Courses

Theory, Composition, and Fundamental Musicianship
Music History
Music Education
Jazz Studies
Specialized Seminars
Music Technology
Conducting
Ensembles

Theory, Composition, and Fundamental Musicianship

MUSC-034 Piano Class I

A functional approach for beginning students. Emphasis on harmonization, transportation, development of technique, sight-reading, and improvisation.

MUSC-035 Piano Class II

Continued emphasis on harmonization, transposition, development of technique, sight reading, and improvisation.

MUSC-037 Piano Class III

A functional approach for intermediate-level and advanced students. Further emphasis on harmonization, transposition, development of technique, sight-reading and improvisation.

MUSC-100 Music Fundamentals

A liberal arts course that introduces students to classical music from a theoretical perspective. Students will learn fundamental principles of composition while developing their own skills in the areas of aural perception, singing, reading, and playing music on electronic keyboards.

MUSC-161 Theory I: Diatonic Harmony

A study of 18th- and 19th-century harmonic practice, including intervals, scales and diatonic triads in all positions. Analysis of standard literature.

MUSC-162 Theory II: Chromatic Harmony

Continuation of Written Theory I, including diatonic seventh chords in all positions and modulation. Analysis of standard literature.

MUSC-163 Ear Training I

Prepared and sight-singing of simple diatonic melodies in the major and minor modes. Includes simple rhythmic and melodic dictation.

MUSC-164 Ear Training II

Prepared and sight-singing of diatonic melodies in the major and minor modes, involving chromaticism and key changes. Covers dictation of more extended melodies in the major and minor modes, including chromatic tones. Also explores simple two-part and basic four-part dictation.

MUSC-261 Theory III: Advanced Tonal Harmony

Continuation of Written Theory II, emphasizing chromatic harmony as used by 18- and 19th-century composers.

MUSC-262 Theory IV: Form and Analysis

The examination of music through analysis of design and tonal structure. Includes counterpoint and some unique forms.

MUSC-263 Ear Training III

Prepared and sight-singing of advanced melodies in the major, minor and liturgical modes. Includes advanced melodic and two-part linear dictation and continuation of four-part dictation.

MUSC-361 Counterpoint

The analysis and writing of counterpoint in 16th-century style of Palestrina through the 18th-century style of Bach. Examines various contrapuntal techniques and forms.

MUSC-363 Theory V: Modality, Set Theory

The theory, analysis and composition of 20th-century music.

MUSC-370 Orchestration

Technical aspects of transcribing music for instrumental ensembles of varying size and ability.

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Music History

MUSC-101 Introduction to Music

Development of appreciation and understanding for music, its underlying elements, and aspects of style and historical setting. Not open to music majors.

MUSC-102 A Study of Jazz

Historical overview of the development and evolution of jazz styles through listening, analysis and performance. Open to all music majors and non-majors.

MUSC-130 Rock Music and Society

Rock music from its origins to the present. Emphasizes stylistic developments and its relationship to society.

MUSC-152 World Music Perspectives

An introduction to concepts of musical style from historical and global perspectives. World music and contemporary musics will inform this overview of musical genres and practices. Special attention will be given to issues of cultural diversity that arise through the study of non-western musics. In addition, students will explore and develop learning strategies for approaching this material and college-level work in general. Prerequisite: must be an accepted music major or minor or have the permission of the instructor.

MUSC-193 Women in Music

Surveys women in music as performers and composers from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Addresses the role society played in shaping women's activities and examines the achievements of notable women.

MUSC-245 Medieval/Renaissance/Baroque Eras

Music history and literature from the beginning of Western civilization until 1750.

MUSC-250 The Music of Classic and Romantic Eras

Music history and literature from 1750 until 1900.

MUSC-270 Topics in Music

Examines selected topics which are not covered in the regular curriculum but which are of interest to faculty and students.

MUSC-350 20th Century Music

Music history and literature from 1900 until the present.

MUSC-380 Choral Masterworks

An enrichment course designed to develop a knowledge of and appreciation for the great choral masterworks of music literature of the present and past centuries.

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Music Education

MUSC-039 Voice Class

Vocal instruction to improve individual singing ability and to teach vocal pedagogical skills.

MUSC-040 Brass Class I

Basic knowledge of playing and teaching the band and orchestra instruments to prepare for instrumental teaching in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Music majors only.

MUSC-041 Woodwind Class I

MUSC-042 String Class I

MUSC-043 Percussion Class

MUSC-046 Brass Class II

MUSC-047 Woodwind Class II

MUSC-048 String Class II

MUSC-077 Training Band/Orchestra

A practicum in which students perform on a broad range of band and orchestral instruments and in choral ensembles.

MUED-200 Public School Ed/Music Education

An overview of the role of education and particularly music education in American society, as well as the historical, cultural, and philosophical forces that have influenced public schooling in America. Incorporates topics related to current educational policy and practice and classroom observations at elementary and secondary levels of music instruction.

MUED-339 Public School Music I

Designed to develop competencies and promote thoughtful analysis for general music in the public schools. Emphasis will be placed upon the foundations of teaching and teaching craft, curriculum development, standards-based instruction, and pedagogical knowledge of the various approaches to teaching music in pre-K through 12th grade.

MUED-340 Public School Music 2

Designed to continue to develop competencies and to promote thoughtful analysis for general music in the public schools. Emphasis will be placed on general music assessment, inclusion, and differentiation strategies, as well as teaching craft, curriculum development and instruction, and pedagogical knowledge of the various approaches to teaching music in preK - 12th grade.

MUED-345 Instrumental Methods & Practicum

Instructional methods and materials for teaching instrumental music at all levels. Prerequisite: satisfactory completion of all sophomore-level courses.

MUED-351 Secondary Choral/General Methods

Designed to develop competencies and to promote thoughtful analysis for teaching vocal music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Emphasis on teaching craft, score study, and lesson development, and on choral/vocal techniques for successfully educating public school children in the choral art. Public school observations and practica required.

MUED-355 Music for Exceptional Children

Designed to develop curricular, theoretical, ethical, legal, and pedagogical competencies for designing and teaching music to exceptional children, taking into account music and special education objectives, child development and learning styles, and the facilitation of mainstreaming, inclusion, IEP's, and least restrictive environments.

MUED-400 Student Teaching

Full-time, supervised teaching in public school music departments. Course credit represents preparation and planning, classroom performance and classroom management. Students may not register for ensembles or lessons during the semester in which they student teach.

MUED-406 Org & Admin of Public School Music

Covers the essential elements of organization and administration of elementary and secondary school music programs. Taken during the student teaching semester.

MUED-500 Independent Study

Independent research in music education under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member.

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Jazz Studies

MUSC-102: A Study of Jazz

Historical overview of the development and evolution of jazz styles through listening, analysis and performance.

MUSC-079 Jazz Improvisation

Exploration and development of improvisation through listening, analysis, and performance skills practice. Prerequisite: ability to read music; vocal or instrumental proficiency, both at a level commensurate with admission to a university ensemble.

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Specialized Seminars

MUSC-066 Collaborative Piano

Designed to instruct pianists in the essential aspects of performing chamber music and accompaniments. Permission of the instructor required.

MUSC-084 Diction I

Introduces the International Phonetic Alphabet and the principles of making phonetic transcriptions of Italian, French and German texts. Basic pronunciation skills are also practiced.

MUSC-085 Diction II

An extension of the principles introduced in Diction I with particular emphasis on singing in foreign languages and in English.

MUSC-099 Theoretical & Applied Concepts of Arts

An integrated overview of basic theory and production of music, art, drama, and dance for students interested in the study of elementary and early childhood education.

MUSC-213 Christian Worship

A survey of the development of Christian worship from the New Testament to the present day, which examines the impact of religious beliefs, historical and denominational traditions, and societal influences on the forms and architecture of worship.

MUSC-214 Hymnology

A survey of hymnody in the Christian church from early Greek and Latin hymnody through present-day trends in hymn-writing. Texts and music will be examined.

MUSC-215 Music in Christian Rituals

Examines the theological and musicological aspects of artistic contributions to Christian worship as recognized in cultural settings.

MUSC-310 A Window to Japan

19-day GO short program to Japan, centered on a 10-day residency at Niigata University, where SU students will rehearse and perform chamber music with Niigata University students. Additional trips to rural Sado Island and Tokyo, which will include traditional Japanese lodging, visits with local artisans and to ancient shrines and temples, and attendance of a Japanese theatre performance. Open to music majors by audition and interview.

MUSC-399 Pedagogy

Examines materials and methodology in the various areas and levels of applied studio teaching.

MUSC-450 Topics in Music Literature

Various topics in music literature, including piano, voice, organ, string, brass, percussion, and woodwind literature.

MUSC-503 Recital

Public recital performance for credit. Prerequisite: approval by the music faculty on recommendation of the major teacher.

MUSC-555 Forum

Solo and ensemble performance in a semi-formal setting. Includes programs by visiting organizations, guest artists and lecturers.

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Music Technology

MUSC-170 Intro to Music Technology

Provides a survey of basic computer music and media software through the production of creative projects. Topics covered include media formats, music notation, midi and sound recording/editing, and video editing. No prerequisites.

MUSC-355 Audio Engineering Fundamentals

An in-depth study of fundamentals of sound. Topics covered include wiring and electronics as well as ear training and the building blocks of the modern recording studio.

MUSC-356 Music Production in the Recording Studio

An introduction to techniques and practices employed by music producers in the recording studio. Issues of session organization, song arrangement, people management, and musical aesthetics will be explored. Students will create final recording projects.

MUSC-367 Computer Music Composition

A survey of the electronic music hardware and software available in the computer music studio. The techniques used by both popular and classical electronic composers will be studied. Students will create original works of music or sound art using non-realtime processes.

MUSC-368 Computer Music Performance

A study of realtime, interactive techniques for electronic music, and, to a lesser extent, video. Students will become familiar with the MAX/MSP/JITTER object-oriented programming language, as well as the collection of midi controllers in the SU computer music studio. Student work will result in a final concert.

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Conducting

MUSC-369 Beginning Conducting

Designed to introduce the student to the technique of conducting and to develop his/her ability to lead an ensemble with confidence.

MUSC-371 Instrumental Conducting

Study of advanced gestural technique as applied to instrumental rehearsal and performance. Additional attention is given to rehearsal techniques, score study, performance practice, as well as philosophical thought with regard to the art and craft of conducting.

MUSC-372 Choral Conducting

Designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of choral conducting and rehearsal techniques.

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Ensembles

MUSC-072 Symphonic Band

A select instrumental performing group that rehearses and performs repertoire reflecting a variety of musical styles.

MUSC-073 Stadium Band

An instrumental performing group that rehearses and performs during the fall season only.

MUSC-074 Orchestra

A performing ensemble specializing in music for chamber orchestra.

MUSC-075 Fall Musical Orchestra

Accompanies the annual student musical production. Fall semester only.

MUSC-076 Chamber Music

Chamber music of various styles and periods studied and performed in smaller string, woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles, including piano and organ.

MUSC-078 Jazz Ensemble

The rehearsal and performance of 20th-century music reflecting jazz, rock and folk influences. Emphasizes individual student involvement through improvisation.

MUSC-082 University Choir

The department's flagship choral ensemble, the University Choir presents several concerts per year, tours annually and performs in service of the institution both on and off campus. Auditions are held each August and are open to any student.

MUSC-083 University Chorale

The Chorale is a mixed-voice campus-centered ensemble. The Chorale participates in three concerts per year and performs at several campus events. Auditions are held each August and are open to any student.

MUSC-086 University Chamber Singers

This ensemble provides singers with a more intimate choral setting while exploring diverse repertoire appropriate for chamber performance. Auditions are held each fall and are open to any member of the University Choir.

MUSC-089 Opera Studio

An ensemble emphasizing the rehearsal and performance of opera and musical theatre.