Music Course Descriptions
MUS 1000, 3000: Recital Attendance
Offered on a pass/fail basis. Students are required to attend a specified number of recitals each semester and must pass at least six semesters to receive the B.A. degree in music or bachelor of music education.
MUS 1151: Class Guitar I
Prerequisite: Music major
Introductory class instruction in folk and popular styles of guitar playing with emphasis on guitar as a teaching tool for classroom music instruction.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1191: Vocal Diction I
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: Vocal major
Co-requisite: MUS 1232
A study of the rules of pronunciation for Italian, Latin, and Spanish for singers through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1321: Jazz Piano
Offered: As needed
Prerequisites: MUS 1713, MUS 1201 or 1441, or instructor approval.
Materials and practices for typical jazz keyboard playing.
One hour per week. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1431: Class Piano
Non music majors. For students who have little or no music reading skills, this course concentrates on basic piano skills while learning to read music. At the end of the course students will play pieces using a chord based approach in several keys and styles.
$10 applied music fee. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1440: Piano Proficiency
Co-requisite: MUS 1441 or MUS 1201 or MUS 1202 or permission of instructor.
A pass/fail course for students to demonstrate piano proficiency emphasizing those aspects most useful to non-piano majors. A demonstration of chords, sight reading, improvising, playing in all keys, harmonizing melodies, multiple-part score reading, modulation, harmonizing with secondary chords, improvising in various styles, playing a wide variety of literature, and accompanying is expected.
MUS 1441: Class Piano I, II, III, and IV
Offered: I & III fall; II & IV spring
Prerequisite: Music major and pass preceding level with a "C" or better.
A development of the fundamental skills of the piano, emphasizing those aspects most useful to non piano majors. A knowledge of chords is stressed, as is sight reading, improvising, playing in all keys and harmonizing melodies. The second year of class piano extends these skills adding the reading of multiple score parts, modulation, harmonizing with secondary chords, improvising in various composers' styles, playing a wide variety of literature, and accompanying.
$10 applied music fee. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1713: Theory I
Offered: Fall
Co-requisites: MUS 1731
Study of scales, triads, seventh chords, diatonic harmonies, simple modulation. Introduction to small forms.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1723: Theory II
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: MUS 1713 with a "C" or better or permission of instructor.
Co-requisites: MUS 1741
Study of scales, triads, seventh chords, diatonic harmonies, simple modulation. Introduction to small forms.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1731: Ear Training I
Offered: Fall
The elements of music fundamentals, both written and aural.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1741: Ear Training II
Offered: Spring
The elements of music fundamentals, both written and aural.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 1751: Orientation to Music
Offered: Fall
A course designed to provide information and enhance skills that will enable music majors to make a successful transition into the ATU department of music. The course will expose students to college/departmental resources and requirements, and promote the development of practical skills for college success.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2000: Sophomore Barrier
Prerequisite: 3 semesters of applied study on major performance instrument.
Co-requisite: 2 hours of applied study on major performance instrument.
A pass/fail course for students to demonstrate proficiency on their major performing instrument. Students demonstrate technical and musical performance proficiency by performing a solo/etude, major and minor scales as well as sight reading.
MUS 2003: Introduction to Music
ACTS Common Course - MUSC 1003.
An overall view of music history from Medieval to Contemporary times with a focus on relating musical happenings and concepts to the other arts.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2013: Digital Audio Production
Cross-listed: GAME 2013
An introduction to digital audio production through lectures, practical assignments, and in-class exercises. Open to students in all majors.
$45 course fee. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2191: Vocal Diction II
Offered: Fall
Prerequisite: Vocal major
Co-requisite: MUS 1232
A study of the rules of pronunciation for German, French, and English for singers through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2201: Accompanying Seminar
Prerequisites: Piano major or permission of instructor.
Development of basic accompanying techniques. Class coaching and presentation one hour weekly, plus assigned accompanying responsibilities in a variety of media.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
Note: May be repeated three times.
MUS 2441: Class Voice
Offered: Fall
Prerequisite: Music major
Development of basic vocal techniques through group participation and solo singing. Emphasis is placed on understanding of vocal pedagogy.
Supervised practice two hours per week. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2451: Class Voice
(Non music majors) Development of basic vocal techniques through group participation and solo singing.
Supervised practice two hours per week. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2713: Theory III
Offered: Fall
Prerequisite: MUS 1723 with a "C" or better or permission of instructor.
Co-requisites: MUS 2731
More advanced harmonic concepts, modulation, chromatic harmonies. Further study of larger forms.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2723: Theory IV
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: MUS 2713 with a "C" or better or permission of instructor.
Co-requisites: MUS 2741
More advanced harmonic concepts, modulation, chromatic harmonies. Further study of larger forms.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2731: Ear Training III
Offered: Fall
Further work in more advanced ear training and sight singing.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 2741: Ear Training IV
Offered: Spring
Further work in more advanced ear training and sight singing.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3191: Vocal Solo Literature
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: Pass Vocal Sophomore Barrier.
A survey of vocal solo literature with emphasis on historical development and appropriate use for various vocal types.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3281: Secondary Instrumental Methods and Materials I
Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: MUS 3802 and acceptance into stage II or permission of instructor.
Laboratory experience in conducting and performance of materials appropriate to teaching band in the public school.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3321: Practice of Improvisation
Prerequisites: Successful completion of MUS 3332 or instructor approval.
Laboratory experience in improvisation in all jazz styles.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit.
MUS 3322: Theory of Improvisation (Jazz)
Prerequisites: MUS 1713, 1723, 1441, and/or instructor approval.
Music theory, materials and practices for improvising or extemporaneous playing.
Note: May not be repeated for credit. May not be taken for credit after completion of MUS 3332.
One hour class, two hour laboratory per week. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3332: Theory of Improvisation (Jazz)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of MUS 3322
Advanced music theory, materials and practices for improvising or extemporaneous playing.
Note: May not be repeated for credit.
One hour class, two hour laboratory per week. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3401: Brass Instruments
Prerequisite: Music major.
A study of the instruments of the brass family to the extent that scales and grade one and two solos can be played on selected instruments.
Class two hours, practice two hours. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3421: Woodwind Instruments, Double Reeds
Offered: Fall.
Prerequisite: Music major.
A study of playing and teaching techniques of the woodwind family (oboe, bassoon). Playing of selected instruments will be developed through major scales and grade one and two solos or methods.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3431: Woodwind Instruments, Single Reeds
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: Music major
A study of playing and teaching techniques of the woodwind family (flute, clarinet, saxophone). Playing of selected instruments will be developed through major scales and grade one and two solos or methods.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3441: Instrumental Concepts
Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: Vocal or Keyboard major
A study designed to give non-instrumental music education majors functional knowledge of band and orchestral instruments.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3442: Piano Pedagogy
Prerequisite: Pass piano sophomore barrier.
A study of pedagogical principles involved in the teaching of private and class piano, with emphasis on outside reading, class discussion, and observation of actual lessons and classes.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3481: Stringed Instruments
Offered: Fall
Prerequisite: Music major
A study of instruments of the string family (violin, viola, cello, and string bass) with emphasis on the fundamentals of good tone production and bowing techniques to the extent that scales and grade one and two orchestra music can be played on selected instruments.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3692: History of Music III
Offered: Fall
Prerequisite: MUS 2723, music major or permission of instructor.
A study of 20th century music. Includes one unit of non- western music.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3702: Music Educational Technology
Prerequisites: Music major with junior standing.
Applications of Technology in Music Education. An overview of current technologies to enhance music instruction, assessment, and productivity by the music educator.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3712: Counterpoint
Offered: As needed
Prerequisite: MUS 2723
The contrapuntal techniques and forms of the Baroque era. Analysis of Canons, two and three part Inventions, and fugues of J.S. Bach plus written exercises in two voice counterpoint.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3762: Instrumental and Choral Arranging
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: MUS 2723
An introduction to scoring for instrumental and choral groups to meet the needs of adapting music to meet the needs and ability levels of school performing groups and classroom situations.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3771, 3772: Composition
Offered: As needed
Prerequisites: 16 hours of music theory and senior standing or consent of instructor.
The study of basic compositional techniques of twentieth-century works and completion of composition project.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3773: History of Music I
Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: MUS 2723 (Theory IV) or permission of instructor.
A study of Western Art music from ancient civilization to A.D. 1750.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3783: History of Music II
Offered: Spring
Prerequisite: MUS 2723 or permission of instructor.
A study of classical and 19th century music.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3802: Principles of Conducting
Offered: Fall
Principles and practices of conducting; a study of music terminology and transpositions; development of baton techniques based on the practice of outstanding choral and instrumental conductors.
$31.25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3821: Secondary Choral Methods and Materials I
Offered: Fall
Prerequisite: Acceptance into state II or permission of instructor.
Choral conducting techniques, tone and diction styles and interpretation, rehearsal techniques, programs and concerts, planning and organization, and service information. Conducting of student ensembles and organizations. Methods and materials I will include review of literature for large and small ensembles appropriate for middle school, junior high, and smaller high school teaching situations.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 3853: Music in the Elementary Classroom
Prerequisites: MUS 2723, successful completion of Keyboard Exit Exam, and SEED 2002 or permission of instructor.
A study of current practices, methods, and materials for teaching general music to elementary school children with emphasis on curriculum development and diversity in the classroom.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4201: Accompanying Seminar
Prerequisite: Two semesters of MUS 2201 and/or permission of instructor.
Advanced accompanying techniques for piano majors. Class coaching and presentation one hour weekly, plus assigned responsibilities in a variety of media.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
Note: May be repeated three times.
Note: May substitute for required 3000 level hour of major ensemble enrollment with assignment by instructor to successfully accompany major ensemble or recital.
MUS 4281: Secondary Instrumental Methods and Materials II
Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: MUS 3281.
Laboratory experience in conducting and performance of materials appropriate to teaching band in the public school.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4461: Percussion Instruments
Prerequisite: Music major.
A study of the instruments of the percussion family to the extent that scales and/or rudiments and grade one and two solos can be played on selected instruments. Designed as a practical preparation for public school teachers.
Two hours weekly. $25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4701: Teaching Music in the Elementary and Secondary School
Offered: Spring.
Prerequisites: Admission to Stage II and student teaching.
Co-requisite: SEED 4809.
Supervised student teaching in the music classroom exploring the principals of curriculum construction, teaching methods, use of community resources, assessment related to teaching music and the importance of diversity.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4712: Form and Analysis
Prerequisite: MUS 2723.
A study of the standard forms of the Classical period with emphasis on instrumental forms and genres developed in the period 1750-1825 and the continuation and expansion of those forms in the nineteenth century.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4803: History of American Music
No previous music study required. An in-depth study of American music and its relationship to American history and culture from the 19th century to the present. Research, aural activity, and analysis are used to explore a variety of musical forms, composers, and performers.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4811: Keyboard Literature
Offered: Fall.
Prerequisite: Pass piano sophomore barrier.
A survey of piano or organ literature with emphasis on historical development, analysis of selected compositions, and listings of suitable pedagogical materials.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4821: Secondary Choral Methods and Materials II
Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: MUS 3821.
Choral conducting techniques, tone and diction styles and interpretation, rehearsal techniques, programs and concerts, planning and organization, and service information. Conducting of student ensembles and organizations. Methods and materials II will include a review of historically important choral works and the music of the master composers of each musical epoch. Sight singing methods for group sight reading will be reviewed.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4832: Vocal Pedagogy
Offered: Spring.
Prerequisites: Pass Vocal Sophomore Barrier and Keyboard Barrier.
A study of pedagogical principles involved in the teaching of singing, with emphasis on outside reading, class discussion, and laboratory teaching of actual voice students.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4853: Music of the World's Peoples
Cross-listed: ANTH 4853.
Open to students in all majors. A survey of predominantly non-Western world music cultures with attention to sonic structures, musicians, musical instruments, and socio-cultural contexts of music making. Listening emphasized.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4951, 4953, 4954: Undergraduate Research in Music
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4952: Undergraduate Research in Music
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4971: Marching Band Techniques
Offered: Fall.
Prerequisites: Music major, pass Sophomore Barrier.
A study of the techniques and skills necessary to create and maintain a successful marching band program at the high school level.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.
MUS 4991, 4992, 4993: Special Problems in Music
Offered: As needed
Prerequisites: Senior standing and permission of the instructor.
Additional work in an area of the student's choice under the direction of the faculty member competent in that area.
$25 per credit hour curriculum content fee.