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5.0 Student Resources

5.1 Room Scheduling

The SOM uses the University's Virtual EMS system for room scheduling. For more information and how to schedule a room online, see our Room Scheduling page. 

5.2 Keys, Lockers, Equipment, & Instrument Rental 

Wenger Practice Unit Keys
Wenger room keys must be checked out with a student ID with the Scheduling Coordinator. Keys are available Mon. – Fri. from 8 AM to 4:30 PM and can be checked out for a maximum of 2 hours. All Wenger Keys must be turned in by 4:30 PM. No keys will be available for check-out evenings or weekends. Failure to return keys will result in the loss of privileges to use the units. Practice rooms must be locked at all times.

If you would like to reserve a Wenger Room on a weekly basis for chamber/sectional or other rehearsal please contact the Scheduling Coordinator, scheduling_music@memphis.edu.

Key Checkout & Return Policy
The fee for checking out a Practice Room key is $5 per semester or $10 for the School Year. This amount is due before the key will be issued. Payments must be made at the Bursar's office or online. Once payment is made, bring the receipt to the Facilities Manager. Key checkout will begin the first week of classes.

Upon gathering the appropriate receipt and the appropriate written permission, come by MU 130 to complete a Key Check-out Form. Multiple keys may be checked out for multiple types of practice rooms (i.e. you may check out a GR and a PR key, or a PR and a CFA --- key), but a fee must be paid for each key involved. If you need assistance, feel free to come by and ask questions or call the Facilities Manager at Ext. 2557. Please also note that it is easiest for you to handle checkout of instruments, lockers, and practice room keys at the same time.

Some keys require faculty approval for checkout. Please get this approval in writing prior to checking out keys. You may have the appropriate faculty member sign your key check-out form to offer this approval.

When returning keys, all students must return practice room keys by the end of the last day of semester final exams. Failure to submit the key by this time will result in a fine of $300 (no exceptions – fee-based upon expense of replacing the lock). It is your responsibility to turn in your key – this will be your only reminder.

Locker Rental
Students may rent lockers in one of three locker rooms for a fee of $5 per semester or $10 for the School Year. The fee must be paid each term at the Bursar's office or online with a receipt presented. To rent a locker, see the Facilities Manager (MU 130).

Instrument Rental Procedures:

1. Consult with Faculty
There are four primary reasons for renting School of Music instruments. In most cases, students should consult with specific faculty at the very beginning of the process to determine which type or specific instrument to rent.

  • Students renting instruments for use in private lessons or chamber ensembles should consult with their primary applied teacher regarding the need and use of the instrument.
  • If the rental instrument is for a methods class, students should consult with the instructor of the course.
  • If the rental instrument is required for a large ensemble, students should consult with their primary applied teacher. If the student is not taking lessons they should consult with the conductor of the ensemble.
  • If the instrument is for personal use, unrelated to official School of Music activities, students can skip this step and move directly to payment of the instrument rental fee.

When consulting with a primary applied teacher, students should ask if a specific instrument requires faculty approval. If it does, the teacher can streamline the process by emailing music_rentals@memphis.edu, approving the rental. The email should include the details of the instrument, the name of the student, and the expected length of the rental.

2. Pay the Instrument Rental Fee
Students wishing to rent an instrument for private lessons, chamber ensembles, methods classes, or personal use must pay the $25/semester instrument rental fee using Marketplace before picking up their instrument. Students renting instruments for use in large ensembles are not required to pay the fee.

The Marketplace is found on the Student Resources page of the School of Music website listed under Rental form for Music Instruments and/or Lockers. 

3. Pick Up the Instrument
After paying the fee, students should bring their electronic receipt to the box office in the music building (MU 130) to complete the rental agreement, receive their instrument, and be shown the location of their locker. Hours are posted on the box office door, or students can make an appointment by emailing music_rentals@memphis.edu.

If the instrument requires faculty approval, we recommend the student contact checkout personnel in advance of arriving at the window. These instruments cannot be picked up until faculty approval is submitted by email to music_rentals@memphis.edu.

Any damage to the instrument will be noted on the rental agreement. The student is responsible for any additional damage, loss, or theft that occurs while the instrument is in their care.

Instruments must be returned before the last day of finals in the final semester of the instrument rental. If a student wishes to keep the instrument for a longer period of time, they should contact music_rentals@memphis.edu prior to the due date.

4. Return the Instrument
On or before the return date specified when the instrument was picked up, the student must bring the instrument back to the box office in the music building (MU 130). Hours are posted on the box office door, or students can make an appointment by emailing music_rentals@memphis.edu.

The instrument will be inspected by staff, and the student will be responsible for any damage that occurred while the instrument was in their care. If an instrument is not returned, a charge will be placed on the student’s account through the Bursar’s Office for the amount of a new replacement instrument. If there is a reason the instrument cannot be returned by the due date, the student should communicate this beforehand to the staff overseeing the instrument inventory.

5. Key, Locker, and Instrument Rental Scheduling
Rentals can be scheduled by emailing music_rentals@memphis.edu after completing the steps listed above, or by stopping by the box office MU 130 during rental hours: 

  • Monday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 12:30 pm 
  • Wednesday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday  8:30 am - 12:30 pm 
  • Friday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

5.3 Collaborative Piano Services

Performer Responsibilities: 

  • Provide their pianist with all musical scores in a timely fashion, in most cases, 1 month before the first rehearsal/lesson. Failure to provide score(s) will result in forfeiture of pianist.  
  • Inform their pianist of any performances (studio classes, rescheduled lessons, etc.) in a timely fashion.
  • It is the performer's responsibility to ensure that a rehearsal location is secured for each rehearsal.
  • To be respectful and professional to the pianist.
  • To pay the pianist for their services on time and in full at the time of service, according to the agreed payment structure.

Student Pianist Commitments:

  • To prepare the music by the first rehearsal (music must be received by the deadline).
  • To attend rehearsals and lessons as arranged.
  • To accommodate reasonable scheduling requests or changes.
  • To be respectful and professional to the Faculty and Students.
  • To report any non-payment from their collaborative partner to the Piano Faculty immediately.
  • The student pianist will provide up to 6 hours of rehearsal/lesson time for each assignment. This can be distributed throughout the semester.

Collaborative Pianist for Hire

  • Students may request collaborative services for course-related work including recitals, lessons, and jury performances. 
  • To request a pianist for a non-course related event or collaborative pianist is not available please refer to the Collaborative Pianist for Hire List. 

5.4 Concert Tickets 

All School of Music Events are free for students with University ID. For ticketed events, show your ID at the door for free admission. Student Performers may receive 2 complimentary tickets by going to the Box Office the evening of the event. These policies may not apply to fundraising events or to performances at venues other than those on the University of Memphis campus.

5.5 Student Travel

The School of Music offers Travel/Performance funding to students participating in significant competitions, conference presentations, or performances. Students must have the support of their principal instructor and Area Coordinator in order to qualify for funding. A completed Student Travel Funding Request Form must be submitted with the School of Music Business Officer in order for student requests to be considered. Any funds authorized become available after travel has been completed. See also 3.6 Off-Campus Events in the School of Music Faculty & Staff Handbook.

5.6 School of Music Area Policies

Each area in the School of Music (e.g. Voice, Brass, Music Industry, etc.) have specific policies that dictate standards and degree requirements. A list of available policies by area can be found in Appendix E of the Faculty & Staff Handbook.

5.7 Hire a Musician

The School of Music connects those looking for musicians for an event with available student musicians. Students can be hired for Performances, Production/Arrangement/Composition/Songwriting, Private Lessons, or Clinics (for public and private school music programs). The terms and conditions of the performance, event, or lessons are negotiated and payment transactions are completed directly between the employer and the musician (or group representative). Requests can be submitted online through the Hire a Musician form.

5.8 Student Counseling Services & Health Center 

Free counseling, wellness, and psychiatric services are available to all UofM students. The Counseling Center page has more information.

The Student Health Center is an accessible, cost effective health care facility that emphasizes campus wide health promotion, disease prevention, and acute episodic outpatient medical care. Individualized attention, courtesy and patient confidentiality to all is of primary importance. Information on how to schedule an appointment and other policies can be found on the Student Health Center page.Information on how to schedule an appointment and other policies can be found on the Student Health Center page. 

5.9 Health & Safety for Musicians 

The primary factor in your health and safety is YOU. Be responsible, make good choices and be informed. The information below will outline musician-specific health and safety issues as you prepare for your career in music.

Hearing Health

Hearing health is essential to your lifelong success as a musician. Noise-induced hearing loss is largely preventable. You must avoid overexposure to loud sounds, especially for long periods of time. The closer you are to the source of a loud sound, the greater the risk of damage to your hearing mechanisms.

Sounds over 85 dB (your typical vacuum cleaner) in intensity pose the greatest risk to your hearing. Risk of hearing loss is based on a combination of sound or loudness intensity and duration. Recommended maximum daily exposure times (NIOSH) to sounds at or above 85 dB are as follows:

  • 85 dB (vacuum cleaner, MP3 player at 1/3 volume) – 8 hours
  • 90 dB (blender, hair dryer) – 2 hours
  • 94 dB (MP3 player at 1/2 volume) – 1 hour
  • 100 dB (MP3 player at full volume, lawnmower) – 15 minutes
  • 110 dB (rock concert, power tools) – 2 minutes
  • 120 dB (jet planes at take-off) – without ear protection, sound damage is almost immediate

Certain behaviors (controlling volume levels in practice and rehearsal, avoiding noisy environments, turning down the volume) reduce your risk of hearing loss. Be mindful of those MP3 earbuds. See chart above.The use of earplugs and earmuffs helps to protect your hearing health. Day-to-day decisions can impact your hearing health, both now and in the future. Since sound exposure occurs in and out of school, you also need to learn more and take care of your own hearing health on a daily basis. It is important to follow basic hearing health guidelines. It is also important to study this issue and learn more. NASM and PAMA provide advisories and other information on the web: http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp?page=NASM-PAMA_Hearing_Health

If you are concerned about your personal hearing health, talk with a medical professional.

Excerpted from: "Protecting Your Hearing Health: Student Information Sheet on Noise- Induced Hearing Loss" NASM/PAMA: November 2011

Performance Health

Musicians use their bodies in specific and highly trained ways, and injuries can occur that can have lasting impact on performance ability. Performers need to be aware of vocal and musculoskeletal health issues that can affect them. Musicians at all levels of achievement can suffer from repetitive stress injuries, neuromuscular conditions or dystonias, and psychological issues including severe performance anxiety.

As health concerns can vary widely depending on performance area, your primary source of information regarding performance health and injury prevention will be your applied music instructor. The School of Music will also host many guest speakers and presenters throughout the academic year for all musicians, regardless of area of study, to specifically address performance health, injury prevention, and treatment options.

If you are concerned about your health as a musician, or are experiencing discomfort in practice or performance, talk with a medical professional.

Websites:

NOTE: Health and safety depend in large part on the personal decisions of informed individuals. Institutions have health and safety responsibilities, but fulfillment of these responsibilities can and will not ensure any specific individual's health and safety. Too many factors beyond any institution's control are involved. Individuals have a critically important role and each is personally responsible for avoiding risk and preventing injuries to themselves before, during, and after study at any institution. The information above does not alter or cancel any individual's personal responsibility, or in any way shift personal responsibility for the results of any individual's personal decisions or actions in any instance or over time to any institution.

5.10 Student Technology Recommendations 

For information on technology recommendations and optional software, visit the Technical Recommendations page.

5.11 Technical Assistance 

To request help with technology needs or issues, submit a Helpdesk service request. For more Information on how to submit a request and other information technology services, see UMTech page. 

5.12 Music Affiliated Student Organizations

There are over 170 student organizations officially registered through the Office of Student Activities at The University of Memphis. To find information on student organizations and university events, you can search for that information on the Tiger Zone web page. 

The following organizations are music oriented:

  • American Choral Directors Association, Memphis Chapter (ACDA): An organization for aspiring choral directors and for anyone interested in all aspects of choral music. The mission of ACDA is to inspire excellence in choral music through education, performance, composition, and advocacy.
  • National Association for Music Education (NAfME): Dedicated to music majors pursuing degrees in music education.
  • The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Ambassadors: School of Music majors and minors who have been recognized by faculty as outstanding school representatives; Ambassadorship is by recommendation.
  • Music and Entertainment Student Association (MEISA): This organization brings music business students together with educators and leaders of the music and entertainment industry in order to more successfully prepare for careers in these fields.
  • Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Collegiate Chapter of the University of Memphis: The MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support with nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates. The University of Memphis collegiate chapter takes part in events at the local, state, and national levels.
  • Audio Engineering Society (AES): Only professional society devoted exclusively to audio technology. Its membership of leading engineers, scientists and other authorities has increased dramatically throughout the world, greatly boosting the society's stature and that of its members in a truly symbiotic relationship.
  • The Delta Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota: Open to all college women who have a sincere interest in music, this group of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is committed to further the development of music in America and throughout the world through excellence in performance and in service to the campus and community.

5.13 Reserve Student Space 

To reserve a study space with the University Libraries, see the University Libraries Reservation page. 

5.14 Music Tutoring Services 

Tutoring for some music courses are available on campus using a face-to-face method and/or through an online, virtual learning platform. Visit the University's Virtual Learning Center for more information.

5.15 Center for Writing & Communication 

To get information on services and how to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a trained staff comprised of graduate students from the departments of English and Communication, visit the Center for Writing & Communication page. 

5.16 International Students 

The International Student Services website has information on dates, forms, and events for new and current students. 

5.17 Campus Tiger Dining & Meal Plans 

Dining locations, hours, and menus can be found on the UM Dining page along with meal plans and other services. 

5.18 Students with Disabilities or Special Needs 

Any student who anticipates physical or academic barriers based on the impact of a disability is encouraged to speak with the course instructor privately. Students with disabilities should also contact the campus Disability Resources for Students (DRS) office. The student has the responsibility of informing the course instructor (at the beginning of the course) of any disabling condition, which will require modification to avoid discrimination. Faculty members are required by law to provide "reasonable accommodation" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate based on that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty at the beginning of the semester and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Contacting the DRS offices for the University of Memphis:

  • DRS Website
  • Main Campus, 110 Wilder Tower, Phone: 901-678-2880
  • Lambuth Campus, 126A Varnell-Jones, Phone: 9731-425-190

5.19 Student Rights & Responsibilities 

The Office of Student Accountability advocates for student rights and promotes academic and personal success. View the Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities. 

5.20 University Resources 

Disability Resources for Students
Counseling Center 
Employment Opportunities
Financial Aid 
Campus Life and Student Services
Registrar's Office
Scholarship Office 

5.21 Health Insurance 

The Student Health Center has information on TBR Student Health Insurance Exchange. 

5.22 Graduate School Forms 

For Graduate Students Only 
All Graduate School forms can be found on the Graduate School's Resources page. 

5.23 Graduate School Resources 

For Graduate Students Only 
See the Graduate School's Current Students page for resource information.

5.24 New Graduate Student Welcome Guide 

For Graduate Students Only 
Complete the important next steps to get you moving forward in becoming an official Memphis Tiger!

5.25 DMA Resources 

For Graduate Students Only
View resources for doctoral dissertations, documents & other projects and available workshops.