Music

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The educational opportunities in the Music Department are a result of the combination of talents, education and interests of the faculty in the department. It is that dynamic that we tailor to the college’s mission of a liberal arts education. We believe that music is essential to a liberal arts curriculum and that it is critical to human development and successful living. The discipline of music is particularly well suited to fostering creativity and critical/analytic thinking skills in students. And finally, we encourage all students in the performing arts to take risks and to understand how creative endeavors relate to a variety of disciplines.

The goals of the Music Department are:

• To prepare music majors for a career in music, graduate study or teacher certification in music.
• To provide opportunities for students of all majors to develop an academic and aesthetic understanding of music and to prepare them for a lifetime of music making, listening and concert attendance.
• To provide concerts, recitals and musical education for the community-at-large as a means to showcase individual students, chamber ensembles, and large vocal and wind/percussion ensembles.
• To enhance campus life by providing music at College functions and by serving as musical ambassadors for the College.
• To showcase the music faculty by providing performances for the college and community. In addition, the music faculty is committed to musical/professional endeavors and contributes to the community by performing off-campus, serving as coordinators and adjudicators for music competitions and festivals, and participating in professional organizations, departmental development activities, Caldwell Fine Arts, and in-service training events.

Music courses, ensembles and applied music instruction on piano, voice, and strings (violin, viola, and cello) are open to all students, regardless of major, provided that they can satisfy the course prerequisites and requirements. Music majors may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in vocal or instrumental music education, applied voice, applied piano, applied strings, composition/theory, music history or general music.

Students are admitted as music majors or minors on the basis of an audition and placement exams. All transfer students wishing to major or minor in music are subject to the Department’s audition and placement policies. Information on the audition and placement process is available in the Music Department office, on the departmental web pages or from Admissions.

The Music Department is housed in the Langroise Center for the Performing and Fine Arts, which features a 188-seat recital hall. Additional classes and concerts take place in Jewett Auditorium, which includes an outstanding concert hall equipped with a 48-rank Casavant Freres pipe organ and a conservatory grand piano. Nationally prominent concert artists are featured annually here through the Caldwell Fine Arts series.

The Music Department fosters an enhanced appreciation of the performing arts through the many performances in the Langroise Recital Hall, which is also home to a yearly series of concerts by the Langroise Trio, artists-in-residence (a rarity in a college of this size). The three performers, violinist Geoffrey Trabichoff, violist David Wayne Johnson, and cellist Samuel Whitney Smith, form our string faculty and prepare students to the highest levels demanded by the profession. The trio was established in 1991 and bears the name of the late arts patron Gladys Langroise.

Students have ample opportunities to perform in solo recitals, musical theatre, opera, ensemble concerts and in area churches. The annual choir tour has taken students to such locales as Europe, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, California, and Hawaii.

The department offers a unique chamber music experience through the new Cerveny Chamber Music Institute, with intensive training in violin, viola and cello within a traditional liberal arts curriculum. The residency of the Langroise Trio provides very close contact that includes applied lessons, chamber music coaching, orchestral practicum, weekly master classes or recitals and chamber music performances. Advanced students may occasionally be invited to appear as guest artists with the Langroise Trio. In addition, advanced students are encouraged to audition for a Boise Philharmonic Orchestra apprenticeship, which will enable them to perform with a metropolitan level professional orchestra while in school.

Music Major

The following music core is required of all music majors:

• MUS 001: Concert/Recital Attendance: 0 credits: (each semester or session)
• MUS 051, 101, 102: Aural Skills I, II, III: 3 credits
• MUS 103.1, 104.1, 202.1, 203.1: Music Theory: I, II, III, IV: 12 credits
• MUS 311.1, 312.1, 313.1: Music History: I, II, III: 9 credits
  
  TOTAL: 24 credits

Concentration in Secondary Vocal Music Education Precertification

• Music core: 24
• MUS 130, 230, 330, 430 Applied study: 7
• Ensemble: 10
• MUS 341 Conducting: 2
• MUS 345 Teaching Band Instruments 2
  
  TOTAL: 45

Music education students will minor in Education Studies and should have an advisor in the Education Department. For teaching certification, students will complete a fifth year internship in the Education Department and may opt to complete a Master of Education.

Concentration in Secondary Instrumental Music Education Precertification

• Music core: 24
• MUS 130, 230, 330, 430 Applied Study: 6
• Ensemble: 10
• MUS 341 Conducting: 2
• MUS 345 Teaching Band Instruments 2
• MUS 242 String Instruments 1
• MUS 133 Class Voice 1 or MUS 126 Chorale 1
  
  TOTAL: 46

Music education students will minor in Education Studies and should have an advisor in the Education Department. For teaching certification, students will complete a fifth year internship in the Education Department and may opt to complete a Master of Education.

Concentration in Applied Voice

• Music core: 24
• MUS 130, 230, 330, 430 Applied Study: 10
• Ensemble : 5
• MUS 138 Diction: 1
• MUS 139 Diction: 1
• MUS 333 Vocal Pedagogy & Literature 2
  
  TOTAL: 43

Concentration in Applied Piano

• Music core: 24
• MUS 130, 230, 330, 430 Applied Study: 10
• Ensemble: 8
• MUS 335 Piano Pedagogy and Literature: 2
  
  TOTAL: 44

Concentration in Applied Violin, Viola, or Cello

• Music core: 24
• MUS 130, 230, 330, 430 Applied Study: 10
• Ensemble: 10
• MUS 337 Orchestral Practicum: 1
  
  TOTAL: 45

Concentration in Composition/Music Theory

• Music core: 24
• MUS 130, 230, Applied Study: 4
• Ensemble: 4
• MUS 301 Counterpoint: 2
• MUS 403 Composition (4 semesters): 4
• MUS 405 Seminar in Music Theory: 2
  
  TOTAL: 40

Concentration in General Music

• Music core: 24
• MUS 130, 230, 330 Applied Study: 5
• Ensemble: 7
• Music electives: 4
  
  TOTAL: 40

Music Minor

• MUS 001 Concert/Recital Attendance (2 years): 0
• MUS 051 Aural Skills: 1
• MUS 103.1, 104.1 Music Theory I, II: 6
• MUS 311.1 (Music History I), 312.1 (Music History II): 6
• MUS 130, 230, 330, 430 Applied Study: 5
• Ensemble: 4
  
  TOTAL: 22

Additional Music Requirements

In addition to the core requirements for ensembles, students should enroll in a large ensemble that is compatible with their applied instrument. For example, a vocalist will enroll in a choral ensemble, a violinist in chamber ensemble, etc. Pianists and organists will usually enroll in both large and small ensembles. Opera Workshop may substitute for ensemble credit for applied voice concentrations. Consult the course descriptions of ensembles for more information on which is appropriate. Departmental approval is required for all exceptions. Students may choose to play or sing in several ensembles, but only one per semester may count toward the degree requirements. A general rule of thumb should be that the total time required of a student should not exceed 10 hours of ensemble rehearsal per week.

Music majors must also pass a piano proficiency exam prior to enrolling in upper division classes or at the end of the sophomore year, whichever comes later. The exam will be administered by the piano faculty.

The study of applied music requires continued practice in the same instrument (piano, voice, clarinet, cello, etc.) throughout the degree plan. The only exceptions to this are noted in the requirements for those concentrations that specifically call for multiple applied areas. Students are encouraged to explore other applied areas but are required to concentrate on a single one. As an adjunct to the performance of music, musicians must listen to others perform. Music majors are expected to attend concerts and recitals, making an effort to hear music as often as possible. All music majors taking applied lessons are required to perform a jury at the end of each semester.

A full-length, solo, senior recital is required of students with a concentration in applied music. Students must pass a faculty hearing at least one month prior to the recital date in order to present a recital. Students emphasizing music education are encouraged to present at least a half recital, which may be shared with another student. Details and specific requirements are available in the Department office.

All music majors are strongly urged to take a widely diverse program of study outside of music. A total of 74 credits in courses outside the music department must be earned in order to graduate. The department encourages applied majors in voice to take courses in French and German. Music majors in the other areas should consider taking German if they plan to attend graduate school. Music majors must take at least one credit in either Theatre or Art to fulfill the General Graduation Requirement in Fine Arts.

Music (MUS)

LOWER DIVISION

MUS-001 Concert/Recital Attendance 0 cr.

No credit. Fall, winter, spring. A requirement for all music majors and minors. Attendance for all music majors and minors is required at concerts and recitals. Several professional and ensemble evening concerts are scheduled during each semester. Recital labs meet for 45 minutes each week. S/U grades only.

MUS-051 Aural Skills I 1.0 cr.

Fall. Two hours per week. A course intended for music majors in the basic skills of sight-singing and ear-training.

MUS-100 Music Fundamentals 2.0 cr.

Winter. A study of the rudiments of music including notation, vocabulary, writing music and forms. Emphasis on the ability to read and understand music. Not open to music majors. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS-101 Aural Skills II 1.0 cr.

Winter. Prereq.: Departmental placement exam or MUS 051. A continuation of MUS 051 in the development of intermediate skill in sight singing and ear-training.

MUS-102 Aural Skills III 1.0 cr.

Fall. Prereq.: MUS 101. A continuation of MUS 101 in the development of more advanced skills in sight singing and ear-training.

MUS-103.1 Music Theory I 3.0 cr.

Fall. Prereq.: Permission or music major/minor. A study of the fundamentals of music theory (scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, rhythm) leading to a preliminary study of diatonic harmonic relationships and voice leading practices in tonal common practice music.

MUS-104.1 Music Theory II 3.0 cr.

Spring. Prereq.: MUS 103. A continuation of the study of traditional diatonic and chromatic harmonic and melodic practices of common practice music.

MUS-108 Seminar in Music Appreciation: Jazz Era 2.0 cr.

Winter. A survey of American jazz from its early development at the turn of the 20th century to the present. Previous knowledge of music is helpful but not necessary. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS-110 Music for All Time 2.0 cr.

Winter. A survey of the most significant musical compositions written in the past 300 years. The course will focus on those works that have remained popular with listeners and performers from 1700 to 1998. A background in music is not necessary. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS-111 Introduction to Music Literature 3.0 cr.

Spring. A course in elementary appreciation and enjoyment of music literature designed for students outside the Music Department. No previous knowledge of music is needed. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS-119 The Creative World of Mozart 2.0 cr.

Fall. A study of the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Although this course is designed for the non-musician, students with a background in music will benefit from taking the course. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS-120 Music Technology 3.0 cr.

Winter. An introductory course that explores the ways in which computers can be used to create, modify, publish and enhance music. Hands-on instruction will be provided in the areas of MP3 manipulations, sequencing, notation, digital sound recording and editing, and multimedia. Some of the software applications to be investigated are Finale, Band in a Box, Smart Score, Cool Edit Pro and Sound Forge. Learn how to jazz up your web site and PowerPoint presentation with sound clips. The course will rely on the exchange of information using electronic mail and online sites using these technologies as conduits for new forms of asynchronous learning and classroom communication. Students will not need to read music, but should have familiarity with Windows and email. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS-138 English & Italian Diction for Singers 1.0 cr.

Fall. A phonetic study of English and Italian applied to singing. Includes transcription of these languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet and an introduction to vocal literature written in the language being studied.

MUS-139 French & German Diction 1.0 cr.

Spring. A phonetic study of French and German applied to singing. Includes transcription of these languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet and an introduction to vocal literature written in the language being studied.

MUS-202.1 Music Theory III 3.0 cr.

Fall. Prereq.: MUS 104.1. Designed to cover the complete chromatic harmonic language of the late 19^th century and to reinforce the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic concepts of traditional music by means of original composition and critical analysis of form and style.

MUS-203.1 Music Theory IV 3.0 cr.

Spring. Prereq.: MUS 202.1. A study of the compositional techniques and materials employed in the 20^th century as presented through analysis, score reading, composition, written exercises, and critical listening.

MUS-205 Survey of Opera History 2.0 cr.

Winter. This course is appropriate for students without a background in music. A study of the historical development of opera ranging from the works of Monteverdi through the 20th century, focusing upon music/stylistic characteristics, the music/poetic synthesis as seen in the libretto, and the role of opera in a social/political perspective. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS-210 Music of the Movies 2.0 cr.

Winter. A course primarily for non-music majors, this course will focus on how composers write music for movies and the different styles of the major composers such as John Williams, James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith, and Hans Zimmer. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS-294 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: Permission. Special problems in music. This course will not fulfill the general graduation requirement for independent work.

UPPER DIVISION

MUS-301 Counterpoint 2.0 cr.

Winter. Alt year. Prereq.: MUS 103 or permission. A study in musical material and techniques from the 18th century with an introduction to contrapuntal music through analysis, written exercise and listening.

MUS-311.1 Music History I 3.0 cr.

Fall. Prereq.: MUS 103, 104 and junior standing. A study of the history and literature of European music from Gregorian Chant to 1750.

MUS-312.1 Music History II 3.0 cr.

Winter. Prereq.: MUS 103, 104 and junior standing. A study of the history and literature of European music from 1750 through Ludwig van Beethoven.

MUS-313.1 Music History III 3.0 cr.

Spring. Prereq.: MUS 103, 104 and junior standing. A study of the history and literature of western music from 1820 to the present.

MUS-315 Beethoven 2.0 cr.

Fall. Alt years. A study of the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Although the course is designed for the non-musician, music majors or students with a strong background in music will benefit from taking the course. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

 

MUS-318 Listening to Music 2.0 cr.

Spring. Alt. years. A course designed for the non-music major to develop listening skills through analysis of musical examples from a variety of styles and historical periods. Previous knowledge of music is not necessary. An analysis project of a specific music composition will be required. (FINE ARTS THEORY)

MUS 333 Vocal Pedagogy and Literature 2.0 cr.

Spring. Alt. Years. Prereq: Permission. A study of vocal anatomy and health. Attention to specific components of voice production and technique: onset/phonation, posture and breath management, resonance, articulation, range and registration, coordination and interpretation. An overview of studio and class voice methods, and literature appropriate for a variety of voice classifications and levels of study.

MUS 335 Piano Pedagogy and Literature: 2.0 cr.

Winter. Approx. every 3 years. Three-week survey of teaching methods and materials for the piano, with an emphasis on the elementary and intermediate levels, followed by three-week survey of the history and literature of the piano from the Baroque period to the present, with emphasis on aural recognition of the major Classical/Romantic piano performance repertory.

MUS-341 Conducting 2.0 cr.

Fall. Alt. years. Prereq.: MUS 203.1 A study of baton technique and expression with emphasis on score reading, interpretation and group leadership in both choral and instrumental music. Qualified students may be permitted to conduct College music organizations from time to time.

MUS-403.1 Composition 1 credit fall/spring, .5 credit winter

fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: MUS 203 or permission. The study of techniques of musical composition with an emphasis on the development of an individual style in a variety of musical genres and media. May be repeated for credit.

MUS-405 Seminar in Music Theory 2.0 cr.

Spring. Prereq.: MUS 203 or permission. The study of a specific topic related to music theory. Topics may include orchestration, physics of sound, arranging, form and analysis, modal counterpoint and theory pedagogy among others. Subject matter will change from year to year depending on the students' interests and needs. May be repeated for credit.

MUS-494 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: Permission. Special problems designed for music majors and minors. See independent study guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)

MUS-497 Internship 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, spring. Prereq.: Permission. Individualized fieldwork arranged and supervised with sponsors in professional musical activities. Designed to provide practical experience in the student's field of emphasis. Periodic reports are required. see internship guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)

Music Ensembles (MUS)

Ensembles continue through the winter session, but at half the credit offered in the fall and spring semesters. For purposes of fulfilling the music core requirements in ensembles, two winter sessions equal one semester.

LOWER DIVISION

MUS-121.1 or 321.1 Sinfonia 1 credit fall/spring, 0.5 credit winter

Fall, winter, spring. Large string ensemble performing works for string orchestra from the Baroque through 20th century repertoire. This group may be augmented by winds. The Sinfonia will serve as the core ensemble when collaborating with chorus and soloists to perform choral masterworks.

• MUS 321.1 Prereq.: 4 credits of MUS 121.1 or permission.

MUS-122 or 322 Concert Band 1 credit fall/spring, 0.5 credit winter

Open to all students with high school band experience. A wide variety of music is rehearsed and performed in three concerts. (December, February, and May). Two one-hour rehearsals weekly. Satisfies the large-ensemble requirement for a music major.

• MUS 322 Prereq.: 4 credits of MUS 122 or permission.

MUS-124 or 324 Jazz Ensemble 1 credit fall/spring, 0.5 credit winter

Two hours of rehearsal weekly and public performance of the best in jazz ensemble literature. Open to all students who possess adequate technique and experience.

• MUS 324 Prereq.: 4 credits of MUS 124 or permission.

MUS-125 or 325 Chamber Ensemble 1 credit fall/spring, 0.5 credit winter

Prereq.: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 130/330 or permission. Small organizations on a less formal basis such as piano ensembles, string trios and quartets, woodwind ensembles and brass.

• MUS 325 Prereq.: 4 credits of MUS 125 or permission.

MUS-126 or 326 Chorale 1 credit fall/spring, 0.5 credit winter

An ensemble seeking the finest in vocal and musical talent on campus. The Chorale strives to present a varied program of choral music at the highest possible performance level.

• MUS 326 Prereq.: 4 credits of MUS 126 or permission.

MUS-128 or 328 Vocal Jazz Ensemble 1 credit fall/spring, 0.5 credit winter

Prereq.: Audition. Music majors must concurrently enroll in MUS 130/330. A performing ensemble comprised of students who possess an appropriate level of vocal technique and musicianship. Study will include vocal jazz literature and jazz concepts with an emphasis on improvisation. Three hours of rehearsal per week and public performances.

• MUS 328 Prereq.: 4 credits of MUS 128 or permission.

UPPER DIVISION

MUS-327 Musical Theatre/Opera Workshop 1.0 cr.

An ensemble/applied course designed to give practical experience in musical theatrical arts through participation in the production as singer, actor or technician. Course may be repeated.

Applied Music (MUS)

Private and class instruction are available to students of all majors except for students taking lessons with adjunct faculty. Only music majors and minors, who are enrolled in Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble or Sinfonia may take private lessons from adjunct faculty. This does not include piano students taking lessons from the piano adjunct faculty. An extra fee will be charged for private lessons. Applied music lessons continue through the winter session, but at half the credit offered in the fall and spring semesters. For purposes of fulfilling the music core requirements in applied music, two winter sessions equal one semester.

LOWER DIVISION

MUS-130, 230, 330, 430 Applied Music 0.5 to 1.0 cr. each

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Personalized private lessons on an instrument or in voice (prerequisite for voice is MUS 133). Requires a minimum of three hours of practice weekly in addition to 30 minutes of instruction for each credit of credit. More practice may be required at the discretion of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Extra fee.

• MUS-230 Prereq: permission and two semesters of MUS 130 or advanced placement audition.
• MUS 330 Prereq.: permission and two semesters of MUS 230 or advanced placement audition.
• MUS 430 Prereq.: permission and two semesters of MUS 330 or advanced placement audition.

MUS-133 Class Voice 1.0 cr.

Spring. Alt years. Two hour lessons weekly for the first six weeks. Group study of the basic techniques and repertoire for the singing voice. This class is a prerequisite for MUS 130, Applied Voice, and is offered for beginning level students. May be substituted for one credit of MUS 130, except applied voice majors, with instructor's approval.

UPPER DIVISION

MUS-337 Pract/Orchestral Lit Violin, Viola, Cello 1.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Specialized study of standard orchestral literature through a performance setting. May include group and individual study. Attention given to preparation of specific parts for violin, viola, or cello, as well as audition procedures and performance practices. This course may be repeated for credit.

Music Education (MUS)

LOWER DIVISION

MUS-242.1 String Instruments 1.0 cr.

Fall. Alt. years. Group study of basic technique and methodology in the various string instruments: violin, cello, and string bass.

MUS-345 Teaching Band Instruments 2.0 cr.

Spring. Alt years. A laboratory class designed for the music education major to play band instruments (woodwinds, brass, and percussion) and learn how to teach these instruments to elementary students as approximately grades 5 or 6.