Courses

120 Introduction to Musical Styles 3 hours
Designed to acquaint the general student with music as one of the humanities. Development of perceptive listening; a survey of western music as an art form. No prerequisite. (F,J,S)
121 Theory I 3 hours
An intensive study of music fundamentals and materials. Includes written exercises, original writing, and the analysis of musical examples. Corequisite: 123, or consent of instructor. (F)
122 Theory II 3 hours
A continuation of Theory I. Prerequisites: 121, 123. Corequisite: 124, or consent of instructor. (S)
121L Ear Training I 1 hour
A study including sightsinging, dictation, keyboard exercises, and related skills, all designed to develop the student’s musical ear to the highest degree possible. Normally taken concurrently with 121. (F)
122L Ear Training II 1 hour
Continuation of 123. Normally taken concurrently with 122. Prerequisites: 121, 121L. (S)
135 Principles of Improvisation 2 hours
A seminar that introduces instrumentalists and vocalists to basic concepts and techniques of music improvisation. Individual and ensemble exercises guide students in explorations of jazz, blues, and free-form styles. Special regard is given to personal philosophy and harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic vocabulary. (S)
139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics Credit arr.
161 Musical Theatre Workshop 3 hours
An introduction to the principles of the musical theatre stage with lab practice in performance, direction, choregraphy and production. Emphasis on opera or the Broadway musical will be offered in alternate years: A-Opera; B-Broadway Musical. May be repeated for credit. (Same as theatre/dance 161.) (J)
231 Theory III 3 hours
A continuation of Theory II. Covers advanced harmonic materials, including chromaticism, modulation, and 20th-century techniques. Examination of the broad range of theoretical concepts beyond harmony conclude the semester. Prerequisites: 122, 124. Normally taken concurrently with 233. (F)
231L Ear Training III 1 hour
A continuation of 124. Normally taken concurrently with 231. Prerequisites: 122, 122L. (F)
236 Music, Worship and Culture 4 hours
A study of the theology and history of worship in society within the principal branches of the church, from Biblical times through the present, with particular emphasis on defining and illustrating the musical expressions of corporate worship within the context of the rapid cultural and technological changes in the 20th century. Offered alternate years. No prerequisite. (S)
237 Worship and Music in the Life of the Church 2 hours
This course will familiarize students with the role that music plays in liturgical and non-liturgical worship. It will include practical topics such as planning and selecting instrumental and vocal repertoire, directing a church music program, hymnody, and congregational worship life. Alternate years. No prerequisite. (S)
238 Composition 1-2 hours
A course designed to develop compositional facility in a variety of styles and media. At the beginning level (normally a one-credit class offered only in the fall), a series of compositional exercises and readings lead to the composition of several small pieces per semester. At more advanced levels (a one- or two-credit individual lesson offered in the fall and spring), the student works on larger pieces. Prerequisite: 332, or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (F,S)
247 History of Jazz 4 hours
A survey of the history and development of jazz, from the 1890’s to the present. Includes origins and early jazz through the modern jazz era. Listening activities focus on the major figures of each historical period. Offered alternate years. (Same as Africana Studies 247.) (S)
248 World Music Cultures 4 hours
A survey of the traditional musics of the Americas, Africa, India, Northern and Eastern Europe. Introduction to ethnomusicological terminology, placing emphasis on music as a culture and as a sonic event. Offered alternate years. (S)
250 Introduction to Conducting 2 hours
A study of fundamental gesture technique, score-reading and interpretation. Prerequisites: 332, 334. (F)
259 Music and Technology 2 hours
An introductory course in the use of technology in music. The course will survey basic electronic equipment and programs concerning topics such as notation, ear training, arranging, music history, sequencing, multimedia, etc. The technology involves computers, synthesizers, CD Roms, MIDI, sequencing, etc. Potential for the use of technology in a classroom setting will be covered. (F or S)
265 Diction for Singers I: Italian and German 2 hours
Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet as an aid to learning accurate pronunciation for singing Italian and German. (First seven weeks, Italian; second seven weeks, German.) Alternate years. (S)
266 Diction for Singers II: French and English 2 hours
Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet as an aid to learning accurate pronunciation for singing French and English. (First seven weeks, French; second seven weeks, English.) Alternate years. (S)
267 Vocal Literature I: Italian/Spanish and German 2 hours
An historical survey of the art song from c. 1600 to the present day. The course is designed to correspond with “Diction for Singers.” Alternate years, each area of study receiving 7 weeks. (S)
268 Vocal Literature II: French and British/American 2 hours
An historical survey of the art song from c. 1600 to the present day. The course is designed to correspond with “Diction for Singers.” Alternate years, each area of study receiving 7 weeks. (S))
272 Symphonic Music 2 hours
A survey of the repertoire of the orchestra including literature from the 17th century to the present. Emphasis is placed on concepts of style and historical evolution. Alternate years. No prerequisite. (J or S)
273 Chamber Music 1 hour
Instruction in the literature for small ensembles. Ensembles should be approved by an instructor before registration. Open to all students regardless of major. All ensemble members must be registered. (F,S)
332 Theory IV 3 hours
A continuation of Theory III. A culmination of theory study which focuses on the formal organization of music, with examination of standard formal types and principles from all periods of music history. Prerequisites: 231, 233. Normally taken concurrently with 334. (S)
332L Ear Training IV 1 hour
A continuation of 233. Normally taken concurrently with 332. Prerequisites: 231, 231L. (S)
341 History of Music: Antiquity through 1750 4 hours
A survey of musical life and literature from Ancient Greece through the Baroque era: the Greek theoretical legacy; sacred and secular developments of the Middle Ages and Renaissance; invention of opera and growth of idiomatic instrumental styles; life and works of Bach and Handel. Prerequisites: 122, 124, and ability to read music. (S)
342 History of Music: The Classical Period 2 hours
A survey of musical life and literature from 1760 to 1825: origins and development of the divertimento, symphony, and string quartet, piano concerto, and related genres; developments in opera and sacred vocal forms; life and works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Prerequisites: 122, 124, and ability to read music. (F)
343 History of Music: The Romantic Era 2 hours
A survey of musical life and literature in the 19th century: the lied and song cycle, romantic opera, concert overture, symphonic poem, program symphony, virtuoso violin and piano schools; survey of the life and works of Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Berlioz, Liszt, Brahms, Wagner, Verdi, Bruckner, Mahler, and R. Strauss. Prerequisites: 122, 124, and ability to read music. (S)
344 History of Music: Contemporary 4 hours
A survey of the important compositional techniques, musical trends, composers, and works from Debussy to the present time. Prerequisites: 332, 334. (F,S)
351 Conducting: Choral 2 hours
A detailed study of rehearsal techniques, musical components, and baton expressiveness as related to a choral situation. Laboratory emphasis. Prerequisite: 250. (S)
353 Conducting: Instrumental 2 hours
A study of advanced gesture technique as applied to instrumental performance. Additional attention is given to rehearsal techniques, score study, accompaniment, and performance practice. Prerequisite: 250. (S)
356 Electronic Music 2 hours
An introductory course designed to familiarize students with the history and compositional techniques of electro-acoustic music and pertinent equipment. Available equipment includes digital sampling and synthesis equipment and software, direct-to-disk digital audio tools, and a wide range of MIDI hardware and software. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. This course is normally required as preparation for advanced independent work in the Presser electronic music studio. (S)
362 Opera Workshop: Scenes 1, 2, or 4 hours
The study, rehearsal and staging of operatic repertoire (such as arias, scenes, or one-act operas) through public performance and/or in-class assignments. Credit dependent on role(s) and other duties assigned. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 130: Private Voice Instruction and consent of voice teacher. (F)
363 Opera Workshop: Production 1, 2, or 4 hours
The study, rehearsal and performance of a music faculty directed opera. Credit dependent on role(s) and other duties assigned. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 130: Private Voice Instruction and consent of voice teacher. (S)
371 Orchestration 2 hours
A study of the fundamentals and practices of arranging and composing for the orchestra. The practices of composers particularly adept in the orchestral idiom are surveyed, and practical applications of the fundamentals are made by the student. Alternate years. Prerequisite: 332. (F)
375 Directed Readings 2 hours
Students who develop an interest in a specialized area of the discipline for which course offerings are limited may follow a prescribed reading list under the direction of a member of the faculty with expertise in that area.
376 Vocal and Instrumental Accompanying 2 hours
A performance seminar for pianists. Students are coached in repertoire that requires keyboard accompaniment. The goal is for pianists to develop and refine skills unique to the art of accompanying while becoming familiar with a wide variety of musical styles. Emphasis on vocal accompanying with additional consideration of instrumental repertoire. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (S)
385 Seminar Credit arr
395 Independent Study 1, 2 or 4 hours
445 Performance Practices of the Renaissance and Baroque Periods 2 hours
An historical study of the interpretation of music based on readings from the letters, diaries, essays, critical reviews, and performance treatises of the period. Seminar format with a substantial performance project. Open to music majors, or by consent of instructor. Alternate years. (S)
446 Performance Practices of the Classical and Early Romantic Periods 2 hours
An historical study of the interpretation of music based on readings from the letters, diaries, essays, critical reviews, and performance treatises of the period. Seminar format with a substantial performance project. Open to music majors, or by consent of instructor. Alternate years. (S)
454 Counterpoint: 18th Century 2 hours
A study of the 18th century linear-harmonic style principally using the music of J.S. Bach as a model. Written exercises lead to the analysis and writing of short suite type movements, canons, and fugal expositions. Alternate years. Prerequisite: 332. (F)
455 Analytical Studies 2 hours
This course is designed to further the analytical skills of a student through intensive study of selected works from music literature. About six pieces will be studied in a semester, with the choice of scores representing a variety of styles, periods, and the special interest of students enrolled in the course. Alternate years. Prerequisite: 332. (F or S)
469 Advanced Ear Training 1 hour
A continuation of music 332L. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: 332, 332L. (S)
490 Senior Project 1 hours
493 Senior Honors Project 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A- or A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.

Applied Music

One credit is given for one half-hour lesson per week for a full semester. Attendance at class seminars may be expected. Final semester examinations before a faculty jury will be held for most students taking private lessons.

115 Class Instruction—Piano, Voice, or Guitar 1 hour
For majors and non-majors with little or no background in piano, voice, or guitar. (F,S)
116 Class Instruction—Piano or Voice 1 hour
Continuation of 15. For majors and non-majors who have had some piano, voice, or guitar. Emphasis is on developing good reading and practicing skills. Prerequisite: 15, or equivalent. (F,S)
117 Class Instruction—Piano 1 hour
Continuation of 16. Emphasis is on acquisition of repertoire and on developing some practical piano skills. Prerequisite: 16, or equivalent. (F,S)
118 Preparation for Piano Proficiency Test 0 hours
For first-semester music majors with significant background in piano. Two one-hour sessions will help these students prepare for the piano proficiency test. Prerequisite: piano placement recommendation. (F)
130 Private Instruction 1-2 hours
For majors and non-majors with approval of instructor. First and second semester of applied study. (F,S)
230 Private Instruction 1-2 hours
For majors and non-majors with approval of instructor. Third and fourth semester of applied study. (F,S)
300 Music Organizations no credit
Brass Ensembles, Cantorei, Cathedral Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Collegiate Chorale, Collegium Musicum, Concert Band, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Band, Nordic Choir, Norsemen, Pike Kor, Philharmonia, Symphony Orchestra, Varsity Band, Wind and Percussion Ensemble
330 Private Instruction 1-2 hours
For majors and non-majors with approval of instructor. Fifth and sixth semester of applied study. (F,S)
360 Vocal Coaching 1-2 hours
Guidance in the proper execution of vocal music dealing with diction, musical style, and assistance in repertoire selection. Prerequisites: upper level (330) voice and consent of instructor. (F,S)
430 Private Instruction 1-2 hours
For majors and non-majors with approval of instructor. Seventh and subsequent semester of applied study. (F,S)