Course Descriptions
MUS 100 Piano Proficiency (0.00 SH). Administrative Use Only
MUS 101 Intro Western Music (HC) (4.00 SH). An historical study of the basic elements and major periods of 2,000 years of Western music, major composers and their works, with emphasis on the development of listening skills. Meets Humanity and Culture Intellectual Perspective requirement (HC).
MUS 102 Intro Ethnomusic (VP) (4.00 SH). Historic survey of music of non-Western societies as it relates to the different cultures. Study of development of instruments, vocal practices and performance media within the specific cultures. Meets Visual and Performing Arts Intellectual Perspective requirement (VP).
MUS 103 Intro Classic Jazz (VP) (4.00 SH). An historical survey of the unique development of jazz from its origins as an African-American art form to its present status as an American art form. The course will be taught in conjunction with HIS 223 (African-American History) course as an approved cluster. Meets Visual and Performing Arts Intellectual Perspective requirement (VP).
MUS 121 Music Theory 1 (0.00 SH). Music Theory 1 is the first of four semesters of the music theory sequence. Topics to be covered will include: pitch, pitch class, scales, the basics of rhythm, intervals, triads, seventh chords, two-voice counterpoint, and notation and scoring. Students will also be introduced to technologies used in the study of music theory. In addition, a progressive program for developing aural, sight-reading, and keyboard skills will be initiated, which will be continued through the remainder of the required theory courses. Also included is an introductory study of the rhythmic procedures in the music of Africa. This course is prerequisite for all other theory courses and may be waived only upon satisfactory performance on the music theory diagnostic exam. There is no prerequisite for this course. Co-requisite: Students must also register for the lab MUS 121L. A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 121 in order for the course to count toward the music major
MUS 122 Music Theory 2 (4.00 SH). Music Theory 2 is the second of four semesters of the music theory sequence. Topics to be covered will include: SATB voicing, non-chord tones, common-practice harmonic function, phrase and cadence structure, sequences, and secondary dominants. Students will continue to use appropriate technologies for the study of music theory. Also included is an introductory study of the music of China. This course is prerequisite for all other theory courses except MUS 121 and may be waived only upon satisfactory performance on the music theory diagnostic exam. Prerequisite: MUS 121 Music Theory 1. Co-requisite: students must also register for the lab MUS 122L. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 122 in order for the course to count toward the music major.
MUS 122P Aural Skills Practicum (0.00 SH). Music Theory II Aural Skills Practicum is the second of four semesters of the music theory lab sequence. Topics to be covered will include: non-chord tones, common-practice harmonic function, phrase and cadence structure, sequences, and secondary dominants. Students will apply their knowledge of these topics by demonstrating their aural skills through melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation, sight-singing, performance, composition, and improvisation. Students will continue to use technologies in the study of aural skills. Prerequisite: MUS 121: Music Theory 1 or satisfactory completion of the Music Theory Diagnostic Exam. Co-requisite: must also register for the course MUS 122. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 122 (theory and aural skills combined) in order for the course to count toward the music major.
MUS 123 Music Theory 3 (4.00 SH). Music Theory 3 is the third of four semesters of the music theory sequence. Topics to be covered will include: a review of secondary dominants and leading-tone chords, phrase rhythm and motivic analysis, modulations by common chord, other modulatory techniques, mode mixture, the intensification of the predominant with Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords, enharmonic spellings and modulations, further elements of the harmonic vocabulary, and a brief introduction to the analysis of musical form. Students will continue to use appropriate technologies for the study of music theory. Also included is an introductory study of the music of Korea and Japan. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or higher in MUS 122: Music Theory 2. Co-requisite: students must also register for lab MUS 123L. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 123 in order for the course to count toward the music major.
MUS 124 Music Theory 4 (4.00 SH). Music Theory 4 is the fourth of four semesters of the music theory sequence. Topics to be covered will include: new approaches to tonal or centric writing, analysis of non-serial atonal music, analysis of twelve-tone music, neoclassicism, post-1945 serialism, expansion of approaches to rhythm, aleatoric music, sound mass, post-modernism and the use of quotation, minimalism, and present directions in compositional practice. Students will continue to use appropriate technologies for the study of music theory. Also included is an introductory study of the musics of India and Indonesia, particularly as they relate to exoticism in 20th-century European compositions. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or higher in MUS 123: Theory 3. Co-requisite: students must also register for lab MUS 124L. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 124 in order for the course to count toward the music major.
MUS 124P Aural Skills Practicum (0.00 SH). Music Theory 4 Aural Skills Lab is the fourth of four semesters of the music theory lab sequence. Aural skills topics to be covered will include: modal and pentatonic scales; centric and symmetrical constructions; atonal cells; atonal relationships; tertian, quartal, and quintal constructions; serial atonality; tonal and atonal hybrids; as well as the aural identification of significant twentieth-century compositions. Students will apply their knowledge of these topics by demonstrating their aural skills through pitch and rhythmic dictation, sight-singing, performance, composition, and improvisation. Students will also continue to use computer assisted instruction in the study of aural skills. Prerequisite: MUS 123. Co-requisite: students must also register for the MUS 124. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 124 (theory and aural skills combined) in order for the course to count toward the music major.
MUS 125 Form & Analysis (4.00 SH). This course is a comprehensive introduction to the study of form in music. The course is based on the premise that form must be perceived aurally, and that the most effective analysis is based on critical listening. Topics covered are the general structural aspects of music, small-scale units of form, and larger-scale units of form. Evaluation will be based on the student’s ability to describe, analyze, and evaluate the function of formal units in various pieces of music in class and in written prose. Prerequisite: MUS 124 and 124L, or permission of the instructor. Note: A grade of at least C- is required for this course to count toward any major in music.
MUS 126 Orchestration (4.00 SH). Study of the timbres, ranges, transposition, technical characteristics, and idiomatic uses of the instruments of the orchestra. Orchestral families of sound are examined in their individual sound colors and in their contribution to orchestral sound. Prerequisite: MUS 124, or permission of instructor. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 126 in order to count for graduation as a music education major.
MUS 127 Counterpoint (4.00 SH). This course begins with an overview of basic species counterpoint. It turns to multiple-part settings of music in the various polyphonic forms of the Renaissance. Following that, stylistic innovations in counterpoint from the Baroque era are introduced. Forms such as the chorale prelude, invention, and fugue are studied. Evaluation is based on counterpoint exercises and larger-scale projects in which students create their own compositions based on the rules of counterpoint. Prerequisite: MUS 124 and MUS 124L or permission of the instructor. Note: A grade of C- or higher is required in this course to count toward any major in music.
MUS 141 History Western Music to 1750 (HC) (4.00 SH). A historical survey of the development of Western music from primitive sources through the Baroque, with emphasis on composers, styles, and performance practices in relation to the cultural backgrounds. Satisfies IP credit in Humanity and Culture. Prerequisite: All except double majors must have had MUS 121, 122, and 123, or permission of instructor. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 141 in order to count for graduation as a music major. Meets Humanity and Culture Intellectual Perspective requirement (HC).
MUS 142 History Western Music fr 1750 (HC) (4.00 SH). A continuation of MUS 141. An historical survey of the development of Western music from the pre-Classic to the present, with emphasis on composers, styles, and performance practices in relation to the cultural backgrounds. Also included is an in-depth study of the historical significance and development of the music of African, Middle Eastern, and Far Eastern cultures. Satisfies IP credit in Humanity and Culture. Prerequisite: All except double majors must have had MUS 121, 122, and 123, or permission of instructor. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 142 in order to count for graduation as a music major. Meets Humanity and Culture Intellectual Perspective requirement (HC).
MUS 161 Piano Literature (4.00 SH). A chronological survey of music for piano and harpsichord, from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
MUS 163 Vocal and Opera Literature (4.00 SH). A chronological survey of music for solo voice and small vocal ensembles, from the late Middle Ages through the 20th century. Prerequisites: MUS 141 and 142, or permission of instructor.
MUS 164 Choral Literature (4.00 SH). A chronological survey of music for choirs. An examination of sacred and secular choral music of the Renaissance through the 20th century. Prerequisites: MUS 141 and 142, or permission of instructor.
MUS 167 Symphonic Literature (4.00 SH). A chronological survey of symphonic music, from the pre-Classic period through the 20th century with emphasis on both the aural and analytical understanding of this repertoire. Prerequisite: MUS 142 or permission of instructor.
MUS 168 Band Literature (4.00 SH). A chronological survey of music for bands and wind ensembles, from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Prerequisite: MUS 142 or permission of the instructor.
MUS 182 General Music Methods (4.00 SH). Study of philosophies, principles and practices related to general music instruction in elementary and secondary schools. Examination of contemporary approaches to teaching general music. Analysis of skills, concepts, and materials appropriate to elementary and secondary general music programs. Practice in planning and implementing elements of a comprehensive general music curriculum. Prerequisite: MUS 181 or permission of instructor. Note: A letter grade of at least B- must be attained in MUS 182 in order to count for graduation as a music education major.
MUS 183 Choral Methods (4.00 SH). Emphasis on methods and materials for developing comprehensive musicianship through the vocal program of the public school; consideration of the child voice, the changing voice, and the adolescent voice; budgeting and administering the program; planning and preparing for public performance; repertoire for choral groups; preparation of a philosophy of music education. Prerequisites: MUS 181 and 182, or permission of instructor. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 183 in order to count for graduation as a music education major.
MUS 184 Instrumental Methods (4.00 SH). Emphasis on methods and materials for developing comprehensive musicianship through the instrumental program of the public school; techniques for recruiting and organizing performing ensembles; scheduling, budgeting and administering the instrumental program; organizing trips, developing music and equipment inventories, dealing with parent groups and administrators, planning and preparing for public performance; repertory for beginning and advanced ensembles and soloists; preparation of a philosophy of music education; teaching techniques. Prerequisites: MUS 181 and 182, or permission of instructor. Note: A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 184 in order to count for graduation as a music education major.
MUS 185 Arts Develop Child (VP) (4.00 SH). Learning about music and other art forms through the performance of various techniques as they relate to the developing child, focusing on pre-K through 4th grade. Students will experience elemental music concepts through singing, playing instruments (including the keyboard lab), moving, active listening, and creating music. Through role playing as both teachers and children, students will learn about music, plus learn how music may be used in conjunction with additional areas of the curriculum, such as the visual arts. Theatre (pretending, dramatization) will be incorporated into class activities, as well. Students will also learn about the elements of visual art, and explore a variety of media as they pertain to early childhood. Meets Visual and Performing Arts Intellectual Perspective requirement (VP).
MUS 206 Vocal Pedagogy (1.00 SH). A study of the specific principles of teaching voice, and the fundamentals of phonetics through study of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), articulation, and pronunciation of English vocal and dramatic literature. Required of all students wishing to teach voice private lessons in the Music Intern Teaching Program. Note: A letter grade of C- must be attained in MUS 206R in order to count for graduation as a music education major.
MUS 207 Latin & Italian Diction (1.00 SH). A study of the fundamentals of pronunciation and articulation of Latin and Italian vocal and dramatic literature.
MUS 208 German Diction (1.00 SH). A study of the fundamentals of pronunciation and articulation of German vocal and dramatic literature.
MUS 209 French Diction (1.00 SH). A study of the fundamentals of pronunciation and articulation of French vocal and dramatic literature.
MUS 215 Intro to Pro Dev for Musicians (4.00 SH).
MUS 271 Basic Conducting (1.00 SH). Introduction to basic conducting techniques, including basic frames, baton technique, cueing, score reading and interpretation. Participation in weekly 45-minute Instrumental Performance Lab required. Prerequisite: MUS 121. Note: A letter grade of B- must be attained in MUS 271 in order to count for graduation as a music education major.
MUS 272 Choral Conducting (1.00 SH). Choral conducting techniques, including cueing, score reading and interpretation, preparation and delivery of choral rehearsals and performances, with emphasis on organization and techniques of conducting choral groups. Introduction to survey of choral literature. Practice in score reading, rehearsal techniques and conducting performances. Prerequisite: MUS 271 with a minimum grade of B-. Note: A letter grade of B- must be attained in MUS 272 in order to count for graduation as a music education major.
MUS 273 Instrumental Conducting (1.00 SH). Instrumental conducting techniques, including cueing, score reading and interpretation, preparation and delivery of instrumental rehearsals and performances, with emphasis on organization and techniques of conducting instrumental groups. Practice in score reading, rehearsal techniques and conducting performances. Participation in weekly 45-minute Instrumental Performance Lab required. Prerequisite: MUS 271 with a minimum grade of B-. Co-requisite: must also register for MUS 600L. Note: A letter grade of B- must be attained in MUS 273 in order to count for graduation as a music education major.
MUS 381 Voice Lessons Required (1.00 SH). Private Lessons
MUS 383 Piano Lessons Required (1.00 SH). Private Lessons
MUS 387 Organ Lessons Required (1.00 SH). Private Lessons
MUS 391 Voice Lessons Perf Required (2.00 SH). Private Lessons
MUS 393 Piano Lessons Perf Required (2.00 SH). Private Lessons
MUS 395 Harp Lessons Perf Required (2.00 SH). Private Lessons
MUS 397 Junior Recital (2.00 SH). Students will write analyses of all pieces on recital, prepare program notes, prepare language translations (where appropriate), and pass a Recital Hearing by the faculty. Prerequisite: permission of program coordinator. Note: will count towards graduation for music performance majors only.
MUS 401 Band (1.00 SH). A marching band during the first half to two-thirds of the Fall Semester and a symphonic band during the remainder of the fall and all of the Spring Semester. The Marching Band performs both corps and traditional style half-time shows at all home and some away football games. The Symphonic Band performs a diverse and challenging repertoire in two concerts each year. Membership in the fully instrumented organization(s) is open to all students of the College. Students desiring partial Intellectual Perspectives (IP) credit in Visual & Performing Arts should register for MUS 401V. Prerequisites: audition and permission of the instructor.
MUS 421 Concert Choir (1.00 SH). The Concert Choir sings traditional, contemporary, and ethnic choral pieces, as well as teaches musicianship and vocal education to its members. The choir participates in the College Vesper services, in the annual Christmas Vesper service, and presents several choral concerts through the year. The Concert Choir tours annually throughout part of the United States or Europe. Students desiring partial Intellectual Perspectives (IP) credit in Visual & Performing Arts should register for MUS 421V. Prerequisites: audition and permission of the instructor.
MUS 425 Opera Workshop (1.00 SH). Study and performance of oratorio and/or opera scenes. Emphasis is on vocal production and acting. This course does not fulfill the large ensemble requirement for music majors. Prerequisites: audition and permission of the instructor.
MUS 430 Westminster College Voices (1.00 SH). Westminster College Voices is a choral ensemble of men and women comprised of music and non-music majors that will essentially function as three vocal entities: an SATB chorus, a men’s chorus, and a women’s chorus. Repertoire will include selections for all three choral types that will perform Western art music, multicultural music, and popular music. The ensemble will participate in the College Vesper services, in the annual Christmas Vesper service, and in additional choral concerts throughout the year. Students desiring partial Intellectual Perspectives (IP) credit in Visual & Performing Arts should register for MUS 430V. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
MUS 441 Orchestra (1.00 SH). A study of representative Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern literature for chamber and symphony orchestra. Several performances are presented each year, one or more of which may utilize student soloists or choral organizations. The orchestra is open to all string players with the director’s permission. Wind and brass musicians must audition. Students desiring partial Intellectual Perspectives (IP) credit in Visual & Performing Arts should register for MUS 441V. Prerequisite: audition and/or permission of the instructor.
MUS 600 Music Colloquium (0.00 SH). Required of all students taking private lessons on primary instruments or voice. Meets twice each week. Co-requisite: must also register for private lessons. Grading is S/U only. May be repeated.
MUS 600M Master Class (0.00 SH). Meets once each week. Performance skills are cultivated. Students of like instruments or voice meet together to perform for and be critiqued publicly by a master teacher. Co-requisite: must also register for private lessons. Note: The grade for MUS 600M will be incorporated into the grade of the appropriate private lesson. May be repeated.
MUS 600P Instrumental Performance Practicum (0.00 SH). For instrumental pedagogy and conducting classes, this lab meets once each week. Performance skills are cultivated. Note: The grade for MUS 600P will be incorporated into the grade of the appropriate pedagogy or conducting class. May be repeated.
MUS 601 Capstone Recital (4.00 SH). Students will prepare a portfolio, write a comprehensive capstone document (analyses of all pieces on recital), prepare program notes, prepare language translations (where appropriate), and pass a Recital Hearing by the faculty. Students performing Capstone Recital within three weeks of the end-of-semester jury will be exempt from performing the jury, except that they will must perform their independently prepared piece for the jury. Prerequisite: permission of department chair.
Imagine yourself a music educator, performer in a symphony orchestra or opera company, college professor, symphony manager, or sales manager for a recording company.
Degree Offered
Bachelor of Music
perttude@westminster.edu
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