This course of beginning voice instruction emphasizes proper breathing and vocal placement. The primary objective of the course is to free the voice.
This course provides beginning piano instruction teaching students basic keyboard skills and concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form. The study of popular music and classical music of the 18th through 20th centuries is included.
This is an introductory classroom instruction in the art of classic guitar playing. It will deal with solo and ensemble performance, technique, music reading, interpretation, stage etiquette, and music literature.
This course takes up the fundamentals of slack key playing. The emphasis is on slack key techniques using the standard G and double slack key tunings. Reading of tablature and the counting of basic rhythms will also be covered. No prior training in any style of guitar playing is required. Students must provide their own guitars.
This course is a continuation of MUS 121B and develops principles of voice production, correct voice placement, breath control, vocal range, diction, dynamics, phrasing, interpretation, and stage presence. Students perform songs of various styles.
"C" or higher in MUS 121B.
May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.
This course is a continuation of MUS 121C to develop more complex keyboard skills and concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form. It includes popular music and classical music.
Approval of instructor.
May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.
This course is a study of folk, pop and rock music of the 20th century. Students will look at important composers, styles and performers in a historical framework. No musical knowledge is required.
This course is a study and performance of choral literature from Renaissance to present. It will include a capella and choral/instrumental repertoire.
May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
This course covers the performance of band literature with emphasis on excellence in musical performance and development of professional musicianship. Class members will participate in rehearsals and concerts.
Approval of instructor.
May be repeated any number of times for credit.
This course provides an opportunity for orchestral musicians to perform repertoire ranging from Renaissance and Baroque to contemporary popular music.
Approval of instructor.
May be repeated any number of times for credit.
This course is the performance of stage band literature from swing to contemporary periods. Students will study jazz concepts, including improvisation. Public performances are required.
Approval of instructor.
May be repeated any number of times for credit.
This course provides students with the opportunity to study vocal and theatrical technique in a musical theatre context.
May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
This course is an engagement in the practice of the components of music, specifically, time, pitch, media, musical expression, and form, and how these interact with each other to comprise a musical experience. The means through which these components will be explored are singing; using rhythm instruments, playing recorder, ukulele, bells, piano, and other classroom instruments; listening as a primary means of engaging the musical mind; movement as a primary means of engaging the kinesthetic and body senses; performing from notation; notating music; and analyzing music aurally and from score.
The course is divided into three parts, and each part constitutes approximately one-third of the semester. Part I focuses on developing aural skills (recognition and notation of intervals, rhythm, and harmony) and the setting of text and music. Part II is a study of standard song structures, harmonic progressions, and notation with the Sibelius music software. Part III will be devoted to song composition. The student will compose at least four songs and notate them with the Sibelius music software.
“C” or higher in MUS 253.
May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.