Department Head: Dr. Renée Baptiste
272 Mason Hall
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music
Mission
The mission of the department is to develop musicians who are aware of the past, engaged in the present, embracing the future, and capable of leading and making musical contributions in whatever community or walk of life they choose. We offer professional training and promote scholarship among students in the discipline of music, sharing the expertise of our faculty in the training of music educators, scholars and performers. We recognize the interdependence among performance studies, music education and the theoretical and historical aspects of musical study, and we strive to instill excellence in each of these areas. We provide leadership for the region and serve the musical needs of the University, the general college student, campus cultural goals and the larger surrounding community through ensembles, solo performances and curricular offerings.
The Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with three concentrations.
- Concentration One in Music Education fulfills the requirements for the professional certificate to teach music in Alabama public schools on both the elementary and secondary levels.
- Concentration Two in General Music offers a program designed for the study of music within a liberal arts curriculum.
- Concentration Three in Music offers performance programs for instrumental, jazz, piano or voice.
Eligibility requirements: Students seeking to pursue a degree in Music must be determined as eligible for the program. Eligibility requirements include:
- a formal audition in the student's primary performance medium (vocal or instrumental)
- theory and keyboard examinations
- evaluation of the student's potential for success by a faculty committee
The procedures are in addition to University admission requirements. Music auditions and examinations may be arranged through the Music Office. A program assessment review will be accomplished at the end of the sophomore year to determine eligibility to advance to upper division level music studies.
Music Electives for Non-Music Majors
All ensembles (Marching Southerners, concert bands, choirs, orchestra, jazz groups, etc.) and MU 233 Introduction to Music (3) are available to any student in the University. These classes and performing groups are designed to meet the needs of the general student who wishes to continue their musical development and involvement, and/or increase his or her appreciation and understanding of music.
- Music - Music Education - Instrumental (Bachelor of Arts)
- Music - Music Education - Vocal (Bachelor of Arts)
- Music - General Music (Bachelor of Arts)
- Music - Instrumental Performance (Bachelor of Arts)
- Music - Jazz Performance (Bachelor of Arts)
- Music - Piano Performance (Bachelor of Arts)
- Music - Vocal Performance (Bachelor of Arts)
- Jazz Studies Minor
- Music Minor
- Music Technology Minor for General Music Majors
- Music Technology Minor for Non-Music Majors
Applied Music and Performance
Courses in applied music include individual and class instruction in voice, piano, or band and orchestral instruments. The student may elect that area of individual instruction best adapted to his/her own individual needs. Class instruction is designed to cover all phases and activities of vocal and instrumental music to ensure that the student receives a practical and broad musical experience.
Music majors must pass an audition and be accepted to the department for the first course attempted in any primary applied music area, and performance examinations are given at the end of each semester. Non-music majors may take secondary applied with permission of the instructor.
All students majoring in music will appear in recital performance. Specific degree requirements concerning recital performance may be obtained from the academic advisor. The academic advisor reserves the right to advise individual students to suit individual needs.
Applied music courses are available to all university enrolled students regardless of major or minor. Entrance to each of the courses, however, is determined by a placement test prior to the student’s registration to determine ability to study at the undergraduate level and requires permission of the individual instructor. Students enrolled in applied music courses will meet public performance recital requirements and end of semester music jury performance examinations as specified by the instructor.
Music Theory and Literature
Music Education and General Music majors are required to complete six semesters of MU 104 Concerts and Recitals (0), Performance majors are required to complete eight semesters of MU 104 Concerts and Recitals (0), and minors are required to complete two semesters of MU 104 Concerts and Recitals (0). Requirements for this course for transfer students are determined by the department head based upon a review of the transcript.
Music Ensembles (MU)
Music majors must be enrolled in an ensemble approved by the major area every semester until minimum totals are reached; however, specific areas dictate or restrict which of these ensembles may be counted for credit toward the degree. Only one ensemble per semester will count toward the required minimum. Students should consult the music advisor for specific information regarding which ensembles count toward the minimum total. Students are urged to take no more than two ensembles per semester. No student may participate in any ensemble for which he or she is not duly and properly registered.
Course Descriptions
MU 101 Music Theory (3)
Prerequisite(s): Ability to read music.
Corequisite(s): MU 111.
(Theory and Literature) Music fundamentals, including written skills, keys, scales, intervals, triads, and elementary harmonic movement.
MU 102 Music Theory (3)
MU 104 Concerts and Recitals (0)
(Theory and Literature) Applied students must attend a specified number of department-sponsored or off-campus concerts, recitals, or approved performances each semester. This course number may be repeated for a total of eight (8) times.
MU 111 Aural Skills (1)
(Theory and Literature) The development of musicianship skills particularly through singing and aural dictation.
MU 112 Aural Skills (1)
MU 113 Secondary Applied Music (2)
(Performance and Applied Music) These courses are available so that students, upon the approval of the instructor and the department head, may broaden their performance skills in a secondary area in addition to the primary area. Students needing additional skill development on a particular instrument may enroll in Secondary Applied Music in preparation for taking courses at the Primary Applied level. May be repeated for a total of six (6) times.
MU 132 Orchestra (1)
(Large Ensemble) An ensemble performing repertoire for the standard symphony orchestra of strings, winds and percussion instruments. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 134 Primary Applied Music (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Performance and Applied Music) For Music majors and minors. Primary Applied Music includes mastery of etudes (studies), significant music literature and improvisation. Public performance is a required component of the course. May be repeated for a total of four (4) times.
MU 138 Gospel Choir (1)
(Small Ensemble) A vocal ensemble performing works in the style of the African-American gospel tradition. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 146 Small Chamber Music Ensemble (1)
(Small Ensemble) Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 148 Wind Ensemble (1)
(Large Ensemble) A large ensemble performing works of the standard band repertoire. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 150 Technology in Music (1)
(Professional Preparation) An introduction to basic software programs used in music applications including musical notation and aural skills as well as those found in educational settings.
MU 162 Chamber Singers (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) An auditioned mixed vocal ensemble of limited size performing a varied repertoire drawn from the Renaissance to the present. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 168 Percussion Ensemble (1)
(Small Ensemble) An ensemble performing works written for mixed percussion groupings. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 169 Basic Piano Skills (1)
(Professional Preparation) Designed for music majors with minimal keyboard ability who are unable, through placement exam, to enter Class Piano I (MU 170).
MU 170 Class Piano I (1)
Prerequisite(s): Placement and approval of instructor.
(Professional Preparation) A course designed to assist student in acquiring basic keyboard facility through mastery of diatonic chords, scales, sight reading and improvisation.
MU 171 Class Piano II (1)
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of MU 170.
(Professional Preparation) A course designed to assist student in continued improvement in keyboard skills in order to complete the desired level of proficiency.
MU 180 Class Piano Repertoire I (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Professional Preparation) Designed to broaden the knowledge of piano literature for pianists who are able to pass Class Piano II (MU 171).
MU 181 Class Piano Repertoire II (1)
MU 182 Accompanying (1)
(Small Ensemble) A performance course for pianists in practicing skills necessary for collaborative experiences with vocalists and/or instrumentalists. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 183 Jazz Piano (1)
(Professional Preparation) Introduction and development of keyboard skills necessary to construct piano acommpaniments in the jazz idiom using a progression of chord symbols or a lead sheet. Students will become familiar with standard jazz chord symbols; learn rootless, open, and modal voicing concepts; students will perform an improvised solo in the right hand while comping with the left on repertoire covered in class.
MU 188 Applied Ensemble (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Small Ensemble) An ensemble for miscellaneous instrumental groupings. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 189 Marching Band Colorguard Techniques (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of Instructor.
(Large Ensemble) As an auditioned ensemble, the colorguard, as part of the Marching Southerners, focuses on flag, rifle, and sabre techniques. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 192 Marching Southerners (1)
(Large Ensemble) The primary uniformed instrumental marching unit. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 193 Chamber Winds (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) The premier auditioned large wind ensemble. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 196 Chorus (1)
(Large Ensemble) A large mixed choral ensemble specializing in performance of masterworks compositions. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 198 Marching Ballerinas (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) An auditioned female dance ensemble which performs in conjunction with Marching Southerners. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 201 Music Theory (3)
MU 202 Music Theory (3)
MU 203 History of American Jazz (3)
(Theory and Literature) A comprehensive, formalized study of American Jazz Masterpieces from 1900 to the present.
MU 206 Steel Band (1)
(Small Ensemble) Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 207 Jazz Combo (1)
(Small Ensemble) A small instrumental ensemble specializing in jazz performance. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 210 Conducting (2)
MU 211 Aural Skills (1)
MU 212 Aural Skills (1)
MU 218 A Cappella Choir (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) An auditioned mixed vocal ensemble performing choral works representative of all periods and genres. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours
MU 233 Introduction to Music (3)
(Theory and Literature) Music fundamentals, literature, and appreciation. Meets Area II General Studies Requirement for majors other than music. Music majors and minors must take MU 237.
MU 236 Honors Introduction to Music (3)
(Theory and Literature) Substitutes for MU 233. Advanced study in basic music literature from pre-Baroque to present stressing development of recognition of various styles, genres, and musical forms through individualized listening activities.
MU 237 Advanced Intro to Music (WI) (3)
Prerequisite(s): EH 102 or equivalent, MU 102, and MU 112.
(Theory and Literature) Substitutes for MU 233. Advanced study in basic music literature from pre-Baroque to present, stressing development of recognition of various styles, genres and musical forms through individualized listening activities. (Writing Intensive Course)
MU 240 Introduction to Music Industry (3)
Essential information for future music entrepreneurs including tax and finance information, contracts, social media, marketing, crowd funding, and copyright law and legal issues.
MU 244 Introduction to Music Educ (2)
(Professional Preparation) An introduction to current issues in the teaching field of music including a series of supervised in-school observational experiences.
MU 250 Symphonic Band (1)
(Large Ensemble) A large instrumental ensemble performing standard band repertoire. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 252 Lyric Theatre Workshop (1)
(Small Ensemble) A course emphasizing the vocal aspects of theatrical musical productions. May be duplicated for credit for a total of four (8) semester hours.
MU 253 Opera Workshop (1)
(Professional Preparation) A course emphasizing the technical aspects of theatrical musical productions. May be duplicated for a total of (8) semester hours.
MU 260 Class Guitar (1)
(Professional Preparation) A beginning class introducing basic skills on the guitar such as tuning, reading easy music, development of strummed and finger style accompaniments to songs, as well as a basic vocabulary of chord positions.
MU 279 Jazz Ensemble (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) A large ensemble performing jazz in the big band style. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 295 Show Choir (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
(Small Ensemble) An auditioned vocal ensemble presenting popular and show style repertoire, often utilizing choreographed movement and dance. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 297 Study Abroad (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of academic advisor and pre-approval by department head prior to registration.
Individual study abroad through a JSU-sponsored program as administered by International Programs; pre-approval within specific disciplines required. May be repeated for credit for a total of 15 semester hours. Grades: Pass/Fail.
MU 298 Mid-degree Assessment Review (0)
(Professional Preparation) An assessment of the student's progress and potential for successful completion of the degree requirements.
MU 300 Junior Recital (0)
(Performance and Applied Music) Junior Recital is designed to be taken concurrently during the sixth semester of primary applied music during which the junior recital is presented.
MU 301 Music Theory (WI) (2)
Prerequisite(s): MU 202.
(Theory and Literature) Calligraphic studies in counterpoint and studies of the organizing principles of music composition, their interactions in musical forms, and their functions in different styles. (Writing Intensive Course)
MU 302 Music Theory (2)
Prerequisite(s): MU 202.
(Theory and Literature) The study of tonal counterpoint which pertains to the art of combining two or more independent musical lines to create a rhythmically and harmonically coherent musical fabric consistent with common practices of tonal composition.
MU 306 Music Education for Exceptional Children and Youth (3)
(Theory and Literature) For the prospective K-12 music educator of general, choral or instrumental music. This course serves to provide the strategies, techniques and resources needed to effectively teach students of varying exceptionalities. Special focus will be placed on the necessary knowledge, skills and dispositions required for special needs teaching. Pertinent topics include the accomodation of modification of music course contest to best address the learning needs of students with disabilities. In addition, current legal issues, trends and topics in special education will be covered.
MU 313 Secondary Applied Music (2)
(Performance and Applied Music) These courses are available so that students, upon the approval of the instructor and the department head, may broaden their performance skills in a secondary area in addition to the primary area. Students needing additional skill development on a particular instrument may enroll in Secondary Applied Music in preparation for taking courses at the Primary Applied level. May be repeated for a total of six (6) times.
MU 315 Arranging (1)
Prerequisite(s): MU 150 and MU 102.
(Professional Preparation) A practical exploration of the techniques of arranging music for instruments and voices, with special focus on adapting various genres of music to fit the needs and abilities of differing education levels including school performing groups, individual instruction, and classroom situations.
MU 316 Arranging and Orchestration (2)
Prerequisite(s): MU 150.
(Professional Preparation) A practical exploration of the techniques of writing and arranging music for instruments.
MU 317 Choral Arranging (2)
Prerequisite(s): MU 150.
(Professional Preparation) Arranging and writing choral music for a variety of choral combinations and sizes with emphasis on those found in school and community settings.
MU 318 Marching Band Techniques (2)
(Professional Preparation) A study of various styles including the formulation of drill and show writing for bands of varying sizes and abilities.
MU 320 Piano Pedagogy Fundamentals (2)
(Professional Preparation) Fundamentals in forming a teaching philosophy, surveying methods for beginners, and organizing an independent studio (business and professional aspects).
MU 332 Orchestra (1)
(Large Ensemble) An ensemble performing repertoire for the standard symphony orchestra of strings, winds and percussion instruments. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 334 Primary Applied Music (2)
Prerequisite(s): MU 134 (4 semesters), MU 171, MU 202, MU 212, MU 298, EH 102, MS 110 or higher, and approval of instructor.
(Performance and Applied Music) For Music majors and minors. Primary Applied Music includes mastery of etudes (studies), significant music literature and improvisation. Public performance is a required component of the course. May be repeated for a total of four (4) times.
MU 338 Gospel Choir (1)
(Small Ensemble) A vocal ensemble performing works in the style of the African-American gospel tradition. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours. For Music majors and minors.
MU 346 Small Chamber Music Ensemble (1)
(Small Ensemble) Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 348 Wind Ensemble (1)
(Large Ensemble) A large ensemble performing works of the standard band repertoire. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours. For Music majors and minors.
MU 350 Advanced Technology (1)
(Professional Preparation) An exploration of advanced music software programs, including digital audio workstations used in professional digital recording and MIDI realization studios, and an introduction to audio recording techniques and the fundamentals of building a personal home or professional studio.
MU 354 The History of the Music Industry (2)
Prerequisite(s): MU 240.
For the Music Industry, the lessons of the past have never been more relevant. We will study the twists and turns of the Music Industry, from its beginning in live performance and the creation and distribution of recorded music to the near total destruction of the industry in the early 2000s and its rebirth in a digital world.
MU 355 Music Licensing and Intellectual Property (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 240.
Once music has been created, it should be protected. In this course we will discuss the copyright protections of intellectual property and the many different types of contracts used to license intellectual property including performance, television, film, and other medium.
MU 356 Contemporary Issues in the Music Industry (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 240.
The Industry of Music is rapidly changing. In this course, we discuss the most recent and current issues facing the music industry including the technology of recorded music, the protections of copyright, and first amendment issues.
MU 357 Arts Management and Concert Production (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 240.
As arts organizations become increasingly complex, they will demand knowledgeable and skilled individuals with an aesthetic sensibility, business acumen, and a keen understanding of current issues and trends that are relevant to those organizations’ health, prosperity, and in some cases, survival. This course will equip students with the necessary skills to successfully fill these roles in arts management.
MU 360 Class Voice I (1)
(Professional Preparation) Introduces the art of singing, including breath control, pronunciation, use and care of the vocal instrument, and repertoire.
MU 361 Class Voice II (1)
Prerequisite(s): MU 360.
(Professional Preparation) Continues instruction in the art of singing, including breath control, pronunciation, use and care of the vocal instrument, and repertoire.
MU 362 Chamber Singers (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. An auditioned mixed vocal ensemble of limited size performing a varied repertoire drawn from the Renaissance to the present. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours
MU 363 Class Voice Pedagogy (1)
(Professional Preparation) A study of methods of vocal training with emphasis on vocal health and development for amateur and school-aged singers.
MU 365 Diction I (1)
(Professional Preparation) A study and practice of the phonetic sounds used in singing English and Italian languages. Course offered in Fall Semester only.
MU 366 Diction II (1)
Prerequisite(s): MU 365.
(Professional Preparation) A study and practice of the phonetic sounds used in singing French and German languages. Course offered in Spring semester only.
MU 367 Diction III (1)
Prerequisite(s): MU 365.
(Professional Preparation) A performance application of phonetic articulation in English, French, Italian and German languages.
MU 368 Percussion Ensemble (1)
(Small Ensemble) An ensemble performing works written for mixed percussion groupings. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours. For Music majors and minors.
MU 370 Keyboard Harmony and Accompaniment I (1)
Prerequisite(s): MU 171.
(Professional Preparation) A course designed to expand keyboard skills to include use of harmonic structures in accompaniments, sight reading, improvisation and simple repertoire.
MU 371 Keyboard Harmony and Accompaniment II (1)
MU 375 Drum & Bugle Corps (1)
MU 378 Instrumental Pedagogy Lab (1)
MU 379 Vocal Pedagogy Lab (1)
MU 380 Class Woodwinds (1)
(Professional Preparation) Basic playing skills and teaching strategies of the flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, and saxophone for the music educator.
MU 381 Class Brass (1)
(Professional Preparation) Designed for music education majors, this course explores the rudiments of brass playing through practice on at least two different brass instruments. Basic concepts such as breathing, embouchure, and articulation are discussed from a pedagogical standpoint, and students articulate their understanding of these concepts by conducting the class through exercise material.
MU 382 Accompanying (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 237.
This course will use a textbook, source readings, recordings, videos and scores to understand music written for piano accompanying and collaborative arts. This course is infrequently scheduled and is subject to minimum and maximum numbers.
MU 384 Beginning Band Foundations (1)
(Professional Preparation) Instruction techniques for teaching beginning bands including appropriate repertoire, methods, procedures, and scheduling.
MU 385 General Instrumental Tech (1)
(Professional Preparation) An introduction to basic performance skills in major instrumental families (brass, woodwind, percussion). Designed for music majors in vocal/choral concentration.
MU 386 Jazz Pedagogy (1)
A course for the study of jazz pedagogy. Students will listen and react critically to important jazz recordings, learn pertinent terms, observe jazz band directors and react to their teaching methods, identify jazz literature for public school performances, conduct college jazz band rehearsal(s), grantwriting, and how to implement a jazz program in schools. (Professional)
MU 388 Applied Ensemble (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
(Small Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. An ensemble for miscellaneous instrumental groupings. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 389 Marching Band Colorguard Techniques (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of Instructor.
(Large Ensemble) As an auditioned ensemble, the colorguard, as part of the Marching Southerners, focuses on flag, rifle, and sabre techniques. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 390 Class Strings (1)
(Professional Preparation) Gives a practical understanding of how to teach an orchestral string instrument, including the basic principles of tone production, bowing technique, and establishing good playing practices.
MU 391 Class Percussion (1)
(Professional Preparation) Introduces the fundamental techniques of percussion instruments for the music educator.
MU 392 Marching Southerners (1)
(Large Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. The primary uniformed instrumental marching unit. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 393 Chamber Winds (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. The premier auditioned large wind ensemble. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 396 Chorus (1)
(Large Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. A large mixed choral ensemble specializing in performance of masterworks compositions. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 398 Marching Ballerinas (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) An auditioned female dance ensemble which performs in conjunction with Marching Southerners. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 399 Study Tour (3)
(Theory and Literature) Topics, excursions, and requirements determined by department. May be duplicated for credit; however, only three (3) credits may be applied toward any major or minor. Infrequently scheduled and subject to minimum and maximum numbers. Advance deposit required.
MU 400 Senior Recital (0)
Corequisite(s): MU 435.
(Performance and Applied Music) Designed to be taken concurrently with the eighth semester of applied music during which the senior recital is presented.
MU 401 Beginning Improvisation (1)
(Professional Preparation) Involves the comprehension and application of improvisational skills for the beginning jazz instrumentalist. The class will consist of exploring the use of scales, modes, melodic patterns and common jazz motifs as well as the study of listening and performing.
MU 402 Advanced Improvisation (1)
MU 404 Music Theory: Composition (3)
(Theory and Literature) An introduction to the art of musical composition through analysis and application of contemporary techniques.
MU 405 Theory and Composition of American Jazz (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 401.
Undergraduate (Theory and Literature) A comprehensive formalized study of American Jazz masterpieces from 1900 to the present. Ear training, harmonic analysis, formal and structural considerations, composition, arranging.
MU 406 Steel Band (1)
(Small Ensemble) Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 407 Jazz Combo (1)
(Small Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. A small instrumental ensemble specializing in jazz performance. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 409 Opera Literature (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
(Theory and Literature) A survey of the development of opera as a form with detailed study of selected works.
MU 411 Music History & Literature (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 233.
(Theory and Literature) A survey course correlating the development of music literature with the historical development of world culture from the early beginning of music to the Baroque Period.
MU 412 Music History & Literature (3)
MU 415 Advanced Brass Methods and Literature (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
(Professional Preparation) Brass teaching materials for public schools or college teacher; examination of methods, etudes, and special studies of each instrument; recordings and corollary readings supplement discussion.
MU 416 Jazz Arranging I (1)
(Professional Preparation) Jazz arranging techniques for the rhythm section and various small group instrumental combinations of up to three horns (melodic voices). Emphasis on developing complete rhythm section sound (with or without winds) and advanced voicing techniques (including interval-based voicings, linear approach techniques, and constant structure).
MU 417 Jazz Arranging II (1)
MU 418 A Cappella Choir (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. An auditioned mixed vocal ensemble performing choral works representative of all periods and genres. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 421 Individual Study in Music Composition (1)
(Professional Preparation) Individual instruction in techniques of musical composition.
MU 422 Individual Study in Music Composition II (1)
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory completion of MU 421 and permission of instructor.
(Professional Preparation) Individual instruction in techniques of musical composition.
MU 423 Individual Study/Project (2)
Provides the opportunity for an advanced student to pursue independent study and research on a specified project in music under faculty direction. May be duplicated for credit for a total of 4 semester hours.
MU 425 Instrumental Performance Practice and Pedagogy (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 298.
The purpose of this course is to provide music performance majors with information in four areas of instrumental pedagogy: pedagogy, pedagogy development, studio development, and professional development. Students will follow a course of study that will aid them in their performance and teaching courses. Teaching practices and materials will be discussed in the pedagogy portion of the course. The studio development portion of the course will cover the history and development of individual instruments through examination and creating program notes for performances, and each of these will be viewed in terms of world and music history. The professional development section will examine professional/creative writing, formatting of documents used for career advancement, and how to prepare for a job/audition interview.
MU 426 Instrumental Performance and Literature (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 298.
In this course, instrument-specific teaching materials for the college or professional teacher will be covered. Methods, etudes, solo literature, ornamentation, excerpts, and historical implications will be examined and discussed. Available recordings and corollary readings will supplement class discussion. Instrument-specific maintenance, techniques, and teaching schools will be discussed.
MU 427 Song Literature I (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Instructor.
(Theory and Literature) A survey course examining the major categories of solo vocal literature with a detailed study of selected songs.
MU 429 Song Literature II (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 427.
(Theory and Literature) A survey course examining art song literature through the 21st century, with a detailed study of selected songs.
MU 431 Chamber Music Literature (3)
MU 432 Orchestral Music Literature (3)
MU 438 Percussion Literature (3)
(Theory and Literature) A survey of percussion materials for the public school or college teacher. Literature for percussion and mallet instruments will be examined and discussed.
MU 440 Band Literature for Teachers (1)
(Theory and Literature) A survey of current repertoire appropriate for various levels of developing instrumental groups.
MU 441 Choral Literature for Teachers (1)
(Theory and Literature) A survey of choral repertoire from the Renaissance through the 21st Century, including music appropriate for elementary, middle school and high school choirs.
MU 443 Instrumental Conducting (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 210.
(Professional Preparation) Training and experience in the techniques of instrumental conducting through the study of representative instrumental literature. Discussion of score preparation and rehearsal procedures. Course is offered in Spring semester only.
MU 444 Choral Conducting (3)
MU 445 Live Sound (2)
Prerequisite(s): MU 240.
This course will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of sound engineering and its application to live sound reinforcement and production through active engagement in the practice of sound engineering.
MU 447 Piano Literature I (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 237.
This course covers music written for piano from the pre-Baroque through the classical era, and will use a textbook, source readings, recordings, videos and scores. This course is infrequently scheduled and is subject to minimum and maximum numbers.
MU 448 Piano Literature II (3)
Prerequisite(s): MU 237.
This course covers music written for piano from the romantic through the contemporary era, and will use a textbook, source readings, recordings, videos and scores. This course is infrequently scheduled and is subject to minimum and maximum numbers.
MU 450 Symphonic Band (1)
(Large Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. A large instrumental ensemble performing standard band repertoire. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 451 Recording, Effects, and Mastering (2)
A detailed discovery of audio processing including recording practices, effects, and mastering.
MU 452 Lyric Theatre Workshop (1)
(Small Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. A course emphasizing the technical aspects of theatrical musical productions. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 453 Opera Workshop (1)
(Professional Preparation) Operatic techniques for the singer/actor: the cultivation, through study and performance of free, expressive and significant movement on stage, and the development of musical, dramatic and muscular sensitivity as the basis of good operatic theater.
MU 455 Practicum (2)
MU 471 Elementary Music Materials and Methods (3)
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Education Program eligibility.
(Professional Preparation) Methods, materials, and problems of teaching general music; grades P-6.
MU 472 Elementary Music Education Practicum (0)
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Education Program eligibility.
Corequisite(s): MU 471.
(Professional Preparation) Students are encouraged to have 90% of all teaching field courses completed prior to enrollment in this course. This course serves as a supervised Level III clinical experience in Grades K-6. Offered in the Spring Semester only.
MU 479 Jazz Ensemble (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
(Large Ensemble) For Music majors and minors. A large ensemble performing jazz in the big band style. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 482 Secondary Instrumental Music Materials and Methods (3)
Corequisite(s): MU 455.
(Professional Preparation) Professional preparation of teachers of instrumental music, grades 7-12 with emphasis on appropriate theory, literature, teaching methods and organizational skills needed to teach in an effective public school instrumental music program. Course is offered in Fall semester only.
MU 483 Secondary Vocal Music Materials and Methods (3)
Corequisite(s): MU 455.
(Professional Preparation) Professional preparation of teachers of vocal music, grade 7-12, with emphasis on theory, literature, teaching methods and organizational skills needed to teach in an effective public school choral program. Course is offered in Fall semester only.
MU 487 Internship in Grades P-12 (9)
(Professional Preparation) May be duplicated for credit for a total of nine (9) semester hours. Supervised classroom observation and student teaching in vocal and/or instrumental music in grades N-12. The education concentration candidate is required to take a minimum of 9 hours internship and should consult an academic advisor about scheduling.
MU 489 Capstone in Music Education (3)
(Professional Preparation) Designed to encourage the student to reflect upon the process of training in music education and to deepen his/her understanding of aspects of the profession of teaching in music.
MU 495 Show Choir (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
(Small Ensemble) An auditioned vocal ensemble presenting popular and show style repertoire, often utilizing choreographed movement and dance. Each number may be duplicated for credit for a total of four (4) semester hours.
MU 499 Independent Study in Music (2)
Permission of Instructor required. (Professional Preparation) Provides the opportunity for an advanced student to pursue independent study and research on a specified topic in music under faculty direction. Course may be duplicated for credit for two (2) semesters for a total of four (4) semester hours.