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.

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.

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.

Study of sound in music production including identification and manipulation, and the development of specific listening skills necessary for studio recording.

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.

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.

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.

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

Study of the theory, practice, and equipment of digital and analog audio signal processing including temporal (ex. reverb, chorus, delay), spectral (equalization, filtering), and dynamic (compressor, limiters, expanders) processing.

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.

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.

An examination of Scripture in order to develop a biblical theology of worship and its application in the local church. Students will learn about the development of worship practices from the Old and New Testaments and learn to apply hermeneutical principles to understanding present-day worship applications.

Study of equipment and design in sound related to concert and live performance applications. Additional training on operation, mixing, equalization, and monitor mixing.

Exploration of current technological developments and applications in sound recording, editing, manipulation, and distribution.

Introduction to audio post production and editing for visual media. Methods for sound synchronization, dialogue recording, editing and mixing, and sound effects will be covered. Students will produce short projects applying course content to short films and advertisements.

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.

Study of equipment and design in lighting related to concert and live performance applications. Emphasis placed on terminology, creation of lighting plots and designs, fixtures, and computer and lighting console instruction.

Students will record a 30-minute performance project of various ensemble configurations. Selection of material and performance medium will be selected in coordination with the student's applied instructor.

Audio processing and mastering techniques applied to audio preparation for distribution.

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.

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.

Students will record a 60-minute performance project of various ensemble configurations, including at least one soundscape. Selection of material and performance medium will be selected in coordination with the student's applied instructor.

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.