Music Courses

THEORY

MUS 1603  Fundamentals of Music Theory and Ear Training

Intensive study of the elements of music including rhythm, notation, scales, intervals, and triads with correlated sight-singing and ear training. Recommended for incoming freshman with no background in theory and for upperclassmen who have not successfully completed Theory 1

MUS 1613 Theory 1

A study of functional harmony, melodic structure, rhythm and form. Includes rudiments, part writing and analysis of music from various style periods.

MUS 1623 Theory 2

A continuation of MUS 1613. Includes the study of counterpoint through the analysis of music from the 16th and 18th centuries. Prerequisite: MUS 1613.

MUS 1631 Ear Training 1

The development of comprehensive musicianship skills through exercises in sight singing and aural perception. Should be taken concurrently with Theory 1

MUS 1641 Ear Training 2

A continuation of MUS 1631. Should be taken concurrently with Theory 2. Prerequisite: MUS 1631.

MUS 2613 Theory 3

A study of advanced harmony. Includes part writing and the study of small forms through the analysis of music from various style periods. Prerequisite: MUS 1613, 1623.

MUS 2623 Theory 4

A continuation of MUS 2613. Includes the study of chromatic harmonies and large scale forms through the analysis of music from various style periods. Also includes a study of post-tonal theory and 20th century compositional techniques. Includes the study of set theory and serialism through the analysis of music of the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisite: MUS 2613.

MUS 2631 Ear Training 3

A continuation of MUS 1631 and 1641. Should be taken concurrently with Theory 3. Prerequisite: MUS 1641

MUS 2641 Ear Training 4

A continuation of MUS 2631. Should be taken concurrently with Theory 4. Prerequisite: MUS 2631.

 

CONDUCTING

MUS 3653 Conducting I

An introduction to the basic techniques of conducting, score reading, interpretation and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 1613.

MUS 3663 Conducting II

Advanced choral conducting and rehearsal techniques are studied with an introduction to the basic techniques of instrumental conducting. Will include warm-up, rehearsal sequence, concert and contest preparation and the study and interpretation of works for orchestra, wind ensemble, and orchestral/choral works. Prerequisite: MUS 3653.

 

HISTORY AND LITERATURE

MUS 1413 Music Appreciation

An introduction to the most important forms, styles, and movements of Western music. Designed for non-music majors. Recital and concert attendance required.

MUS 1453 Introduction to Music Literature

A broad survey of music from the Renaissance to the present with a focus on general styles and forms. Designed for music majors or non-music majors with music background. Also includes an introduction to Non-Western musical forms and practices.

MUS 3473 Piano Literature

A study of composers and representative works from the Baroque period to the present. Prerequisite: MUS 1613, 1623.

MUS 3483 Vocal Literature

A survey of vocal literature from the Renaissance to the present. Includes a survey of significant operatic vocal literature. Prerequisite: MUS 1613, 1623.

MUS 3501, 3502, 3503 Directed Study in Music

A specialized course of study for qualified students. The course is offered on demand, and the credit hours are determined by the nature of the study. Prerequisite: JR/SR standing.

MUS 3573 Music History 1

A survey of the development of Western music with specialization in the composers, literature, and style movements, from antiquity through the Baroque. Emphasis will be given to stylistic and aural analysis. Prerequisites: MUS 1613, 1623, 1453.

MUS 3583 Music History 2

A continuation of MUS 3573, focusing on music from the Pre-Classical style period to the present. Emphasis given to aural and stylistic analysis. Prerequisite: MUS 3573 or permission of the instructor.

 

CHURCH MUSIC

MUS 2523 Introduction to Church Music Education

Study and practice of current and traditional philosophies, methods, and materials for use in the educational elements of music ministry. Includes principles of instruction in preschool through youth choirs, as well as handbell and Orff techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 1613.

MUS 3533 Worship Forms and Practices

A study of worship forms and practices in the Judeo-Christian tradition from Biblical times to the present. Includes a study of biblical, theological, philosophical, and historical foundations in liturgy. Includes practical application of those foundations in worship planning for various seasons in the church year.

MUS 3543 Congretional Christian Song

A survey of Christian song from the beginning of the Christian Era to the present. Historical analysis of hymns, and other congretional songs of the church with emphasis on their sources, development and application in contemporary worship. 

MUS 3563 Introduction to Church Music Administration

A study of the principles involved in organizing and implementing a fully-graded music ministry, including leadership, audio/visuals, seasonal presentations, alternative worship ministries, budgeting, programming, and multiple staff relationships.

MUS 4573 Internship in Church Music Administration

A 135 hour internship in an approved area church under the direct supervision of the minister of music. Significant issues will be discussed in weekly class sessions or through online dialogue if internship is taken as a summer course. Prerequisites: MUS 3563 and permission of instructor. SR level.

 

METHODS

MUS 3853 Music Methods and Curriculum PreK-5

A study of contemporary teaching strategies and procedures recommended by Jacques-Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly, and Comprehensive Musicianship. Includes curriculum development for general music class, Choral and instrumental ensembles and recorder are also included. Western and Non-Western musical tradition are examined. Prerequisite: MUS 1613, 1623 or permission of instructor.

MUS 3863 Music Methods and Curriculum 6-12

A study of comtemporary teaching strategies and procedures for choral and instrumental emsembles. Choral arranging techniques, instrumental methods and literature, show choirs and hendbells will also be surveyed. Western and Non-Western musical traditions are examined. Prerequisite: MUS 1613, 1623, 3853 or permission of instructor.

MUS 3873 Survey of Modern Band Methodologies and Marching Band Techniques

Modern Bank Methodologies and Marching Band Techniques will be a comprehensive course covering all aspects of teaching and administering a middle school and high school band program.

 

APPLIED MUSIC PEDAGOGY

(The following courses may not be substituted for applied voice or instrumental study.)

MUS 1111  Brass Methods and Pedagogy

Brass Class is designed to give students hands-on knowledge of brass pedagogy in a group setting.  Students will learn the Common Elements approach to teaching all areas of brass, including (but not limited to) trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba.

MUS 1121  Percussion Methods and Pedagogy

Percussion Class is designed to give students hands-on knowledge of percussion pedagogy in a group setting.  Students will learn the Common Elements approach to teaching all areas of percussion, including (but not limited to) snare drum, timpani, keyboard percussion, and accessory percussion.

MUS 1131  String Methods and Pedagogy

The purpose of this course is to provide music educators with basic information concerning topics related to teaching string instrumental music to public school students in a large classroom setting.  Students will follow a course of study that addresses teaching methods, instrumental performance techniques, resources and literature, and administration of a string program.

MUS 1141  Woodwind Methods and Pedagogy

Woodwind Class is designed to give students “hands-on knowledge of woodwind pedagogy in a group setting.  Students will learn the Common Elements approach to teaching all areas of woodwinds including, (but not limited to) flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and saxophone.

MUS 1310 Performing Arts Lab

Regular recitals and concerts are presented by faculty, guest artists, and selected students from the studios of applied music instructors. Attendance at these recitals is intended to provide a variety of live music and theater experiences for the student. A specified number of these recitals are required of all music degree candidates for six semesters. P/F grading system will be used.

MUS 4833 Piano Pedagogy and Practicum

The study and application of principles for teaching piano. Includes information and skills needed to establish a private studio. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

MUS 4843 The Art of Accompanying and Practicum

The study and application of the principles of vocal and instrumental accompanying. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

MUS 4853 Vocal Pedagogy and Diction with Practicum

A study of the working of the vocal mechanism and the diagnosis and correction of vocal faults. An introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and its use in the study of the pronunciation of English, Latin and Italian. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

MUS 4863 Advanced Vocal Pedagogy and Diction with Practicum

A continuation of MUS 4853.  Study of the International Phonetic.  Alphabet will include German and French.  Includes information and skills needed to establish a private studio.  Prerequisite:  MUS 4853

 

APPLIED MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Class Instruction

MUS 1211 Class Voice

Courses presenting the basics of vocal technique, interpretation, and communication through discussion, listening, and individual coaching.  Meets twice a week for one hour.  May be taken as an elective for non-music majors.  Prerequisite for private voice instruction.

MUS 1221 Class Piano

An introductory course in piano technique.  May be taken as an elective for non-music majors or in preparation for the piano proficiency by music majors.

Private Instruction

MUS 1011, 1012 Private Brass

MUS 1021, 1022 Private Guitar

MUS 1031, 1032 Private Organ

MUS 1041, 1042 Private Percussion

MUS 1051, 1052 Private Piano

MUS 1061, 1062 Private Strings

MUS 1071, 1072 Private Voice

MUS 1081, 1082 Private Woodwind

All applied music course numbers ending in "1" will require one (1) half hour lesson per week. These courses are recommended for Non-Music Majors, Music Minors and for Music Majors for whom this is their secondary applied instrument. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor or where applicable Class Voice or Class Piano.

All applied music course numbers ending in “2” will require one (1) hour lesson per week.   These courses are recommended for Music Majors for whom this is their primary applied instrument.  Prerequisite:  Permission of instructor or Music Department Chair.

MUS 3810 Piano or Vocal Proficiency

Student will receive credit for this after passing all levels of the proficiency as indicated in the Music Department Student Handbook available from the Music Department Chair. Required of all music majors and minors. Music Education and Church Music concentrations should fulfill this requirement before entering student teaching or church music practicum. Prerequisites: permission of instructor.

MUS 3890 Junior Recital

Recommended for Applied pedagogy concentrations. Student will prepare thirty minutes of literature from the standard repertoire representing all style periods. For further guidelines see the Music Student Handbook available from the Music Department Chair. Prerequisites: two years applied study at the college level and permission of instructor.

MUS 4810 Senior Recital I

Required for Church Music, General Music and Music Education concentrations. Student will prepare 30 minutes of literature from the standard repertoire representing all style periods. For further guidelines see the Music Student Handbook available from the Music Department Chair. It is recommended that the student complete this course before entering their student teaching or church music practicum. Prerequisites: three years applied study at the college level.

MUS 4890 Senior Recital II

Required for Applied pedagogy concentrations. Students will prepare 50-60 minutes of literature from the standard repertoire, representing all style periods. For further guidelines see the Music Student Handbook available from the Music Department Chair. Prerequisite: three years applied study at the college level.