Music Program
The Bachelor of Arts in music degree is designed for students preparing for a career
in music with a strong liberal arts background. Graduates with Bachelor of Arts
degrees typically apply to graduate schools or set up private teaching studios.
There are eight areas of concentration available within the B.A. program: piano,
organ, voice, instrumental, sacred music, jazz studies, theory or composition.
Students take the following core music classes:
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts with a major in music
Core courses:
*
MSC 099 Recital Attendance| Designed for music majors and minors and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Music core course. Graded pass/fail. May be repeated. 0 credits. |
| A study of the rudiments of music and their notation. Harmonization of melodies and basses with fundamental triads. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: audition for admission or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of diatonic tonal harmony, including all triads and seventh chords, nonharmonic material and elementary modulation. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 115 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| The singing and aural recognition of intervals, scales, triads and simple harmonic progressions. Music core course. Prerequisite: audition for admission or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A continuation of MSC 117, emphasizing clef reading, modality, modulation and more complicated rhythmic devices and harmonic patterns. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 117 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of chromatic tonal harmony, including secondary dominants, augmented sixth chords, tertian extensions, altered chords and advanced modulation. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 116 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of 20th-century compositional techniques, including modal and whole-tone materials, quartal harmony, polychords, atonality, serialism and various rhythmic and metric procedures. Aspects of form and analysis. Prerequisite: MSC 215 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A continuation of MSC 118, emphasizing chromatic materials and more complex modulations, chord types, rhythms and meters. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 118 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A survey course in the history of Western music (in the context of world musics of various cultures), with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples, from early music through the Baroque era. Music core course. 3 credits. |
| A survey course in the history of Western music (in the context of world musics of various cultures), with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples, from the classical period to the present. Music core course. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 5 (Literature and Fine Art). Prerequisite: MSC 101, MSC 115, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits. |
| Principles of conducting and baton technique. Students conduct ensembles derived from class personnel. Music core course. 2 credits. |
*
MSC 530 Individual Instruction| Voice, Piano, Orchestral and Band Instruments; Jazz studies; theory; composition. Additional fees apply. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment restricted to music majors and minors or by permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
*Taken each semester.
Majors will exhibit proficiency at the piano and in voice. To achieve these proficiencies, students must take the following:
MSC 510 Class Piano Instruction I| First course in the sequence designed for music majors with minimal piano skills in preparing for piano proficiency. 1 credit. |
| Second course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 510 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Third course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 511 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Fourth course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 512 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Designed for music majors with minimal vocal skills. Preparation for department voice proficiency requirements. 1 credit. |
One major ensemble taken each semester:
MSC 601 Marching Band| The principal band experience during the fall semester open to all students based on prior experience. Performs for home football games and selected invitationals. Practical lab experience for music education majors. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| The principal band experience during the spring semester, open to all students by audition. The Symphonic Band performs original literature and arrangements of standard repertoire. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Various symphonic literature is studied and performed. In the second semester the orchestra accompanies soloists in a concerto-aria concert and on occasion combines with choral organizations for the performance of a major work. Open to all students by audition. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Open to all students by audition, the Concert Choir performs all types of choral literature. In addition to local concerts, the Choir tours annually. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Open to all students. The College Choir performs all types of choral literature. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
Completion of one of the following concentrations:
Piano Concentration
MSC 306 Piano Literature| A survey of the development of the piano and its literature with emphasis on piano methods books and related materials. 2 credits. |
| Score reading and the realization of figured bass at the keyboard, transposition and improvisation. Prerequisite: The successful completion of a piano proficiency jury is required for admission to the course. 2 credits. |
| A practical course that explores fundamental principles necessary to be an effective piano teacher. Subjects include practice techniques, memorization and the selection of appropriate technical materials for both beginners and advanced students. Laboratory teaching may be required of the student. 2 credits. |
| Under the guidance of piano instructor, the piano concentration student prepares accompaniments for recital performance. One credit per semester is given for one solo recital or two half recitals. A maximum of two credits, usually distributed over the last three years, may be earned. 1-2 credits. |
Voice Concentration
MSC 233 Diction| An introduction to the pronunciation of singer's English, German, French, Italian and Latin, utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet. Required of voice concentration majors, the course is open to other students with permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A survey of solo vocal literature with emphasis on teaching repertoire. Extensive listening is required. Students may have opportunities to perform the works studied. 2 credits. |
| This course prepares the advanced voice student to teach private lessons at the secondary school level. Students are expected to develop vocal exercise procedures, become familiar with suitable teaching repertoire and apply teaching procedures in a laboratory situation. Selected writings in vocal pedagogy and voice therapy will be studied. 2 credits. |
Instrumental Concentration
MSC 345 Adv. Instrumental Conducting| Emphasis on practical work with instrumental groups. Rehearsal techniques are applied through individual experience. Prerequisite: MSC 246 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A survey of teaching materials that relate to the student's performance area. Students may be expected to apply teaching procedures in a laboratory situation. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits. |
| A survey of literature (solo and chamber) that relate to the student's performance area. 2 credits. |
| A study of instrumentation and the devices and techniques for scoring transcriptions, arrangements and solos for orchestra and band, with special emphasis on practical scoring for mixed ensembles as they occur in public schools. Laboratory analysis and performance. Scoring of original works. 2 credits. |
Organ Concentration
MSC 316 Keyboard Harmony| Score reading and the realization of figured bass at the keyboard, transposition and improvisation. Prerequisite: The successful completion of a piano proficiency jury is required for admission to the course. 2 credits. |
| A historical survey of representative organ literature from earliest times to the present day. 2 credits. |
| Designed with a practical focus, this course surveys various methods of organ teaching. Laboratory teaching and selection of appropriate technical materials for all levels are included. 2 credits. |
Sacred Music Concentration
MSC 347 Advanced Choral Conducting| Emphasis is on advanced technique with and without baton, score preparation, interpretation and pedagogy relating to choral organizations. Prerequisite: MSC 246 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A course that acquaints students with the church music program. Includes the development of a choir program, methods and techniques of rehearsal, budget preparation, and committee and pastoral relationships. 3 credits. |
One of:
MED 334 Choral Literature & Methods| A study of literature, materials and approaches appropriate for choral and general music classes in grades 5-12. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. 3 credits. |
| A historical survey of representative organ literature from earliest times to the present day. 2 credits. |
Theory Concentration
The theory concentration students will take 530 private applied each semsester. Theory concentration students will also take at least one 530 individual instruction theory credit in the senior year.
MSC 216 Music Theory IV| A study of 20th-century compositional techniques, including modal and whole-tone materials, quartal harmony, polychords, atonality, serialism and various rhythmic and metric procedures. Aspects of form and analysis. Prerequisite: MSC 215 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| Introductory work in strict counterpoint through three- and four-part work in all the species. 2 credits. |
| An advanced course in analysis, focusing on the methodologies and concepts of music design originated by the Austrian theorist Heinrich Schenker. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate use of symbols and terminology in the reading and construction of graphs of complete tonal compositions. Prerequisite: MSC 216 or permission of instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of instrumentation and the devices and techniques for scoring transcriptions, arrangements and solos for orchestra and band, with special emphasis on practical scoring for mixed ensembles as they occur in public schools. Laboratory analysis and performance. Scoring of original works. 2 credits. |
| Voice, Piano, Orchestral and Band Instruments; Jazz studies; theory; composition. Additional fees apply. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment restricted to music majors and minors or by permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
Jazz Concentration
Students in the jazz studies concentration will take 530 private applied each semester. They will also take at least three credits of 530 jazz studies starting in the junior year.
MSC 201 Music of the United States| One of the central concerns of this course is the ability of music to represent American identity. Of particular interest are the historic contributions of minority peoples, particularly African Americans, to the rich diversity of musical styles in the United States. This course considers the importance of geographic and ethnic origins of a particular musical style as well as the consequences of a market-driven music industry which historically has privileged some people groups over others. Fulfills general education requirement: American Social Diversity.Writing Process. 3 credits. |
| A study of jazz theory, including notation, extended chords, improvision and practice. Prerequisites: MSC 115, MSC 116 and MSC 215. 2 credits. |
| A study of instrumentation and the devices and techniques for scoring transcriptions, arrangements and solos for orchestra and band, with special emphasis on practical scoring for mixed ensembles as they occur in public schools. Laboratory analysis and performance. Scoring of original works. 2 credits. |
| Voice, Piano, Orchestral and Band Instruments; Jazz studies; theory; composition. Additional fees apply. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment restricted to music majors and minors or by permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
Composition Concentration
The compostions concentration students will take 530 private applied each semester. Compostion concentration students will also take at least cour credits of 530 individual instruction compostions starting no later than the junior year.
MSC 216 Music Theory IV| A study of 20th-century compositional techniques, including modal and whole-tone materials, quartal harmony, polychords, atonality, serialism and various rhythmic and metric procedures. Aspects of form and analysis. Prerequisite: MSC 215 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| Introductory work in strict counterpoint through three- and four-part work in all the species. 2 credits. |
| An advanced course in analysis, focusing on the methodologies and concepts of music design originated by the Austrian theorist Heinrich Schenker. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate use of symbols and terminology in the reading and construction of graphs of complete tonal compositions. Prerequisite: MSC 216 or permission of instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of instrumentation and the devices and techniques for scoring transcriptions, arrangements and solos for orchestra and band, with special emphasis on practical scoring for mixed ensembles as they occur in public schools. Laboratory analysis and performance. Scoring of original works. 2 credits. |
| Voice, Piano, Orchestral and Band Instruments; Jazz studies; theory; composition. Additional fees apply. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment restricted to music majors and minors or by permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |