Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

Department of Music

Dr. Zachary Lopes, Department Chair

Ivan Wilson Center for Fine Arts, Office 351
Phone: (270) 745-3751; Fax: (270) 745-6855
Email: music@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/music

The Department of Music promotes the study and experience of music in its broadest sense: preparing artist teachers and performers, enhancing creativity and the human spirit, and enriching the quality of life on campus, in the region, and in our global community. Western Kentucky University has been a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1948.

A large part of the department’s mission is the preparation of music teachers and professional musicians. Students with broad musical interests may select a music major or minor within a diversified liberal arts program. Music degree programs provide for the development of basic musicianship through conceptual understanding of musical properties and their interrelationships, relevant opportunities for listening, performing, composing, and scholarship, and the acquisition of a repertory representative of various cultures and historical periods. Competencies in various areas and at varying levels appropriate to each program of music concentration are developed through a sequence of studies and assessments.

General University students may elect certain music courses through the Colonnade Program Requirements. All students from all disciplines may participate in various instrumental and choral ensembles.

Students wishing to pursue a music degree (including double majors) should have pre-college training in their principal or major performing instrument or voice and be able to read music fluently. Basic keyboard ability is helpful but not mandatory. Entering students must audition for admission to the music program to major or minor in music, including diagnostic examinations in theory rudiments (scales, keys, intervals, triads, general notation), music reading, and performance (principal instrument/voice). Deficiencies may be removed through remedial placement except in the case of auditions for the Bachelor of Music in Performance.

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University’s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter “Academic Information.” Pay particular attention to the subsections entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) Colonnade Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Some academic programs require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. Students should contact their advisor for any recent requirement changes not reflected in this catalog. Information for prospective students about life in the Department of Music appears at http://www.wku.edu/music. The Department of Music offers majors and a minor as shown in the following sections.

Music Program Fees

Music Majors are assessed a program fee of $50 each semester. Music Minors are assessed a program fee of $50 each year.

Applied Music Instruction

Music Majors and Minors take applied lessons as part of their individual degree program. These lessons are one-on-one instruction, typically offered weekly, on the defined performance instrument. An audition demonstrating an appropriate level of skill, reading ability, and knowledge is required prior to enrollment in applied lessons and acceptance as a music major or minor. 

Students registering for one credit hour (secondary) receive one half-hour private lesson per week or the equivalent. Those registering for two to three credit hours (principal and major) receive one hour (or its equivalent) of private lessons per week. Placement in subsequent courses after the initial semester in both the principal and major tracks is made on the basis of faculty committee recommendations. Students are expected to practice a minimum of three hours per week for each credit hour received.

Instruction is offered in piano, organ, harpsichord, voice, violin, viola, harp, cello, double bass, guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, euphonium, trombone, tuba, percussion, composition, and jazz improvisation.

Applied music courses include: MUS 150, MUS 350; MUS 153, MUS 353; MUS 357, MUS 457. See the course descriptions for each course in the catalog.

Faculty

Professor

Heidi P. Alvarez DM (Music Performance), Florida State University, 1998

Mark S. Berry DMA (Music Performance, Percussion), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 2004

Terrance D. Brown DMA (Music Education), Louisiana State University Shreveport, 2011

John M. Cipolla DMA (Music, Music Performance), University North Carolina Greensboro, 2002

Scott H. Harris DMA (Music), University of Oklahoma Norman, 2003

Paul L. Hondorp DMA (Music Conducting), Michigan State University, 2003

Elizabeth H. Kelly DMA (Voice), University of Cincinnati Main Campus, 2008

Ching-Yi Lin DM (Violin), Indiana University-Bloomington, 2010

Gary T. Schallert DA (Music, Conducting), University of Northern Colorado, 2001

Associate Professor

Matthew J. Herman DMA (Music Composition), Temple University, 2003

Zachary A. Lopes DMA (Piano), University of Cincinnati Main Campus, 2013

Brian A. St John DMA (Conducting), Arizona State University-ALL, 2010

Lauren E. Whitham DMA (Music), University of Georgia, 2017

Catherine M. Wilson PhD (Music), University of Iowa, 2013

Assistant Professor

Sarah Herbert DMA (Musical Arts), University of Cincinnati Main Campus, 2017

Jeremy A. Kelly MM, University of Cincinnati Main Campus, 2003

Pedagogical Assistant Professor

Matthew J. McCurry DMA (Musical Arts), West Virginia University, 2019

Jessica L. Welsh DMA (Piano Pedagogy), Texas Christian University, 2021

Instructor I

Sarah G. Berry MM (Music), Rice University, 2003

Rebecca A. Golub DMA (Piano Performance), University of Rochester, 2023

Instructor II

John E. Martin MM (Music), Austin Peay State University, 1995

Music (MUS)

MUS 100    Theory I    2 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Thorough training in the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic fundamentals of music: triads, intervals, keys, scales, rhythm and meter, voice leading, diatonic triads in root position and inversion.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 101    Theory II    2 Hours

Study of harmonic progression, voice leading, part writing, harmonic cadences, and non-chord tones.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 100 and MUS 110

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 102    Music Theory I for Non-Majors    3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)

Thorough training in the melodic and rhythmic fundamentals of music: music notation, scales, keys, rhythm and meter, and intervals.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 103    Music Theory II for Non-Majors    3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)

Thorough training in the harmonic and formal structure of music: intervals, diatonic triads in root position and inversion, harmonic progression, and basic phrase and song structure.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 102 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2024

MUS 110    Aural Theory I    1 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Thorough training in rhythmic reading, sight singing, melodic dictation, and harmonic dictation, focusing on diatonic techniques.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 111    Aural Theory II    1 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Continuation of melodic and harmonic dictation, rhythmic reading, and sight singing, focusing on diatonic techniques.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 100 and MUS 110

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 119    Jazz Appreciation    3 Hours

Survey of jazz from its origins to the present. Includes jazz elements, swing, bop, cool jazz, avant-garde and free jazz, among other topics.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 120    Music Appreciation    3 Hours

A survey of music from early to modern times. The course aims to widen the musical horizons and receptivities of the general college student and to make him a more discriminating listener. Concerts, radio, and television programs are assigned for special listening. No formal background is required. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-AH | AH

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

MUS 150    Applied Music Secondary    1 Hour (repeatable max of 4 hrs)

1-hour, Secondary lessons for non-majors.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 152    Diction I for Voice Majors    1 Hour

Review of the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to the German and Italian languages using appropriate vocal literature.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 153    Applied Music Principal    2 Hours (repeatable max of 10 hrs)

Principal lessons for music majors.

Corequisite(s): MUS 155

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 155    Performance Attendance    0 Hours

Attendance at 14 recitals and/or concerts within one semester from a music department approved list.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Music (Liberal Arts) (583) or Music (593)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 160    Group Piano I    1 Hour

A course for beginners. Scales and keyboard skills.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 161    Group Piano II    1 Hour

A course for beginners. Scales and keyboard skills.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 162    Group Voice    1 Hour (repeatable max of 2 hrs)

An exploratory course in the theory and practice of the development of the singing voice. Natural breathing, correct tone production.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 166    Group Guitar I    1 Hour

Group instruction in the basic elements of guitar and the rudiments of music to include time signatures, notation, transposition, bar chord techniques, scales and triads.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 170    Group Piano for Non-Majors    1 Hour

Training in basic piano skills: learning to read and play music from the grand staff, fundamental technique (scales, chords, and arpeggios), harmonization, and repertoire.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 175    University Experience-Music Majors    2 Hours

Prerequisite(s): For beginning college freshmen music or transfer students with fewer than 24 semester hours of credit. Transition to university experience. Topics include study skills, critical thinking skills, library education, exploration of majors and careers, degree programs, campus resources and personal development. Special attention is given to music degree requirements, careers and resources in the field.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Junior, Sophomore or Senior may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 200    Theory III    2 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Study of diatonic seventh chords, phrase and period structure, secondary dominant and leading tone chords, modulation, mode mixture, Neapolitan chords, and augmented sixth chords.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 101 and MUS 111

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 201    Theory IV    2 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Study of enharmonic modulation, extended and altered dominant chords, late nineteenth-century techniques, twentieth-century techniques, and post-tonal techniques.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 200 and MUS 210

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 203    Music Technology    2 Hours

This course provides the student with a comprehensive overview of the current technological advances present in the music workplace.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 206    Composition    2 Hours

Study and assignment will depend on previous background and creative ability. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 101

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023

MUS 210    Aural Theory III    1 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Continuation of melodic and harmonic dictation, rhythmic reading, and sight singing, with a focus on more complex rhythms and chromaticism. .

Prerequisite(s): MUS 101 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 111 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 211    Aural Theory IV    1 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Prerequisite(s): MUS 200 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 210 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 214    String Techniques    1 Hour

This course is required for music education majors. It is designed to acquaint students with the techniques and pedagogy of the violin, viola, cello and string bass.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 215    Brass Techniques    1 Hour

This course is required for music education majors. It is designed to acquaint students with the techniques and pedagogy of the high and low brass families.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 252    Diction II for Voice Majors    1 Hour

Review of the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to the French and English languages using appropriate vocal literature.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 260    Group Piano III    1 Hour

Keyboard skills to include cadential progressions in all keys, harmonization of diatonic melodies in simple keys, playing by ear, sight reading, scales and development of techniques adequate to a moderately easy Clementi Sonatina.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 261    Group Piano IV    1 Hour

Keyboard skills to include cadential progressions in all keys, harmonization of diatonic melodies in simple keys, playing by ear, sight reading, scales and development of techniques adequate to a moderately easy Clementi Sonatina.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 266    Group Guitar II    1 Hour

Continuation of development of basic skills learned in Group Guitar I, with addition of more difficult repertoire. Classical, Pop, Jazz, and Folk Styles included. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 166

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 277    World Music    3 Hours

A cultural and functional analysis of traditional musical genres developed in world areas: Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Emphasis will be placed on musical styles, performance practices, aesthetics, and instruments. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

MUS 304    Form and Analysis    2 Hours

The study of the basic formal structures of tonal and twentieth century music through score study and compositional exercises.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 201

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 310    Pedagogy for Performance Majors    3 Hours

A required course for bachelor of music (B.M.) in performance majors which centers on teaching in their particular area of performance and provides a knowledge of basic repertoire.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023

MUS 311    Music for the Elementary Teacher    3 Hours

A required course for primary elementary education majors which centers on music as an aid in instruction of standard curricular subjects and techniques which classroom teachers can utilize to further develop the natural rote and rhythmic abilities of the young child.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023

MUS 312    Teaching Music in the Primary Grades    3 Hours

A required course for music education majors which consists of developmentally appropriate techniques, methods and materials for pre-primary and primary learners. Observation and field experiences will be required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; summer 2024; fall 2024

MUS 314    Comprehensive Arts Education for the Elementary Teacher    3 Hours

Appropriate concepts, methods, and materials for weaving the arts (dance, drama, music, visual art) through the elementary school curriculum. Field experience in public schools and/or other appropriate settings away from campus are required in this course. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 315    Clarinet and Saxophone Techniques    1 Hour

This course is required for instrumental music education majors. It is designed to acquaint students with the techniques and pedagogy of the clarinet and saxophone.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 316    Flute and Double Reed Techniques    1 Hour

This course is required for instrumental music education majors. It is designed to acquaint students with the techniques and pedagogy of the flute, oboe, English horn and bassoon.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 317    Conducting I    2 Hours

Patterns for each meter, uses of the left hand, cueing posture, attacks, releases, terminology and score study.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 318    Conducting II    2 Hours

Continuation of Conducting I. Score reading.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 317

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 319    Percussion Techniques    1 Hour

This course is required for music education majors. It is designed to acquaint students with the techniques and pedagogy of the percussion instruments.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 320    Rock and Roll: Music for a New Generation    3 Hours

A study of the development of Rock and Roll as a musical style from the mid-1950's to 1990 with an emphasis on listening and musical characteristics. Includes notable artists/bands, innovations and trends, cultural and social impacts, and economic/political influences. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

MUS 321    Country Music    3 Hours

A study of the country music genre in the United States from the 1920s to the present, emphasizing performers, instrumentation, and lyric content, as well as cultural, social, economic, and political impacts in specific geographic regions. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

MUS 322    The Blues-Music from the Delta to Chicago    3 Hours

A study of the Blues as an American music genre with emphasis on the performers, musical styles, instrumentation, and lyric content, as well as the development of cultural, social, economic, and political impact. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; fall 2022; summer 2023; fall 2023; summer 2024; fall 2024

MUS 323    Music and Drama: From Opera to Musical Theatre and Film    3 Hours

How music intensifies dramatic situations in opera, the musical, and film. Will include considerations of influences from earlier music, literature, tastes of the audience, and social conditions. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): MUS 120 and 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022

MUS 324    Queer Music    3 Hours

A survey of music and lyrics created by, about, and for the LGBTQIA+ community, including historical, social, economic, cultural, and political influences on the development of queer music. The course content will focus on musical works based on literature, including vocal, choral, theatrical, and film music from antiquity to the present day. Students will study music as a system and explore how queer artists have shaped this system over time. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Equivalent(s): ENG 324

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024

MUS 325    Music Entrepreneurism    3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)

The practical skills necessary for successfully navigating the business aspects of a professional musician in the 21st century. Topics range from creating resumes and cover letters to establishing a private teaching studio and booking concerts.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 201

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 326    The History of Music I    3 Hours

Music history from early times through Late Baroque. Assigned readings and recorded illustrations. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code AH

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; summer 2023; fall 2023; summer 2024; fall 2024

MUS 327    The History of Music II    3 Hours

Music history from Classical through present. Assigned readings and recorded illustrations. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC | AH

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status and MUS 120

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024

MUS 328    The History of Music III    3 Hours

Music history from Wagner through the present day. Assigned readings and recorded illustrations.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 330    Introduction to Music as Therapy    3 Hours

An introduction to the history of music therapy and to therapeutic treatment using music as the medium for intervention. Students will study the history, philosophy, and principles of music therapy and its complementary roles in improving the quality of life of clients receiving treatment for physical and mental health concerns, as well as intellectual disabilities.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2024

MUS 331    Commercial Songwriting    2 Hours (repeatable max of 4 hrs)

In this course, students will learn to write songs in current popular styles, such as rock, country, rap, hip-hop, pop, and rhythm & blues. Students will examine popular song forms, rhythmic and melodic motives, and "hooks" to understand how to structure their songs.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 335 with a minimum grade of C or permission of instructor

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 335    Reading Music Charts    3 Hours

Students taking this course will learn how to read and play songs from a Real Book style lead sheet with only melody and chord symbols. Students will learn to read and dissect chord symbols, how to read melodies, 12 bar and 16 bar forms, cycling, and common chord substitutions.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 102 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): MUS 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 338    DIR Independent Study    1-3 Hours

Supervised, guided individual study in a specialty area.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

MUS 340    Choral Union    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty. Some of these ensembles are required for music degrees.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 343    Guitar Ensemble    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty. Some of these ensembles are required for music degrees. Note: Permission of instructor required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 344    University Orchestra    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty. Some of these ensembles are required for music degrees.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 347    Marching Band    1,2 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty. Some of these ensembles are required for music degrees.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 348    Band    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty. Some of these ensembles are required for music degrees.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 350    Applied Music Secondary    1 Hour (repeatable max of 4 hrs)

1-hour, Secondary lessons for non-music majors.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 353    Applied Music Principal    2 Hours (repeatable max of 10 hrs)

Principal lessons for music majors.

Corequisite(s): MUS 155

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 357    Applied Music Major    3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)

Principal lessons for music majors.

Corequisite(s): MUS 155

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 360    Accompanying    1 Hour (repeatable max of 4 hrs)

Accompanying skills to include exercises appropriate for choral/vocal warm-up, instrumental and vocal solo accompaniments, choral accompaniments, and choral part-reading.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 370    Chamber Choir    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty. Some of these ensembles are required for music degrees.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 371    Jazz Ensemble    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty. Some of these ensembles are required for music degrees.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 374    Opera Theatre    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty. Some of these ensembles are required for music degrees.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; fall 2024

MUS 377    Pep Band    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 378    Campus Community Band    1 Hour

Performing ensembles are open to the entire campus community. Most ensembles require an audition prior to membership, and there are varying levels of performance difficulty.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 379    Chamber Music    1 Hour

This course presupposes that the student has attained considerable ability as a performer. Preparation and performance of all types of chamber music literature. Credits will be given for as many semesters as taken. (Subtitles: Accompanying, Brass Ensemble, Early Music Ensemble, Double Reed Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Improvisation Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Orchestra Strings)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

MUS 400    Advanced Music Theory    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

A variable topic course that may be repeated once for credit. Typical term sub-titles are as follows: Graphic Analysis, Post-Tonal Analysis, Counterpoint.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 201 and MUS 211

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2024

MUS 405    Choral Arranging    3 Hours

A study of the principles of part-writing, arranging, and editing for various voice groupings. Practical application for school and church choruses will be stressed.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 201

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023

MUS 407    Orchestration and Band Arranging    3 Hours

A study of the characteristics and techniques of the various orchestra and band instruments. Practical experience in scoring for full symphonic orchestra and symphonic band. Performances given for selected orchestrations and arrangements.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 201

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 410    Intermediate Piano Pedagogy    3 Hours

An overview of intermediate and early advanced pedagogical piano repertoire, teaching strategies and approaches to working with intermediate-level students, and practical experience working with students in private and group settings.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 310 with a minimum grade of C

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Enrollment is limited to students in Music (Liberal Arts) (583) or Music (593)

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

MUS 412    Teaching Music in the Middle School    3 Hours

A required course for music education majors which consists of developmentally appropriate techniques, methods and materials for learners ages 9-14. Observation and field experiences will be required.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 312

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 414    Choral Materials    2 Hours

A practical survey for the school and church musician of choral music from the fifteenth- through the twentieth-centuries. Course emphasis will be on the evolution of secular and sacred choral forms and performance practices, which would be accessible for most choral programs.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 415

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2023

MUS 415    Choral Methods    3 Hours

A study of the techniques of choral development from rehearsal procedures to performance. Emphasis is also placed on cultivating choral musicianship, program planning, and organizational development.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 416    Instrumental Methods    3 Hours

Organization of the school instrumental program; problems, materials and program planning for the school orchestra and band from the elementary grades through high school; special problems in connection with concerts, festivals, materials and administrative details.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

MUS 417    Marching Band Techniques    2 Hours

Systems, mechanics, and charting the modern exhibition marching band, including visual support units.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

MUS 430    Music Literature    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

A variable topic course which may be taken more than once for credit. Potential term sub-titles include: instrument specific repertoire, American Music, Band Literature, Chamber Music, Opera Literature, or Symphonic Literature.

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023

MUS 457    Applied Music Major    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Principal lessons for music majors.

Corequisite(s): MUS 155

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024