MUS 101 FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC AND MUSICIANSHIP
This course focuses on learning to read music notation, the fundamentals of basic music theory, and the study of technique and repertoire in one of two performing mediums: piano or guitar. Upon completion of this course, the student should have acquired the ability to read music, an introductory-level technical facility in piano or guitar, and a thorough foundation in the fundamental elements of music theory, including basic aural skills. For classes prior to 2020, this course satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression.
Graveline, Clemente/Three credits
MUS 122 HISTORY OF MUSIC I
Following a brief study of the vocabulary and basic materials of music, this course will cover the historical development of music in the West from the Middle Ages to the Classical period. Major composers and their works will be studied and connections among history, culture, and musical language will be explored. The course will focus on the enhancement of active listening skills and musical understanding. For classes prior to 2020, this course satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression.
Lamothe, Clemente/Three credits
MUS 124 HISTORY OF MUSIC II
This course follows the historical development of Western music from the Romantic period to the late-20th century. Major composers, their works, and the major musical trends will be studied and all will be related to cultural history. For classes prior to 2020, this course satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression. Lamothe, Clemente/Three credits
MUS 125 WORLD MUSIC
A survey of musical traditions from around the world, including an examination of the cultures and philosophies that shape them. Topics include instrumentation, form, texture, rhythm, melody, and performance practice in the music of Native Americans, Africa, Central and Southeastern Europe, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Latin America. For classes prior to 2020, this course satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression, and counts in the Core as a Global Awareness course. Clemente/Three credits
MUS 126 GLOBAL POP
A category of ethnomusicology, Global Pop explores musical traditions from a variety of nations with an emphasis on the popular music industry in each. This course examines the forces that enable the movement of music and musicians around the world and that give global music its persuasive power. Topics include music as expressive culture, music production, ethnicity and identity in pop music, music as symbol, cross-cultural collaborations in popular music, and music as a force that transcends sociological, political and national boundaries. For classes prior to 2020, this course satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression, and counts in the Core as a Global Awareness course.
Clemente/Three credits
MUS 201 MUSIC THEORY I
After a review of the basic concepts of notation, scales, intervals, and triads, the student will study the various structural elements of music. Topics covered will include cadences, non-harmonic tones, harmonic rhythm, melodic organization and structure, voice-leading in four-part chorale writing, and transposition.
Clemente, Graveline/Three credits
MUS 221 MUSIC OF THE MIDDLE AGES AND THE RENAISSANCE
This course covers the origins of Western music, including Gregorian chant and medieval secular monody, early polyphonic music, and sacred and secular music from the middle of the 15th century to 1600. Dufay, Binchois, Ockeghem, Obrecht, Josquin, Marenzio, Monteverdi, Palestrina, and Victoria are among the composers whose music will be studied.
Staff/Three credits
MUS 223 BACH TO BEETHOVEN
This course forms a survey of the history and literature of music in the 17th and 18th centuries. Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven are among the composers to be especially studied.
Staff/Three credits
MUS 225 MUSIC OF THE ROMANTIC PERIOD & THE 20TH CENTURY
History and literature of music during the 19th century and to present day. The works of Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, and Wagner. The French tradition: Franck, Faure, Debussy, Ravel. Contemporary trends: Bartok, Hindemith, Stravinsky, surrealism and electronic music.
Staff/Three credits
MUS 231 HISTORY OF OPERA
The study of operatic music since its inception in the early 17th Century through its development in the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. The operas of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet, Wagner, and Puccini will be especially studied. Staff/Three credits
MUS 233 MUSIC IN THE UNITED STATES
This course forms a study of American Music of the last three centuries with particular emphasis on 20th-century trends, including Modern American Classical music, Blues, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Rock and Roll, and Popular music. Influences of Native American, African, and European music will be highlighted, and connections among history, culture, and musical language will be explored. The course will emphasize the enhancement of active listening skills and musical understanding. For classes prior to 2020, this course satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression.
Clemente/Three credits
MUS 234 MUSIC OF FRANCE
The musical culture of France from the Middle Ages to the present day, listened to and commented upon against the backdrop of French social and cultural history. Songs of the troubadours and trouveres. Renaissance mass, motet and chanson. Baroque opera and keyboard works, symphonic, chamber, and dramatic music of the 19th and 20th centuries, and French folksong and popular song. Lamothe/Three credits
MUS 235 WOMEN AND MUSIC
The purpose of this course is to chart the history of women in music as performers, composers, and pedagogues. In addition to the societal evolution of women in music, the course will focus on the lives and works of Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Amy Beach, Teresa Carreno, Nadia and Lili Boulanger, Wanda Landowska, as well as contemporary artists and composers currently emerging and impacting on the American scene. Graveline/Three credits
MUS 299, 399 OR 499 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MUSIC
Each of these numbers designates a specific level of specialized study on a relevant topic that has been designed by the student in conjunction with a faculty member of music. Permission of Chair required.
Staff/Three credits
MUS 300 INTERNSHIP IN MUSIC
This upper level, field-based course is designed for juniors and seniors to explore and develop professional opportunities and apply concepts and skills learned in their coursework. Permission of Chair required.
Staff/Three credits
MUS 301 MUSIC THEORY II
A course in traditional harmony and analysis, Music Theory II explores the language of tonal music from both written and aural perspectives. The course goal is to develop a thorough understanding of the techniques and materials of musical composition and to apply this knowledge to the music of diverse repertories. Topics to be covered are: seventh and ninth chords, secondary dominants and other chromatic chords, harmonic progression, voice leading, harmonization and non-harmonic tones, musical texture, modulation, and musical form. Prerequisite: MUS 201 Clemente, Graveline/Three credits
MUS 330 CONDUCTING
This course is designed to provide the student with the fundamental skills of conducting and is geared primarily toward majors and minors who will conduct musical groups in schools and churches. Skills developed will include beat patterns, sight singing, ear training, score reading, and preparation. Students will be assigned a laboratory ensemble to conduct in rehearsal and performance. Graveline/Three credits
MUS 400 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC
Special topics in Music are offered occasionally by the department. The courses respond to special interests evinced by students, outgrowths of topics addressed in an intermediate course, or research interests of the faculty. These courses are sometimes interdisciplinary in nature and may be offered without prerequisites.
Clemente, Graveline, Staff/Three credits
MUS 401 ADVANCED THEORY & ANALYSIS
this is an advanced course in both postmodernist musical style and musical analysis. Students will expand on their knowledge of traditional harmony by exploring the languages of dodecaphony, serialism, and atonality, and perform in depth analysis of works by major composers from the 18th-21st centuries. Prerequisites: MUS 201 and 301.
Clemente, Graveline/ Three credits
MUSIC PERFORMANCE COURSES
MUS 131 APPLIED FLUTE
Applied flute instruction through weekly private lesson format. Emphasis is placed on developing musicianship and technique through varied repertoire and technical exercises. Material ranges in difficulty from beginning to advanced depending on student’s ability. There are 10 one- hour lessons per semester, students may receive one credit per semester, and the course can be repeated for further credit. Tutorial fee per semester: $600.
Staff/One credit
MUS 140 BEGINNING CLASS VOICE
Students in this class learn the fundamentals of the vocal instrument and techniques for its healthy use through readings on the nature and function of the singing voice, vocal exercises, and song repertoire. Topics include relaxation and breathing techniques, principles of diction and interpretation, and an overview of the psychology, basic anatomy, and physiology of the voice. Valuable techniques for singers, actors, teachers, and public speakers.
Tartaglia/Three credits
MUS 141 APPLIED VOCAL INSTRUCTION
Applied vocal instruction through weekly private lesson format. Emphasis is placed on developing vocal technique through varied repertoire from vocal literature. There are 10 one-hour lessons per semester, students may receive one credit per semester, and the course can be repeated for further credit. Tutorial fee per semester: $600. Tartaglia/One credit
MUS 151 APPLIED PIANO INSTRUCTION
Applied piano instruction through weekly private lesson format. Emphasis is placed on developing musicianship and keyboard technique through varied repertoire from the classical idiom and technical exercises. Material ranges in difficulty from early intermediate to advanced depending on student’s level of ability. There are 10 one-hour lessons per semester, students may receive one credit per semester, and the course can be repeated for further credit. Tutorial fee per semester: $600.
Staff/One credit
MUS 161 APPLIED GUITAR INSTRUCTION
Applied guitar instruction through weekly private lesson format. Emphasis is placed on developing musicianship and technique through varied repertoire and technical exercises. Material ranges in difficulty from beginning to advanced depending on student’s ability. There are 10 one- hour lessons per semester, students may receive one credit per semester, and the course can be repeated for further credit. Tutorial fee per semester: $600.
Clemente/One credit
MUS 171 APPLIED ORGAN INSTRUCTION
Applied organ instruction through weekly private lesson format. Emphasis is placed on repertoire and aspects of manual and pedal technique; elements of service playing are also incorporated. Students must have a strong background in piano as a prerequisite. There are 10 one- hour lessons per semester, students may receive one credit per semester, and the course can be repeated for further credit. Tutorial fee per semester: $600.
Graveline/One credit
MUS 181 APPLIED STRINGS INSTRUCTION
Applied string instruction through weekly private lesson format. Emphasis is placed on developing musicianship and technique through varied repertoire and technical exercises. Material ranges in difficulty from beginning to advanced depending on student’s ability. There are 10 one- hour lessons per semester, students may receive one credit per semester, and the course can be repeated for further credit. Tutorial fee per semester: $600.
Sulski/One credit
MUS 193 CHORALE
Concert choir which performs choral literature from the Renaissance to the 20th century. There will be several major performances during the year with orchestra, and there will be tours every two years. Audition required. For classes prior to 2020, this course taken three times satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course taken three times fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression.
Graveline/One credit optional, no extra charge, may be repeated for credit
MUS 195 BAND
Ensemble for winds, brass, and percussion rehearses once a week and performs at concerts and college functions. For classes prior to 2020, this course if taken three times satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course if taken three times fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression.
Hopkins/One credit optional, no extra charge, may be repeated for credit
MUS 196 JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz Ensemble offers the opportunity to explore and engage in the art of jazz performance. This ensemble studies and performs blues and jazz from the modern jazz period, swing era, bebop era, and other style periods of jazz. Students will be given experiences in the stylistic performance of small group jazz. Instrumentalists interested in jazz who play wind, brass or rhythm section instruments are encouraged to enroll. Other instrumentalists and singers should consult the instructor before enrolling. Students will rehearse weekly and perform each semester. For classes prior to 2020, this course if taken three times satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course if taken three times fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression.
Jost/One credit optional, no extra charge, may be repeated for credit.
MUS 197 STRING CAMERATA
String Camerata is a chamber orchestra for intermediate to advanced string players. Students will rehearse weekly and perform each semester. String Camerata provides an opportunity for students to further improve their playing skills through in-depth study and performance of music from all eras. For classes prior to 2020, this course if taken three times satisfies the Core requirement in Art, Music & Theatre. For the class of 2020 and subsequent classes, this course if taken three times fulfills the Core requirement for a fine art in Culture and Expression.
Sulski/One credit optional, no extra charge, may be repeated for credit.
MUS 240 ADVANCED STUDIES I: VOICE
This class develops the student’s knowledge of the fundamentals of healthy vocal production through lectures, readings, vocal exercises and repertoire Students review the basics of healthy vocal production and develop the techniques learned in MUS 140. Topics include further study of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal instrument, including vocal fold function, dynamics of both the singing and speaking voice, application of correct vocal technique to various styles and types of repertoire, and individual assessment of the voice. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 340. Prerequisite: MUS 140 Tartaglia/Three credits
MUS 250 ADVANCED STUDIES I: PIANO
This is a course for pianists in the advanced beginner to intermediate stage. Course includes continuation of technique and fundamentals from MUS 101, scales and arpeggios in two octaves, introduction to sight reading and chording, and repertoire of greater difficulty than that encompassing five-finger position. Introduction of actual repertoire from the classical masters as well as more contemporary repertoire. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 350. Prerequisite: MUS 101 or previous piano studies
Staff/Three credits
MUS 260 ADVANCED STUDIES I: GUITAR
This is an intermediate course in acoustic guitar technique and musicianship. A development of MUS 101 (Fundamentals of Music: Guitar), class topics include 2- octave scales, left and right hand technique, and an introduction to bar chords. These topics will be applied to various musical repertories including pop, folk, acoustic rock, and classical. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 360. Prerequisite: MUS 101 or previous experience.
Clemente/Three credits
MUS 340 ADVANCED STUDIES II: VOICE
This class continues to build upon the information learned in MUS 140 and MUS 240. Students delve deeper into the physiological functions of the voice including muscles of the larynx, increased breathing capacity, prevention of vocal abuse, voice misuse, proper resonance and maintaining an consistent efficient vocal production. Topics include healthy singing for Pop Musicians, projecting the voice for stage work and public speaking, and methods to keep the voice Chorale (3 credits), MUS 195 Band (3 credits), MUS 196 Jazz Ensemble (3 credits) and MUS 197 String Camerata (3 credits) can also satisfy the Core requirement in Art, Music, Theatre. Students may also participate in these ensembles for no credit. There is no charge for participating in these groups. healthy and productive throughout the life cycle. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 240. Prerequisite: MUS 240.
Tartaglia/Three Credits
MUS 350 ADVANCED STUDIES II: PIANO
This course continues to build on the foundation of previous piano experience. Topics will include major and minor scales in three octaves, arpeggios, technical studies, accompanying folk and popular music from chord symbols, transposition, and the study of more advanced classical repertoire. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 250. Prerequisite: MUS 250 or the equivalent. Staff/Three credits
MUS 360 ADVANCED STUDIES II: GUITAR
This is an advanced course in guitar technique and musicianship. Class topics include scales in all keys (with metronome application), slurs, position studies, and arpeggios. Focus is given to chord progressions involving multiple positions and bar forms, guitar solos, and improvisatory concepts so as to prepare the student for ensemble opportunities. These topics will be applied to various musical repertories including pop, folk, acoustic rock, and classical. This course is usually held simultaneously with MUS 260. Prerequisite: MUS 260 or the equivalent.
Clemente/Three credits