limitations for Exchange Programs

In addition to the general regulations stated above, the following limitations apply to all international exchange programs offered by the Department of Music:

  1. Semester Restriction. Exchange participation is permitted only during the Spring semester. Fall semester exchanges are not allowed due to incompatibilities between the academic calendars of Bilkent University and many partner institutions, particularly in Central Europe, where the Fall semester extends into February and conflicts with the Spring semester schedule at Bilkent.
  2. Graduation Semester Restriction. Students are not permitted to participate in an exchange program during their final (graduation) semester.
  3. Course Restrictions and Non-Equivalency.
    • Recital and concert courses may not be taken during an exchange period. No course equivalency will be granted for these courses.
    • The second Graduation Project courses (MSC 412, MSC 432, and MSC 452) cannot be completed during an exchange and must be taken at Bilkent University.
    • Certain fundamental/core courses, as determined separately by each program, are not eligible for course equivalency. Students must consult the department in advance to learn which courses fall under these exceptions.
  4. Academic Approval Requirement. Participation in an exchange program is subject to academic approval. A student must obtain the consent of:
    • the principal instructor, and
    • the coordinator of the relevant study field (sanat dalı).

Students whose study field does not approve the exchange will not be permitted to participate. These regulations are binding and apply to all students applying for international exchange programs through the Department of Music.

9. Graduation

During the graduation year (Semesters VII and VIII), students work towards their final concert or project.

For instrument and voice students, graduation concerts are normally scheduled during finals week. If a student wishes to present their concert outside of that period, they must submit a formal petition to the department and provide a valid justification.

Concert dates and times are coordinated by the Music Office. Students are responsible for selecting their recital slot by signing up in person. Dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. All graduation concerts are held after 17:00 and take place in the Bilkent Concert Hall. Failure to reserve a time may result in the Music Office assigning a date on the student's behalf.

The school is responsible for producing the concert flyer and printed program. Students must submit all required materials (including final repertoire and program notes) at least two weeks prior to the concert date.

Instrument Students

Instrument and voice students prepare a single, comprehensive program to be presented at the end of their eighth semester. During the MSC 431 Instrument VII course, they begin working toward this graduation recital under the guidance of their principal instructor. There is no jury examination in this course; students are evaluated solely by their instructor. In MSC 432 Instrument VIII: Graduation Concert, students perform their program before an official jury. The final grade for this course is determined entirely (100%) by the jury's evaluation of the graduation performance.

The final graduation concerts are always performed in their entirety. Cutting short or skipping a movement would result in a serious grade decrease.

Graduation Jury and Concerts

  • The graduation jury consists of at least five faculty members, including at least one member from outside the student's department.
  • All instrumental students are required to perform two separate concerts: one recital and one concerto performance.
  • These concerts must be held publicly at the Bilkent Concert Hall.
  • In both concerts, the full program prepared by the student must be performed in its entirety, without interruption.

Memorization Requirements

  • Memorization rules are defined separately for each department or instrument group. Please check with your teacher and area coordinator.
  • If a student performs a piece with sheet music that is required to be memorized, the jury may recommend a grade deduction. This deduction is applied after the final jury average has been calculated.

Voice Students

Voice students prepare a full recital program to be presented at the end of their eighth semester. During MSC 451 Voice VII, they begin preparing this recital under the supervision of their principal instructor. No jury is held in this course; students are assessed solely by their instructor. In MSC 452 Voice VIII: Graduation Concert, students perform their recital before an official jury. The final grade is based entirely (100%) on the jury's evaluation of this graduation performance. The recital must be at least 60 minutes in length, and the entire program must be performed from memory. Failure to meet these requirements may result in a significant deduction from the final grade.

Composition Students

Composition students in their final year work toward a single graduation project. In the seventh semester, they take MSC 411 Composition VII, during which they begin preparing their graduation portfolio under the supervision of their composition instructor. There is no jury examination for this course, and the final grade is determined solely by the instructor.

In the eighth semester, students take MSC 412 Composition VIII: Graduation Project, during which they present their final composition — typically a work for orchestra or large ensemble — before the Composition Jury. Alongside this, they are required to complete a graduation portfolio, which must be submitted to the department.

The portfolio must include:

  • A current academic CV,
  • A composition portfolio including at least seven works, with at least one written for orchestra or a large ensemble (normally completed as the graduation project),
  • Links to recordings of the submitted works,
  • One academic paper written during the undergraduate program, revised and finalized based on instructor feedback.

The final grade for MSC 412 is calculated as follows:

  • 30% Graduation Portfolio,
  • 10% Presentation of the Portfolio,
  • 60% Graduation Project (Orchestral Work) evaluated by the Composition Jury.

The jury evaluates both the graduation composition and the complete portfolio submission.

9.1 Integrated BS–MS Program

The Board of Trustees has approved an Integrated BS–MS program that allows eligible undergraduate students to take graduate-level courses during their fourth year. Courses completed under this program may later be counted toward an M.S./M.A. degree upon completion of the B.S./B.A. program and subsequent enrollment in the graduate program, enabling students to complete their graduate degree on an accelerated timeline.

To be eligible, students must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
  • Must have completed six or seven semesters in their department at the time of application.
  • Students applying before the start of their 7th semester must have successfully completed all courses in the first six semesters of their curriculum.
  • Students applying before the start of their 8th semester must have successfully completed all courses in the first seven semesters of their curriculum.
  • Must be expected to complete the B.S./B.A. degree within eight semesters.
  • Applications are limited to integrated BS/BA–MS/MA programs in departments matched by the Senate with the student's current undergraduate program.

Eligible students may apply via SRS. For further information, please refer to the Regulations for Graduate Programs or contact the relevant Graduate School or Department.

10. Scholarships

Bilkent University only awards merit scholarships based on academic achievement. The university does not give need-based scholarships or other similar financial aids.

Merit Scholarship

Scholarship adjustments are made according to significant trends in students' academic achievement. The most important criterion is the students' instrument/composition grades given by the jury exams. However, their GPA and AGPA are also considered during evaluation. It is important to note that scholarships are not normally adjusted by sudden changes in students' grades. Long-term (biannual or annual) trends are taken into consideration. Students are expected to graduate at the end of their 8th semester. Failing to do so may also jeopardize their scholarship status.

The maximum duration for benefiting from talent-based scholarships and tuition discounts is 2 years in the English Preparatory Program and 5 years in the undergraduate program following preparatory education.

English Preparatory Program

Any scholarship loss due to failure in the English Program is reinstated once the students successfully complete the English preparatory program and start the undergraduate degree. This reinstatement is automatic. Students do not need to fill out any form.

Special Scholarship Conditions

To maintain scholarship eligibility, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credit-bearing courses totaling at least 15 credits per semester. Students who fall below this requirement will have their scholarships suspended.

11. Rules Regarding the Use of Buildings, Rooms and Pianos

11.1 Use of Faculty Building Study Rooms

Practice Room Rules

  • Study rooms can be used until the building closes at 22:30.
  • Each student will be assigned to a practice room at the beginning of the semester. You can use this room for the assigned times. You can access the schedule with the QR code on the classroom door.
  • Providing private lessons for a fee in instrument practice rooms is strictly prohibited. Violating this rule will result in disciplinary action.
  • Instrument practice rooms are designated solely for musical practice. Their use for eating, drinking, resting, or similar purposes is strictly prohibited.
  • The consumption of food and beverages is not allowed in the instrument rooms, and water bottles should never be placed on pianos.
  • Users are responsible for the safety of their personal belongings while using the room. Instruments and personal items should not be left unattended in the rooms, and Bilkent University Faculty of Music and Performing Arts is not responsible for lost items.
  • Rooms must be left clean after use.

Rehearsal Room Reservations (AASUS, Rooms 242, 215, 244)

It is possible to reserve rooms such as AASUS and rehearsal rooms 242, 215, and 244 for individual practice or group rehearsals. To do so, students must fill out the Rehearsal Room Reservation Form. Reservations are subject to availability and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bilkent Concert Hall

The Bilkent Concert Hall is not available for student concerts or personal projects. However, students may request to use the hall for audio or video recordings, subject to availability. In such cases, the following rules apply:

  • Recording sessions may not exceed 3 hours.
  • All recordings must take place during regular working hours (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00).
  • Reservations are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and must be approved by the relevant administrative office.
  • The hall must be used respectfully and left in proper condition after the session.

11.2 Piano Tuning

Pianos in the classrooms are tuned at the beginning of each term. If piano tuning is required for a classroom, or if there are other problems in the room, please fill out the Practice Room Report Form. There is no need to make a special request before concerts or exams. However, if the pianos still need tuning, the faculty secretariat can be contacted.

11.3 Library

The central library at Bilkent is open to all Bilkent members, allowing borrowing of books and other materials as well as access to other facilities. The library has an extensive sheet music collection and digital resources, making it a recommended resource for use during classes. Visit: library.bilkent.edu.tr

11.4 Audio and Video Recordings and Equipment

The school's audio and video recording equipment can be borrowed for 24 hours, with borrowing procedures managed by the dean's office.

Equipment available for borrowing:

  • Handheld audio recorders: Zoom H6, Zoom H4n
  • Video recorder: GoPro Hero 8
  • Sound Interface: Behringer UMC1820
  • Microphones: Behringer C2
  • Tripods and microphone stands

12. Code of Ethics

All students enrolled in the Department of Music are expected to adhere to the highest standards of personal, academic, and artistic integrity. As emerging artists, educators, and collaborators, your actions shape both your own development and the culture of our department.

Artistic Integrity

Music is both a personal and communal endeavor. We expect all students to show honesty, respect, and professionalism in their artistic work.

  • Original Work: All performance, composition, and academic work submitted for evaluation must be your own.
  • Respect for Copyright: The use of unauthorized photocopies of copyrighted sheet music or pirated materials is strictly forbidden.
  • Acknowledging Sources: Any borrowed musical, textual, or conceptual material must be properly cited, whether in written work, program notes, or compositions.

Academic Honesty

As part of a university institution, the Department of Music strictly upholds all academic integrity rules.

  • No Plagiarism: Submitting another person's written or musical work as your own — even partially — is considered a serious offense.
  • No Cheating: Any form of cheating on exams, assignments, or juried evaluations is subject to university disciplinary action.
  • Use of AI Tools: Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT or other generative applications) is permitted only when explicitly allowed in the course syllabus. If the policy is unclear, students must consult the instructor before using such tools. Any approved use must be clearly acknowledged in the submitted work, indicating the tool's name, version (if known), date of use, and purpose. Students are responsible for critically evaluating all AI outputs and ensuring the final work reflects their own analysis and creativity. Unauthorized or undisclosed use constitutes a violation of academic integrity. For the full university policy, see the Bilkent University Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Guideline.
  • Ethical Collaboration: Group work must follow the course guidelines. Students are individually responsible for understanding the limits of acceptable collaboration.

Professional Conduct and Responsibility

Your behavior — in lessons, rehearsals, classrooms, and public performances — reflects your professionalism and respect for the community.

  • Punctuality: Students must arrive on time for all lessons, rehearsals, classes, and events.
  • Preparation: Come to lessons and rehearsals well-prepared. Chronic lack of preparation may affect both grades and eligibility for public performances.
  • Respect for Others: Interact respectfully with peers, faculty, and staff. Disruptive behavior, verbal aggression, or dismissiveness will not be tolerated.
  • Confidentiality: Keep feedback from juries, instructors, and class evaluations confidential and respectful.
  • Classroom and Ensemble Settings: In classes, chamber music, orchestra, choir, and other ensembles, maintain focus and contribute positively. Arrive with all necessary materials (instruments, music, pencils, scores, etc.) and be ready to begin on time. Parts for ensemble rehearsals must be fully prepared in advance. Unprofessional behavior that disrupts the group may lead to warnings, grade penalties, or suspension from activities.
  • Electronic Devices: Mobile phones and other electronic devices must be switched off or set to silent before entering any class, rehearsal, or performance. Unauthorized use during these times is prohibited and may result in warnings or grade deductions. In exceptional cases, inform the instructor in advance.

Attendance and Communication

Consistent communication is part of professional discipline.

  • Excused Absences: If you are ill or unable to attend a class, rehearsal, or individual lesson, it is your responsibility to inform the instructor at least 24 hours in advance. Failing to communicate an absence is considered disrespectful and unprofessional. In a professional setting — including music education — respect for your instructor's time is fundamental.
  • Missed Lessons: Unexcused absences will not be made up. Students who notify their instructor ahead of time may request a make-up lesson, subject to instructor availability.
  • Active Participation: Students are expected to attend other student recitals, masterclasses, and departmental performances within their area unless they have a scheduling conflict. For example: if you are a violin student, you are expected to attend recitals by other violinists, violin masterclasses, and academic events related to violin. This not only fosters a supportive learning environment but also helps develop a deeper understanding of your discipline.

General Faculty Rules

  • No Private Paid Lessons Within the School: Students are strictly prohibited from offering or receiving paid music lessons within Bilkent University buildings. All formal instruction must take place through the school's official channels.
  • No Unauthorized Sales or Distribution: Students are not allowed to sell or distribute books, sheet music, photocopies, or other materials for profit or without prior approval.

Violations and Consequences

Violating the Code of Ethics — including artistic dishonesty, plagiarism, or unethical conduct — may result in:

  • Grade penalties
  • Suspension from recitals or jury participation
  • Disciplinary referral to the university's disciplinary board
  • Loss of scholarship (if linked to misconduct or academic probation)

13. Important Links