Music - Courses in Music Concentrations

Courses in Piano Concentrations

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. Prerequisite: MSC 215 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.

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.

MSC 316. Keyboard Harmony. Score reading and the realization of figured bass at the keyboard, transposition and improvisation. The successful completion of a piano jury is required for admission to the course. 2 credits.

MSC 406. Piano Pedagogy. 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.

MSC 600. Accompanying. 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.

Courses in Voice Concentrations

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.

MSC 326. Vocal Literature. 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.

MSC 327. Vocal Pedagogy. 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.

Courses in Instrumental Concentrations

MSC 345. Advanced Instrumental Conducting. Emphasis on practical work with instrumental groups. Rehearsal techniques are applied through individual experience. Prerequisite: MSC 246 or permssion of the instructor. 2 credits.

MSC 403. Instrumental Pedagogy. 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. 2 credits.

MSC 405. Instrumental Literature. A survey of literature (solo and chamber) that relate to the student's performance area. 2 credits.

MSC 416. Orchestration. 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.

Courses in Organ Concentrations

MSC 351. Organ Literature. A historical survey of representative organ literature from earliest times to the present day. 2 credits.

MSC 352. Organ Pedagogy. Designed with a practial focus, this course surveys various methods of organ teaching. Laboratory teaching and selection of appropriate technical materials for all levels are included. 2 credits.

Courses in Sacred Music Concentrations

MSC 347. Advanced Choral Conducting. Emphasis is on advanced technique with and without baton, score prepareation, interpretation and pedagogy relating to choral organizations. Prerequisite: MSC 246 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.

MSC 351. Organ Literature. A historical survey of representative organ literature from earliest times to the present day. 2 credits.

MSC 422. Church Music Methods and Administration. 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.

Courses in Theory/Composition Concentrations

MSC 315. Counterpoint. Introductory work in strict conterpoint through three- and four-part work in all the species. 2 credits.

MSC 329. Form and Analysis II. 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 328 or permission of instructor. 2 credits.

MSC 530. Individual Instruction. Individual instruction - voice, piano, orchestral, and band instruments. 1 credit.

Courses in Jazz Concentrations

MSC 201. Music of the United States. A historical survey of U.S. music emphasizing stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples from colonial times to the present. Includes American musical theater, jazz, folk and popular styles. Writing process. 3 credits.

MSC 218. Jazz Theory. A study of jazz theory, including notation, extended chords, improvision and practice. Prerequisite: MSC 115, 116 and 215. 2 credits.

MSC 530. Individual Instruction. Individual instruction - voice, piano, orchestral, and band instruments. 1 credit.