Every senior is busy with projects, papers and finding jobs toward the end of a four, or sometimes five, year journey, but for senior music majors, the cherry on top of the sundae comes with the successful completion of a senior recital.

“I just hope people come, not necessarily to hear me sing, but to see the growth that has happened in the last five years,” senior Courtney West said. “I have put in, total, probably close to 100 to 150 hours working on this recital.”

Junior and senior music majors are required to perform a recital to graduate.

“Students that are eligible for a senior recital have passed three achievement levels,” Professor of Music Trilla Lyerla said.

Students have to fulfill certain requirements within the recital, and the requirements are different for each emphasis.

Lyerla said requirements for a voice recital include singing in multiple languages, performing pieces that have a certain level of difficulty and writing a paper.

Both voice and piano students are required to memorize music for the recital, but other instrumentalists do not have this requirement.

Senior Will Duncan said memorizing the pieces for his upcoming piano recital has helped him get the feel for each song and its meaning.

All music majors have to write a paper along with their senior recital.

West said the paper is a tool for students to show what they know about the songs included in the performance, from the meaning of the songs, and history about the composers that wrote the songs.

Another requirement prior to the recital is a preview with a panel of music professors. Previews take place about three weeks before a recital.

“The preview is in place to ensure the students are ready to perform,” Lyerla said.

During the review, the performer must show an understanding of every piece and, like many other majors, turn in a portfolio.

Duncan said the portfolio includes every concert performance, forum participation, theater production and jury.

“You name it,” Duncan said. “Anything done in the fine arts department, it’s a part of this portfolio.”

Every senior music major has to complete a portfolio, a paper and a preview with the faculty.

“Recitals are unique for professors because of applied voice lessons. You as the professor get (to) watch the growth of the student performing,” Lyerla said. “It’s really neat to witness.”