MUS 1000-3 Introduction to Music (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: minimum performance standard scores on the reading and writing preassessment placement tests

This course is nontechnical in nature and designed for students who are not music majors to develop competence in understanding music through guided listening. The elements and sources of music are studied, discussed and demonstrated. (General Studies-Level II, Arts and Letters)

MUS 1010-3 Fundamentals of Music Theory (3 + 0)

This course covers the techniques of reading and writing music by teaching the fundamental principles of music notation and musical logic as they pertain to meter, rhythm, pitch, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads and the keyboard. The course is designed for non-music majors and for music majors with insufficient experience to qualify for MUS 1110. No previous training or experience in music is required.

MUS 1020-3 Basic Music Theory Skills (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 1010 or a passing score on the Basic Music Theory Skills Placement Examination

This course develops music reading, writing and hearing skills through the application and practice of traditional sight-reading and ear-training techniques. The course is designed to prepare students for MUS 1110 and is restricted to students who can demonstrate the potential for developing musical hearing, reading and performing skills.

MUS 1110-3 Music Theory I (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: a passing score on the Music Theory I Placement Examination (for more information on the Placement Examination, see the Placement Examination information sheet)

Corequisite: MUS 1120 and MUS 161B

The study of the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textural, and formal elements of music through analysis and composition. The development of reading and hearing skills as they relate to these elements. Covers diatonic music based on the triad, including tonic and dominant harmony, phrase structure and grouping, and melodic figuration and dissonance.

MUS 1120-1 Music Theory Lab I (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: A passing score on Music Theory I Placement Examination (for more information on the Placement Examination, see the Placement Examination information sheet)

Corequisite: MUS 1110 and MUS 161B

The application of reading and hearing skills to the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textural, and formal elements of music through singing and the use of the keyboard. Covers diatonic music based on the triad.

MUS 1130-3 Music Theory II (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 1110, MUS 1120, MUS 161B

Corequisite: MUS 1140, MUS 162B

Continuation of MUS 1110. Covers predominant chords and other diatonic chords, seventh chords, harmonic sequences and an introduction to tonicization and modulation..

MUS 1140-1 Music Theory Lab II (0 + 2)

Prerequisites: MUS 1110, MUS 1120, MUS 161B

Corequisite: MUS 1130, MUS 162B

Continuation of MUS 1120. Covers diatonic seventh chords and elementary chromaticism.

MUS 1210-3 European Music Literature I (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 1010 or MUS 1110

This course is intended as an introduction to the study of music for music majors. The primary area of study is the art music having its origins in Western Europe, including the historical background, structure, style and function of music in the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras. In addition, computer, library and research skills necessary for success in a college career will be acquired.

MUS 1220-3 World Music Literature (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 1210

Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUS 1020 or MUS 1120

This course is intended for music majors who have taken an introductory course in European Art Music. The class develops the understanding of musical style and aesthetic viewpoints of various cultures and the function that music fulfills in these diverse societies. The student will not only encounter new musical expressions but also the philosophies and world views that accompany them. To continue the growth of technical skills begun in European Music Literature, 15% of the lectures cover topics related to music computer technology.

MUS 1400-3 Vocal Diction (3 + 0)

An in-depth study of articulation and pronunciation in the English, French, German, and Italian languages. Texts of standard choral and art song literature will be used as the basis for the course.

MUS 1600-1 Class Instruction for Non-Majors (1 + 0)

Beginning class instruction in voice, piano, guitar, the standard band and orchestra instruments, improvisation, or score reading. Designed for non-music students with no experience reading music or previous training in the area being studied. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 161A-1 Class Voice I (1 + 0)

Class instruction in voice. Designed for students with little or no previous training.

MUS 161B-1 Class Piano I (0 + 2)

Prerequisites: MUS 1020, a passing score on the Music Theory I Placement Exam or permission of instructor

Class instruction in piano. Designed for students with little or no previous training.

MUS 161K-1 Class Guitar I (1 + 0)

Class instruction in guitar. Designed for students with little or no previous training.

MUS 162A-1 Class Voice II (1 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 161A

Continuation of MUS 161A.

MUS 162B-1 Class Piano II (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 161B

Continuation of MUS 161B.

MUS 162K-1 Class Guitar II (1 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 161K

Continuation of MUS 161K.

MUS 1650-1 Basic Music Technology (0 + 2)

This course is intended to provide music majors with the technology skills necessary for their study of music. The following topics will be introduced: MIDI synthesizers, music notation software, sequencing software, e-mail, web authoring, and research tools on the web.

MUS 1710-2 Private Instruction I (1 + 0 + 0.5)

Prerequisite: performance of successful private instruction audition

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Individual instruction in voice, piano, organ, guitar, the standard band and orchestral instruments, or composition. At the end of the semester, the student must perform before a faculty jury committee. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 1720-2 Private Instruction II (1 + 0 + 0.5)

Prerequisite: MUS 1710

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 1710. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study. 

MUS 2020-3 Jazz Styles - America's Music (3 + 0)

This class explores the many facets of American jazz through a survey of important events and major figures, including their effect on music through their actions and those of their followers. Students learn the tools of active listening by gaining a greater understanding of the musical elements through listening, reading, and performing. The course covers the history of African-American musical expression, including minstrelsy, ragtime, blues, New Orleans and classic jazz, bebop and related movements, the innovations of Coleman and Taylor, and the jazz of the present. (General Studies-Level II, Arts and Letters, Multicultural)

MUS 2110-3 Music Theory III (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 1130, MUS 1140, MUS 162B

Corequisite: MUS 2120

The study of advanced chromaticism leading to twentieth-century techniques.including music and compositional techniques of the Romantic period. Aural recognition of harmonic materials emphasized. Stylistic composition and analysis included.

MUS 2120-1 Music Theory Lab III (0 + 2)

Prerequisites: MUS 1130, MUS 1140, MUS 162B

Corequisite: MUS 2110

Training in sight-singing, rhythmic coordination, firm sense of pitch and aural recognition of the materials introduced in MUS 1130, Music Theory II. Practical theoretical skills applied to the keyboard. Keyboard realization of advanced chromatic harmony and impressionism.

MUS 2130-3 Music Theory IV (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 2110, MUS 2120

Corequisite: MUS 2140

A study of music from the post-Romantic era to the present. Emphasis is on the compositional techniques used In impressionism and the modern schools of twentieth-century composition.

MUS 2140-1 Music Theory Lab IV (0 + 2)

Prerequisites: MUS 2110, MUS 2120

Corequisite: MUS 2130

Continuation of MUS 2120. Covers highly chromatic and post-tonal music. Includes increased use of dissonance and complex rhythms.

MUS 261B-1 Class Piano III (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 162B

Continuation of MUS 162B.

MUS 262B-1 Class Piano IV (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 261B

Continuation of MUS 261B.

MUS 2650-1 Intermediate Music Technology (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 1650 or permission of instructor

This course is intended for music majors as a continuation of the skills development initiated in Basic Music Technology. The focus is on learning skills necessary for a career in music: music notation software for the creation of musical scores and parts, sequencing software for composing and transcribing, and the use of databases and spreadsheets to manage the varied activities of a music teacher.

MUS 2710-2 Private Instruction III (1 + 0 + 0.5)

Prerequisite: MUS 1720

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 1720. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 2720-2 Private Instruction IV (1 + 0 + 0.5 )

Prerequisite: MUS 2710

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 2710. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 2730-4 Performance III (1 + 0 + 1)

Prerequisites: MUS 1720, MUS 1110, MUS 1120 and successful performance concentration audition

Corequisite: at least one other music course, and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of Music 1720. For students concentrating in performance only. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study. 

MUS 2740-4 Performance IV (1 + 0 + 1)

Prerequisite: MUS 2730 and successful performance concentration audition

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of Music 2730. For students concentrating in performance only. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 2810-1 Ensemble (0 + 2.5)

Prerequisite: permission of instructor

Study of large ensemble literature and performance techniques. Preparation of materials for concert performance. Also serves as a reading lab for conducting classes. May be repeated for credit.

MUS 3000-3 Musics of America (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 1000 or MUS 1210

This course develops an understanding of the musical style, aesthetic viewpoints, and function that folk and popular music fulfills in the many cultures of the United States. The student will encounter not only new musical expressions and their history, but will also see how the musical products of these cultures have mixed to form new musical blends. This knowledge is synthesized in a final project in which the student investigates the music of an American ethnic minority culture. (General Studies-Level II, Arts and Letters, Multicultural)

MUS 3040-3 Music and the Arts (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 1000 or equivalent or permission of instructor; and satisfaction of General Studies Level I course requirements

This course is for music majors as well as non-music majors. Stylistic characteristics and the cultural climate of the important art epochs of the Western world are studied. Selected examples of music, painting, sculpture, architecture and literature will be examined to discover how the various arts respond to the same socio-cultural environment and how the arts relate to each other in the pattern of cultural history. (General Studies-Level II, Arts and Letters)

MUS 3050-3 Musics of the World (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 1000 or permission of instructor

This course develops an understanding of the diverse styles, aesthetic systems, and functions of music in the many cultures of the world and the United States. The student will not only encounter new musical expressions but also the history of diverse cultures and the world views that accompany them. (General Studies-Level II, Arts and Letters, Multicultural)

MUS 3100-3 Counterpoint (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 2110, MUS 2120

Study of modal vocal polyphony (Lassus, Palestrina) of the sixteenth century, and tonal contrapuntal textures of the eighteenth century (J.S. Bach). Composition in two to four independent voices. All contrapuntal techniques studied in historical perspective, including analysis of polyphonic forms.

MUS 3150-3 Instrumental and Choral Scoring and Arranging (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 2110, MUS 2120, MUS 3460, and MUS 3410 or MUS 3420 or MUS 3430 or MUS 3450

The study of the technical capabilities and notation of all the instruments and voices, individually and in ensembles. The transcription of instrumental and choral recordings and the composition of scores for band, jazz band, orchestra, and chorus.

MUS 3200-3 Topics in Music History and Literature: Variable Topics (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 3220 or permission of instructor

A course designed to study the history and literature of a single musical style or medium. This course may be repeated for credit under different topics.

MUS 3210-3 Music History I (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 1210 and MUS 1220

Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUS 2110

This course is intended for music majors. It comprises a survey of music history and musical style from the music of the ancient Greeks through the early eighteenth century in Europe.

MUS 3220-3 Music History II (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 3210

Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUS 2130

This course is intended for music majors and comprises a survey of music history and musical style of the art music having its origins in Western Europe from mid-eighteenth century up to the present time.

MUS 3230-3 Composer Series: Variable Topics (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 3220 or permission of instructor

A course designed to study the work of a single composer. This course may be repeated for credit under different topics.

MUS 3410-2 String Techniques and Materials (2 + 0)

Practical instruction in the technique of playing and teaching string instruments. Lecture periods are devoted to the organization of string programs in the public schools.

MUS 3420-2 Guitar Techniques and Materials (2 + 0)

Practical instruction in the technique of playing and teaching the guitar.

MUS 3430-2 Woodwind Techniques and Materials (2 + 0)

Practical instruction in playing woodwind instruments with emphasis on and acquainting students with techniques and materials necessary in teaching woodwinds.

MUS 3450-2 Brass Techniques and Materials (2 + 0)

Practical beginning instruction in playing the brass instruments. Materials for beginning instrumental music in the public schools are studied.

MUS 3460-2 Percussion Techniques and Materials (2 + 0)

The study of the methods and materials for teaching beginning percussion in the public schools. Includes practical instruction on the instruments.

MUS 3480-2 Marching Band Techniques and Materials (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: sophomore standing

A study of the organization and administration of the marching band in the contemporary school setting. Particular attention is paid to the "Corps Style'' program, contests in the Drum Corps International format, and the traditional precision drill and pageantry formats.

MUS 3510-2 Basic Conducting (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 1130 and MUS 1140, plus one year of MUS 2810 or MUS 3810

Detailed fundamental conducting techniques of the basic patterns. Introduction to orchestral and choral scores.

MUS 3520-3 Choral Conducting and Literature (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 3510 and MUS 262B

The study of choral conducting techniques as they relate to studying, marking, reading, rehearsing and performing the score.

MUS 3530-3 Instrumental Conducting and Literature (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 3510 and MUS 262B

The study of instrumental conducting techniques as they relate to studying, marking, reading, rehearsing and performing the score.

MUS 3650-2 Basic Techniques of Composition (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 2110 or permission of instructor

The study of the craft of musical composition, from practical, theoretical, and aesthetic points of view, through the discussion and performance of individual writing projects. May be repeated for credit.

MUS 3710-2 Private Instruction V (1 + 0 + 0.5)

Prerequisite: MUS 2720

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 2720. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 3720-2 Private Instruction VI (1 + 0 + 0.5)

Prerequisite: MUS 3710

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 3710. A 30-minute junior recital may be substituted for the jury requirement for MUS 3720. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 3730-4 Performance V (1 + 0 + 1)

Prerequisites: MUS 2740, MUS 2110, MUS 2120, MUS 3210 and successful performance concentration audition

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 2720. For students concentrating in performance only. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study. 

MUS 3740-4 Performance VI (1 + 0 + 1)

Prerequisites: MUS 3730, MUS 3220 and successful performance concentration audition

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 3730. For students concentrating in performance only. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 3810-1 Ensemble (0 + 2.5)

Prerequisites: junior standing and permission of instructor

Continuation of MUS 2810. Also serves as a reading lab for conducting classes. May be repeated for credit.

MUS 4110-2 Analysis of Music (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 2110 and MUS 2120 and for senior experience credit, MUS 4510, satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements, and senior standing

Advanced analytical techniques applied to various musical styles. Traditional methods of analysis along with study of twentieth-century methods of analysis of Allen Forte, Edward Cone, and Paul Hindemith. Exceptional musical procedures examined. Contemporary music literature stressed. (Senior Experience)

MUS 4300-3 Fundamentals of Music Education (3 + 0)

A course designed to investigate the basic principles of music education with emphasis on the aims and objectives, history, curriculum, philosophy, and career and alternative careers in the field of music education.

MUS 4310-2 Music Methods for Elementary School Classroom Teachers (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: junior standing

This course will stress activities that elementary school classroom teachers can incorporate into their curriculum to develop musical concepts in the following areas: singing, listening, creative, rhythmic, instrumental and reading.

MUS 4330-2 Elementary School Music Methods and Materials (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: a passing score on the Piano Proficiency Examination

Corequisite: MUS 4390; supervised field experience: ESMMM

The course is designed for the future elementary school music specialist, or for the individuals who plan to teach music in the elementary school. Emphasis is given to contemporary teaching techniques and materials.

MUS 4340-2 Secondary School Music Methods and Materials (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 3520 or MUS 3530, satisfaction of Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements, and senior standing

Corequisites: MUS 4390; supervised field experience: SSMMM

Instruction and practice in the methods of teaching and techniques used in organizing and directing secondary school choral groups. (Senior Experience)

MUS 4390-1 Supervised Field Experience (0 + 2)

Prerequisites: satisfaction of Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements and senior standing

Corequisite: MUS 4330 or MUS 4340

This course must be taken concurrently with each of the following courses: MUS 4330 or MUS 4340. The course is designed to provide the music student with supervised experiences working with vocal and instrumental directors in area public schools. May be repeated for credit. (Senior Experience)

MUS 4410-3 Piano Pedagogy (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 324 or permission of instructor

Study of methods, literature, editions and techniques used in teaching piano privately and in groups.

MUS 4420-3 Vocal Pedagogy (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MUS 2710, Private Voice III

Open to juniors, seniors and advanced special students. A series of lectures, demonstrations, and discussions of the following and similar subjects: psychological and physiological factors in singing; approach to the pupil; methods of some famous teachers; interpretation and materials.

MUS 4510-2 Advanced Conducting (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: MUS 3510, a passing score on the Piano Proficiency Examination, satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements, and senior standing

The study of advanced conducting techniques as they relate to studying, marking, reading, rehearsing and performing the score. Instrumental and choral music is studied. (Senior Experience)

MUS 4710-2 Private Instruction VII (1 + 0 + 0.5)

Prerequisite: MUS 3720

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 3720. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 4720-2 Private Instruction VIII (1 + 0 + 0.5)

Prerequisite: MUS 4710

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 4710. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 4730-4 Performance VII (1 + 0 + 1)

Prerequisites: MUS 3740 or MUS 4720, and successful performance concentration audition

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 3740. For students concentrating in performance only. May be repeated for credit in a different area of study.

MUS 4740-4 Performance VIII (1 + 0 + 1)

Prerequisite: MUS 4730; for senior experience credit, the student must also complete MUS 4790, satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements, and senior standing

Corequisite: at least one other music course and the major ensemble in the private instruction area being studied

Continuation of MUS 4730. For students concentrating in performance only. A fifty-minute senior recital may be substituted for the jury requirement for MUS 4740. May be repeated for credit. (Senior Experience)

MUS 4790-1 Senior Recital (0 + 1)

Prerequisites: MUS 4730 and for senior experience credit, the student must also complete MUS 4740, satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements, and senior standing

This course culminates in a solo performance of not less than 50 minutes length. It is required of all students concentrating in performance and must be approved by means of a recital hearing at least three weeks prior to the performance. (Senior Experience)

MUS 4950-3 Senior Project (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: permission of the instructor, satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements, and senior standing

A seminar course in which the student prepares a senior project in the area of music theory, history, literature, composition, performance, or pedagogy. In addition to the project that will include a portfolio, the student will prepare a personal résumé. The course will also contain a comprehensive examination that will be used for program assessment purposes. (Senior Experience)