Course Descriptions
Syllabi will be available by request.
MUS 101 Music Skills
A course designed to introduce the student to the elements of music, these being melody, harmony, rhythm and form. Emphasis will be placed on developing aural and visual skills so that the student will be able to sight sing and read music. Computer instruction will be included. This course also prepares the student for Musicianship I, offered in spring. Priority to music majors.
MUS 104 Musicianship I
A course designed to develop the aural, performing and analytical skill of the student. Compositional skills are studied and practiced and the ability to sight sing and take dictation is developed through exercise in and out of class. Included will be music materials from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as the 20th century. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 101 or demonstrated proficiency in treble and bass clef reading as approved by the instructor. Meets four hours weekly including MUS 104L Musicianship I Lab. Will fulfill the non-lab portion of the Natural Science core requirement.
MUS 105 Piano Class I
A course designed to acquaint the student with the skills necessary for beginning piano study. This course is part of a two-semester sequence designed to prepare students for the keyboard proficiency exam. Priority to music majors.
MUS 106 Piano Class II
A course designed to lead the student to keyboard proficiency. The course consists of weekly classes during which individual students will be given instruction at the keyboard. Each student will develop his/her repertoire and monitor his/her own growth as a pianist. Students must have taken Piano Class I or have equivalent performance ability, as approved by the course instructor.
MUS 125, 126 Voice Class I, II
A course designed to assist the student in the development and basic techniques of the singing voice, to give the student a knowledge of proper vocal production and to begin his/her own progress. This course is for non-voice majors. It is required of non-voice concentration majors in music education.
MUS 137 Vocal Diction: Italian
The first of the four-semester sequence covering the principles of accurate pronunciation in specified languages. Intended for the music student’s first and second year of vocal study, the courses instruct the student of voice on the basic skills in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The firstsemester introduces students to the basic principles of the IPA and Italian diction. The second semester continues the study of IPA in Latin and English. The third semester continues to promote diction skills in the German language. The fourth semester completes the course sequence in the study of French diction. Students must take the sequence in chronological order and must study private voice during each semester.
MUS 138 Vocal Diction: Latin and English
The second of the four-semester sequence covering the principles of accurate pronunciation in Latin and English. The third semester continues to promote diction skills in the German language. The fourth semester completes the course sequence in the study of French diction. Students must take the sequence in chronological order and must study private voice during each semester. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 137.
MUS 145 Electronic Music
This course is designed to provide the basic skills necessary for the successful use of the electronic music studio and its related software and audio equipment. The course is specifically intended for the inexperienced student.
MUS 155 Guitar Class
This class is taught on three levels:
Basic - for beginners who will learn the fundamentals of guitar as applied to praise music and folk/pop. The course covers basic playing techniques, cords, strumming patterns, and assembling a large song list.
Intermediate - For those who have completed Basic Guitar I and II, or who are comfortable playing the guitar’s basic cords. This class will seek to advance guitar skills for the playing of praise and worship guitar, including: assembling a large praise song list, learning about the history and theology of hymns and praise songs, practicing strum and fingerpicking patterns, and basic music theory. Techniques are applicable to various styles of music.
Advanced - For those who have completed Inter-mediate Guitar I and II, or have comparable skills, this class will focus on solo and classical guitar techniques. Areas covered are scales, counterpoint, theory, practice strategies, and repertoire.
NOTE: Students must have taken 155 or have equivalent performance ability as approved by course instructor in order to take 156.
MUS 157, 158 Chamber Music
An ensemble course designed for more advanced performers to explore the repertoire for varioussmall groupings of instruments and voices. Such groupings may include brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion and various keyboard instruments. Participants will be coached by a faculty member and encouraged to perform.
MUS 165, 166 Vocal Ensembles
The University Choir provides intensive training in all aspects of choral singing. All students who enroll in University Choir assume the obligation to participate in touring choir if selected. Turning Point is a small touring ensemble giving approximately 20 concerts a semester in churches and schools. Women’s Chorale is designed to explore and develop repertoire of all styles. Repertoire is drawn from sacred and secular sources. Both semesters must be taken to earn credit. Angels of Harmony is a Gospel choir committed to ministry and diversity. The repertoire includes the richness of African-American heritage coupled with contemporary Black Gospel music. This group performs throughout the tri-state area during the academic year. All ensembles are open to all students by audition.
MUS 168 Touring Choir
The touring choir is selected from University Choir members by the director during the fall semester. Students selected for touring choir are expected to participate in rehearsals and a limited number of performances during the fall even though no credit is awarded for the fall semester. Students who participate in the fall and who fulfill their performance obligations in the spring, including any University Choir performance at Spring Commencement, may receive one hour credit in the spring semester. Note: An activity credit.
MUS 173, 173L String Instruments I
A course designed to prepare the prospective music teacher to teach violin and viola in the elementary and secondary public school environments. This course is the first of a two-semester sequence in string instrument performance and pedagogy. The course will include one lecture section and one lab section per week. Offered every three years. Lab fee applies.
MUS 174, 174L String Instruments II
A course designed to prepare the prospective music teacher to teach cello and string bass in the elementary and secondary public school environments. This course is the second of a two-semester sequence in string instrument performance and pedagogy. The course will include one lecture section and one lab section per week. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in String Instruments I or equivalent professional competency. Offered every three years. Lab fee applies.
MUS 191, 192 Instrumental Ensembles
One-year activity courses. Both semesters must be taken to receive credit. Eastern Orchestra, Eastern Winds, Eastern Jazz Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, and Eastern Strings are ensembles comprised of players interested in repertoire of various performing forces. The ensembles perform on and off campus. All ensembles are open to all students by audition.
MUS 195, 196 Private Lessons
Instruction with emphasis on correct performance techniques. A minimum of four hours practice per week is assumed for each credit taken. Private lessons may be taken each semester the student is enrolled. Non-majors may take private lessons for credit. Registration through Music Office. Note: Not an activity credit. See course fees.
MUS 203 Musicianship II
A continuation of the study of musical materials and structures, progressing through the tonal systems of the 18th through 20th centuries. Listening skills of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic dictation as well as sight singing skills are emphasized. Designed to develop in the student an understanding of larger forms and various tonal systems. Included is music from various cultures. Meets four hours weekly including MUS 203L Musicianship II Lab. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 104.
MUS 204 Musicianship III
A course designed to examine chromatic harmony and modulation. The course also will introduce counterpoint, with emphasis on the 18th century. Included will be analysis, transcription and composition. Sightsinging and ear training are also a regular part of this course. Meet four hours weekly including MUS 204L Musicianship III Lab. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 203.
MUS 223, 224 Composition I, II
Composition I is an introduction to composition through private instruction. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 104. Composition II is a continuation of private study in composition. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 203.
MUS 237 Vocal Diction: German
The third of the four-semester sequence covering the principles of accurate pronunciation in German. Students must take the sequence in chronological order and must study private voice during each semester. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 138.
MUS 238 Vocal Diction: French
The fourth of the four-semester sequence covering the principles of accurate pronunciation in French. Students must take the sequence in chronological order and must study private voice during each semester. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 237.
MUS 250 Music in World Cultures
This course is an exploration into the music of various ethnic groups in their cultural contexts. It will examine basic assumptions about the study of music, both within and outside an academic setting, and the relationship between music and society. Basic knowledge of music is an asset, but not a requirement. This course fulfills the Cultural Horizons core requirement.
MUS 273, 273L Woodwind Instruments
A course designed to prepare the prospective music teacher to teach flute, clarinet, and saxophone in the elementary and secondary public school environments. This course is the first of a two-semester sequence in woodwind instrument performance and pedagogy. The performance component will include proper embouchure development, posture, developing a characteristic sound, a variety of articulations, tuning and intonation, and range. Techniques for teaching each of the above-mentioned performance skills, diagnostic and prescriptive skills, and selection and care of the instruments and their accessories will comprise the course’s pedagogical element. The course will include one lecture section and one lab section per week. Offered every three years. Lab fee applies.
MUS 274, 274L Woodwind Instruments II
A course designed to prepare the prospective music teacher to teach oboe and bassoon in the elementary and secondary public school environments. This course is the second of a two-semester sequence in woodwind instrument performance and pedagogy. The course will include one lecture section and one lab section per week. Prerequisite: Grade C or better in Woodwind Instruments I or equivalent professional competency. Offered every three years. Lab fee applies.
MUS 302 Introduction to Composition, Orchestration and Arranging
A study of the basic elements of music in various contexts for the purpose of understanding and creating original and adapted works of music. Designed to equip the student with skills to compose and develop musical ideas. Included will be arranging and orchestration with consideration of theological assumptions of musical creativity.
MUS 304 Musicianship IV
A course introducing the harmony of jazz and popular music and other modern music theories. This course will include sight singing and ear training as well as work in the electronic music studio. Meets four hours weekly including MUS 304L Musicianship IV Lab. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 204.
MUS 305 Music Connections I
A course designed to familiarize the student with the music of Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval periods. Included will be independent and group research and class presentations. An interdisciplinary approach to music history is expected with examination into concurrent social, theological, philosophical and artistic developments.
MUS 306 Music Connections II
A course designed to examine the music of the Classical and Romantic periods. Included will be an interdisciplinary approach to the concurrent developments in society, theology, philosophy and art. Composers, program music, symphony, chamber music, opera, church music, lieder, and music for the piano will be studied and analyzed. The student will be responsible for independent and group research and class presentation. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 305.
MUS 323, 324 Composition III, IV
Intermediate study of composition structured as private lessons. Each course requires a minimum grade of C in the prior course.
MUS 333 Elementary Music Methods and Materials
A course designed to familiarize and equip the student with those techniques which are necessary for teaching music in the elementary and middle school setting. The course will aid the future teacher in formulating a logical and sequential teaching approach. Emphasis will be given to philosophy and methods.MUS 334 Secondary Music Methods and Materials
A course designed to familiarize and equip the student with those techniques which are necessary for teaching music in the high school setting. The course will aid the future teacher in formulating a logical and sequential teaching approach. Emphasis will be given to philosophy and methods.
MUS 340 Junior Recital
A program of prepared repertoire demonstrating the performing achievement of the student.
MUS 351 Church Music Repertoire
A course designed to provide an exposure to the large body of music literature that comprises the heritage and diversity of the Christian Church. Music will be drawn from European, Anglo and African-American church music. Offered in fall, even years.
MUS 352 The Philosophy and Administration of Music Ministry
A course designed to prepare the church music major for the varied tasks of music leadership in the Church. Included will be development of bibliography, appropriate computer programs, management and ministry principles and music resources. Exposure to different models of music in the Church and methodology for implementation. Offered in spring, even years.
MUS 371, 371L Brass Instruments I
A course designed to prepare the prospective music teacher to teach trumpet and French horn in the elementary and secondary public school environments. This course is the first of a two-semester sequence in brass instrument performance and pedagogy. The performance component will include proper embouchure development, posture, developing a characteristic sound, a variety of articulations, tuning and intonation, and range. Techniques for teaching each of the above-mentioned performance skills, diagnostic and prescriptive skills, and selection and care of the instruments and their accessories will comprise the course’s pedagogical element. The course will include one lecture section and one lab section per week. Offered every three years. Lab fee applies.
MUS 372, 372L Brass Instruments II
A course designed to prepare the prospective music teacher to teach trombone, baritone, and tuba in the elementary and secondary public school environments. This course is the second of a two-semester sequence in brass instrument performance and pedagogy. The course will include one lecture section and one lab section per week. Prerequisite: Grade C or better in Brass Instruments I or equivalent professional competency. Offered every three years. Lab fee applies.
MUS 381 Instrumental Conducting and Procedures
A course designed to deal with techniques particular to instrumental work, such as baton technique, score reading and preparation. The course includes organization and administration of bands and orchestras. Practice conducting will be in both class and ensemble situations. This will be an advanced survey of the important conducting techniques, gaining an in-depth knowledge of beat patterns, expressive gestures, tuning, balance, ensemble, entrance and release, embellishments, clefs and mastery of the full score. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 204.
MUS 382 Choral Conducting and Procedures
A course that includes developing the techniques of beat pattern, entrances and releases, cueing, score preparation and rehearsing. Included is choral interpretation and vocal production, selection of materials, organization and administration of choral groups. This course will also include conducting in class and ensemble situations. Prerequisite: MUS 381.
MUS 405 Music Connections III
A course designed to acquaint the student with the music of the 20th century. It will consist of the study of classical, jazz and popular music and an examination of significant developments in the music of popular culture and “high” or aesthetic culture. Major composers, compositions and performers will be examined through writings, recordings and concerts. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUS 306.
MUS 411 The History and Practice of Christian Worship
A course designed to assist students in developing an understanding of the history and traditions of Christian worship and to introduce methods of worship planning and practices. Students will be encouraged to examine music and worship practices and to evaluate ongoing developments. Offered in fall, odd years.
MUS 412 Hymnology
A course dealing with the development of the hymn form from the early church to the modern period. Included will be discussion of theological and sociological influences that affected hymn writing and hymn tune composition. Offered in spring, odd years.
MUS 415 Graded Choir Methods and Materials
A course designed to examine the repertoire and techniques for developing a multi-choir church music program based on classifications of age and educational level. Primary emphasis is on choral activities with secondary inclusion of instrumental resources.
MUS 423, 424 Composition V, VI
Advanced study of composition structured as private lessons. Each course requires a minimum grade of C in the prior course.
MUS 434 Writing for Instruments
Writing for Instruments is an advanced orchestration course. The course is designed to familiarize the student with principles of writing involving strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and to a lesser extent, world instruments and experimental and unconventional sound making objects. Ranges, sound properties, performance techniques, and notation will be included.
MUS 437 Pedagogy and Literature
The course will be offered in conjunction with private study. Methods of private teaching and repertoire development will be examined. Will include observation and teaching.
MUS 438 Music Career Management
A course designed to assist the upper level music major in planning a career. Christian faith, performance and service, life management, artistic representation, strategic planning, technological implications, and audition and competition preparation will be explored. Legal issues and grant request writing will be included. This course satisfies the College of Arts and Sciences Culminating Senior Experience [CSE] requirement. Open to non-music majors by permission of the instructor. This course is recommended for the semester of the senior recital or the semester preceding the senior recital.
MUS 440 Senior Recital
A program of prepared repertoire demonstrating the performing achievement of the student. The recital length will be thirty minutes for those whose concentration is Music Education; sixty minutes for all other concentrations.
MUS 441, 442 Church Music Internship I, II
A course designed to provide professional mentoring and apprenticeship in local churches with active music ministries.
MUS 461, 462 Apprenticeship I, II
A course designed to provide professional monitoring and apprenticeship in student's major area of music.
MUS 473, 473L Percussion Instruments
A course designed to introduce the student to the instruments and performing and teaching techniques of the percussion family. Includes class instruction for music majors in the fundamentals of the percussion instruments. The course will include one lecture session and one lab section per week. Lab fee applies.
MUS 999 Music Recital and Repertory
This required non-credit course reserves Mondays from 3:00-3:50 p.m. for professional concerns such as recitals, repertoire classes, master classes, and departmental meetings. Each semester, all students majoring in music are required to register for MUS 999 Music Recital and Repertory.
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