MUSIC (MUS)

Courses

MUS 101: FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC AND MUSICIANSHIP

Credits 3
This course focuses on learning to read music notation, the fundamentals of basic music theory, and the study of technique and repertoire in one of two performing mediums: piano or guitar. Upon completion of this course, the student should have acquired the ability to read music, an introductory-level technical facility in piano or guitar, and a thorough foundation in the fundamental elements of music theory, including basic aural skills.

MUS 120: MUSICAL TRAILBLAZERS AND TRADITIONS

Credits 3
From hip-hop to pop, rock, classical, and beyond, this course surveys outstanding musical artists across diverse genres and epochs. The class will explore the lives and legacies of musicians who either established the state of the art or who have shattered boundaries to attain new heights of expression. This course encourages students to engage deeply with music – to understand its significance and the social and historical factors that have influenced each artist and his/her musical world.

MUS 123: HISTORY OF WESTERN MUSIC

Credits 3
Following a brief study of the vocabulary and basic materials of music, this course will cover the historical development of music in the West from the Middle Ages to the present day. Major composers and their works will be studied and connections among history, culture, and musical language will be explored. The course will focus on the enhancement of active listening skills and musical understanding.

MUS 125: WORLD MUSIC

Credits 3
This course is a survey of musical traditions from around the world, including an examination of the cultures and philosophies that shape them. Students learn about the field of ethnomusicology, and the integral role music plays in the lifeways of the world's peoples.

MUS 126: GLOBAL POP

Credits 3
A category of ethnomusicology, Global Pop explores musical traditions from a variety of nations with an emphasis on the popular music industry in each. This course examines the forces that enable the movement of music and musicians around the world and that give global music its persuasive power. Topics include music as expressive culture, music production, ethnicity and identity in pop music, music as symbol, cross-cultural collaborations in popular music, and music as a force that transcends sociological, political and national boundaries.

MUS 140: VOCAL HEALTH AND PEDAGOGY

The voice is the most important tool for communication both in singing and in speaking. Students in this course will learn the process of phonation, healthy vocal hygiene, and valuable techniques for the use of the vocal instrument. They will cover topics relating to muscle tensions, airflow, the relation of Song to Speech, the basics of Anatomy and Physiology of the Vocal instrument and common disorders of the voice. This course is valuable for all professional or non-professional voice users. A professional voice user is one who depends on their voice for their career. They can include singers, actors, teachers and public speakers.

MUS 193: CHORALE

Credits 1

Concert choir which performs choral literature from the Renaissance to the 20th century. There will be several major performances during the year with orchestra, and there will be tours every two years. Audition required. 

MUS 195: BAND

Credits 1

Ensemble for winds, brass, and percussion rehearses once a week and performs at concerts and University functions. 

MUS 196: JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Credits 1

Jazz Ensemble offers the opportunity to explore and engage in the art of jazz performance. This ensemble studies and performs blues and jazz from the modern jazz period, swing era, bebop era, and other style periods of jazz. Students will be given experiences in the stylistic performance of small group jazz. Instrumentalists interested in jazz who play wind, brass or rhythm section instruments are encouraged to enroll. Other instrumentalists and singers should consult the instructor before enrolling. Students will rehearse weekly and perform each semester.

MUS 201: MUSIC THEORY I

Credits 3
After a review of the basic concepts of notation, scales, intervals, and triads, the student will study the various structural elements of music. Topics covered will include cadences, non-harmonic tones, harmonic rhythm, melodic organization and structure, voice-leading in four-part chorale writing, and transposition.

MUS 233: MUSIC IN THE UNITED STATES

Credits 3
This course forms a study of American Music of the last three centuries with particular emphasis on 20th-century trends, including Modern American Classical music, Blues, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Rock and Roll, and Popular music. Influences of Native American, African, and European music will be highlighted, and connections among history, culture, and musical language will be explored. The course will emphasize the enhancement of active listening skills and musical understanding.

MUS 240: ADVANCED STUDIES I: VOICE

Credits 3
This class develops the student’s knowledge of the fundamentals of healthy vocal production through lectures, readings, vocal exercises and repertoire Students review the basics of healthy vocal production and develop the techniques learned in MUS 140. Topics include further study of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal instrument, including vocal fold function, dynamics of both the singing and speaking voice, application of correct vocal technique to various styles and types of repertoire, and individual assessment of the voice. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 340.

MUS 250: ADVANCED STUDIES I: PIANO

Credits 3
This is a course for pianists in the advanced beginner to intermediate stage. Course includes continuation of technique and fundamentals from MUS 101, scales and arpeggios in two octaves, introduction to sight reading and chording, and repertoire of greater difficulty than that encompassing five-finger position. Introduction of actual repertoire from the classical masters as well as more contemporary repertoire. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 350.

MUS 260: ADVANCED STUDIES I: GUITAR

Credits 3
This is an intermediate course in acoustic guitar technique and musicianship. A development of MUS 101 (Fundamentals of Music: Guitar), class topics include 2-octave scales, left and right hand technique, and an introduction to bar chords. These topics will be applied to various musical repertories including pop, folk, acoustic rock, and classical. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 360.

MUS 300: INTERNSHIP IN MUSIC

Credits 3
This upper level, field-based course is designed for juniors and seniors to explore and develop professional opportunities and apply concepts and skills learned in their coursework.

MUS 301: MUSIC THEORY II

Credits 3
A course in traditional harmony and analysis, Music Theory II explores the language of tonal music from both written and aural perspectives. The course goal is to develop a thorough understanding of the techniques and materials of musical composition and to apply this knowledge to the music of diverse repertories. Topics to be covered are: seventh and ninth chords, secondary dominants and other chromatic chords, harmonic progression, voice leading, harmonization and non-harmonic tones, musical texture, modulation, and musical form.

MUS 330: CONDUCTING

Credits 3
This course is designed to provide the student with the fundamental skills of conducting and is geared primarily toward majors and minors who will conduct musical groups in schools and churches. Skills developed will include beat patterns, sight singing, ear training, score reading, and preparation. Students will be assigned a laboratory ensemble to conduct in rehearsal and performance.

MUS 340: ADVANCED STUDIES II: VOICE

Credits 3
This class continues to build upon the information learned in MUS 140 and MUS 240. Students delve deeper into the physiological functions of the voice including muscles of the larynx, increased breathing capacity, prevention of vocal abuse, voice misuse, proper resonance and maintaining an consistent efficient vocal production. Topics include healthy singing for Pop Musicians, projecting the voice for stage work and public speaking, and methods to keep the voice healthy and productive throughout the life cycle. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 240.

MUS 350: ADVANCED STUDIES II: PIANO

Credits 3
This course continues to build on the foundation of previous piano experience. Topics will include major and minor scales in three octaves, arpeggios, technical studies, accompanying folk and popular music from chord symbols, transposition, and the study of more advanced classical repertoire. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 250.

MUS 360: ADVANCED STUDIES II: GUITAR

Credits 3
This is an advanced course in guitar technique and musicianship. Class topics include scales in all keys (with metronome application), slurs, position studies, and arpeggios. Focus is given to chord progressions involving multiple positions and bar forms, guitar solos, and improvisatory concepts so as to prepare the student for ensemble opportunities. These topics will be applied to various musical repertories including pop, folk, acoustic rock, and classical. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 260.

MUS 400: SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC

Credits 3
Special topics in Music are offered occasionally by the department. The courses respond to special interests evinced by students, outgrowths of topics addressed in an intermediate course, or research interests of the faculty. These courses are sometimes interdisciplinary in nature and may be offered without prerequisites.