Music Department | Major,
Minor, Concentrations
Additional Requirements | Applied
Music, Ensembles, Education
Lower Division Courses | Upper
Division Courses
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.
Fall. Two hours per week. A course intended for music majors in the basic skills of sight-singing and ear-training.
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.
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.
Fall. Prereq.: MUS 101. A continuation of MUS 101 in the development of more advanced skills in sight singing and ear-training.
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.
Spring. Prereq.: MUS 103. A continuation of the study of traditional diatonic and chromatic harmonic and melodic practices of common practice music.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fall, 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.
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.
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.
Prereq.: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 130/330 or permission. Small organizations on a less formal basis such as string trios and quartets, woodwind ensembles and brass.
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.
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.
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 unit of credit. More practice may be required at the discretion of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Extra fee.
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.
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.
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.
Fall. Prereq.: MUS 104.1. Designed to cover the complete chromatic harmonic language of the late 19th 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.
Spring. Prereq.: MUS 202.1. A study of the compositional techniques and materials employed in the 20th century as presented through analysis, score reading, composition, written exercises, and critical listening.
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.
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.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permissionand two semesters of MUS 130 or advanced placement audition.. 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 unit of credit. More practice may be required at the discretion of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Extra fee.
Fall. Alt. years. Group study of basic technique and methodology in the various string instruments: violin, cello, and string bass.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: Permission. Special problems in music. This course will not fulfill the General Education Curriculum requirement for independent work.