Catalog 2010 - 2011

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.

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.

Prerequisites: MUS-103.1

The primary goal of aural skills is instant, one-to-one mapping of sound to symbol and symbol to sound.The musicianship training in the course enables musicians to develop 'seeing ears' and 'hearing eyes' by emphasizing strategies for accurate and expressive reading, improvising, singing, and dictation using elementary rhythms and diatonic pitch materials in treble, bass and C clefs. Keyboard skills in the class require sight reading, improvisation and technical studies of all major and minor scales. Three hours per week.

Prerequisites: MUS-101.1

A continuation of MUS-101.1 in the development of intermediate to advanced skills in sight singing, ear-training and keyboard, adding all the diatonic harmonies, modulation to closely related keys, and more rhythmic complexities. Keyboard skills in the class require application of threoretical concepts to playing chord progressions, Adult level II sight reading, melodic transposition and perfromance of Classical era sonatina by memory. Three hours per week.

Prerequisites: Permission

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.

Prerequisites: MUS-103.1

A continuation of the study of traditional diatonic and chromatic harmonic and melodic practices of common practice music.

A course in elementary appreciation and enjoyment of music literature designed for students outside the Music Department. No previous knowledge of music is needed.

This course surveys the music of prominent world cultures and identifies the purpose and function of music within these cultural settings. Traditional music is the primary focus of the class, although the concept of changing contemporary traditions is explored. No previous music experience is necessary.

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.

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.

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 two concerts. (December and May).

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.

Prerequisites: Permission and audition

Small organizations on a less formal basis such as string trios and quartets, woodwind ensembles and brass. Chamber Singers is a highly select vocal ensemble that specializes in a cappella choral literature from the Renaissance through the 21st century. Auditions take place the first week of classes in fall term. Students must enroll for three consecutive terms (fall, winter, and spring); contact the instructor for eligible exceptions. Members are responsible for the purchase of ensemble performance attire. This course is offered for 1 credit in the fall and spring semesters and for 0.5 credits in the winter term.

Prerequisites: Permission and audition

See MUS-125 for more information.

Prerequisites: Permission and audition

See MUS-125 for more information.

Prerequisites: Permission and audition

Singers prepare music for performances on and off campus, including the annual Spring Break tour. See MUS-125 for more information.

Prerequisites: Permission

The College of Idaho Chorale is the college’s oldest select choral ensemble, and enjoys a long tradition of musical excellence in the Pacific Northwest. This large, mixed-voice ensemble prepares choral literature of varying periods and styles, and aims to enrich the campus and community through music specifically composed for large ensembles. Auditions take place the first week of classes in fall term. Students must enroll for three consecutive terms (fall, winter, and spring); contact the instructor for eligible exceptions. The Chorale may tour with the Chamber Singers during Spring break. Members are responsible for the purchase of ensemble performance attire.

Prerequisites: Permission

The College of Idaho Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a highly select vocal ensemble that specializes in Vocal Jazz Music with an emphasis on jazz improvisation. Singers and the accompanying rhythm section instrumentalists prepare music for performances on and off campus, including the annual College of Idaho Invitation Vocal Jazz Festival and an annual tour. Auditions take place the first week of classes in fall term. Students must enroll for three consecutive terms (fall, winter, spring); contact the instructor for eligible exceptions. Members are responsible for the purchase of ensemble performance attire.

Prerequisites: Permission

Personalized private lessons on an instrument or in voice. 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.

Group study of the basic techniques and repertoire for the singing voice. This class is a prerequisite for MUSAP-130, Applied Voice, and is offered for beginning level students. May be substituted for one credit of MUSAP-130.

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.

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.

Prerequisites: 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.

Prerequisites: 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.

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.

This course is appropriate for students without a background in music. A study of the historical development of opera with topics alternating from the works of Mozart, Italian Opera, German Romantic Opera, French Grand Opera, American and British works through the 21st Century. Attention will be given to the musical and stylistic characteristics, the music/poetic synthesis as seen through the libretto, and the role of opera in a societal and political perspective.

Prerequisites: 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.

Students in the music education program MUS meet a minimum standard of piano proficiency. The exam requires the vocal ed. examinee to play one prepared piece at the late-intermediate level or higher and sight-read a piece at the early-intermediate level. The instrumental ed. examinee is required to play one prepared piece at the early intermediate level or higher, and to sight-read one late beginner piece. Students may opt out of this requirement by taking two semesters of applied piano lessons.

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

Prerequisites: Permission

Special topics in music. See independent study guidelines.

Prerequisites: MUS-103.1

A study in musical material and techniques from the 18th century with an introduction to contrapuntal music through analysis, written exercise and listening.

A survey of the literature and history of the music of Britain, with a particular focus given to English and Scottish music. A range of music is studied, including classical, folk, and modern Celtic music, with emphasis being given to the context and function of music in its various settings. The course involves intensive researching and writing. The ability to read/perform music is not a prerequisite, although a background in music will benefit students taking the course.

Prerequisites: MUS-104.1

An introduction to the history and literature of European music from antiquity to 1750. Students engage in critical thinking about the contexts of historical performances and practices and develop writing and researching skills regarding music.

Prerequisites: MUS-104.1

An introduction to the history and literature of European music from 1750 to the present. Students engage in critical thinking about the contexts of historical performances and practices and develop writing and researching skills regarding music.

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.

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.

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.

Prerequisites: Permission

The College of Idaho Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a highly select vocal ensemble that specializes in Vocal Jazz Music with an emphasis on jazz improvisation. Singers and the accompanying rhythm section instrumentalists prepare music for performances on and off campus, including the annual College of Idaho Invitation Vocal Jazz Festival and an annual tour. Auditions take place the first week of classes in fall term. Students MUS enroll for three consecutive terms (fall, winter and spring); contact the instructor for eligible exceptions. Members are responsible for the purchase of ensemble performance attire. This course is offered for 1 credit in the fall and spring semesters and for 0.5 credits in the winter term.

Prerequisites: Permission

Personalized private lessons on an instrument or in voice. 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.

Prerequisites: 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.

Prerequisites: 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.

Prerequisites: MUS-203.1 and MUS-231

The study of basic conducting techniques, including baton technique and score reading for both choral and instrumental music.

Prerequisites: MUS-341

The study of advanced conducting techniques for both choral and instrumental ensembles, with an emphasis on score study and expressivity and leadership.

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 at approximately grades 5 or 6.

Prerequisites: Permission

Typically performed at the end of the junior year, this is a substantive recital prepared by students for a public audience, demonstrating their accumulated skills and ability to musically communicate at a high artistic level.

Prerequisites: MUS-311

This course engages students in intensive reading, listening, and analyzing regarding a specific musicological topic. Through original research and writing students develop tools for understanding and articulating music-related topics. Topics range from historical to more modern popular subjects.

Prerequisites: MUS-104.1

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.

Prerequisites: MUS-203.1

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.

Prerequisites: Permission

Personalized private lessons on an instrument or in voice. 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.

Prerequisites: MUS-341

This course, for music education majors, will include methods and materials of teaching music in the public schools for grades K-12 in elementary general music, secondary vocal music, and secondary instrumental (band and orchestra) music. This course is designed to prepare students for their internship and certification to teach music in public schools. Some of the topics will include philosophy of music education, history of music education, special teaching methods (Kodaly, Orff, Suzuki), national organizations (MENC) and seminars (Tanglewood), instructional planning, research in music education, technology, facilities and ethics.

Prerequisites: MUS-342

Corequisites: MUS-121.1

This class will specialize in methods and materials unique to teaching strings in a group setting. It will include the opportunity to receive coaching and mentoring while conducting a string orchestra (The College of Idaho Sinfonia) in rehearsal and concert scenarios.

Prerequisites: MUS-342

Corequisites: MUS-126

This class will specialize in methods and materials unique to teaching choir. It will include the opportunity to receive coaching and mentoring while conducting a choir (The College of Idaho Chorale) in rehearsal and concert scenarios.

Prerequisites: MUS-342

Corequisites: MUS-122

This class will specialize in methods and materials unique to teaching band. It will include the opportunity to receive coaching and mentoring while conducting a band (The College of Idaho Concert Band) in rehearsal and concert scenarios.

Prerequisites: Permission

Performed for a public audience at the end of the senior year, this is the culminating project for music performers. As part of this process students demonstrate proficiency in analyzing music and in writing about music, and then prepare and perform, at the highest artistic and technical level, a substantive recital.

Prerequisites: Permission

Prereq.: Permission. As a final project for music minors students write a reflective essay and complete a comprehensive exam that involves listening and writing. A study guide will be provided to help guide students in their preparations for the exam. This course is to be completed concurrently with the final course taken to complete the minor, or no later than one semester after the minor’s completion.

Prerequisites: Permission

Special topics designed for music majors and minors. See independent study guidelines.

Prerequisites: 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.