Academic Catalog

Music (MUSC)

MUSC 101  Music Fundamentals  3 cr.  
This course is designed for a student with little or no knowledge in music theory. It is a study in the rudiments of music such as notation, the structure of scales, intervals, keys, triads, and simple harmonic progressions. This course is intended to prepare students for entry into the Theory of Music I class.
MUSC 120  Individual Applied Music Lessons I  2 cr.  
Beginning or intermediate students receive one-on-one instruction in the technical and interpretive aspects of music performance as it relates to their instrument or voice with emphasis on tone production and intonation, expression, technique, and interpretation. Students are expected to devote a minimum of three hours per week of work outside class to assigned warm-ups, exercises, and appropriate repertoire. Weekly lesson times are arranged between instructors and students and approved by the dean/assistant dean. If a student does not see their instrument offered as an Applied Music section, they should contact the School of Arts and Humanities about feasibility. Code 3 course fee.
MUSC 121  Individual Applied Music Lessons II  2 cr.  
Beginning or intermediate students receive one-on-one instruction in the technical and interpretive aspects of music performance as it relates to their instrument or voice with emphasis on tone production and intonation, expression, technique, and interpretation. Students are expected to devote a minimum of three hours per week on work outside class to assigned warm-ups, exercises, and appropriate repertoire. Weekly lesson times are arranged between instructors and students and approved by the dean/assistant dean. Code 3 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 120
MUSC 139  Introduction to Jazz Performance  1 cr.  
This course is for students with little or no experience with improvising and performing in the jazz idiom in an ensemble setting. Students will learn basic techniques of improvising and the skills of listening and interacting in a collaborative and creative musical environment. The semester will culminate in an informal performance. A minimum of intermediate level proficiency on an instrument is required. Students will be required to provide their own instrument. Code 2 course fee.
MUSC 142  Jazz Band I  1 cr.  
This course is for students with intermediate to advanced level skill and experience with playing and improvising in the jazz idiom in an ensemble setting. Emphasis will be placed on further development of improvisation techniques, and the skills of listening and interacting in a collaborative, creative musical environment. Students are required to participate in all rehearsals and scheduled performances. An audition is required prior to the beginning of each semester. Students who do not possess the musical proficiencies required for this performing group can register for MUSC 139 Introduction to Jazz Performance where they can develop the necessary knowledge and skills. Code 2 course fee.
MUSC 143  Jazz Band II  1 cr.  
This course is for students with intermediate to advanced level skill and experience with playing and improvising in the jazz idiom in an ensemble setting. Emphasis will be placed on further development of improvisation techniques, and the skills of listening and interacting in a collaborative, creative musical environment. Students are required to participate in all rehearsals and scheduled performances. An audition is required prior to the beginning of each semester. Students who do not possess the musical proficiencies required for this performing group can register for MUSC 139 Introduction to Jazz Performance where they can develop the necessary knowledge and skills. Code 2 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 142
MUSC 150  Introduction to Group Keyboard  3 cr.  
This course is an introduction to piano playing for students with no prior music experience. In addition to sight reading, transposition and improvisation, this is a very practical way of introducing the materials of music to students who plan to study music further or just play for their own enjoyment. Code 3 course fee.
MUSC 160  Vocal Ensemble I  1 cr.  
This course focuses on the concert performance of vocal ensemble music. Emphasis is on development of group tone, blend, and collaborative artistic expression. Music of various styles and periods will be performed. Full participation in rehearsals and performances is required. An on-campus performance will take place at the end of the semester, and other off-campus performances may be planned as well. Students wishing to improve their own basic singing skills are encouraged to receive individual instruction by taking MUSC 120 Applied Music I (Voice). Code 1 course fee.
MUSC 161  Vocal Ensemble II  1 cr.  
This course allows students to continue their studies in a vocal ensemble and gain additional concert performance experience in the field of music. Students will perform repertory of various styles and periods. Full participation in rehearsals and performances is required. An on-campus performance will take place at the end of the semester, and other performances within the community may be planned as well. Code 1 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 160
MUSC 164  Introduction to Group Voice  2 cr.  
This course is designed to develop the range and quality of the singing voice. Fundamentals of vocal technique and introduction to vocal repertory are emphasized. The ability to read music is helpful. Code 1 course fee.
MUSC 173  Concert Band I  1 cr.  
This course is for music students who wish to perform in innovative instrumental performing groups and develop their practical musicianship. Students will demonstrate further proficiency on their instruments and in ensemble performance. Code 3 course fee.
MUSC 174  Concert Band II  1 cr.  
This course is for music students who wish to perform in innovative instrumental performing groups and develop their practical musicianship. Students will demonstrate further proficiency on their instruments and in ensemble performance. Code 3 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 173
MUSC 177  Ear Training and Sight Singing I  2 cr.  
This course emphasizes the development of aural skills through intensive sight singing and music dictation. Topics include diatonic melody, primary chord harmony, and simple meter rhythm. This course develops the aural skills necessary in order to interpret notated music with increased quickness and fluency. Code 2 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 101 or appropriate placement score on the Music placement test, and passing score on tone test. Contact the department to set up the tone test.
MUSC 178  Ear Training and Sight Singing II  2 cr.  
This course is a continuation of Ear Training and Sight Singing I, focusing on the development of aural skills through intensive sight singing and music dictation. Topics include the use of simple and compound meters, all diatonic triad and seventh chord structures based on major and minor scales, and phrase-length chord progressions. Code 2 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 177 and MUSC 181
MUSC 181  Theory of Music I  3 cr.  
This course is a study of elementary diatonic harmony. It includes triads and seventh chords within tonal context, the principles of voice leading, part writing and harmonic progression, and the function of nonchord tones. Also included is an introduction to the elements of musical form.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 101 or appropriate placement score on the Music placement test.
MUSC 182  Theory of Music II  3 cr.  
This course is a continuation of MUSC 181, with instruction in chromaticism, modulation, and analysis. Students will learn secondary chord functions and various types of modulatory techniques as applied to common music repertoire. Musical structural analysis will include the larger forms of binary and ternary design.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 181
MUSC 183  Beginning Jazz Theory and Improvisation  2 cr.  
This course will provide students with the basic skills required to improvise intelligently and musically in the jazz, blues, and other genres. The basics of the language and theory of jazz and how to apply improvisational techniques are emphasized. No experience in playing jazz or improvising is required. Code 1 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 101 or appropriate placement score on the Music placement test.
MUSC 185  Introduction to Jazz History  3 cr.  
This course which requires no prior musical training, is a survey of jazz music from its origins to the present. It emphasizes the cultural, social, economic, political, technological, and historical influences on the birth and development of jazz music and vice versa. It focuses on musicians who have led in shaping the musical, cultural, social, and political significance of jazz. In additon to fundamental aspects of the music (melody, rhythm, harmony, improvisation, form, style, aesthetics, and dance), the course helps students develop the critical listening skills needed to listen to it intelligently, resulting in heightened understanding and enjoyment.
MUSC 190  Introduction to Music Appreciation  3 cr.  
This is an introductory course that exposes students to music. The most important styles and types of music will be studied through the examination of representative examples drawn from the different eras of music history. Recorded and visual materials will be utilized to stimulate a discriminating understanding of and appreciation for the various styles and types of music. Attendance at live performance may be required. Code 1 course fee.
MUSC 192  Music History and Literature to 1750  3 cr.  
This course focuses on the historical and stylistic development of western music and literature from the Greek heritage through the Medieval, Renaissance, and late Baroque periods. Code 1 course fee.
MUSC 193  Music History 1750-1920  3 cr.  
This course focuses on the historical and stylistic development of western music and literature from the Classical, Romantic, and Impressionistic periods. Code 1 course fee.
MUSC 194  Introduction to World Music  3 cr.  
Through case studies, the music of various cultures is studied in the context of human life. Recorded visual materials and student-selected projects stimulate understanding and appreciation for various types of music in our world. This course is planned primarily for students without previous musical training. Code 1 course fee.
MUSC 195  Music History and Literature Since 1920  3 cr.  
This course focuses on the historical and stylistic development of western music and literaure from the early 20th century to the present.
MUSC 220  Individual Applied Music Lessons III  2 cr.  
Beginning or intermediate students receive one-on-one instruction in the technical and interpretive aspects of music performance as it relates to their instrument or voice with emphasis on tone production and intonation, expression, technique, and interpretation. Students are expected to devote a minimum of three hours per week of work outside class to assigned warm-ups, exercises, and appropriate repertoire. Weekly lesson times are arranged between instructors and students and approved by the dean/assistant dean. Code 3 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 121
MUSC 221  Individual Applied Music Lessons IV  2 cr.  
Beginning or intermediate students receive one-on-one instruction in the technical and interpretive aspects of music performance as it relates to their instrument or voice with emphasis on tone production and intonation, expression, technique, and interpretation. Students are expected to devote a minimum of three hours per week of work outside class to assigned warm-ups, exercises, and appropriate repertoire. Weekly lesson times are arranged between instructors and students and approved by the dean/assistant dean. Code 3 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 220
MUSC 242  Jazz Band III  1 cr.  
This course is for students with intermediate to advanced level skill and experience with playing and improvising in the jazz idiom in an ensemble setting. Emphasis will be placed on further development of improvisation techniques, and the skills of listening and interacting in a collaborative, creative musical environment. Students are required to participate in all rehearsals and scheduled performances. An audition is required prior to the beginning of each semester. Students who do not possess the musical proficiencies required for this performing group can register for MUSC 139 Introduction to Jazz Performance where they can develop the necessary knowledge and skills. Code 2 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 143
MUSC 243  Jazz Band IV  1 cr.  
This course is for students with intermediate to advanced level skill and experience with playing and improvising in the jazz idiom in an ensemble setting. Emphasis will be placed on further development of improvisation techniques, and the skills of listening and interacting in a collaborative, creative musical environment. Students are required to participate in all rehearsals and scheduled performances. An audition is required prior to the beginning of each semester. Students who do not possess the musical proficiencies required for this performing group can register for MUSC 139 Introduction to Jazz Performance where they can develop the necessary knowledge and skills. Code 2 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 242
MUSC 260  Vocal Ensemble III  1 cr.  
This course allows students to continue building upon previous vocal ensemble experience. Students will rehearse with faculty on a weekly basis to learn diverse repertory for ensemble concert performance. Full participation in rehearsals and performances is required. An on-campus performance will take place at the end of the semester, and other performances within the community may be planned as well. Code 1 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 161
MUSC 261  Vocal Ensemble IV  1 cr.  
This course provides students with a fourth opportunity to participate in a vocal concert performance ensemble, further refining their knowledge of group singing techniques and stylistic interpretation of diverse repertoire. Full participation in rehearsals and performances is required. An on-campus performance will take place at the end of the semester, and other performances within the community may be planned as well. Code 1 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 260
MUSC 273  Concert Band III  1 cr.  
This course is for music students who wish to perform in innovative instrumental performing groups and develop their practical musicianship. Students will demonstrate further proficiency on their instruments and in ensemble performance. Code 3 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 174
MUSC 274  Concert Band IV  1 cr.  
This course is for music students who wish to perform in innovative instrumental performing groups and develop their practical musicianship. Students will demonstrate further proficiency on their instruments and in ensemble performance. Code 3 course fee.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC 273