Course DescriptionsMUSIC
MUSC-100 Fundamentals of Music
3 Credits (Fine Arts/Humanities Core)
Open to all interested students, this class is an introduction to the concepts of reading and writing music. It is intended for the student with limited musical knowledge or background in music who wishes to study music theory, or for the student who wishes to learn to read music. Primary concepts of note reading, rhythm, scales, key signatures and intervals will be studied along with fundamental keyboard skills, simple melodic and rhythmic dictation and elementary sightreading. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-101 Music Appreciation
3 Credits (Fine Arts/Humanities Core)
Open to all interested students, this class provides an introduction to musical elements, forms and stylistic periods from the Middle Ages through the popular music of today. While concentrating primarily on Western Art Music and its representative composers, the course also touches on the increasing importance of different forms of popular music in the last century and its roots in various ethnic musical expression. Attention will also be given to historical events, sociological influences and encounters with non-European cultures within each historical period and their effect on musical development. This course is designed for the non-music major. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-102 A Survey of Music Literature
3 Credits (Fine Arts/Humanities Core)
This course is an in-depth study of the evolution of Western music through a chronological presentation of master composers and their works. Emphasis will be given to the study of musical form and analysis, recognition and identification of the characteristics of stylistic periods, as well as individual research concerning the cultural context of various compositions. This course is strongly recommended for the music major after completion of MUSC-110. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-103 The Business of Music
3 Credits
Open to all interested students, this course is designed to be an introductory study of the field of music as a continually changing and dynamic commercial profession. It is designed to aid the performer as well as the moonlighter and the music hobbyist in their interaction with the business of music. The student will explore various professions within the field of commercial music, basic copyright information, business and management practices as related to the Arts and occasionally interact with professionals and specialists in the field. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-107 American Popular Music
3 Credits
Open to all interested students, this course offers a panoramic view of the history of American popular music from the mid 1800’s to the present. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to identify and discuss each of the following aspects of American popular music: specific styles and style periods, pivotal compositions and composers, ethnic traditions which have been major contributors in the development and evolution of popular music, song forms and their contribution to style period development, influences on American history, and historical influences on popular music. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-108 African American Music
3 Credits (Humanities Core)
Open to all interested students, this course will examine the heritage of African American music from the colonial era through the jazz age to the present. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to identify the characteristic elements of African music, trace the development of the major idioms such as religious and ragtime music, identify important African American composers and performers, and articulate the role of African American music in ritual and ceremony, as transmitter of culture and as a social and political tool. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-110 Music Theory, Musicianship & Keyboard Skills I
4 Credits
Music Theory I is the fi st of a four-semester sequence of music theory courses required of all music majors. It offers an integrated approach to the study of musical structure that combines written work, ear-training, keyboard skills, and sight singing. After a very brief review of notation, rhythm, major and minor scales, and key signatures, the student will develop knowledge and understanding of the following: a basic introduction to harmony including intervals, chords and their inversions; non-harmonic tones, the writing of four-part harmony; and sight reading, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structures, and musical form in melody, as well as the appropriate functional keyboard skills. (4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab and additional practice time)
MUSC-111 Music Theory, Musicianship & Keyboard Skills II
4 Credits
Second in the four-semester Music Theory sequence required of music majors, this course continues the integrated approach introduced in Theory I. Selected topics include functional harmony, harmonic spacing and doubling, chord connection, cadences, modulating, seventh chords, melody and bass writing. The practice of rhythmic, harmonic and melodic reading and dictation will be continued, along with sight singing and keyboard skills. Prerequisite: MUSC-110. (4 hours lecture; 3 hours lab and additional practice time)
MUSC-112 Applied Music (Non-Music Majors)
2 Credits
Individual instruction for pre college or personal enrichment. (1 one-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-113 Applied Music (Non-Music Majors)
1 Credit
Individual instruction for pre-college or personal enrichment. (1 half-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-116 Musicianship for the Musical Theater 3 Credits
Musicianship for the Musical Theater is a one semester course required of all Musical Theater Majors. It is an intensive approach to teaching students the aural skills that enable them to sing music at sight, a process that usually takes place over a period of four semesters in a traditional music program. As such, students in this class must be able to read music, as it does not include the fundamentals of music reading. After a brief review of musical notation, the student will learn solfège and its applications through standard ear training exercises, then progress to literature from operetta and musical theater through the mid 1900s. After these basic skills are developed, more difficult musical theater literature from 1950 through the present will be studied. Exposure to Musical Theater repertoire and learning music without assistance will be stressed. It is strongly recommended that students possess basic music reading skills equivalent to MUSC-100 Fundamentals of Music. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-117 Applied Music I
2 Credits
First semester of private college level music study. Required for music major. (1 one-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-118 Applied Music II
2 Credits
Second semester of private college level music study. Required for music major. (1 one-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-119 Applied Music
1 Credit
First semester of private college level study. (1 half-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-120 Applied Music
1 Credit
Second semester of private college level study. (1 half-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-121 Introduction to Music Technology
2 Credits
This course is an introduction to the terminology, concepts, and basic skills needed to work with computer-based music applications and basic MIDI (synthesizer) technology used in core music classes. The order in which these projects are presented is intended to correspond to curricula in the music department, although non-music major students may enroll in this class. The course is also designed to give students a background that will allow them to more easily incorporate additional technology which they will find in the world of music and music education. It is strongly recommended that students take this class during their first semester of matriculation into the music curriculum. (2 hours weekly)
MUSC-122 Jazz Improvisation I
2 Credits
This course offers a step by step approach to the art and science of jazz improvisation by focusing on the basic elements of music: sound, rhythm, melody, harmony, and form. The student will learn how to create and develop musical ideas and play them in a jazz style. The course will include basic ear training exercises as well as some transcription of jazz solos. The student will develop a greater awareness of musical style and structure through the use of a variety of listening exercises. The student must be able to read music and possess basic technical proficiency on his/her instrument. (2-3 hours weekly)
MUSC-123 Jazz Improvisation II
2 Credits
This course is a continuation of Jazz Improvisation I. The student will learn how to improvise in various jazz styles over standard chord progressions. The course will include ear training exercises and transcription of jazz solos of different styles. The student will develop a greater awareness and understanding of multiple jazz styles through a variety of listening and performance exercises. Prerequisite: MUSC-122. (2-3 hours weekly)
MUSC-126 Lyric Diction I – Italian/Latin
2 Credits
The first in a series of courses designed for singers and choral conductors who wish to improve their linguistic skills and knowledge of Italian/Latin, as applied through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), as well as expanding their knowledge of standard vocal repertoire. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-127 Lyric Diction II - English
2 Credits
The second in a series of courses designed for singers and choral conductors who wish to improve their linguistic skills and knowledge of English, as applied through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), as well as expanding their knowledge of standard vocal repertoire. Prerequisite: MUSC-126. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-131-134 Major Ensemble – Chorus I, II, III, IV
1 Credit
Each of these ensembles offers a performance-oriented exposure to both traditional and contemporary styles in each of their respective genres. Special attention will be given to those musicianship skills which are crucial to effective ensemble performance. (2-3 hours weekly)
MUSC-141-144 Major Ensemble – Chamber Singers, I, II, III, IV
1 Credit
Each of these ensembles offers a performance-oriented exposure to both traditional and contemporary styles in each of their respective genres. Special attention will be given to those musicianship skills which are crucial to effective ensemble performance. (2-3 hours weekly)
MUSC-151-154 Major Ensemble – Jazz Ensemble I, II, III, IV
1 Credit
Each of these ensembles offers a performance-oriented exposure to both traditional and contemporary styles in each of their respective genres. Special attention will be given to those musicianship skills which are crucial to effective ensemble performance. (2-3 hours weekly)
MUSC-158 Jazz Theory
3 Credits
Jazz Theory is a one-semester course requiredof all students seeking a Certifi cate of Proficiency in Music Performance–Jazz Studies and suggested for those students interested in Jazz Theory. It continues the integrated approach to musical structure that combines written work, ear training, keyboard skills, and sight singing that was established in Music Theory I and II. Selected topics include the study of typical jazz chord structures, Major, melodic minor, diminished, and whole tone harmonic structure, slash chords, harmonic and melodic analysis, blues forms, and re-harmonization. Prerequisite: MUSC-111. (4 hours weekly)
MUSC-159 Jazz History
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to examine the development of Jazz music from its origins to present day. Students will explore the different eras, styles, artists, literature and social issues associated with Jazz music. The class will include audio and video recordings to illustrate the stylistic differences and development of each era. Upon completion of this course, students will not only have a strong understanding of the history of Jazz music; they will also have improved listening skills for a greater appreciation of this American art form. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-161 Introduction to Music Therapy and Practice, Part I
2 Credits
Introduction to Music Therapy and Practice, Parts I and II, is a two-semester course designed to introduce the student to the profession of Music Therapy. In Introduction to Music Therapy and Practice, Part I, the student will study basic concepts of Music Therapy including definition, history, man as a musical being, the functions of music and the use of music as a treatment tool. Students will also study the concepts of the treatment process and research as it applies to music therapy. Students will begin a Music Therapy Professional Portfolio. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-162 Introduction to Music Therapy and Practice, Part II
2 Credits
Introduction to Music Therapy and Practice, Parts I and II, is a two-semester course designed to introduce the student to the profession of Music Therapy. As the second half of a two-part course, MUSC-162 is designed to explore the populations served by music therapists in greater depth and to introduce students to approaches upon which music therapy practices are based. Students will add papers, readings, observations and techniques pertinent to these populations in their Music Therapy Professional Portfolio. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-171-174 Major Ensemble – Guitar Ensemble I, II, III, IV
1 Credit
Each of these ensembles offers a performance-oriented exposure to both traditional and contemporary styles in each of their respective genres. Special attention will be given to those musicianship skills which are crucial to effective ensemble performance. (2-3 hours weekly)
MUSC-181-184 Major Ensemble – Specialized Instrumental Ensembles I, II, III, IV
1 Credit
Each of these ensembles offers a performance-oriented exposure to both traditional and contemporary styles in each of their respective genres. Special attention will be given to those musicianship skills which are crucial to effective ensemble performance. (2-3 hours weekly)
MUSC-185 Instrumental Techniques - Brass
2 Credits
This course introduces students to the brass instrument family. Students will learn about the instruments’ historical and acoustical background as well as how to play each instrument. Basic concepts of teaching, methods and suggested materials for use, and techniques of individual and classroom instruction will also be introduced. Students should possess musicianship skills and proficiency on one or more instruments/voice. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-186 Instrumental Techniques - Woodwinds
2 Credits
This course introduces students to the woodwind instrument family. Students will learn about the instruments’ historical and acoustical background as well as how to play each instrument. Basic concepts of teaching, methods and suggested materials for use, and techniques of individual and classroom instruction will also be introduced. Students should possess musicianship skills and proficiency on one or more instruments/voice. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-187 Instrumental Techniques - Strings
2 Credits
This course introduces students to the string instrument family. Students will learn about the instruments’ historical and acoustical background as well as how to play each instrument. Basic concepts of teaching, methods and suggested materials for use, and techniques of individual and classroom instruction will also be introduced. Students should possess musicianship skills and proficiency on one or more instruments/voice. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-188 Instrumental Techniques - Percussion
2 Credits
This course introduces students to the percussion instrument family. Students will learn about the instruments’ historical and acoustical background as well as how to play basic rudiments for each instrument. Basic concepts of teaching, methods and suggested materials for use, and techniques of individual and classroom instruction will also be introduced. Students should possess musicianship skills and proficiency on one or more instruments/voice. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-191 Class Voice I
2 Credits
Open to all interested students. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have a basic understanding of the vocal function in singing. Equally important is the development of poise and self-confidence as a performer as well as overcoming symptoms of performance anxiety. The main activity of this course is the development of the singing voice through exercise and song. The skills acquired in the class will serve as a foundation for more in-depth vocal study on the private level. (2 hours weekly plus additional independent practice time)
MUSC-192 Class Voice II
2 Credits
Class Voice II will be a continuation of Class Voice I. Prerequisite: MUSC-191. (2 hours weekly)
MUSC-193 Class Piano I
2 Credits
Open to all students, this course offers the student an opportunity to learn the basic principles of piano playing. Beginning with note reading, it progresses next to sight reading, technical exercises to aid in the development of skills used in the playing of the instrument, and ultimately, the addition of beginning piano repertoire. Small class size allows for individual attention and encourages independent progress. This class will also serve as a foundation for more in-depth study on the private level for those interested in pursuing further study. (3 hours weekly plus additional independent practice time)
MUSC-194 Class Piano II
2 Credits
Class Piano II will be a continuation of Class Piano I. Prerequisite: MUSC-193. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-195 Class Guitar I
2 Credits
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have a fundamental understanding of the basics of music reading and guitar playing. The main focus is the discipline of classical guitar technique and style with emphasis on ensemble music reading and individual development. Some instruction will be offered in other styles of guitar music. This class will serve as a foundation for more in-depth study on the private level. (3 hours weekly plus additional independent practice time)
MUSC-196 Class Guitar II
2 Credits
This course is a continuation of Class Guitar I. Prerequisite: MUSC-195. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-197 Pre-Professional Experience I
2 Credits
This course will serve as an orientation to the role of the music teacher in the school and community. It will aim to provide an introduction to music teaching for general music teachers and music specialists. It equips students with musical skills and a range of learning experiences and teaching strategies for use in the classroom. Students will be introduced to both theoretical and practical aspects of music and to music curriculum practices and procedures. On-site school visits at elementary, middle and high school levels form the basis for discussion and exploration of all facets of the music education profession. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-198 Pre-Professional Experience II
2 Credits
This course will serve as a continuation of MUSC-197 Pre-Professional Experience I and students will continue to explore the world of music education, through both theory and practice. It will continue laying a foundation for music education, focusing on secondary schools. It will equip students with musical skills and a range of learning experiences and teaching strategies for use in the secondary classroom. Regular on-site school visits at elementary, middle and high school levels form the basis for discussion and exploration of all facets of the music education profession. Prerequisite: MUSC-197. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-202 Music Literature in Context I
3 Credits (Fine Arts/Humanities Core)
This course will blend both theoretical analyses of specific representative musical masterworks with an investigation into the works’ historical and stylistic context. To this end, there will be 1) study of specific historical readings, 2) analytical and historical study of certain pivotal masterworks of music and their composers, 3) student analyses of these works with an aim to understanding their architectural and organic lifeblood, how the works functioned within their composers’ oeuvre, and their historical context, and 4) student presentations of their findings. Prerequisite: MUSC-111 (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-203 Music Literature in Context II
3 Credits (Fine Arts/Humanities Core)
This course will blend both theoretical analyses of specific representative musical masterworks with an investigation into the works’ historical and stylistic context from the classical through the Middle to Late Twentieth Century. To this end, there will be 1) study of specific historical readings, 2) analytical and historical study of certain pivotal masterworks of music and their composers, 3) student analyses of these works with an aim to understanding their architectural and organic lifeblood, how the works functioned within their composers’ oeuvre, and their historical context, and 4) student presentations of their findings. Prerequisite: MUSC-202 (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-207 Music Therapy Techniques
2 Credits
This course provides the student with an introduction to methods and techniques of music therapy through lecture and classroom experiences. Students will learn basic principles upon which music therapy techniques have been developed and practice these techniques in the classroom with their peers. Prerequisite: MUSC-161 and MUSC-162. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-208 Music Therapy in Education
3 Credits
Music Therapy in Education is designed to present and explore theoretical foundations as well as practical methods of the uses of music therapy in schools. This course will present an overview of music education and special education and examine the role of music therapy in schools. It is designed for music therapy students, music educators and special education teachers. Music therapy students will continue to expand their Music Therapy Professional Portfolios with papers, readings, observations and techniques. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-210 Music Theory, Musicianship and Keyboard Skills III
4 Credits
Third in the four-semester Music Theory sequence required of music majors, Theory III builds on the concepts of analysis and, writing studied in MUSC-111. The student will develop knowledge and understanding of advanced tonal analysis, altered non-harmonic tones and secondary dominants, augmented and Neapolitan sixth chords, foreign modulations and extended chords. The study of form will be continued through chosen examples. All facets of ear training, sight singing, and keyboard skills will be continued. Prerequisite: MUSC-111. (4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab and additional practice time)
MUSC-211 Music Theory,Musicianship and Keyboard Skills IV
4 Credits
The final course in the four-semester Music Theory sequence, Theory IV continues the study of harmonic concepts pursued in MUSC-210. The student will develop further knowledge and understanding of foreign modulations, extended chords, chromaticism, non-diatonic music and form through the study of the music of late nineteenth and twentieth century. An introduction to late Renaissance polyphony and eighteenth century counterpoint will also be included. The practice of sight singing, rhythm reading, melodic dictation, and keyboard skills will be continued. Prerequisite: MUSC-210. (4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab and additional practice time)
MUSC-217 Applied Music III
2 Credits
Third semester of individual college level music study. Required for music major. (1 one-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-218 Applied Music IV
2 Credits
Fourth semester of individual college level music study. Required for music major. (1 one-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-219 Applied Music
1 Credit
Third semester of individual study program. (1 half-hour lesson per week)
MUSC-220 Applied Music
1 Credit
Fourth semester of individual study program. (1 half-hour lesson per week)
MUSC- 223 Musical Theater Workshop
1 Credit
This course is intended as a culminating course for the musical theater track in the theater major. Students will have the opportunity to use the skills learned in previous classes in an integrative environment where they will move, act, and express through the media of lyric and music. They will develop, rehearse, and perform assigned scenes from the standard musical repertoire, both in class and as part of a public performance either in a college production or musical revue. Students will also be coached by a professional in the field on preparing and performing an audition piece. Prerequisites: THET-141, DANC-115, and MUSC-118. (3 hours weekly) NOTE: Also listed as THET-223
MUSC-224 Music Therapy Practicum I
1 Credit
This two semester course sequence of MUSC- 224 and MUSC-225 Music Therapy Practicum II provides exposure to the clinical practice of music therapy through on-site visits with board-certified music therapists working in various settings both on and off campus. To obtain vital "hands on" experience, students will participate in weekly clinical experiences. Written assignments and classroom discussions will allow the students to gain clarity and insight into the practical experience of being a music therapist. Students will append their Music Therapy Professional Portfolios with practical techniques gained during clinical visits. Prerequisites: MUSC-161 and MUSC-162. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-225 Music Therapy Practicum II
1 Credit
This two-semester course sequence (with MUSC-224 Music Therapy Practicum I) provides exposure to the clinical practice of music therapy through on-site visits with board-certified music therapists working in various settings both on and off campus. To obtain vital "hands on" experience, students will participate in weekly clinical experiences. Written assignments and classroom discussions will allow the students to gain clarity and insight into the practical experience of being a music therapist. Students will append their Music Therapy Professional Portfolios with practical techniques gained during clinical visits. Prerequisites: MUSC-224. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-226 Lyric Diction III - German
2 Credits
The third in a series of courses designed for singers and choral conductors who wish to improve their linguistic skills and knowledge of German, as applied through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), as well as expanding their knowledge of standard vocal repertoire. Prerequisite: MUSC-127. (3 hours weekly)
MUSC-227 Lyric Diction IV - French
2 Credits
The fourth in a series of courses designed for singers and choral conductors who wish to improve their linguistic skills and knowledge of French, as applied through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), as well as expanding their knowledge of standard vocal repertoire. Prerequisite: MUSC-226. (3 hours weekly)