Do you love music and want to truly understand how it’s made?
As a music theory and literature minor, you’ll take upper-level classes in the history, theory and literature of music without the requirement to participate in a musical ensemble.
The minor pairs nicely with any of our more than 60 academic programs.
And you’ll be part of a music department that is considered to be one of the best at any liberal arts college in the nation.
Music has been at the heart of Susquehanna since the university was founded more than 150 years ago, and our program attracts high-caliber students and faculty.
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.
Minors in Music
The Department of Music offers three minors: the minor in music theory/literature, the minor in music performance and the minor in music technology.
Minor in Music Theory/Literature
Before declaring a minor in music theory/literature, a student must pass the musicianship and written theory diagnostic tests, which can be arranged by contacting the department head. Note that approval of this minor does not guarantee a place in required music classes. Students must complete with a grade of C- or better 20 semester hours of coursework: either MUSC-152 Survey of World Music or MUSC-101 Introduction to Music; MUSC-161 Theory I; MUSC-162 Theory II; MUSC-163 Ear Training I; and 10 or 12 semester hours of music electives from 200-level courses or higher chosen with the guidance of a member of the Department of Music. Elective credit in applied music and performing groups is limited to two semester hours of applied study and two semester hours of performing groups.
Applied Music Lessons
Lessons carry one or two semester hours of credit. Students earn credit of one semester hour for a weekly half-hour lesson. Bachelor of Arts majors take a one-semester-hour lesson on their major instrument. Music education majors and performance majors take a weekly one-hour lesson on their major instrument and receive two semester hours of credit.
A fee is charged per semester for individual lessons that are not stated specifically as curricular requirements (nonmajors or extra lessons for majors). Such lessons are contingent upon faculty availability within the normal teaching load.
Music Courses
Development of good tonal quality, technical facility, and interpretation of solo and chamber literature. 1 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Development of good tonal quality, technical facility, and interpretation of solo and chamber literature. 2 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Emphasizes acquisition of a sound technique. Includes standard recital literature and worship service literature chosen to meet individual needs. 1 SH.
Emphasizes acquisition of a sound technique. Includes standard recital literature and worship service literature chosen to meet individual needs. 1 SH.
The study of Western concert music for the piano. 1 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
The study of Western concert music for the piano. 2 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Development of tone and technical facility and mastery of solo literature. 1 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Development of tone and technical facility and mastery of solo literature. 2 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Focuses on teaching the student to sing freely and musically. Develops breath control and resonance, range quality and clear diction through exercises and selected vocal literature. 1 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Focuses on teaching the student to sing freely and musically. Develops breath control and resonance, range quality and clear diction through exercises and selected vocal literature. 2 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Development of good tonal quality, technical facility, and interpretation of solo and chamber literature. 1 SH.
Development of good tonal quality, technical facility, and interpretation of solo and chamber literature. 2 SH.
Development of technical facility on all areas of percussion: timpani, drum set, mallets, auxiliary percussion, ethnic percussion and snare drum. Includes interpretation and musical training, emphasizing well-rounded ability. 1 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Development of technical facility on all areas of percussion: timpani, drum set, mallets, auxiliary percussion, ethnic percussion and snare drum. Includes interpretation and musical training, emphasizing well-rounded ability. 2 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Emphasizes acquisition of a sound technique. Includes standard literature selected to meet individual needs and continuo playing. 1 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Emphasizes acquisition of a sound technique. Includes standard literature selected to meet individual needs and continuo playing. 2 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Private instruction in classical and jazz guitar. Includes extensive exploration of basic musical repertoire, such as Pujol, Guiliani, Carcassi and Sor and the works of other jazz composers; scales, arpeggios,triads, and other technical matters. Investigates folk, popular and electric guitar techniques. 1 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Private instruction in classical and jazz guitar. Includes extensive exploration of basic musical repertoire,such as Pujol, Guiliani, Carcassi and Sor and the works of other jazz composers; scales, arpeggios,triads, and other technical matters. Investigates folk, popular and electric guitar techniques. 2 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Private instruction in crafting and notating musical works. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 SH.
Private instruction in crafting and notating musical works. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 2 SH.
A functional approach for beginning students. Emphasis on harmonization, transportation, development of technique, sight-reading, and improvisation. Non-music majors are able to enroll in this course only if there are spaces available after all of the music majors have been accommodated. 1 SH.
Continued emphasis on harmonization, transposition, development of technique, sight reading, and improvisation. Non-music majors are able to enroll in this course only if there are spaces available after all of the music majors have been accommodated. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-034 or appropriate placement. 1 SH.
A functional approach for intermediate-level and advanced students. Further emphasis on harmonization, transposition, development of technique, sight-reading and improvisation. Non-music majors are able to enroll in this course only if there are spaces available after all of the music majors have been accommodated. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-035 or appropriate placement by deparment. 1 SH.
An in-depth look at piano technique through the analysis and discussion of physical movements that can either implement or prohibit good technique, and the analysis of the basic building blocks of piano playing. Emphasis on preventing injury, learning how to expend minimal energy in playing, and the creation of good tone. Open to piano majors; secondary pianists by instructor consent. 1 SH. Offered every other year.
Study of the fundamental keyboard skills needed to rehearse choral ensembles and/or teach singing, including the ability to play open score and provide choral and solo vocal accompaniments. Those not required to take the course may enroll only if there are spaces available. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-037 or appropriate placement by department. 1 SH.
Designed to instruct pianists in the essential aspects of performing chamber music and accompaniments. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission. May be repeated. 1 SH.
A select instrumental performing group that rehearses and performs the finest traditional and contemporary repertoire for the medium. 1 SH.
An instrumental performing group that rehearses and performs during the football season only. 1 SH.
A performing ensemble specializing in standard symphonic repertoire, concerti, opera, and oratorio. 1 SH.
Accompanies the annual student musical production. Fall semester only. 1 SH.
Chamber music of various styles and periods studied and performed in smaller string, woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles, including piano and organ. 1 SH.
A practicum in which students perform on a broad range of band and orchestral instruments and in choral ensembles. 1 SH.
The rehearsal and performance of 20th-century and modern music reflecting jazz,rock and world music influences. Emphasizes individual student involvement through improvisation. 1 SH.
Exploration and development of improvisation through listening, analysis, and performance skills practice. Prerequisites: ability to read music; vocal or instrumental proficiency, both at a level commensurate with admission to a university ensemble. May be repeated for credit. 1 SH.
A major performing ensemble dedicated to high standards of choral performance. A training laboratory, the choir also explores extensive choral literature and techniques of developing choral singing for future music educators. In addition to campus and area concerts, the group tours regularly. Auditions are held each August and are open to any student. 1 SH.
A mixed-voice campus-centered ensemble, the University Chorale rehearses and performs a wide variety of sacred and secular choral literature in campus and area concerts. Auditions are held each August and are open to any student. 1 SH.
Introduces the international phonetic alphabet and the principles of making phonetic transcriptions of Italian, French and German texts. Basic pronunciation skills are also practiced. 1 SH.
An extension of the principles introduced in Diction I with particular emphasis on singing in foreign languages and in English. Prerequisite: MUSC-084 or instructor’s permission. 1 SH. Offered every three years.
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. 1 SH.
An ensemble emphasizing the rehearsal and performance of opera and musical theatre. 1 SH. THIS COURSE REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL.
Development of appreciation and understanding for music, its underlying elements, and aspects of style and historical setting. Not open to music majors. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression.
Historical overview of the development and evolution of jazz styles through listening, analysis and performance. Open to all music majors and non-majors. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity Intensive. 4 SH.
Rock music from its origins to the present. Emphasizes stylistic developments and its relationship to society. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression.
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. 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. 2 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive.
A study of 18th- and 19th-century harmonic practice, including intervals, scales and diatonic triads in all positions. Analysis of standard literature. Prerequisite: Department-approved proficiency. 2 SH.
Continuation of Theory I: Diatonic Harmony, including diatonic seventh chords in all inversions and modulation. Analysis of standard literature. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-161. 2 SH.
Prepared and sight-singing of simple diatonic melodies in the major and minor modes. Includes simple rhythmic and melodic dictation. Prerequisite: Department-approved proficiency. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Continuation of Ear Training I, including chromaticism and modulation. Includes two-part and four-part dictation. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-163. 2 SH.
Examines the theological and musicological aspects of artistic contributions to Christian worship as recognized in cultural settings. Same as RELI-215. Prerequisite: Junior standing and ability to read music. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity Intensive, Interdisciplinary. Offered every three years.
This course explores issues of diversity and ethics surrounding race, gender, religion, and culture in the western classical music world - both historically and in the present - and how privilege, and particularly power in this discipline perpetuate these issues. Students must possess an ability to read musical notation to be successful in this course. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity, Ethics Intensive.
A multi-faceted examination of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ground-breaking and influential musical “Hamilton,” with continued reflection as to its cultural significance. 4SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity Intensive.
Music history and literature from the beginning of Western civilization until 1750. Prerequisite: MUSC-101 or MUSC-152, and MUSC-161. 4 SH. CC: Historical Perspectives, Interdisciplinary.
Music history and literature from 1750 until 1900. Prerequisite: MUSC-245. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Writing Intensive.
Exploration of the art, technique, and history of music developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accompany silent movies. 4SH.
Continuation of Theory II: study of advanced tonal and post-tonal harmony. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-162. 2 SH.
The examination of musical works through analysis of harmonic, motivic and formal structures, with a special emphasis on post-tonal music. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-261. 2 SH.
Advanced sight singing and dictation in all diatonic modes, including two-part and four-part dictation. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-164. 2 SH.
Advanced sight singing and dictation including distant modulation, fragmented tonality and non-diatonic pitch collections. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-263. 2 SH.
Examines selected topics which are not covered in the regular curriculum but which are of interest to faculty and students. 1-4 SH.
This course offers a foundational understanding of the challenges and skills relevant to performing arts leadership. Topics will include the establishment and functioning of arts organizations, organizational structures, arts managers, governing board dynamics, marketing and audience development, philanthropy and fundraising, basics of hiring and personnel relative to the arts, and strategies for successful arts programming. 4 SH.
Music history and literature from 1900 until the present. Prerequisite: Ability to read music. 2 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive.
A practical course designed to introduce the student to the work of the church musician as planner, administrator, leader and resource person. Incorporates the examination of material for use with soloists, instrumentalists, handbells and choral groups of all ages and in various denominations. Same as RELI-353. Prerequisites: MUSC-161 and MUSC-163. CC: Diversity Intensive. 4 SH. Offered every three years.
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. 4 SH. Offered every other year.
An introduction to techniques and practices employed by music producers in the recording studio. Issues of session organization, recording techniques, mixing and mastering techniques, and musical aesthetics will be explored. 4 SH. Offered every other year.
The analysis and writing of two- and three-voice counterpoint in 16th-century style, with an introduction to the contrapuntal techniques of the Baroque period. Prerequisite: MUSC-261. 2 SH. Offered every other year.
Designed to enhance the teaching of working music educators through a survey of 8 different music technology topics, including live sound, recording, composition/notation, musical skills-acquisition, lab and studio design, computer-aided performance, and live/recorded multi-media and interactive lighting. 3 SH.
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. 4 SH. Offered every other year.
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. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. 4 SH. CC: Interdisciplinary. Offered every other year.
Designed to introduce students to the technique of conducting and to develop their ability to lead an ensemble with confidence. Prerequisites: MUSC-035, MUSC-162, and MUSC-164. 2 SH.
Technical aspects of composing or arranging music for instrumental ensembles of varying size and ability. 2 SH. Offered every other year.
Study of advanced gestural technique as applied to instrumental rehearsal and performance. Additional attention is given to rehearsal techniques, score study, performance practice and philosophical thought with regard to the art and craft of conducting. Prerequisite: MUSC-369. 2 SH.
Designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of choral conducting and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: MUSC-369. 2 SH.
Examines materials and methodology in the various areas and levels of applied studio teaching. 2 SH. Offered at least once annually with rotating topics.
Various topics in music literature, including piano, voice, organ, string, brass, percussion, and woodwind literature. 2 SH. Offered at least once annually with rotating topics.
Public recital performance for credit. Prerequisite: Approval by the music faculty on recommendation of the major teacher. 2 SH. Capstone.
In-depth study of a selected topic under faculty guidance. Includes a research paper or presentation or performance for students and faculty. Prerequisites: Securing a faculty sponsor, approval of topic by a music faculty committee, and junior or senior standing. May be repeated for credit. 2-4 SH.
Public recital performance for credit. Prerequisite: Approval by the music faculty on recommendation of the major teacher. 0 SH.
Supervised work experience in fields such as recording, music merchandising, church music, music therapy, instrument repair and concert management. Prerequisites: Department head’s permission and a 2.75 or higher GPA. 0-12 SH.
In-depth study of a selected topic under faculty guidance. Includes a research paper or presentation or performance for students and faculty. Prerequisites: Securing a faculty sponsor, approval of topic by a music faculty committee, and junior or senior standing. May be repeated for credit. 2 SH. Capstone.
Solo and ensemble performance in a semi-formal setting. Includes programs by visiting organizations, guest artists and lecturers. 0 SH.
Music Education
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching classroom instruments to prepare students to teach general music in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques, and pedagogy. Prerequisites: MUED-200. Music majors only. 1 SH.
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. 1 SH.
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. 1 SH.
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. 1 SH.
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. 1 SH.
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. 1 SH.
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. 1 SH.
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. 1 SH.
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. Incorporates topics related to current educational policy and practice and classroom observations at elementary and secondary levels of music instruction. 2 SH.
Study of the instructional methods and materials needed for teaching general music at all levels. Includes practicum. Prerequisites: Junior standing, MUED-200. 4 SH.
Study of the instructional methods and materials needed for teaching instrumental music at all levels. Includes practicum. Prerequisites: Junior standing, MUED-200. 4 SH.
Study of the instructional methods and materials needed for teaching choral music at all levels. Includes practicum. Prerequisites: Junior standing, MUED-200. 4 SH.
Study of the instructional methods and materials, including legal, ethical and pedagogical competencies, needed for teaching music to exceptional children. Includes practicum. Prerequisites: Junior standing, MUED-200. 4 SH. CC: Ethics Intensive, Interdisciplinary.
Full-time, supervised teaching in public school music classrooms. 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. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all first-year-, sophomore- and junior-level music education courses; music education coordinator’s permission; and acceptance into the education program. 12 SH. Capstone.
The course is required to be taken during the student teaching semester and is part of the culminating experience in the music education degree program. From a practitioner’s perspective, this course “emphasizes thorough insight into issues relevant to public school music teaching, reflection on current teaching trends, and methodology and development of skills for future teaching and professionalism.” This course fulfills portions of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements for professionalism. 2 SH.
Independent research in music education under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member.
Graduates have gone on to graduate school at:
University of Florida
University of Southern Maine
Stony Brook University
University of North Texas
Boston University
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
Drexel University
Eastman School of Music
Indiana University
University of Michigan
New England Conservatory of Music
Northwestern University
Peabody Institute of Music
Pennsylvania State University
Temple University
Yale University
Graduates have gone on to jobs at:
Milton Area High School
Temple University
Widener University
Atonement Lutheran Church
Staats Operette Dresden
University of North Texas College of Music
South Shore Symphony Orchestra
Pinellas Youth Symphony
University of Connecticut
Loyalsock Township School District
Stone Hill Middle School
Jumoke Academy Charter Schools
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
Utah Opera
Brass
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Bands
Department Head of Music
Email Address hinton@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4296
Composition
Conducting
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Bands
Department Head of Music
Email Address hinton@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4296
Assistant Professor of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Email Address voorhees@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4295
Ensembles
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Bands
Department Head of Music
Email Address hinton@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4296
Professor of Music
Program Director of GO Arts of Italy
Email Address gblevinsky@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4266
Associate Professor of Music
Program Director of GO Austria
Email Address steinau@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4285
Assistant Professor of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Email Address voorhees@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4295
Keyboard
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Chapel Music
Director of Honors
Program Director of GO Arts of Italy
Email Address kriegerm@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4292
Assistant Professor of Music
Email Address namminga@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4781
Music Education
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Bands
Department Head of Music
Email Address hinton@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4296
Professor of Music
Program Director of GO Arts of Italy
Email Address gblevinsky@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4266
Assistant Professor of Music
Coordinator of Music Education
Email Address rodrigueza@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4536
Adjunct Faculty in Music
Email Address rodriguezparada@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4281
Assistant Professor of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Email Address voorhees@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4295
Music History
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Chapel Music
Director of Honors
Program Director of GO Arts of Italy
Email Address kriegerm@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4292
Music Technology
Music Theory & Ear Training
Assistant Professor of Music
Email Address namminga@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4781
Percussion
Strings
Adjunct Faculty in Music
Email Address rodriguezparada@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4281
Voice
Adjunct Faculty in Music
Program Director of GO Japan
Email Address fahnesto@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4773
Assistant Professor of Music
Email Address stante@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4474
Associate Professor of Music
Program Director of GO Austria
Email Address steinau@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4285
Woodwinds
Professor of Music
Program Director of GO Arts of Italy
Email Address gblevinsky@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4266