Undergraduate Studies Catalog

MUSIC (MUSC)

MAJOR SEQUENCE

Courses totaling 43 credit hours include MUSC 101 (should be taken in the first semester), 144, 244, 252, 344, 345, 353, 354, and one additional music history/literature elective. Music majors must also accrue a minimum number of eight credit hours in applied music and eight credit hours in ensemble before graduation.

Music Courses Of Instruction

101. Music: The Art of Listening.
This course focuses on the acquisition and enhancement of listening skills through direct experience of musical works. Students cultivate musical perception through a process of repeated and guided listenings. An examination of cross-cultural similarities and differences among musical styles is presented to strengthen listening skills and broaden style perspectives. Concert attendance is required.

102. Class Piano for the Beginner.
For the student who has never had keyboard instruction and is interested in learning the art of performance on the piano. Fundamentals of music theory, note reading and personal enjoyment are emphasized. Strongly recommended for those preparing to teach music in elementary school.

104. Gospel Choir.* (BWS 104) (1)
A mixed-voice ensemble in which students learn the stylistic rhythms, patterns, textures, and content forms of gospel music through traditional and contemporary materials. Students perform in various on-campus venues and attend performances of other gospel choirs.

105. Orchestra.* (1)
The study, rehearsal and performance of standard orchestral literature. Students must provide their own instruments and should have previous ensemble experience. Placement auditions. Gives one concert each semester.

106. Guitar Ensemble.* (1)
For advanced guitarists. The study, rehearsal and performance of transcriptions and original works for guitar ensemble. Repertoire will focus on, but not be limited to, music of the common practice period. Students must provide their own instruments. Placement auditions. Gives one concert each semester.

107. University Chorus.*(1)
An SATB ensemble devoted to the study, rehearsal and performance of standard choral literature of all periods. Placement auditions. A select chamber singers group is drawn from chorus membership. Gives one concert each semester.

108. Liturgical Choir.* (1)
SATB ensembles providing music for the Sunday liturgies in Madonna della Strada Chapel and other university liturgical functions. Repertoire includes both traditional and contemporary music.

109. Wind Ensemble/Jazz Band.* (BWS 109) (1)
Rehearsal and performance of standard wind ensemble music. Students from the wind ensemble are invited to join the jazz band component. Members must have previous band experience. Ordinarily, students provide their own instruments. Performs each semester.
*MUSC 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 and/or 109 may be taken a total of eight times for credit.

144. Music Theory I.
Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or departmental permission.
An integrated approach to the fundamentals of music theory. Development of basic skills (aural, sightsinging, composition, analysis, keyboard) in class, computer lab and small group sessions.

154. Introduction to Opera.
Course surveys opera from 1600 to the present and considers opera as an art form which combines music and drama. Analysis of libretto structure and study of various musical styles are included. (Also offered at Rome Center.)

155. Introduction to Symphonic Music.
Survey of the principal forms of orchestral music from the Baroque to the present, including the symphony, concerto suite, overture, and symphonic poems. (Also offered at Rome Center.)

156. Introduction to Jazz. (BWS 156)
Survey of the development of jazz emphasizing the major trends and artists of this unique American style. Listening skills will be developed.

157. American Popular Song.
Survey of American popular song from the early 19th century minstrel shows to the present. The evolution of this music and its relationship to society will be studied. Listening skills will be developed.

244. Music Theory II.
Prerequisite: MUSC 144 or departmental permission.
Comprehensive, integrated approach to the study of functional tonality and form in the music of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Incorporates written analysis and composition and the development of sightsinging, aural and keyboard skills in class, computer lab and small group sessions.

252. Music History and Literature: 9th-17th Century.
Prerequisite: MUSC 144 or departmental permission.
Designed for the music major/ minor or non-major with understanding of music fundamentals. The course focuses on significant works, composers, and cultural influences in the musical life of the ancient world through the 17th century. Attention is given to gender balance in methodology and content. Class format includes lecture, discussion, music listening, and analysis. Concert attendance is required.

282. Applied Music: Guitar.**
(1/2 hour/week for 1 credit)
Private lessons in guitar; Performance opportunities: performance class, hearing before faculty, optional musicale and/or recital. Ordinarily music majors may accumulate up to 8 hours for credit.

283. Applied Music: Organ.**
(1/2 hour week for 1 credit.) Prerequisite: previous keyboard experience to include the ability to read both treble and bass clefs.
Private lessons in organ. Performance opportunities; performance class, hearing before faculty, optional musicale and/or recital. Ordinarily music majors may accumulate up to 8 hours for credit.

284. Applied Music: Piano.**
(1/2 hour/week for 1 credit.) Prerequisite: previous keyboard experience.
Private lessons in piano. Performance opportunities; performance class, hearing before faculty, optional musicale and/or recital. Ordinarily music majors may accumulate up to 8 hours for credit.

285. Applied Music: Voice.**
(1/2 hour/week for 1 credit.) Prerequisite: previous choral or voice experience.
Private lessons in voice. Performance opportunities: performance class, hearing before faculty, optional musicale and/or recital. Ordinarily music majors may accumulate up to 8 hours for credit.
** Students must contact the music office before attempting to register for these courses.

344. Music Theory III.
Prerequisite: MUSC 244 or departmental permission.
Study of large compositional forms and the extended harmonic vocabulary of music of the 19th century. Continued development of aural, keyboard, sight-singing, compositional and analytical skills in class, computer lab and small group sessions.

345. Music Theory IV.
Prerequisite: MUSC 344 or departmental permission.
Continued examination of the structural aspects of music with a focus on contrapuntal forms. Study of the compositional vocabularies of 20th century music. Continued development of aural, keyboard, sightsinging, compositional and analytical skills in class, computer lab and weekly skills sessions.

353. Music History and Literature: 18th-19th Centuries.
Prerequisite: MUSC 144 or departmental permission.
Designed for the music major/minor (or non-major with understanding of music fundamentals). Begins with the sources of the classical style and moves through the lives and works of composers from Bach to Mahler. Participants trace the gradual independence of composer and performer from ecclesiastical and aristocratic patronage to the rise of mass audiences and subsequent influence on musicians. Concert attendance is required.

354. Music History and Literature: 20th Century.
Prerequisite: MUSC 144 or departmental permission.
Designed for the music major/minor (or non-major with understanding of music fundamentals). Students are guided in an exploration of the various and diverse trends in music from 1900 to the present; from Impressionism to current practice, including technological advances in music and their impact on the contemporary composer, performer and listener. Significant composers are studied along with representative scores of their music. Listening skills are developed. Concert attendance is required.

387. Solo Recital. (1)
Prerequisite: instructor’s consent and audition.
Preparation and presentation of a full-length, balanced program by memory in one’s major area of performance. This may be taken twice for credit.

389. Topics in Music.
Specific course titles and content will vary. May be taken as directed study under the supervision of a designated faculty member for independent or small group research in special areas of interest. Because of variations described, students may repeat the course for a total of six hours.

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