Courses

Group instruction of fundamental piano skills to be used in live worship service settings. Focus on scales, basic chord structures, improvisation, chord chart realization, and accompaniment skills.

Beginning group instruction on drum set as applied to commercial music studies. Students with a drum set as their primary instrument may substitute one unit of voice.

Group instruction of intermediate piano skills to be used in live worship service settings. Content will continue from MUS 015 - Class Piano for Worship Arts and Commercial Music I and focus on more advanced chord structures, improvisation, chord chart realization, and accompaniment skills.

Beginning group instruction on bass and guitar as applied to commercial music studies. Students with guitar or bass as their primary instrument may substitute one unit of voice.

Studies of style and performance in popular music genres in an ensemble setting. Students will rehearse and perform music of various decades, 50s through 70s. Students must be enrolled in at least one ensemble for full credit each semester. Additional ensembles may be taken for zero (0) units.

Studies of style and performance in popular music genres in an ensemble setting. Students will rehearse and perform music of various decades, 80s through contemporary. Students must be enrolled in at least one ensemble for full credit each semester. Additional ensembles may be taken for zero (0) units.

Overview of the diverse industry of commercial music. Students will explore trends, vocations, and markets through lectures and insights delivered by industry professionals.

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.

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.

Overview of marketing fundamentals, theories, and applications as applied to musicians. Students will explore advertising, social media marketing, strategic marketing planning, international marketing, and other topics related to contemporary musicians and music business.

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 covers the basic physical principles of waves required to understand the phenomena of sound and music. We will discover the properties of waves, such as speed, frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and intensity. We will discuss how frequency relates to harmonics, pitch, and resonance. We will discuss diffraction, interference, and the Doppler Effect. We will discuss the different kinds of sounds produced by different kinds of musical instruments (strings, wind, brass, and the human voice). It is also recommended to concurrently take Physics of Sound and Music Lab.

This laboratory course will feature demonstration, examples, and hands-on laboratory activities to supplement the learning objectives of Physics of Sound and Music. These interactive laboratory based experiences will cover sound waves, pitch, loudness, timbre, harmonics, resonance, the human ear, and other topics related to Physics of Sound and Music. Time may also be dedicated to working out examples to develop physics problem-solving skills in a highly interactive setting.

Exploration of musical genres in small ensemble setting. Ensemble will explore one musical style which may change each semester. Genres selected from include but are not limited to: Funk Ensemble, Jam Band, Salsa Band, Rock, Country, R-n-B, Blues, and Jazz Fusion. Students must be enrolled in at least one ensemble for full credit each semester. Additional ensembles may be taken for zero (0) units.

This course is a study of the development of musical styles and idioms in the context of selected historical periods and their connection with the cultural evolution of Western civilization.

Exploration of popular song in the 20th and 21st century such as the Great American Songbook and Broadway contemporary song, and their historical and cultural significance. Emphasis placed on lyric and melodic writing as well as major songwriters.

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.

Course explores studio music project creation, implementation, and delivery of product. Students will learn how to develop the overall scope of a recording project including defining project goals, selection of musical material and performers, technical resources, and budget to final product creation.

Students will complete a 30-minute performance or project related to their area of studies in commercial music performance. Selection of material and performance medium will be selected in coordination with the student's applied instructor.

Study of the business and creative aspects of music production. Emphasis is placed on project development and tracking from demo to final product, creative and aesthetic considerations, assessing needs of artist, song selection and analysis, and artistic development and creative vision.

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.

Students will complete a 60-minute performance or project related to their area of studies in commercial music performance. Selection of material and performance medium will be selected in coordination with the student's applied instructor.

Under faculty supervision, students will be assigned to positions in music industry related to their area of study. The internship provides breadth and depth in real-world experiences within businesses and organizations, allowing for application of concepts and skills.

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.

Study of the art and craft of songwriting, providing students with foundational understanding of the craft. Students will study the mechanics of songwriting - lyric, rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, sonics, create original musical works individually and collaboratively, and understand their unique voice and career aspirations.

Study of genre specific nuances as it relates to the craft of songwriting. Students will create original musical works individually and collaboratively.

Study of songwriting for specific outputs - TV, Film, artist(s), and themes. Students will work collaboratively with artists and directors in creating music for specific projects, resulting in original musical works and recorded artifacts.

Students will build an individual portfolio of original musical works through recording and producing of music. Students will work collaboratively with artists and directors in creating music for specific projects, resulting in original musical works and recorded artifacts.

Private instruction in the craft of songwriting within multiple musical genres and applications. Students will create original songs for public performance and distribution.

This course offers an intermediate writing workshop where students study the craft of poetry through reading and analyzing of multiple forms poetry. Students develop skills in writing poetry through lecture, practice, peer workshop, and revision, with an emphasis on developing the writer's voice.

This advanced writing workshop builds on the foundational elements of poetry writing learned in previous coursework. Students read published poems and poetry collections as well as readings discussing craft, technique, and theory. Students write a substantial number of poems, highlighting significant themes emerging from the writer's voice.

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.

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

Instruction in arranging for rhythm section and various instrumental combinations such as strings, wind, and brass in popular music genres.

Private Instruction is offered with material and performance of increasing difficulty as the student develops. Students must arrange a lesson time before or during the first week of classes in the School of Performing Arts office or with the instructor. Twelve (12) half-hour lessons will be offered per unit. Students are expected to perform in Student Recitals and a Jury Exam.