Courses

Designed for the music major whose primary instrument is other than piano. The course material will focus on the rudiments of piano playing, including acquisition of the Technical Skills (Items 1-10) of Piano Proficiency (i.e. scales, arpeggios, and chords).

Designed for the music major whose primary instrument is other than piano. The course material will focus primarily on the Functional Skills (Items 11-15) of Piano Proficiency (i.e. solo repertoire, harmonization, transposition, score-reading, and sight-reading) with review of the Technical Skills.

A review of music fundamentals, intensive study of basic concepts of music theory for the music major, introduction to music notation software. Concert attendance requirement.

Introductory experiences in sight-singing and ear-training.

Development of skills in analyzing and writing music involving diatonic voice leading principles and harmonic progressions. Examples are drawn from art, sacred and popular music. Concert attendance requirement.

Continued development of aural skills and introduction to keyboard harmony and improvisation.

Emphasis on musical instruments, and their significance in a culture's folklore, religion and history; fundamental elements of music and how they vary in different traditions; the effects of cultural influences such as gender and ethnically on the perception, interpretations and performance of music; forces of nationalism, acculturation, and westernization and their effect on musical traditions.

Advanced writing and analysis of music involving chromatic and extended harmonies, and an introduction to 16th century polyphony and 18th century counterpoint. Examples are drawn from art, sacred and popular music.

Advanced training in ear-training, sight-singing and keyboard harmony involving chromatic exercises.

Writing and analysis of music since 1900. Focus on contemporary harmonic practice, influence of art and popular music. Concert attendance requirement.

Advanced work in ear-training and sight-singing.

Introduction to a broad perspective of the many ways musicians use computers. Emphasis on historic milestones, current issues, and practical skill in using software and hardware in music technology.

This course will examine film music, primarily American, from its origins in the "silent" film era, through the Golden Age of Hollywood, to the present day. An emphasis will be placed upon the study of individual composers and their contributions to the genre. In the belief that "music is a mirror of the society that created it," historical trends of the 20th and 21st century will also be examined.

Basic conducting skills, principles, and rehearsal techniques for choral and instrumental music. Observations of choral and instrumental ensemble rehearsals.

A general survey course of the history of Western European music and of selected non-Western cultures. Includes lectures, readings, and a research paper. Ancient through Renaissance.

Following the scope and format of the music history courses, this course is a general survey of musical styles and history of the Baroque and Classical periods, with emphasis on the Romantic period.

Course content provides a continuation of Music History III with emphasis on the 20th century period. American music and implications of recent developments, including electronic and experimental music, are also included.

Music majors in the Performance or Composition for Stage and Screen degree programs present a concert or half recital of 20-30 minutes during their junior year. Students will perform selections from their Junior Recital repertoire in this class setting, and will receive constructive critique from the instructor and classmates. Students must successfully complete the Applied Music Proficiency and Piano Proficiency in order to enroll in this course.

Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Music or Bachelor of Music degree must enroll in Senior Recital and Project in the semester they intend to perform their Senior Recital, typically the last semester of their senior year. Students may enroll in the course after successfully completing the Applied Music Proficiency and meeting the performance expectations described in the Undergraduate Handbook for their specific course of study. Piano Proficiency completion required. Requirements for recital length are determined by the student's major. See School of Performing Arts Undergraduate Student Handbook for recital length and repertoire requirements.

This class provides a theological and philosophical foundation for studying the performing arts. This course examines the relationship between beauty, the arts, and the Christian life and worship. It is primarily designed as an examination of the aesthetic, cultural, and creative components of the performing arts, but it will also explore other art forms, philosophies of culture, and the arts' capacities for spiritual formation. Giving particular attention to music and theatre, this course will examine the role that the arts play in society, in the church, and in Christian worship.

Introduction to theories, fundamentals, and practices of entrepreneurship and small business as applied to musicians. Course will cover planning, finance, copyright and law as applied to music business, merchandise, licensing, digital rights, royalty management, and endorsements.

Composing for a variety of instruments and/or voices. Intended as an introduction to various techniques and styles of composition and particular concerns of each.

Instruction in arranging for vocal and rhythm section in popular music genres.

Continued study of composers' methods of organizing music. Focuses on analysis of music and writing music using contrapuntal techniques. Emphasis on forms of Baroque era and their current application.

Introduction to analog and digital audio recording and ProTools recording software. Topics covered will include microphone techniques, signal flow, recording consoles, sound capture, and basic sound editing. Recording of vocal and instruments will be covered.

Course builds upon Audio Recording and Studio Techniques I, exploring advanced studio recording and editing. Topics covered will include signal routing, DAW, digital signal processors, and recording of larger ensembles and diverse instruments.

A study of the orchestral instruments; scoring for full orchestration or small ensembles. Students do extensive work in the computer lab working with notation software.

This course will provide students with an opportunity to study the art and craft of composition. Students will study the mechanics of composition (melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre) for a wide variety of mediums for stage, screen and recorded audio. Students will work individually and collaboratively, gaining clarity and perspective of their work as they receive input and suggestions from their professors, peers, and guest artists.

This course, a continuation of MUS 253, is intended to provide students individual instruction in music composition. Students compose works in preparation for their senior composition recital.

This course offers an introduction to methods and approaches for the study of film. Students will learn film terminology and its effective application in film analysis. Students also will develop, maintain, and improve strategies for close-reading individual shots and sequences, interpreting cinematic narrative and technique, and for negotiating various critical and theoretical paradigms of film study.

Survey of the history and development of popular music in the 20th and 21st centuries. Emphasis is placed on recorded music history and the socio-musical aspects of music.

The course provides the students with an appreciation and understanding of the cultural history of Jazz. Through critical listening students will learn to identify the various styles and performers associated with the traditions of Jazz.

An exploration of the methods of organizing music. Study focuses on traditional homophonic forms such as variation, rondo, sonata, symphony, and popular song.

Following the scope and format of the music history courses, this course is a general survey of musical styles and history of the Baroque and Classical periods.

Integration of audio and studio technology in post production. Topics include dialogue replacement, sound effects design and editing, Foley, surround sound mixing, and music score production.