Music Courses
Students will learn basic knowledge related to key signatures, scales, intervals and chords. Student will also develop skills in writing and identifying these foundational music theory elements.
For students wishing to take MU 110 Music Theory I and are unable to pass the Theory Entrance Exam administered on the first day of class, this course will be required to take and pass before enrolling again in MU 110.
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the formal construction of music. It includes an in-depth study of rhythmic notation, tonality, scales, key systems, intervals and transposition, chords, figured bass, cadences, non-harmonic tones, melodic organization and analysis, texture, principles of voice leading, first species counterpoint and an introduction to composition and improvisation.
Must be taken concurrently with MU 111.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on Theory Entrance Exam administered on the first day of fall classes. Recommendations for preparation for the Theory Entrance Exam are provided by the Music Department upon request.
An introduction to dictation and recognition exercises in melody, harmony and rhythm, with special attention to intervals. Students learn to sight-sing using the move-able do" system. Dictation and sight-singing exercises are related to studies in written theory/form. "
Must be taken concurrently with MU 110.
A continuation of composition, improvisation and voice-leading principles and an in-depth study of harmonic progression and analysis, seventh chords, modulation and binary/ternary forms.
Must be taken concurrently with MU 113.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 110
A continued study of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation. Sight-singing studies are continued, including singing in minor and using chromatic syllables.
Must be taken concurrently with MU 112.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 111
An introduction to appreciation of Western music concentrating on: basic terminology and instruments; the time periods of music history and their respective style characteristics; the parallels between poetry, literature, visual art and music; listening skills to encourage life-long learning; and a sociological understanding of how different cultures use music. An emphasis is placed on critical analysis and writing skills. Listening assignments and concert attendance are required.
Introduction to the basic conducting patterns and coordination of both hands. Practice in shaping musical sounds through conducting, demonstrating a functional knowledge of the language of music.
Usually taken concurrently with MU 301 and 302.
The study of the musical development of children ages 3-9 years as well as methods and materials for teaching general music in elementary school. Suzuki, Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze and Gordon educational systems will be studied in detail, and the student will become familiar with the basic vocabulary of each method, i.e. Kodaly hand-signals, Dalcroze eurhythmics movement, Orff instruments, etc. Topics related to program administration and assessment of students' progress will be explored.
Field experience, including work with special needs children, required.
Prerequisites: ED 212 and C- or better in MU 301 and 302
A pedagogical study of the brass and percussion families of instruments, learning basic embouchure, fingerings, how to produce a correct tone, sticks and rhythmic rudiments and melodic percussion mallets. The student will gain a familiarity with the instruments and experience in methods for teaching the instruments to beginners.
A pedagogical study of the woodwind and string families of instruments, learning basic embouchure or position, fingerings, how to produce a correct tone and other basic rudiments. The student will gain a familiarity with the instruments and experience in methods for teaching the instruments to beginners.
Students will learn and master the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and drill on phonetics and rules of English diction for singers while studying the major song literature of Great Britain and America, from the Renaissance to the Modern period. Students will apply the IPA to learning German pronunciation and diction for singers while exploring the major German art song repertoire from the Renaissance through the twentieth century, with special emphasis on the major song cycles and other Lieder of the Romantic Period.
Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), students will learn correct singer's diction in Latin and Italian, memorize basic vocabulary, learn to translate text and transcribe text into IPA while exploring the Mass and other significant Latin prose and the major Italian art song repertoire of the Renaissance through the twentieth century. Mid-semester, the emphasis will switch to the French language with work on learning correct diction, transcribing orthographic language to IPA, translating and memorizing basic vocabulary while listening to and singing French Melodie from the major periods.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 241
This course has two components. The first is an introduction to the use of public address equipment in a performance setting. Topics include the various components of the PA system, its use and criteria for selection and preparation for hands-on work with different systems. The second component features the use of electronic keyboards and computers. The student will learn to connect the two and, through, MIDI interface, exchange information to be used in recording, performing, scoring and sequencing.
Prerequisite: MU 112
An overview of the music industry, including a survey of its history and a study of contemporary trends. Focus is given to the recording industry, band organization and legal issues.
Field trips expected.
A continuation of composition, improvisation and a study of chromatic harmony, including borrowed chords, Neapolitan sixths, augmented sixths, extended chords, altered dominants, chromatic mediants, common-tone diminished sevenths and foreign modulation.
Must be taken concurrently with MU 302.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 112
An intermediate study of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation and recognition. Sight-singing studies include chromatic syllables, modulation and syncopation.
Must be taken concurrently with MU 301.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 113
A study of form and analysis, including standard classical instrumental and vocal forms, and an introduction to the characteristics and techniques of Impressionist, twentieth century and New Music.
Must be taken concurrently with MU 304.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 301
Advanced study of harmonic dictation and other aural skills. Further sight-singing studies in modulation, as well as modal, non-tonal and twentieth-century melodies.
Must be taken concurrently with MU 303.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 301
Students will receive beginning instruction in song composition. Related areas of song marketing, promotion, publication and copyright law will be explored.
Prerequisite: MU 110
Students will receive instruction in the management of the musical artist within the music industry. The many forces of the music business that influence and shape the artist and the artistic product are investigated.
Prerequisite: BA 252
Introduction to the equipment of the studio and its use, including studio session procedures and recording production.
Prerequisite: MU 265
Selected topics in methods and principles of marketing music products.
Prerequisite: BA 381
The study of the musical development of children and young adolescents ages 10-14 years as well as methods and materials for teaching general music, guitar class, piano class, beginning band, beginning choir and exploratory music appreciation courses in middle school or junior high.
Field experience, including work with special needs children, required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 234
An introduction to the instruments of the orchestra, their ranges, tones, technical idiosyncrasies, histories and scoring for small ensembles, wind bands and orchestra. Some non-Western instruments are also studied such as the string instruments of the Far East and percussion instruments of Africa and Latin America.
Prerequisite: MU 112
Practical experience in and the study of arranging styles and techniques for various choral ensembles, including SATB, SSA and TTBB. Students will learn to use music-writing computer programs to complete major assignments such as arrangements of instrumental works, hymns, simple chorales, transcriptions, freely composed works for different combinations of voices and voices with instruments.
Prerequisite: MU 112
Detailed study of the history and stylistic development of music from antiquity to 1750, including interdisciplinary studies relating music to other arts and humanities. Although the main focus is on Western art music, many ethnomusicological examples are used and some unusual genre of world music are studied.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 115
Detailed study of the history and stylistic development of music from 1750 through the twentieth century, including Western art music and non-traditional world music. Students will explore wholly modern idioms such as jazz aleatory and minimalist music and will examine non-Western harmonic systems.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU 115
A survey of vocal music composers, their styles and their literature from the major musical periods: Baroque, Classic, Romantic, twentieth century and Contemporary. Performance class designed for music majors and minors. Students will complete an annotated compendium and discography of the major vocal literature.
Prerequisite: One year of applied voice (MU A10)
Survey of solo, chamber and concerto literature for an orchestral instrument. This class will usually be taught by the applied instrument instructor concurrently with the applied lessons during the semester of the Senior Recital. Students will complete an annotated bibliography and discography of the major repertoire for their instruments.
Survey of solo, concerto and chamber music literature for the piano. Students will complete an annotated compendium and discography of the major repertoire for piano.
Prerequisite: One year applied study
Practical application of advanced conducting techniques combined with principles of score study and rehearsal techniques. Students work with various ensembles to hone conducting and rehearsal skills.
Prerequisite: MU 178
This course is an introduction to the skills essential for today's musical theatre performer. Topics such as song preparation, dance/ movement, ensemble and duet work, musicality and acting the lyric will be covered. The semester will conclude with a public performance of music and scenes.
Identical with TH 365.
Exploration of common pedagogical principles for private wind, string or percussion instrumental instruction, with a study of the methods and materials from most of the major publishers. Consideration of business management, marketing and ethical issues confronting private studio teachers.
Prerequisite: One year of applied study
Exploration of common pedagogical principles for private and group piano instruction for students of all ages, with a study of the methods and resources from most of the major publishers and suppliers. Consideration of new technology, business management, marketing, ethical and performance issues confronting studio piano teachers.
Prerequisite: One year of applied study
A detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the singing process, respiration and phonation, the classification of vocal fach and a discussion of the various pedagogical approaches to the teaching of singing. Students will compile an annotated bibliography of 50 books and journals on teaching voice and an additional annotated bibliography of literature for the beginning singer in all fachs.
Prerequisite: One year of voice class or applied study
Practicum in some aspect of music designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent
The study of teaching instrumental music in the public schools, including pedagogy and materials for band, orchestra and jazz band. Extensive work in communications includes the study of various learning styles and methods for reaching those learners and producing polished written communications. Other topics include organizing booster organizations and planning and managing budgets. Students will complete a detailed written project outlining the establishment of a high school or middle school instrumental program, purchase of instruments, choice of literature, balance of instrumentation, publicity and recruitment.
Field experience, including work with special needs children, required.
Prerequisites: All junior music coursework and C- or better in MU 325
The study of teaching choral music in the public schools, including pedagogy and materials for mixed and same-sex traditional ensembles and show choirs. Using Don Collins' Teaching Choral Music, students will study Piaget and other theories of cognitive development and learning styles and practice methods of communication with each. This writing intensive course culminates in an extensive written project on the development of a high school or middle school comprehensive choral program, including setting up a budget, purchasing equipment, choosing and purchasing uniforms, planning concert programs, publicity and recruitment.
Field experience, including work with special needs children, required.
Prerequisites: All junior music coursework and C- or better in MU 325
A research project, usually culminating in a formal monograph related to the music major; recommended for seniors preparing to enter graduate school.
Prerequisite: Consent
A field experience in music which provides an opportunity for the student to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Student maintains close cooperation with the supervisory personnel in the field.
Prerequisite: Consent
Students intern with a music agency, such as a professional recording studio, a retail store or wholesale music or instrument distributor, an applied teaching studio, an instrument building or repair facility, or other commercial music enterprise.
Prerequisite: Completion of junior coursework in music with an emphasis in business
For beginning pianists, this class focuses on the development of music reading, basic piano facility and motor skills. For music majors whose primary applied area is not keyboard, this course is the first in a four-semester sequence in preparation for the piano proficiency exam. The class covers Level One of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course. Technical study includes five-note scales with varied articulations, all triads, major arpeggios, pedal use, harmonization and transposition of melodies and sight reading.
A continuation of MU A01. Technical study includes all one-octave major and minor scales, all major/minor arpeggios, triad and seventh chord inversions, chord progressions, greater depth in harmonization/transposition of melodies and sight reading.
Prerequisite: MU A01
A continuation of MU A02. Technical study includes one-octave major/minor scales and arpeggios, with more advanced chord progressions and resolutions, harmonization/transposition of melodies and sight reading.
Prerequisite: MU A02
A continuation of MU A03. Repertoire focus is on proficiency pieces. Proficiency level is achieved in scales, arpeggios, chord progressions/resolutions, harmonization/transposition and sight reading.
Prerequisite: MU A03
Class voice is a group setting in which students learn the basics of singing. Students in this class will learn proper technique in voice production. Repertoire covered includes art songs, arias, folk songs and musicals. Students are expected to sing in front of the class and to practice consistently.
This course is intended for students who have no experience playing the guitar. The focus is on fundamental skills needed to play worship music, including reading traditional sheet music, tablature and chord charts. Students will learn to play finger-style and with a pick, identify and play chords and scales, strum basic patterns and tune the guitar. Emphasis is on formal technique through contemporary praise and worship and folk repertoire.
Students provide their own acoustic guitar in good playing condition. Nylon strings are recommended.
All music majors and minors register for MU ALAB and attend lab sessions in their applied area. The labs for each instrument include a multi-faceted curriculum that is designed to instruct in a variety of areas related to the instrument. Students are coached and perform during lab sessions and discuss topics such as pedagogy, repertoire, performance practice, formal criticism and chamber music.
The Concert Choir is a mixed choral ensemble and normally tours during the spring semester. Meets four and a half hours per week. Repertoire includes major choral literature, early music and contemporary works for chorus.
For wind, brass and percussion performers, the symphonic band performs standard band literature and provides on- and off-campus performances. May include musicians from the community in addition to students and faculty.
The chamber orchestra is open to all string players by audition and performs standard chamber string literature. The chamber strings occasionally join with wind players from the Wind Ensemble to perform standard orchestral literature. Meets two hours per week with additional rehearsals scheduled for pit work. Usually includes one or two performances per semester plus pit work for shows.
May include musicians from the community in addition to students and faculty.
Group of instrumentalists who perform in various jazz styles. Jazz improvisation is taught as a part of the ensemble. Meets two hours per week. Most performances are held on campus.
An acting, singing and stage movement workshop culminating in scenes for performance from musical theatre, operetta and opera.
Must be able to read music.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MU A06 Class Voice I or one semester of applied voice
A weekly workshop seminar in which pianists work with soloists and are coached by the piano faculty to polish selected repertoire in a four-semester cycle. One semester each is devoted to the following: art song, choral music, orchestral reductions (concertos, opera) and chamber music/instrumental works.