Technical standards outline the skills and expectations required for students to successfully enter, progress through, and complete the program. They ensure clarity and consistency for students, faculty, staff, administration, and disability services. These standards apply equally to all students.
If you require accommodations to fully participate in the program, please contact the Office of Disability Services to confidentially discuss your needs. Technical standards can be met with or without accommodations, and the examples provided are not all encompassing.
Technical Standard, Definition and Examples
Skills that demonstrate ability to remember, understand, apply, analyze, and evaluate information.
Examples:
- Process information from multiple sources.
- Ability to gather relevant information, interpret data, recognize problems, and use a process to make informed decisions.
- Understand the difference between facts and opinions.
- Analyze feedback from instructors to make changes and improvements.
Physical abilities sufficient to move in one's environment with ease and without restriction. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to communicate results.
Examples:
- Dexterity sufficient to use equipment (e.g., calculator, iPad, computer, other manipulatives) and grasp small objects (e.g., pencil).
- Possess the psychomotor skills to manipulate various musical instruments that require hand-eye coordination, perform utilizing various instruments using proper technique with dexterity.
- Lift and move objects of at least 20 pounds.
- Sufficient physical endurance to perform prolonged periods of walking, standing, sitting, singing, and other various mediums of musical performance.
Ability to use basic digital tools for communication and coursework.
Examples:
- Navigate a learning management system (LMS) such as Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard.
- Access and manage institutional email, digital resources, and online support services.
- Submit assignments and participate in online discussions.
- Use basic word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software.
Tactile ability sufficient for written communication and handling of electronic and musical equipment.
Examples:
- The ability to safely use writing utensils, drawing utensils, keyboards, guitars, pianos, various musical instruments, computer controls, and audio equipment.
Possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity to produce music in the instructed medium.
Examples:
- Ability to safely maneuver music studio spaces and safely handle equipment of variable durability.
- Sufficient strength to lift and move objects of at least 20 pounds.
- Sufficient physical endurance to perform prolonged periods of walking, standing, sitting, singing, and other various mediums of musical performance.
Auditory abilities sufficient for classroom needs.
Examples:
- Distinguish and respond to auditory alarms (e.g., monitors, fire alarms, call bells).
- Distinguish and respond to normal speaking-level sound (e.g., person-to-person).
- Distinguish and respond to auditory changes (e.g., high and low sounds, loud and soft sounds, singular and many sounds).
Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment in lectures, labs, and activities
Examples:
- Visual ability to perceive minute details, very small variations in musical notation (e.g., space notes, line notes, manuscript writings).
- Visual ability to read text and numbers in small print and on a monitor screen.
Ability to communicate both verbally and nonverbally. Must be able to read, comprehend, and communicate in English with sufficient skills to interact with others.
Examples:
- Communicate with others in a clear and timely manner.
- Speak and write in Standard English (unless the student is enrolled in a foreign language course or is performing music utilizing a foreign language).
- Interpret and follow directions from the instructor and convey information clearly to the instructor and others.
- Ability to communicate about technique and give feedback to others.
Ability to interact with others both in person and virtually and respect for those from diverse social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Examples:
- Ability to function and contribute as part of a team.
- Ability to interact with others in-person or through electronic means.
- Respond to instructors and other students with respect for their viewpoints in the classroom and online.
Olfactory abilities sufficient for classroom needs.
Examples:
- Identify harmful chemicals or mold that may appear inside instruments (e.g., instruments without proper maintenance).
- Safely work with potentially harmful chemicals used in studio settings (e.g., instrument maintenance and cleaning).
Possess coping skills sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations. Emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions
Examples:
- Ability to calmly receive feedback.
- Ability to adapt rapidly to changing environment and/or stress.
- Exhibit behavior that is safe towards oneself and others.
We are committed to ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed in this program. If you have a documented disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided unless they fundamentally alter essential training requirements, create undue hardship, or pose a safety risk to you or others.
Disability Services Statement
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office (Ward Hall Building; 252-638-1454) as soon as possible—ideally before classes or field experiences begin. You are also encouraged to inform your instructor as needed so we can best support your learning.