Music Courses 2008-2009
Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.
MUS 000 Concert and Convocation Attendance 0 credits
Designed to encourage concert and convocation attendance as a means of learning about music literature and style, performance practice, and topics of interest to musicians. Attending 75% of the posted events in each semester (as either listener or performer) qualifies as a “Satisfactory” grade. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
MUS 100 Fundamentals of Music 3 credits
An introduction to music literacy and theory. Students acquire basic skills of reading, writing, and performing music and gain an understanding of scales, intervals, chords, and transposition. The course is open to students with little or no musical background.
MUS 101 Orchestra 1 credit
Open to all who play orchestral instruments and who wish to experience playing orchestral music. The course includes the study and performance of orchestral literature.
MUS 102 Band 1/2-1 credit
Open to all who play band instruments. The course includes the study and performance of marching and symphonic band literature. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition. Credit is determined by the type of ensemble and amount of rehearsal time.
MUS 104 Chorus 1/2-1 credit
An opportunity for participation in a vocal ensemble. The WSC Concert Choir performs choral masterworks from all historical periods of music and also performs major works as part of the WSC College-Community Choir. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition. Credit is determined by the type of ensemble and amount of rehearsal time.
MUS 105 Opera 1 credit
Designed to provide experience in musical-dramatic activities. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisite: admission by campus-wide audition.
MUS 121 Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music 1/2-1 credit
Designed to give the student-musician rehearsal and performance experience in the area of ensemble and chamber music. Includes the Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, String, and Jazz Ensembles, as well as Chamber Singers, and additional small ensembles. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition. Credit is determined by the type of ensemble and amount of rehearsal time.
MUS 129 Theory of Music I 3 credits
A study of how the sounds of music are notated on paper. This course concentrates on rudiments such as scales, meter, rhythm, pitch intervals, key signatures, simple chord building, and voice leading. (Offered fall) Prerequisite: MUS 100 or the equivalent.
MUS 130 Theory of Music Laboratory I 1 credit
Designed to enhance and build on the musical skills and knowledge learned in MUS 129. Students learn to perform music at sight. Students learn to sight-sing, play the recorder, and develop harmonic patterns at the piano keyboard. (Offered spring) Prerequisite: MUS 129 with minimum grade of “C.” Corequisite: MUS 131.
MUS 131 Theory of Music II 3 credits
A study of how the sounds of music are notated on paper. This course builds on knowledge gained in MUS 129 and introduces non-chord tones; cadences, phrases, and periods; and tonicization and rudimentary counterpoint. (Offered spring) Prerequisite: MUS 129 with minimum grade of “C.” Corequisite: MUS 130.
MUS 140 Introduction to Music 3 credits
A study of the elements of musical structure designed to form a basis for intelligent listening. Music is selected to illustrate representative styles of music from different historical periods and world cultures. Required of Music majors and minors during their freshman year.
MUS 173 Piano Class 1 credit
Beginning piano.
MUS 174 Piano Class 1 credit
A continuation of MUS 173.
MUS 180 Piano 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 181 Organ 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisite: at least four years of private piano study.
MUS 182 Voice 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 183 Violin 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 184 Viola 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 185 Cello 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 186 Contra Bass 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 187 Flute 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 188 Oboe 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 189 Clarinet 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 190 Bassoon 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 191 Saxophone 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 192 Trumpet 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 193 French Horn 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 194 Trombone 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 195 Baritone 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 196 Tuba 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 197 Special Topics 1-6 credits
MUS 198 Percussion 1-2 credits
Private instruction.
MUS 213 Woodwind Methods (with laboratory) 1 credit
Designed to cover basic performing skills and teaching techniques for all woodwind instruments. Emphasis is on application in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (spring 2010).
MUS 214 Brass Methods (with laboratory) 1 credit
Designed to cover basic performing skills and teaching techniques for all brass instruments. Emphasis is on application in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (fall 2009).
MUS 215 String Methods (with laboratory) 1 credit
Instruction in violin, viola, violoncello and bass for the Music Education student. Emphasis is on application in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (fall 2008).
MUS 216 Percussion Methods (with laboratory) 1 credit
An introduction to the basic percussion instruments with special attention given to standard and contemporary performance techniques and sound production. Emphasis is on application in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (spring 2009).
MUS 217 Voice Methods (with laboratory) 1 credit
A study of tone production, breathing as applied to singing, attack and release, muscular control, posture, and vocal health. Special exercises adapted to individual needs of pupils and simple English songs are sung in the class. Emphasis is on basic skills and techniques for use with young voices in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (fall 2009).
MUS 240 Perspectives in Music: Jazz History/Music in Media/Women in Music/other selected topics 3 credits
A study of a specific perspective or repertory of music and its relationship to other aspects of musical culture. Historical, sociological, and multicultural influences and implications, are also considered. The course may be taken two times (with different titles) for credit.
MUS 250 Beginning Conducting: Choral and Instrumental 2 credits
A study of the basic techniques of conducting, score reading, beat patterns, rehearsal procedures, and style in the instrumental and vocal media. Emphasis is placed on physical exercises, coordination, and the development of fundamental baton techniques. Students conduct in class and observe rehearsal situations with the College ensembles. Offered in alternate years (fall 2008). Prerequisites: MUS 130 and MUS 131 with minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 254 Theory of Music III 3 credits
A study of how the sounds of music are notated on paper. This course builds on knowledge gained in MUS 131 and takes students into modulation, chromaticism, and extension of tertian harmony. Offered in fall semesters. Prerequisites: MUS 130 and MUS 131 with minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 255 Theory of Music Laboratory II 1 credit
Further development of skills as practical applications of material studied in MUS 131 and 254: aural skills, sight-singing, playing the recorder, and developing harmonic patterns at the piano keyboard in both electronic and acoustic labs. Offered in spring semesters. Prerequisite: MUS 254 with minimum grade of “C.” Corequisite: MUS 256.
MUS 256 Theory of Music IV 3 credits
A study of how the sounds of music are notated on paper. This course builds on knowledge gained in MUS 254 and introduces the practices of 20th-century music. Offered in spring semesters. Prerequisite: MUS 254 with minimum grade of “C.” Corequisite: MUS 255.
MUS 275 Piano Class 1 credit
A continuation of MUS 174.
MUS 276 Piano Class 1 credit
A continuation of MUS 275.
MUS 285 Pedagogy for the Applied Instrument or Voice 2 credits
The student becomes acquainted with the methods and materials to be used in the teaching of music students, in both private and class situations.
MUS 290 Introduction to Improvisation 1 credit
An introduction to improvisation for singers and instrumentalists including improvisational experiences in a variety of styles (jazz, classical, and other), integration of music theory with improvisation, and methods of teaching improvisation. Required of majors in the Music Education Emphasis. Offered in alternate years (spring 2008). Prerequisites: MUS 130 and MUS 131 with a minimum grade of “C”, or instructor permission.
MUS 292 Independent Study 1-3 credits
MUS 297 Special Topics 1-6 credits
MUS 301 Orchestra 1 credit
Open to all who play orchestral instruments and who wish to experience playing orchestral music. The course includes the study and performance of orchestral literature. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 101; instructor permission.
MUS 302 Band 1/2-1 credit
Open to all who play band instruments. The course includes the study and performance of marching and symphonic band literature. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition. Credit is determined by the type of ensemble and amount of rehearsal time. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 102; instructor permission.
MUS 304 Chorus 1/2-1 credit
An opportunity for participation in a vocal ensemble. The WSC Concert Choir performs choral masterworks from all historical periods of music and also performs major works as part of the WSC College-Community Choir. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition. Credit is determined by the type of ensemble and amount of rehearsal time. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 104; instructor permission.
MUS 305 Opera 1 credit
Designed to provide experience in musical-dramatic activities. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisites: admission by campus-wide audition; junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 105; instructor permission.
MUS 306 Piano Ensemble 1 credit
Designed to acquaint the piano student with ensemble repertoire and performance traditions. Prerequisite: four credits of piano private study or equivalent performance background.
MUS 311 Principles and Techniques of Composition 3 credits
A study of the basic principles of composition. Harmonic, contrapuntal, and formal structures of various stylistic periods are employed. Prerequisites: MUS 255 and MUS 256 with minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 312 Introduction to Music Technology 1 credits
Designed to acquaint students with music technology hardware (including MIDI—Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and a variety of software programs to enhance learning, teaching, and performing situations at all ages and levels. Students have the opportunity to work with available equipment. Offered in alternate years (fall 2009). Prerequisite: MUS 254 with a minimum grade of “C” or instructor permission.
MUS 320 Scoring 2 credits
A study of techniques of arranging for instrumental and vocal ensembles. Prerequisite: MUS 256 with minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 321 Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music 1/2-1 credit
Designed to give the student-musician rehearsal and performance experience in the area of ensemble and chamber music. Includes the Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, String, and Jazz Ensembles, as well as Chamber Singers and additional small ensembles. Membership is open to Music Majors and non-Music Majors by audition. Credit is determined by the type of ensemble and amount of rehearsal time. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 121; instructor permission.
MUS 350 Advanced Conducting: Choral and Instrumental 2 credits
A study of advanced techniques of conducting, score reading, musical style, materials, and repertoire in the instrumental and vocal media. Emphasis is placed on physical exercises and coordination of the mind and hands, as well as musical terms necessary for proper interpretation of musical scores. Students conduct in both class and laboratory situations with College ensembles. Offered in alternate years (spring 2009). Prerequisites: MUS 250 with minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 352 History of Music 3 credits
A study of the development of music from Antiquity through the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Emphasis is placed on acquaintance with the music literature of successive periods. Offered in alternate years (fall 2009). Prerequisites: Music major or minor status; MUS 140.
MUS 353 History of Music 3 credits
A study of the development of music from the Classical and Romantic periods to the present. Emphasis is placed on acquaintance with the music literature of successive periods. Offered in alternate years (spring 2010). Prerequisites: Music major or minor status; MUS 140.
MUS 355 Counterpoint 2 credits
A study of contrapuntal techniques necessary to compose polyphonic music in two, three, four, or more parts. Prerequisites: MUS 255 and MUS 256 with minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 360 Teaching General Music in Elementary Schools 1 credit
A study of the teaching of general music in the elementary classroom. Acquaints Music Education majors with methods of teaching the elements of music, working with children’s voices, using instruments, and developing listening skills. Current approaches such as Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly, and Suzuki are also addressed. Students survey elementary music texts and learn how to develop and plan a music program. Offered in alternate years (fall 2008). Prerequisites: MUS 250 with a minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 365 Methods and Philosophy of Teaching and Supervising Instrumental Music in the Public Schools: K-12 3 credits
A study of the supervision, organization, and administration of instrumental music in the public schools, K-12, providing background and experience with the philosophical, historical, and practical foundation of instrumental music in the public schools. Emphasis is placed upon contemporary methodology, all aspects of teaching and conducting activities in instrumental music, comprehensive musicianship through performance, and preparation for student teaching. Offered in alternate years (fall 2008). Prerequisites: MUS 250 with a minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 370 Methods and Philosophy of Teaching and Supervising Vocal and General Music in the Public Schools: K-12 3 credits
An intensive study of materials and methods for teaching vocal and general music in the elementary and secondary school, plus objectives, organization, administration, curriculum content, guidance for student teachers, and background in contemporary trends in music education for all age levels, K-12. Offered in alternate years (spring 2009). Prerequisites: MUS 250 with a minimum grade of “C.”
MUS 380 Piano 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 180; instructor permission.
MUS 381 Organ 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisite: at least four years of piano study; junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 181; instructor permission.
MUS 382 Voice 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 182; instructor permission.
MUS 383 Violin 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 183; instructor permission.
MUS 384 Viola 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 184; instructor permission.
MUS 385 Cello 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 185; instructor permission.
MUS 386 Contra Bass 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 186; instructor permission.
MUS 387 Flute 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 187; instructor permission.
MUS 388 Oboe 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 188; instructor permission.
MUS 389 Clarinet 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 189; instructor permission.
MUS 390 Bassoon 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 190; instructor permission.
MUS 391 Saxophone 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 191; instructor permission.
MUS 392 Trumpet 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 192; instructor permission.
MUS 393 French Horn 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 193; instructor permission.
MUS 394 Trombone 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 194; instructor permission.
MUS 395 Baritone 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 195; instructor permission.
MUS 396 Tuba 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 196; instructor permission.
MUS 397 Special Topics 1-6 credits
MUS 398 Percussion 1-2 credits
Private instruction. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 198; instructor permission.
MUS 400 Senior Recital / Senior Project 0 credits
Students demonstrate competency in an area of performance, research, composition, or music technology. Senior projects may include a research project, composition, music technology project, or non-credit internship. Graded Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: senior standing and consent of faculty advisor.
MUS 424 Band Literature 2 credits
A study and analysis of the literature available to the concert band and the various types of large wind ensembles.
MUS 426 Literature for the Applied Instrument or Voice 2 credits
An historical study of the standard repertoire for the applied instrument or voice.
MUS 429 Diction for Singers 2 credits
A basic course in Italian, German, and French diction designed for voice students. Foreign language diction are studied in selected vocal repertoire.
MUS 488 Composition 3 credits
Students write original compositions for solo or ensemble performing media.
MUS 490 Workshop in Music 1-6 credits
A study of topics related to music study suitable for workshop format. Includes discussion, practice, and demonstration.
MUS 491 Seminar in Research 2 credits
Senior students research and write papers in the area of music appropriate to their courses of study. Offered in alternate years (spring 2010).
MUS 492 Independent Study 1-4 credits
A special study in areas of student interest. May be taken for a maximum of four credits.
MUS 497 Special Topics 1-6 credits
MUS 499 Internship in Music 1-12 credits
An internship may be arranged in this course. Credit earned in this course may be applied to the major or minor with faculty approval. Consult advisor for details.