Music Courses
MUS 100 (1-0-1)
Basic Ensemble
This course is designed to develop skills in music reading and ensemble performance.
Class time is dedicated to sight-reading music in classical, jazz, and folk styles;
reading and performing rhythm and scale exercises; and preparing music for performance.
PR/CR: MUS 135 or permission of the Dean of the School of Music
Fall only
MUS 106 (3-0-3)
Ear Training and Sight Singing
This course develops students’ competencies in sight singing in major and minor keys as well as reading skills in simple and compound meters using solfège—movable Do and Do based minor—and Gordon based rhythmic patterns. Students also develop ear training skills including identifying melodic intervals and triad quality.
MUS 112 (1-0-1)
Music Notation Software Basics
This course introduces basic music notation through the use of the notation software
program Avid Sibelius. Students learn the conventions of staff music notation while
using Sibelius to create scores for various instruments, voices, and ensembles. Students
examine and create a wide variety of scores, including music for solo instruments,
chamber ensembles, lead sheets for jazz and popular standards, and classical and romantic
symphonies. In addition to traditional staff notation, students also study instrument-specific
notation and special technique notation as found in contemporary and nontraditional
music. The course includes an arrangement project for a small ensemble of transposing
and non-transposing instruments. Student projects are performed in class. Students
use Sibelius on individual computers during class and have access to these computers
during the day to complete assignments. Though not required, students may wish to
acquire a version of Sibelius for use on their own computer.
Spring only
MUS 113 (1-0-1)
Basic Ensemble II
This course develops music reading and performance skills through sight reading, rehearsal
and performance in an ensemble setting. Students sight read music in a variety of
styles and meters; read and perform more complex rhythm and scale exercises; and prepare
music for performance as part of an ensemble.
PR/CR: MUS 135 or permission of the Dean of the School of Music
Spring only
MUS 114 (0-4-1)
Wind Ensemble
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of large and moderate
size works primarily for brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Students perform works
selected on the basis of artistic and historic significance as well as pedagogical
importance. Students also research the broader historic, social, and aesthetic principles
of the assigned repertoire. The course provides an experience in concert preparation
and rehearsal techniques along with positive performance experiences. Performances
are open to the public.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 115 (3-0-3)
Rock Music Style and Development
This course explores the historical development of rock music in terms of musical style as well as of rock music’s role as a social, cultural, economic and political force. The course covers the pre-existing styles (pop, country and western, rhythm and blues, jazz, folk, gospel and classical music) that impacted the evolution of rock music. Directed listening exercises emphasize music listening skills and reinforce concepts of musical style and elements such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, timbre and form.
MUS 116 (0-2-1)
Jazz Ensemble
This course provides students with the opportunity to perform classic and contemporary
music for big band. Students perform works selected on the basis of artistic and historic
significance as well as pedagogical importance. Students also research the broader
historic, social, and aesthetic principles of the assigned repertoire. The course
provides an experience in concert preparation and rehearsal techniques along with
positive performance experiences. Performances are open to the public.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 117 (1-0-1)
Flute Ensemble
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of chamber music
for various size flute ensembles. Students are given the opportunity to perform works
selected on the basis of artistic and historical significance as well as pedagogical
importance with special emphasis on the development of independence in chamber music
performance skills. The course provides an experience in concert preparation and rehearsal
techniques along with positive performance experiences. Performances will be open
to the public.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 118 (0-3-1)
Vocal Chamber Ensemble
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of works for a
vocal chamber ensemble; special emphasis will be placed on the development of proper
musical techniques including singing, diction, as well as performing in a variety
of languages. Students perform works selected on the basis of artistic and historic
significance as well as pedagogical importance. Students also research the broader
historic, social, and aesthetic principles of the assigned repertoire. The course
provides an experience in concert preparation and rehearsal techniques along with
positive performance experiences. Performances are open to the public.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 119 (1-0-1)
Brass Ensemble
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of chamber and
larger size works for brass instruments. Students are given the opportunity to perform
works selected on the basis of artistic and historical significance as well as pedagogical
importance with special emphasis on the development of performance skills. The course
provides an experience in concert preparation and rehearsal techniques along with
positive performance experiences. Performances will be open to the public.
PR: Audition/ Permission of Instructor
MUS 120 (3-0-3)
World Music Styles
This course is a comprehensive survey of the musical works and styles of world cultures
from Africa, the Middle East, the Muslim world, the Arab world, India, Indonesia,
East Asia, and the Americas, and explores the meaning and function of music in culture
and society. Musical examples range from selections from major urban centers to small
villages. Students focus on composers and compositions that made important contributions
to the development of music and examine the effects and influences of society, culture,
geography, and technology on the evolution of music of various genres within each
cultural region. Through active online listening, students analyze specific works
focusing on their stylistic elements, genres, and respective cultures.
Fall only
MUS 121 (3-0-3)
The Enjoyment of Music I
This course is a survey of art music of the Western world from the Middle Ages through the Twenty-first Century. By examining music from major style periods, students learn to recognize standard Western instruments and elements of music, including melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and form. Students develop listening skills through in-class activities and online music listening assignments. Students develop an understanding of the defining characteristics of the major style periods by examining great musical works and studying major composers from each era and by exploring the relationship between music and other art forms.
MUS 122 (1-0-1)
Guitar Ensemble
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of chamber music
for various size guitar ensembles. Students perform works selected on the basis of
artistic and historical significance as well as pedagogical importance. Students also
research the broader historic, social, and aesthetic principles of the assigned repertoire.
The course provides an experience in concert preparation and rehearsal techniques
along with positive performance experiences. Performances will be open to the public.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 124 (1-0-1)
Classical Guitar Ensemble
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of chamber music
for various size classical guitar ensembles. Students are given the opportunity to
perform works selected on the basis of artistic and historical significance as well
as pedagogical importance with special emphasis on the development of independence
in chamber music performance skills. The course provides an experience in concert
preparation and rehearsal techniques along with positive performance experiences.
Performances will be open to the public.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 126 (0-0-1)
Percussion Ensemble
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of large and moderate
size works for mixed percussion. Students perform works selected on the basis of artistic
and historical significance as well as pedagogical importance with special emphasis
on the development of multi-instrument percussion skills. The course includes concert
preparation and rehearsal techniques along with positive performance experiences.
Performances are open to the public.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 127 (3-0-3)
Jazz Styles and Development
This course is a comprehensive survey of the works and styles of jazz, a uniquely American art form, and its relationships to popular and art music including pre-jazz styles such as ragtime and blues, swing, bebop, cool, third stream, avant-garde, fusion, and contemporary music. Students focus on composers and compositions that are important to the development of jazz, and examine effects and influences of society, culture, and technology on the evolution of various jazz genres. Through active online listening, students analyze specific works focusing on their stylistic elements, genres, and respective time periods.
MUS 128 (0-0-1)
Jazz Combo
This course provides students with opportunities to perform classic and contemporary
jazz music in a small group format. Special emphasis is placed on group interaction,
improvisation, and independent playing. Performances will be open to the public and
occur both on and off-campus.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 130 (1-0-1)
Chamber Ensemble
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of mixed instrument
chamber music. Students are given the opportunity to perform works selected on the
basis of artistic and historical significance as well as pedagogical importance with
special emphasis on the development of independent rehearsals, the course provides
positive chamber music performance experiences.
PR: Audition/Permission of Instructor
MUS 131 (3-0-3)
African American Music Survey
This appreciation and literature course is a survey of African American musical genres and styles. Topics of study range from the slave and folk songs of 19th century America to the popular and classical compositions of the 20th and 21st century African Americans. An emphasis will be placed on the development of listening skills.
MUS 132 (0-4-1)
Chorus
This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of large and moderate size works for chorus; special emphasis will be placed on the development of proper musical techniques including singing, diction, as well as performing in a variety of languages. Students perform works selected on the basis of artistic and historic significance as well as pedagogical importance. Students also research the broader historic, social, and aesthetic principles of the assigned repertoire. The course provides an experience in concert preparation and rehearsal techniques along with positive performance experiences. Performances are open to the public.
MUS 133 (3-0-3)
Digital Music and Beat Production I
This course introduces the basic music theory concepts, their application to the organization of percussion beats and music samples in varying music styles. The course also covers the organization of tempo maps, sampling, and drum beats using Avid Pro Tools software, as well as the creation of original compositions using MIDI to enhance existing music samples. Basic legal topics such as copyright, leasing, and registering original pieces of music are covered.
MUS 134 (3-0-3)
Digital Music and Beat Production II
This course includes the creation of compositions and beats through the synthesizing
of original sounds and using recording techniques to blend in live instruments. Analysis
of modern beats and the replication of techniques used by popular music producers
is covered as well as recording vocal top lines over compositions. Industry standard
software such as Boom, Xpand!2, and Structure Free in conjunction with Avid Pro Tool
12 is used.
PR: MUS 133, MUS 147 and MUS 178. MUS 147 and MUS 178 may be taken concurrently.
MUS 135 (1-0-2)
Applied Music I
Applied Music I and II consists of weekly one-on-one lessons with a studio instructor and is designed to help students achieve basic competencies in musical performance. Students study techniques and repertoire appropriate to the individual student’s instrument or voice. With the studio instructor’s guidance, students will set personal goals in musicianship and work towards those goals. The course is also used to prepare students for an entrance audition for the AS or AAS music degree programs. In addition to the lessons, a minimum of fourteen hours of weekly individual practice is required.
MUS 136 (1-0-2)
Applied Music II
Applied Music I and II consists of weekly one-on-one lessons with a studio instructor and is designed to help students achieve basic competencies in musical performance. Students study techniques and repertoire appropriate to the individual student’s instrument or voice. With the studio instructor’s guidance, students will set personal goals in musicianship and work towards those goals. The course is also used to prepare students for an entrance audition for the A.S. or A.A.S. music degree programs. In addition to the lessons, a minimum of fourteen hours of weekly individual practice is required.
MUS 147 (3-0-3)
Music Fundamentals
The basic course in fundamentals of tonal music is designed to develop competencies in the reading and writing of notes, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, and rhythmic elements.
MUS 150 (0-2-1)
Acting for Singers
This course introduces students to the craft of acting by exploring the use of the
body and voice, along with character study. Using readings, monologues, and beginning
scene study, students develop performance skills and utilize them in class activities.
PR: Acceptance into Musical Degree Program OR Permission of Instructor
MUS 151 (2-0-2)
Theory I
Theory I covers the fundamentals of tonal music, scales, modes, triads, seventh chords,
and cadences. This course prepares the student for more detailed analysis of rhythm,
texture, and form, with an emphasis on basic harmony and eighteenth century voice
leading practices.
PR: Acceptance into music degree program
CR: MUS 155
Fall only
MUS 152 (2-0-2)
Theory II
Theory II builds on the concepts of Theory I (MUS 151) and covers the eighteenth century
voice leading practices, root movements and progressions, and figured bass theory
and usage. Dominant seventh chords and non-dominant seventh chords are introduced.
Also included are secondary dominants, modulation, applications of cadential formulas,
and dance forms including binary and simple ternary forms.
PR: MUS 151
CR: MUS 156
Spring only
MUS 155 (1-1-1)
Aural Skills I
This course focuses on skills to enhance performance through the recognition, mental
imaging and vocal performance of a broad range of musical structures. The course begins
with the fundamentals of tonal music, scales, rhythmic patterns, intervals, modes,
triads, seventh chords, and chord patterns. Students are trained to aurally recognize,
notate and vocally reproduce these elements. The course also emphasizes sight singing,
harmonic, rhythmic and melodic dictation and the use of solfège as a learning and
study tool.
PR: MUS 151, Acceptance into music degree program. MUS 151 may be taken concurrently.
MUS 156 (1-1-1)
Aural Skills II
This course continues and expands skills developed in MUS 155 Aural Skills I. The
course designed to enhance performance through the recognition and mental imaging
of a broad range of musical structures and continues work in the fundamentals of tonal
music: scales, rhythmic patterns, modes, triads, seventh chords, and chord patterns.
The course introduces modulations, non-harmonic tones, inversions of seventh chords,
and four voice chord progressions and patterns. Students are trained to aurally recognize,
notate and vocally reproduce these elements. The course also emphasizes sight singing
and the use of solfège as a learning and study tool.
PR: MUS 155 CR: MUS 152
Spring only
MUS 157 (2-0-1)
Conducting I
This course introduces the basic techniques and competencies of conducting: posture
and hand position, baton usage, foreign and technical terms, a survey of large ensemble
repertoire, metric patterns in two, three, and four, instrumental transpositions,
string bowings, score reading, preparation and analysis, preparatory gestures, gestures
of syncopation, fermata and caesura problems. Prepare and conduct simple scores in
class and analyze orchestral and other scores. Other topics will include rehearsal
technique and interpretation.
PR: MUS 152, MUS 257
Fall only
MUS 158 (2-0-1)
Conducting II
This course continues study of the basic conducting techniques with simple, compound,
asymmetric and subdivided metric patterns, as well as rehearsal techniques and planning.
Separate instrumental and choral conducting techniques are introduced. Students learn
a systematic procedure for marking scores and conduct scores in class. Other topics
include cuing and left hand independence, changing tempi, concert programming and
interpretation.
PR: MUS 157
Spring only
MUS 160 (0-4-1)
Orchestra
This course provides the student with a medium for performance of large and moderate size musical works primarily for woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. Students perform selected music based on artistic and historical significance, as well as pedagogical merit. The course provides experiences in rehearsal techniques, concert preparation, and culminating performances. Performances will be open to the public.
MUS 163 (2-0-2)
Performance Concentration I
Performance Concentration develops the student’s performance and teaching skills to
the highest possible level through the careful study of techniques, sight-reading/sight-singing
and repertoire appropriate to the individual student’s instrument or voice with a
private studio instructor. Weekly Performance Classes with division instructors provide
practical experience in performance and critical analysis. In addition, this course
requires attendance of several faculty, student, and guest artist concerts presented
throughout the semester which provide demonstrations of peer and professional level
performance techniques. Division Recitals, given towards the end of the semester,
provide a practical experience for each student in formal performance. A final performance
examination is administered by a faculty panel, including the studio instructor, at
the conclusion of MUS 164 and MUS 264. This course is restricted to students who have
been accepted into the Performing Arts: Music A.S. or Music Audio Technology A.A.S.
degree.
PR: Acceptance into A.S. or A.A.S music program
CR: MUS 114 or MUS 122 or MUS 124 or MUS 126 or MUS 132 or MUS 160
MUS 164 (2-0-2)
Performance Concentration II
Performance Concentration develops the student’s performance and teaching skills to the highest possible level through the careful study of techniques, sight-reading/sight-singing and repertoire appropriate to the individual student’s instrument or voice with a private studio instructor. Weekly Performance Classes with division instructors provide practical experience in performance and critical analysis. In addition, this course requires attendance of several faculty, student, and guest artist concerts presented throughout the semester which provide demonstrations of peer and professional level performance techniques. Division Recitals, given towards the end of the semester, provide a practical experience for each student in formal performance. A final performance examination is administered by a faculty panel, including the studio instructor, at the conclusion of MUS 164 and MUS 264. This course is restricted to students who have been accepted into the Performing Arts: Music A.S. or Music Audio Technology A.A.S. degree.
MUS 167 (2-0-2)
Percussion Techniques
This course familiarizes students with the fundamentals of percussion performance
and pedagogy. Topics and activities include the development of intermediate performance
skills for snare and other drum techniques, timpani, and mallet percussion, and the
discussion and demonstration of Latin percussion and other non-Western styles. This
course also focuses on pedagogical approaches for beginning students; basic maintenance
of instruments; percussion accessories; and percussion ensembles.
PR: Acceptance into Music Degree Program
MUS 169 (1-0-1)
Guitar Techniques
This course develops basic competencies in guitar accompaniment for classroom singing.
Students focus on basic guitar techniques including strumming, finger picking, scales,
and chords. Students also learn basic pedagogical approaches for teaching beginning
guitar. Students are required to obtain an acoustic guitar (nylon or steel strings)
for class use. (This course is not applicable for students who are enrolled in Guitar
Performance Concentration.)
PR: Acceptance into A.S. or A.S.S. music program
MUS 171 (2-0-2)
Beginning Voice Class
This course presents the fundamentals of basic vocal production and is appropriate for students with no prior vocal instruction. Students develop vocal technique with an emphasis on proper breathing and voice placement through the study of classical and folksong repertoire. The course introduces techniques in pronunciation and diction, pitch control, tone development, and song preparation in Italian, English, and other languages. The course also introduces the basics of vocal anatomy. In addition, students explore the differences between classical, jazz, pop, and musical theater vocal techniques. Vocal score reading is emphasized throughout.
MUS 176 (1-0-1)
Video Production Basics
This course introduces basic video/film/audio production and develops techniques to
capture video images and audio and edit these elements together. Students record concerts
and events during the semester and produce finished video projects.
PR: MUS 179 Audio Recording II and acceptance into a music degree program
MUS 178 (3-0-3)
Audio Recording I
This course presents the basic elements of sound as well as sound generation and recording.
Students work on the routing of sound and the principles of recording and tracking
in a virtual mixing console environment. The course also covers utilizing specialized
equipment for audio tracking including preamps, various types of microphones, compressors
and limiters. Other topics include Pro Tools software; the principles required to
complete a recording project, from initial set up to final mix; and industry-specific
terms used by recording engineers to describe and measure sound levels and frequency
content.
PR: MUS 106 or MUS 147, or acceptance into music degree program. MUS 106 or MUS 147
may be taken concurrently.
MUS 179 (3-0-3)
Audio Recording II
This course builds on and is a continuation of MUS 178 Audio Recording I. Using AVID
ProTools software in conjunction with a Pro Control 24 automated mixing console and
an Avid M-box, students will complete a variety of audio projects, including music
as well as radio and TV commercials. Course projects incorporate mixing and mastering
techniques using multi-band compression, equalization, and limiting.
PR: MUS 178; and MUS 106 or MUS 151
Concurrent: MUS 147 or MUS 152
MUS 180 (1-0-1)
Introduction to Music Therapy
This course is an introduction to the music therapy career field. It presents the historical background and philosophical basis of music therapy. The course examines music therapy processes and how they are applied across a number of client populations. This course also explores the role of the music therapist as a healthcare field professional and the education and training required to become a board certified music therapist.
MUS 181 (2-0-2)
Beginning Piano
This course provides group instruction for beginning level students. Students learn to read music and develop technical proficiency at the piano through preparation and performance of progressively difficult music. Keyboard ensemble activities are stressed and provide additional opportunities for rhythmic and musical development.
MUS 182 (2-0-2)
Intermediate Piano
This course provides group instruction for intermediate level students. Students further
develop music skills and technical proficiency acquired in MUS 181 through preparation
and performance of progressively difficult music. Keyboard ensemble activities are
stressed and provide additional opportunities for rhythmic and musical development.
PR: MUS 181 or permission of the Instructor or Dean.
MUS 190 (3-0-3)
Intro to Diction for Singers
This course introduces students to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and its
application to the Italian, German, French, and English languages within the context
of classical vocal repertoire. It offers practical knowledge in recognizing IPA symbols
for multiple language pronunciations and demonstrates how to produce the appropriate
vocal sound for each symbol. This course also guides students in the anatomy and physiology
of the mechanisms of respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation.
PR: Acceptance into Music Degree Program
MUS 195 (3-0-3)
Music Experimental
This course in an introduction to the basic elements of sound as well as sound generation
and recording. The course will focus primarily on the routing of sound in a virtual
mixing console environment and the principles of recording and and tracking. Equipment
used for tracking such as pre-amps, various types of microphones, compressors and
limiters will be introduced. This course also presents the basic Pro Tools software
principles required to complete a recording project from initial set up to final mix.
Industry-specific terms used by recording engineers to describe and measure sound
levels and frequency content will be covered.
PR: MUS 152, 156
MUS 230 (3-0-3)
Live Sound Reinforcement
This course introduces concepts of analog and computer-based audio signal path, equipment
selection, and systems design. The course provides aural skills training necessary
for live sound reinforcement and covers aspects of live sound microphone selection/placement
and mixing.
PR: MUS 152 or permission of the Dean.
MUS 231 (3-0-3)
Music Business
This course explores the history and development of the music industry and gives the student experience in identifying and navigating practical, legal, and procedural issues within the music industry. This course also provides an overview of music merchandising, music publishing, recording arts management, copyright law and licensing as well as identifies career options throughout the music business.
MUS 232 (2-0-2)
Jazz Improvisation I
This course introduces the study of jazz improvisation. Students learn the elements of jazz harmony through the study of chords, scales, modes, arpeggios, and harmonic formulae as well as transcription and analysis of historic improvised solos. Students use these skills and knowledge to improvise over common jazz forms including modal, blues, and AABA song form.
MUS 235 (3-0-3)
Music Business II
This course continues the examination, begun in MUS 231, of practical, legal, and
procedural issues encountered in the music industry. The course explores music publishing,
recording arts management, artist management, emerging trends and technologies, marketing,
and the recording industry and its history. Career options in the music business are
identified throughout the course.
PR: MUS 231
Spring only
MUS 251 (2-0-2)
Theory III
This course reviews and builds on the concepts of Theory II (MUS 152) beginning with
an emphasis on original four-voice chorale composition in accordance with common-practice
harmonic and counterpoint principles. The course introduces the voice leading and
analysis of borrowed chords, Neapolitan 6th chords, augmented 6th chords, and chord
extensions (9th, 11th, and 13th chords). The course also introduces variation technique
and rondo form.
PR: MUS 152
CR: MUS 255
MUS 252 (2-0-2)
Theory IV
Theory IV builds on the concepts of MUS 251, Theory III and covers two-voice eighteenth
century counterpoint, altered dominants, chromatic mediants, enharmonic modulation,
and common tone diminished 7th chords. There is a focus on the analysis of sonata
form. Twentieth century topics include impressionism, twelve-tone techniques, and
the analysis of pitch class sets. The course includes a review of classical and romantic
forms.
PR: MUS 251
CR: MUS 256
MUS 255 (1-1-1)
Aural Skills III
This course continues and expands skills developed in MUS 156 Aural Skills II. The
course is designed to enhance performance through the recognition and mental imaging
of a broad range of musical structures and continues work in the fundamentals of tonal
music: scales, rhythmic patterns, modes, triads, seventh chords, and chord patterns.
The course introduces chromatic and secondary harmonies, modulation to closely related
keys, leaps greater than a sixth, asymmetrical meters, changing meters and tempi.
Students aurally recognize, notate, vocally reproduce, and analyze these elements.
The course also emphasizes sight singing, the use of solfège movable Do and Do based
minor and Gordon based rhythmic patterns.
PR: MUS 156
CR: MUS 251
MUS 256 (1-1-1)
Aural Skills IV
This course continues and expands skills developed in MUS 255 Aural Skills III. The
course is designed to enhance performance through the recognition and mental imaging
of a broad range of musical structures and continues work in the fundamentals of tonal
music: scales, rhythmic patterns, modes, triads, seventh chords, and chord patterns.
The course introduces foreign modulation, augmented sixth chords, impressionist devices,
twelve-tone technique, set theory, and other twentieth century elements. Students
aurally recognize, notate, and vocally reproduce, and analyze these elements. The
course also emphasizes sight singing, the use of solfège movable Do and Do based minor
and Gordon based rhythmic patterns.
PR: MUS 255
CR: MUS 252
MUS 257 (3-0-3)
Literature and Style I
This course is a comprehensive survey of the works and styles of Western art music
in the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical periods. Students focus
on composers and compositions that made important contributions to the development
of music, and examine the effects and influences of society, culture, and technology
on the evolution of music of various genres. Through active online listening, students
analyze specific works focusing on their stylistic elements, genres, and respective
time periods.
PR: Successful audition for music program
CR: MUS 151, 155
MUS 258 (3-0-3)
Literature and Style II
This course is a comprehensive survey of the works and styles of Western art music
in the Romantic, Twentieth Century, and Contemporary periods. Students focus on composers
and compositions that made important contributions to the development of music, and
examine the effects and influences of society, culture, and technology on the evolution
of music of various genres. Through active online listening, students analyze specific
works focusing on their stylistic elements, genres, and respective time periods.
PR: MUS 257
CR: MUS 152, 156
MUS 263 (2-0-2)
Performance Concentration III
Performance Concentration develops the student’s performance and teaching skills to the highest possible level through the careful study of techniques, sight-reading/sight-singing and repertoire appropriate to the individual student’s instrument or voice with a private studio instructor. Weekly Performance Classes with division instructors provide practical experience in performance and critical analysis. In addition, this course requires attendance of several faculty, student, and guest artist concerts presented throughout the semester which provide demonstrations of peer and professional level performance techniques. Division Recitals, given towards the end of the semester, provide a practical experience for each student in formal performance. A final performance examination is administered by a faculty panel, including the studio instructor, at the conclusion of MUS 164 and MUS 264. This course is restricted to students who have been accepted into the Performing Arts: Music A.S. or Music Audio Technology A.A.S. degree.
MUS 264 (2-0-2)
Performance Concentration IV
Performance Concentration develops the student’s performance and teaching skills to the highest possible level through the careful study of techniques, sight-reading/sight-singing and repertoire appropriate to the individual student’s instrument or voice with a private studio instructor. Weekly Performance Classes with division instructors provide practical experience in performance and critical analysis. In addition, this course requires attendance of several faculty, student, and guest artist concerts presented throughout the semester which provide demonstrations of peer and professional level performance techniques. Division Recitals, given towards the end of the semester, provide a practical experience for each student in formal performance. A final performance examination is administered by a faculty panel, including the studio instructor, at the conclusion of MUS 164 and MUS 264. This course is restricted to students who have been accepted into the Performing Arts: Music A.S. or Music Audio Technology A.A.S. degree.
MUS 270 (1-0-1)
Studio Literature
This course offers a series of one-on-one sessions with the student’s Performance
Concentration studio instructor. The student is guided through the study of the seminal
literature that has historically, musically, and technically impacted their concentration
including orchestral excerpts and operatic excerpts where appropriate. Recorded performances
are studied to reinforce the student’s understanding of style and performance practice.
This course is intended to prepare the student for MUS 272 (Recital) and guides the
student through the process of selecting an appropriate recital program for performance
in MUS 272 in a subsequent semester.
PR: Approval of School of Music faculty and studio instructor
CR: MUS 163, 164, 263, or 264 (Performance Concentration I, II, III, IV)
MUS 272 (1-0-1)
Recital
This course offers a series of one-on-one sessions with the student’s Performance
Concentration instructor. The student is guided through the process of planning, preparing,
and performing a solo recital. Repertoire selections for this recital are the end
result of MUS 270, Studio Literature. In addition to the musical preparation, the
student is guided through the coordination of each aspect of the recital, from the
facilities arrangements to the actual performance.
PR: MUS 270
CR: MUS 163, 164, 263, OR 264 (Performance Concentration I, II, III, or IV)
MUS 278 (3-0-3)
Audio Recording III
This course builds on and is a continuation of MUS 179 Audio Recording II. Students
will formulate, design, and complete individualized projects using AVID ProTools software
in a live recording studio environment. Students’ course projects will incorporate
advanced recording, mixing, mastering, compression, and microphone techniques.
PR: MUS 179, MUS 151, Admissions to A.A.S. Music Audio Technology degree program.
MUS 151 may be taken concurrently.
MUS 280 (1-6-3)
Audio Recording Field Experience
This course provides students with a structured practical experience in a professional
music business environment. The experience may be in audio recording, live sound,
music management, or live music production, according to students’ interests. The
course requires a minimum of 90 hours of supervised field experience and fifteen hours
of classroom instruction. This course also provides preparation for Avid Pro Tools
110 User Certification.
PR: MUS 152, MUS 278, Minimum 2.5 GPA, Minimum 30 hours completed towards degree,
Permission of School of Music.
MUS 283 (3-2-3)
Music in Contemporary Education
This course provides an overview of the professional world of music education. The course covers processes of learning; goals and objectives; bases for selection of strategies, materials and functional techniques; and evaluative considerations within a consistent philosophical rationale related to contemporary education environments. In-class peer teaching opportunities on campus, and thirty clock-hours of supervised observations in local public schools are an integral part of this course. Professional development workshops in music education that are approved by the instructor may also apply to the required thirty clock-hours.
MUS 284 (3-0-3)
Music in Contemporary Education II
This course provides an overview of current methods, materials, and practices in secondary school music instruction. The course covers all aspects of teaching music at the secondary school level, with emphasis on active learning that engages students and involves them directly in the learning process. Particular attention is given to the developmental needs and interests of secondary school students. In-class peer teaching opportunities on campus, and thirty clock-hours of supervised observations in local public schools are an integral part of this course. Professional development workshops in music education that are approved by the instructor may also apply to the required thirty clock-hours.
MUS 285 (2-0-2)
Brass Techniques
This course familiarizes music students with the fundamentals of brass instruments
and pedagogy. Topics and activities include the development of intermediate performance
skills on trumpet and trombone, and the discussion and demonstration of horn, tuba,
and euphonium. This course also focuses on pedagogical approaches for beginning students,
basic maintenance of instruments, and instrument accessories.
PR: Acceptance into Music Degree Program
MUS 286 (2-0-2)
Woodwind Techniques
This course familiarizes music students with the fundamentals of woodwind instruments
and pedagogy. Topics and activities include the development of intermediate performance
skills on flute, clarinet, and saxophone and the discussion and demonstration of oboe
and bassoon. This course also focuses on pedagogical approaches for beginning students,
basic maintenance of instruments, and instrument accessories.
PR: Acceptance into Music Degree Program
MUS 287 (1-0-1)
Keyboard Techniques I
This course introduces functional keyboard skills including harmonization, accompaniment
styles, improvisation, and analysis. Activities include performance of single line
melodies with accompaniment and basic piano repertoire, and exercises in harmonic
progressions, scales, and transpositions. This course also emphasizes reading of single
and multi-stave scores.
PR: Successful music degree program audition
MUS 288 (1-0-1)
Keyboard Techniques II
This course continues the development of functional keyboard skills introduced in
MUS 287 including harmonization and accompaniment in various styles, improvisation,
transposition, and pedagogy. Students harmonize melodies using primary and auxiliary
diatonic chords, and secondary (applied) dominants. Course activities include performing
intermediate level piano repertoire, multi-stave score reading, 17th century-style
figured bass exercises, scales, and harmonic progressions.
PR: MUS 287
MUS 289 (1-0-1)
Keyboard Techniques III
This course reinforces and further develops functional keyboard skills introduced
and developed in MUS 287 and 288. Students harmonize melodies that emphasize chromatic
harmonies including secondary (applied) dominant and leading tone chords, as well
as melodies that modulate. Students also focus on more advanced piano repertoire that
contains elements of chromatic harmony including borrowed chords, augmented sixth
chords and Neapolitan chords. Course activities also include performing vocal accompaniments,
multi-stave score reading, 17th century-style figured bass exercises, scales, and
harmonic progressions.
PR: MUS 288