Academic Catalog

Music (MUS)

MUS-099  PERFORMANCE LAB  (0 Credits)  
A regular forum for student performance. Performance Lab is an extension of the applied lesson including recitals, studio classes, concert attendance and guest lectures designed to enhance and enrich students' music education. Required of all music majors.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-110  MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS  (3 Credits)  
An introduction to the elements of music for the development of the student as a musician. Components include the study of staves, clefs, key signatures, notation, meter and rhythm, major and minor scales, and an introduction to analyzing formal structure of music from various time periods. Skill development for sight-singing basic tonal melodies using solfege and aurally identify scales, intervals, triads, and simple harmonic progressions, and notating melodies and rhythms are also included.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-124  MUSICIANSHIP I  (1 Credit)  
Parallels the course work in Music Theory and Analysis I to match the student's aural skills with their theoretical skills including the ability to notate and identify chord progressions and cadences utilizing triads in all inversions. Sight-singing and dictation skills are developed.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-126 concurrently, Take MUS-110  
MUS-126  MUS THEORY/ANALYSIS I  (2 Credits)  
A continuation of the Music Theory sequence, building on the materials covered in Music Fundamentals (MUS-110). Components include music notation writing skills, identifying and notating chords, rhythms, chords using inversion symbols and figured bass as well as pop notation, utilizing basic principles of voice leading for triads, harmonic analysis of excerpts and smaller works, introduction to counterpoint and form.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-110, Take MUS-124 concurrently  
MUS-143  CLASS PIANO I  (1 Credit)  
The first of two piano courses designed to prepare students for the level of playing necessary to pass the piano proficiency exam required of all music majors. Orientation to the keyboard, including basic technique, rhythm, tone conception, articulation and fingering. Major and minor pentachord patterns, sight reading, transposition, simple I-V harmonization, basic repertoire.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-144  CLASS PIANO II  (1 Credit)  
Continuation of MUS-143, including pedaling and phrasing, major scales, I-IV-V progressions and harmonization/transposition with simple accompaniment patterns. Introduction to playing by ear and improvisation. Appropriate sight reading and solo repertoire.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-161  VOCAL FUNDAMENTALS  (1 Credit)  
An introductory study and application of basic vocal technique including physiology of singing, respiration, phonation, resonance, registers, diction, interpretation, and communication. Both classical and contemporary vocal techniques are utilized. Some individual instruction provided using standard song repertoire.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-165  GUITAR FUNDAMENTALS  (1 Credit)  
An introductory study and application of basic guitar techniques including scales, standard chord voicing and inversions, finger-style techniques, tone production and rhythmic accompaniment. Both classical and contemporary guitar styles are incorporated. Some individual instruction provided using standard guitar repertoire.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-171  INTRO TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY  (3 Credits)  
A survey course designed to provide hands-on exposure to a broad spectrum of topics related to music technology. Students learn fundamentals of synthesis, MIDI, analog and digital audio, scoring (using Finale and Sibelius), computer-assisted music education, and computer-based accompaniment packages (i.e. SmartMusic).
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-221  MUSIC HIS, LIT & FORM I  (3 Credits)  
A study of the development of Western music from earliest record through the Baroque period (1750). Representative composers, works, and forms are examined. Emphasis is placed upon historical and cultural context, aesthetic attitudes, musical philosophies, trends in theory and composition, and developments in form and style.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-222  MUSIC HISTORY/LIT. II  (3 Credits)  
A study of the development of Western music from early Classic through the Romantic period. Representative composers, works, and forms are examined. Emphasis is placed upon historical and cultural context, aesthetic attitudes, musical philosophies, trends in theory and composition, and developments in form and style.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-224  MUSICIANSHIP II  (1 Credit)  
A continuation of Musicianship I. The aural identification of seventh-chords, non-chord tones, more complex rhythmic patterns, and an intense concentration on sight-singing and melodic and harmonic dictation.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-124 and MUS-126, Take MUS-226 concurrently  
MUS-226  MUS THEORY/ANALYSIS II  (2 Credits)  
A continuation of Music Theory I. Expansion on previous materials, including cadences and phrases and periods, harmonic analysis of more complex progressions and larger classical and popular works, non-chord tones, four-part writing, modulation, neapolitan and augmented sixth chords, chromatic harmony, chromatic modulation and employing common tones.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-124 and MUS-126, Take MUS-224 concurrently  
MUS-227  POPULAR MUSIC  (3 Credits)  
A study of popular music in America from the early twentieth century to the modern era, including Jazz, Rock, "Pop", Gospel, and Contemporary Christian music and representative composers and works. Emphasis is placed on historical and cultural context, aesthetic attitudes, musical philosophies, trends in theory and composition, and developments in form and style.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-228  EAR TRAINING III  (1 Credit)  
A continuation of Ear Training II. The aural identification of secondary dominants, modes, chromatic harmonies (Neapolitans and augmented sixth chords) in both melodic and harmonic contexts. Sight- singing melodies using chromaticism and complex rhythmic patterns.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-224 and MUS-226, Take MUS-229 concurrently  
MUS-229  MUS THEORY/ANALYSIS III  (3 Credits)  
A continuation of Music Theory II. Secondary dominants, modulations, chromatic harmonies (including Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords), counterpoint, and binary and ternary formal structures, fugues are introduced and examined. Larger forms, including theme and variations, sonata, and rondo, are introduced and examined. Compositional techniques and analysis of late Romantic and twentieth- century techniques, including non-Western scales and harmonic structures, modes and form after the common-practice era.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-224 and MUS-226, Take MUS-228 concurrently  
MUS-251  BASIC CONDUCTING & REHEARSAL TRAINING  (2 Credits)  
A one-semester course covering the fundamental skills required for leading ensembles in performance. It is a multi-dimensional course encompassing the physical skills (baton technique, symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns, cueing, subdivisions, fermatas, releases, expressive gestures, non-verbal communication, hand independence, etc.), aural skills (internalization, error detection, aural imaging, intonation deficiencies, etc.), and theoretical skills (score reading, transposition, terminology, score analysis and preparation, rehearsal technique, leadership, etc.) of conducting.
Prerequisite: Take Ear Training II and Music Theory II  
MUS-253  DICTION I  (2 Credits)  
An introduction to the rules of pronunciation for singing Latin, Italian and German languages. As a part of learning proper pronunciation, students will develop proficiency in their use of the International Phonetic Alphabet through reading, writing and speaking phonetically transcribed song and aria texts.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-255  DICTION II  (2 Credits)  
An introduction to the rules of pronunciation for singing in the French and English languages. As a part of learning proper pronunciation, students will develop proficiency in their use of the International Phonetic Alphabet through reading, writing and speaking phonetically transcribed song and aria texts.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-262  EXPLORING WESTERN MUSIC  (3 Credits)  
A survey of, and appreciation for, western music from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The course includes an introduction to music, composers and components from various time periods with an emphasis on different styles, historical settings, aesthetics and musical trends. Special focus is given to discerning and judging the value of music with the context of a Christian worldview.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-280  TOPICS IN MUSIC  (1-3 Credits)  
An investigation of a musical topic chosen by the instructor in conjunction with student demand.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-291  BRASS METHODS  (1 Credit)  
Study in the technical aspects of embouchure, tone production, hand position, fingering, articulation and playing of the trumpet, horn, euphonium, trombone and tuba. Emphasis is on teaching methods and materials to prepare students for teaching these instruments privately or in the schools.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-292  WOODWIND METHODS  (1 Credit)  
Study in the technical aspects of embouchure, tone production, hand position, fingering, articulation and playing of the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone. Emphasis is on teaching methods and materials to prepare students for teaching these instruments privately or in the schools.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-293  PERCUSSION METHODS  (1 Credit)  
Study in the technical aspects of playing the snare drum, timpani, keyboard mallet instruments, drumset, marching percussion, and other percussion accessory instruments. Emphasis is on teaching methods and materials to prepare students for teaching these instruments privately or in the schools.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-294  STRINGS METHODS  (1 Credit)  
Study in the technical aspects of tone production, manual dexterity, fingering, and bowing of the violin, cello and double bass. Emphasis is on teaching methods and materials to prepare students for teaching these instruments privately or in the schools.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-314  ORCHESTRATION & ARRANGING  (3 Credits)  
A study of the art of orchestration and arranging for a variety of ensembles, including the full orchestra, concert band, rock band, jazz ensemble and smaller chamber groups. Includes a detailed examination of all of the major instrument groups and their typical uses in both classical and popular/contemporary musical genres.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-224 and MUS-226  
MUS-315  SONG WRITING  (2 Credits)  
Students examine the art of songwriting in a variety of popular music styles. Class work involves analysis of popular song melodies and lyrics, study of lyric writing and organization, hooks, form and melodic structure and creation of song demos. Students are required to compose at least four songs over the course of the semester in a variety of styles. Students are able to hear their songs performed in periodic "seminar" type sessions and have the opportunity to have their work recorded by students in other music technology courses.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-171 and Ear Training III and Music Theory III  
MUS-326  SURVEY OF WORLD MUSIC  (2 Credits)  
A survey of the traditional music from the world's non-Western cultures and the various methods of ethnomusicological research. The student acquires objective listening skills through the study of the traditional music of China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, and Arabic countries as well as other cultures such as American Indian, Australian Aborigine, African, and Micronesian. These skills are used to develop the understanding that music, like any art form, is a cultural expression of the society that produced it.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status required  
MUS-327  JAZZ FUNDAMENTALS  (2 Credits)  
A study of jazz fundamentals, including chords, form, scales, jazz nomenclature, chord voicing, principles of arrangement, chord and scale relationships, blues and jazz compositions. Basic keyboard skill will be emphasized as well as listening to standard jazz recordings.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-224 and MUS-226  
MUS-334  MUSIC AND WORSHIP  (3 Credits)  
Students will develop a philosophy of worship and aesthetics through a historical survey of the development of music and worship in the church and a theological survey of music and worship throughout scripture. Students will then apply their philosophy practically in the development of a public worship service that is musically, aesthetically and theologically consistent and coherent.
Prerequisite: Sophomore status required  
MUS-336  CROSS-CULTURAL WORSHIP  (3 Credits)  
A practice in Ethnodoxology by examining the worship music of the following cultures: African, Asian, Hispanic, Caribbean and Western cultures.
Prerequisite: Take MUS-334  
MUS-337  WORSHIP MUSIC METHODS & MATERIALS  (3 Credits)  
A practical study of current denominational music practices including traditional, contemporary and alternative; students explore current resources including repertoire, literature, audio, video and Web based. Students are required to design musical components of worship services for a variety of settings.
Prerequisite: MUS-334  
MUS-340  JR RECITAL  (0 Credits)  
One half-hour recital required of B.Mus performance majors. Students must submit an application to the Music division one semester prior to the recital.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-343  PIANO  (3 Credits)  
This course is designed to prepare students for the level of playing necessary to pass the piano proficiency exam. Orientation to the keyboard, basic technique, rhythm, tone conception, articulation and fingering are included, along with major and minor pentachord patterns, pedaling and phrasing, major scales, sight reading, harmonization/transposition with simple accompaniment patterns. I-IV-V progressions, an introduction to playing by ear, improvisation and appropriate solo repertoire.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-352  ADV CONDUCTING: CHORAL  (3 Credits)  
A one-semester course advancing the fundamental skills learned in Basic Conducting with a focus on choral ensembles. In addition to the development of conducting skills (physical, aural and theoretical) and rehearsal techniques necessary for preparing choral ensembles for performance, student have practical opportunities to develop self-confidence and leadership skills within a laboratory setting.
Prerequisite: MUS-251  
MUS-353  ADV CONDUCTING: INSTRUMENTAL  (3 Credits)  
A one-semester course advancing the fundamental skills learned in Basic Conducting with a focus on instrumental ensembles. Students develop mastery of conducting skills (physical, aural and theoretical) with several opportunities for practical application within a laboratory setting. Preparing the instrumental music educator for conducting instrumental ensembles from creation to concert is the primary course focus.
Prerequisite: MUS-251  
MUS-380  INTERNSHIP  (1-6 Credits)  
An experience outside of the classroom where the student gains practical experience in the area of desired employment. Includes church music, music/business, pedagogy, accompanying, and other areas related to music.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status required  
MUS-440  SR RECITAL  (0 Credits)  
One half-hour recital required of B.A. music majors and B.Mus Music Education. One hour recital required of performance majors. Students must submit an application to the Music division one semester prior to the recital.
Prerequisite: MUS-441, Senior status required  
MUS-441  CAPSTONE SEMINAR: SR RECITAL PROJECT  (1 Credit)  
The senior recital project represents the culmination of four years' work towards a music degree. Students will research and incorporate several elements into their final paper including the integration of faith in music, musicology and history, theory and analysis, performance practices and the art of programming.
Prerequisite: MUS-440, Senior status required  
MUS-442  SPECIAL RECITAL  (0 Credits)  
Available to all music majors interested in performing recital repertoire beyond their degree requirements. Offered fall semester only. Students must submit an application in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-450  MUSIC METHODS: MIDDLE/HS  (3 Credits)  
Development of a personal philosophy of successful teaching and administration. Areas covered include aesthetic basis of music education; curriculum development with sequential organization of concepts of the elements of music; general and special music classes; performance groups; select, non-select, ensembles and concert groups; understanding the changing voice of middle school boys and the vocal development and potential of ages 12-18; instrumental pedagogical techniques; rehearsal planning and techniques; choosing or arranging proper literature; exposure to classical, popular, jazz, folk and ethnic music as well as musical theatre; administration of musicals; classroom control; auditioning; festivals and contests, computer applications and current trends; budgets, purchasing procedures, scheduling, library organization, testing and measurement, public relations and ethics.
Prerequisite: MUS-251, Junior or Senior status required  
MUS-457  MUSIC METHODS: ELEM SCHOOL  (3 Credits)  
Course designed for the music specialist. Study includes Kodaly, Dalcroze, Orff, MMCP, Gordon Learning Theory and ETM methodologies and applications; early training in Orff instruments, recorders and autoharp; systematic pedagogy of the basic elements of music; understanding, training and developing the singing voice, ages 4-12; teaching and leading singing; theory and practice of movement; call charts and listening experiences; lesson and program planning; handicapped, gifted, and multi-cultural education.
Prerequisite: EDU-230  
MUS-460  MUSIC BUSINESS  (3 Credits)  
An introductory course presenting a structural overview of the music business and entertainment industries. Historical development of music as a business and the development of the marketplace for both music and musicians. Emphasis is placed on contemporary music business practices. Topics include songwriting, publishing, royalties and rights, artist management, arts management, professional organizations, copyright law, record industry, union and guilds, and career development.
Prerequisite: None  
MUS-480  ADVANCED TOPICS  (1-3 Credits)  
An in-depth investigation of a musical topic chosen by the instructor in conjunction with student demand.
Prerequisite: None