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Music Courses

THEORETICAL MUSIC COURSES

MUS 107 AURAL SKILLS I (1 s.h.)
Development of the ability to recognize and sing various intervals and rhythms by sight and sound. Students will learn to read the tonal and rhythmic language of music. Class meets two hours a week. MUS 107 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 161. This course is offered every fall semester. This course is designed for music majors and minors.

MUS 108 AURAL SKILLS II (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 107. MUS 108 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 162. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisites: MUS 161 and 107or permission of the instructor.

MUS 160 MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS (3 s.h.)
A course designed to prepare students for Music Theory I. Emphasis will be placed on basic note reading skills, various clefs, basic rhythms, major and minor scales, key signatures, and simple triads. Music 160 is an appropriate course for majors and non majors. Music majors will be required to take this course if they do not pass the diagnostic exam for music theory (given in the fall prior to the beginning of the semester).

MUS 161 MUSIC THEORY I (3 s.h.)
Theory, with emphasis on basic musical terminology, scales, intervals, rhythms, chord structures, and analysis. This course is offered every fall semester. MUS 107 should be taken in conjunction with this course.

MUS 162 MUSIC THEORY II (3 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 161. This course is offered every spring semester. MUS 108 should be taken in conjunction with this course. Prerequisites: MUS 161 and 107or permission of the instructor.

MUS 175 PIANO PROFICIENCY I (1 s.h.)
This sequential series of classes is designed to prepare a student with the functional keyboard skills necessary for a career in music. These skills are assessed by means of the Piano Proficiency Exam, to be taken at the end of the four-semester sequence of Piano Proficiency classes. MUS 175 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 107 and 161. This course is offered every fall semester.

MUS 207 AURAL SKILLS III (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 108. MUS 207 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 261. This course is offered every fall semester. Prerequisites: MUS 162 and 108 or permission of the instructor.

MUS 208 AURAL SKILLS IV (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 207. MUS 208 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 262. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisites: MUS 261 and 207 or permission of the instructor.

MUS 261 MUSIC THEORY III (3 s.h.)
Theory, harmony, and analysis. This course is offered every fall semester. MUS 207 should be taken in conjunction with this course. Prerequisites: MUS 162 and 108. or permission of the instructor.

MUS 262 MUSIC THEORY IV (3 s.h.)
Theory with emphasis on chromatic harmony, modulation, and twentieth century composition techniques. This course is offered every spring semester. MUS 208 should be taken in conjunction with this course. Prerequisites: MUS 261 and 207 or permission of the instructor.

MUS 275 PIANO PROFICIENCY II (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 175. This course should be taken in conjunction with MUS 108 and 162. MUS 275 is offered every spring semester.

MUS 365 INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (2 s.h.)
Laboratory experience and class lecture on current music hardware and software. Exploration of the various utilization of software and technology in teaching and teaching strategies. Investigation of the musical protocol of MIDI as well as basic computer/musical instrument hardware setups. Keyboard skills are desirable. This course is offered periodically. Prerequisite: MUS 162 or permission of the instructor.

MUS 366 INTRODUCTION TO IMPROVISATION (2 s.h.)
Learning the basics of keyboard improvisation with attention to the interpretation of various chord and melodic structures with regard to styles and voicings. This course is offered periodically. Prerequisite: MUS 262 and permission of the instructor.

MUS 375 PIANO PROFICIENCY III (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 275. This course should be taken in conjunction with MUS 207 and 261. MUS 375 is offered every fall semester.

MUS 464 ORCHESTRATION (3 s.h.)
Surveys the capabilities and practical applications of band and orchestral instruments. Topics will include Ranges, transpositions, blendings, arranging, and special effects. Projects will involve writing for smaller chamber groups. Prerequisite: MUS 262 or permission of the instructor. Course to be offered every third semester.

MUS 465 INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITION AND ARRANGING (3 s.h.)
Composition and arranging of music in various forms; traditional and contemporary approaches and media, including computer-assisted composition.. Prerequisite: MUS 262 or permission of the instructor. Course to be offered every third semester.

MUS 466 FORM AND ANALYSIS (3 s.h.)
Detailed aural and visual analysis of musical examples of the principal forms used by the important composers of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic , and Contemporary periods. Prerequisite: MUS 262 or permission of the instructor. Course to be offered every third semester.

MUS 475 PIANO PROFICIENCY IV (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 375. This course should be taken in conjunction with MUS 208 and 262. MUS 475 is offered every spring semester.

HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF MUSIC COURSES

MUS 071 CONCERT ATTENDANCE (No Credit)
Music majors must attend a specified number of live musical performances each semester to successfully complete this course. Pass/fail course.

MUS 151 SURVEY OF MUSIC IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION (3 s.h.)
This course fulfills the general education requirement. Development of listening ability through historical survey of Western musical development. Musical examples from Medieval through present day are utilized. No prior knowledge of music is required. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.

MUS 152 JAZZ AND POPULAR CULTURE (3 s.h.)
This course fulfills the general education requirement. A survey course which examines the major style eras of jazz in America as well as musical/societal trends in popular culture. Listening skills are highly emphasized.

MUS 260 SURVEY OF MUSIC LITERATURE (1 s.h.)
A survey course that concentrates on select pieces of literature from the European Classical tradition. Particular emphasis is placed on score reading and listening skills. Also stressed is an understanding of key terminology as it relates to the various periods in Western musical history. Important biographical information about composers will also be discussed. Survey of Music Literature is designed as a prerequisite for MUS 311, and is intended to be taken in the spring semester of the sophomore year. Prerequisite for Survey of Music Literature is successful completion of MUS 162 (theory).

MUS 311 MUSIC HISTORY: ANCIENT THROUGH BAROQUE (3 s.h.)
Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods; the rise of new forms, and stylistic and theoretical analysis of major works. This course is offered every fall semester. Prerequisites: MUS 162, 260; ENG 101, 102 or permission of the instructor.

MUS 313 MUSIC HISTORY: CLASSICISM THROUGH ROMANTIC (3 s.h.)
1750 to 1900 with stylistic and theoretical analysis of major works. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisites: MUS 162, 260, 311; ENG 101, 102 or permission of the instructor.

MUS 340 SACRED CHORAL MUSIC LITERATURE (3 s.h.)
A survey of choral literature for Christian denominations. Literature from every historical period will be introduced, including contemporary Christian choral music. Emphasis will be placed on studying scores, recordings and assessing appropriate literature for a variety of church settings. Prerequisites: MUS 262, 311, and 313. This course is offered periodically.

MUS 385 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MUSIC (1-3 s.h.)
An opportunity for a well-qualified, upper-division student to engage in special research in his/her major. Requires approval by the faculty advisor, the supervising professor, and the department chair, before approval by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Credit to be determined.

MUS 400 SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC (2-3 s.h.)
Special courses offered periodically.

MUS 419 20th - 21st CENTURY AND NON-WESTERN MUSICAL STYLES (2 s.h.)
This course will identify and analyze the various musical and compositional styles throughout the 20th and 21st century (post WW II), including prominent composers, compositional styles, and analysis of specific works. This course will also survey various jazz as well as non-western styles- especially those of the Far East and Asiatic countries. This course is designed as the final segment of the Music History component, and is intended to be taken in the senior year. Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of MUS 311 and 313 or permission of the instructor.

CONDUCTING COURSE

MUS 361 CONDUCTING (3 s.h.)
The techniques of conducting and score-reading in vocal and instrumental music. Prerequisite: MUS262 and MUS208 or permission of instructor.

MUSIC EDUCATION COURSES

MUS 109 PRELUDE TO MUSIC EDUCATION (2 s.h.)
The course is designed to provide the student with an overall understanding of the music education profession. Special emphasis will be on basic teaching strategies and techniques; an overview of music teaching as a career; diversity, integration, curriculum technology, classroom management, legal issues, personal skills and portfolio. Fifteen (15) field observation hours are required throughout the K-12 licensure (elementary, middle, and high school). This course is offered every Spring Semester.

MUS 209 ELEMENTARY MUSIC METHODS (2 s.h.)
A survey of the fundamentals of music and methods of teaching general music to children in grades kindergarten through six. Special focus will be on better understanding how a student's musical skills and understanding establish a foundation for continued development of the following areas as they relate to elementary teaching: lesson and unit planning, singing, playing instruments, music listening, moving to music, characteristics of children at various developmental stages, demonstrate knowledge of materials that may be used in planning music activities such as children's reading and music literature, and technology. Fifteen (15) field observation hours are required as well as two (2) teaching experiences. This course is offered every fall semester.

MUS 219 SECONDARY MUSIC METHODS (2 s.h.)
The course is designed to provide the student with competencies needed for effective teaching of secondary music students. Special emphasis will be on the development and administration of the vocal/instrumental middle and high school program. The course is designed to provide experiences in synthesizing previously learned competencies and skills, as well as to specifically address: lesson/rehearsal planning, overt development of a music program, establish a philosophy of music education, administrative issues surrounding music literature (library creation, budgets, PR, etc.), demonstrate knowledge of materials that may be used in researching issues concerning music education, and how to prepare for a job interview. Fifteen (15) field observation hours are required as well as two (2) teaching experiences. This course is offered every spring semester and coordinated with EDU 242.

MUS 301 STRING TECHNIQUES (1 s.h.)
Methodology of teaching stringed instruments for students seeking teacher licensure. Each student learns to demonstrate characteristic tone quality and elementary technique on at least one stringed instrument. This course is offered as needed.

MUS 302 STRING INSTRUMENT PEDAGOGY (2 s.h.)
This course is designed to prepare students to teach private lessons in violin, viola or cello from beginning through early advanced levels. The course addresses teaching principles of a wide range of contemporary pedagogues including Shinichi Suzuki, Ivan Galamian and Kato Havas. Offered as needed.

MUS 303 WOODWIND TECHNIQUES (1 s.h.)
Methodology of teaching woodwind instruments for students seeking teacher licensure. Each student learns to demonstrate characteristic tone quality and elementary technique on each woodwind instrument. This course is offered as needed.

MUS 304 BRASS AND PERCUSSION TECHNIQUES (1 s.h.)
Methodology of teaching brass and percussion instruments for students seeking teacher licensure. Each student learns to demonstrate characteristic tone quality and elementary technique on each brass and percussion instrument. This course is offered as needed.

MUS 409 PIANO PEDAGOGY (3 s.h.)
Materials and methods for teaching beginning piano through intermediate and early advanced levels with emphasis on notation, scales, technique, style, and interpretation. Students observe private and group instruction and are supervised in the teaching of beginning piano students. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. This course is offered as needed.

APPLIED MUSIC COURSES

An additional fee is charged for all private music lessons (see Finances, page 242). Emphasis is on acquiring musical concepts and technical proficiency, as well as the thorough study of representative literature.
Frequent opportunities to perform are provided in recitals, including general student recitals and partial or full formal recitals. Additional performance opportunities are made available through accompanying vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles. One s.h. is granted for successful completion of a course involving 1/2 hour lessons per week. Two s.h. are granted for one hour lessons each week. All music majors are required to perform in one student recital per semester. Any student that does not fulfill the recital requirement shall receive an F in their applied lesson for that particular semester.

A jury examination is normally required at the end of each semester. A full recital (about sixty minutes) and a half-recital (about thirty minutes) are required of all students pursuing the B.M. in Performance. Candidates for the B.M. in Music Education are required to present a full recital. Candidates for the B.A. in Music and B.A. in Music with Concentration in Arts Management are required to present half recitals. Currently, applied music composition is available for interested students but does not fulfill the applied music requirement for any major.

MUS 127-427 APPLIED COMPOSITION (2 s.h.)

MUS 114-414 APPLIED PIANO (2 s.h.)

MUS 177-178 PIANO FOR NON-MUSIC MAJORS/PIANO PROFICIENCY 1- (2 s.h.)

MUS 121-422 APPLIED ORGAN (2 s.h.)

MUS 131-431 APPLIED VOICE (2 s.h.)

MUS 117-118 VOICE FOR NON-MUSIC MAJORS/VOICE PROFICIENCY 1- (2 s.h.)

MUS 141-441 APPLIED STRINGS (2 s.h.)
Section 01: VIOLIN
Section 02: GUITAR
Section 03: VIOLA
Section 04: CELLO
Section 05: BASS

MUS 154-454 APPLIED WOODWINDS (2 s.h.)
Section 01: FLUTE
Section 02: SAXOPHONE
Section 03: OBOE
Section 04: BASSOON
Section 05: CLARINET

MUS 171 – 471 APPLIED PERCUSSION (2 s.h.)
Section 01: DRUMSET
Section 02: ORCHESTRAL

MUS 181-481 APPLIED BRASS (2 s.h.)
Section 01: TRUMPET
Section 02: TROMBONE
Section 03: FRENCH HORN
Section 04: TUBA
Section 05: EUPHONIUM

MISCELLANEOUS COURSES

MUS 105-406 OPERA WORKSHOP (1 s.h.)
Study through rehearsal and performance of operatic literature and other works for the musical stage. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. These courses are offered periodically.

MUS 111-112 CLASS VOICE FOR NON-MUSIC MAJORS (2 s.h.)
This course is intended for students with no previous voice instruction, other than perhaps high school or church choir experience. Through vocal exercises, demonstrations, videos, aural skills development, and other means, students will develop their own singing abilities, musical understanding and performance skills.

MUS 125 INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL GUITAR TECHNIQUE AND
LITERATURE (2 s.h.)
In a classroom setting, students will be introduced to beginning technique for the classical guitar. Purchase or rental of a guitar and foot stool are required.

MUS 165 DICTION FOR SINGERS: ITALIAN AND ENGLISH (2 s.h.)
Diction in the four major languages of Western music. Taken in conjunction with applied voice. Required of Voice Performance majors. This course is offered as needed.

MUS 265 DICTION FOR SINGERS: GERMAN AND FRENCH (2 s.h.)
Diction in the four major languages of Western music. Taken in conjunction with applied voice. Required of Voice Performance majors. Prerequisite: MUS 165. This course is offered as needed.

MUS 386 MANAGEMENT AND THE ARTS (3 s.h.)
Focuses on the challenges facing managers and arts organizations. Investigation of practical applications from all management perspectives including planning, marketing, finance, economics, organizational, staffing, and group dynamics all related to an arts organization. Prerequisites: ARH 151, THE 162, ACC 251, BUS 225, BUS 345. Required of Arts Management majors. This course is offered as needed.

ENSEMBLE COURSES

MUS 326-327 GUITAR ENSEMBLE (CLASSICAL and JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY) (1 s.h.)
Rehearsal and performance of guitar literature of various periods, meeting twice weekly. Days and times of the rehearsals are arranged at the beginning of each semester. As enrollment allows, there will be a Jazz and Contemporary Guitar section. Each student is responsible for appropriate performance attire. Prerequisite: MUS 125 or permission of the instructor. Open to non-music majors. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.

MUS 328-329 THE NOBLEMEN (FORMERLY MEN'S CHORUS) (1 s.h.)
The Noblemen is open to all men in the university community from all disciplines that love to sing and enjoy camaraderie through great music. Music from every music epoch will be performed from serious to more pop/contemporary a cappella forms. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.

MUS 348-349 CONCERT BAND (1 s.h.)
This ensemble plays a variety of concert band/wind band literature from throughout the 20th century. The band will perform at least two concerts and the MU Graduation ceremony each term. This group is available for credit, and each semester enrolled fulfills one (1) credit toward the MU Arts and Humanities requirements.

MUS 386-387 WOMEN'S CHORUS (1 s.h.)
The Methodist University Women's Chorus is open to all women of the University community with students from all disciplines that love to sing and enjoy camaraderie through great music. It is intended to provide a foundation in area of vocal technique while achieving a high standard of excellence in repertoire selected from all periods and musical styles. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.

MUS 390-391 CHAMBER MUSIC (1 s.h.)
Rehearsal and performance of works and arrangements for string, brass, woodwind, and keyboard instruments. The ensemble is open to non-music majors.

MUS 398-399 JAZZ ENSEMBLE (1 s.h.)
Rehearsal and performance of works and arrangements for brass, woodwind, keyboard and percussion instruments. Meets twice weekly. The ensemble is open to non-music majors.