CLU Music Programs & Events

Course Descriptions

MUS 101 Music and Culture
3 credits

A music appreciation course designed to cultivate perceptive listening of the music of all stylistic periods with emphasis on the role of music within its cultural history. (nonmajors accepted)

MUS 102 Fundamental of Music
3 credits

Emphasis is placed on the basic skills of reading and writing music. Students need have no prior knowledge of music. (Recommended for elementary classroom teachers or anyone interested in music.) (for nonmajors)

MUS 107 Theory I
2 credits

A study of the primary written materials used for music making. Work will focus on the learning of scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, diatonic chords, commercial chord symbols, rhythm and meter, and an introduction to harmony.

MUS 108 Theory II
2 credits

An exploration of diatonic harmony achieved through the study of part writing procedures and analysis. Materials will include triads and seventh chords in all inversions, non-chord tones, and an introduction to localized musical structures such as cadences and phrases. Prerequisite: Music 107.

MUS 109 Musicianship Skills I
1 credit

A lab course for achieving basic musical performance skills. The three main components of the course are rhythm, melody reading with solfege, and ear-training exercises. As the first semester in a four-semester sequence, materials will include elementary rhythms in simple and compound meter, diatonic melodies from literature with stepwise motion and simple leaps, interval singing and identification, and ear-training on all of the above materials.

MUS 110 Musicianship Skills II
1 credit

A continuation of Musicianship Skills I. Rhythmic exercises will include one and two-part patterns with the inclusion of ties, rests, and syncopation. Melodic reading will consist of diatonic melodies from literature with skips in all chords. Ear-training exercises will include the identification of the intermediate rhythms, diatonic melodies, and simple harmonic progressions. Prerequisite: Music 109.

MUS 111 Keyboard Harmony I
1 credit

A lab course for applying basic theoretical knowledge to the keyboard. Students will perform exercises using diatonic materials, including major and minor scales, triads and seventh chords, and four-part chorale voicing of chords. This is the first semester of a three-semester sequence.

MUS 112 Keyboard Harmony II
1 credit

A continuation of Keyboard Harmony I. Students will perform short diatonic progressions in a four-part chorale style, using the voice-leading procedures learned in the Music Theory II course. This is the second semester of a three-semester sequence. Prerequisite: Music 111.

MUS 113 Class Voice
1 credit

A study of the fundamentals of vocal production and solo vocal literature in a class setting. (Not applicable for the music major whose primary instrument is voice.)

MUS 114 Class Piano
1 credit

A practical study of music fundamentals and basic piano technique through the medium of the keyboard. (Not applicable for the music major whose primary instrument is piano.)

MUS 116 Class Guitar
1 credit

A study of fundamental guitar technique in a class setting. (Not applicable for the music major whose primary instrument is guitar.)

MUS 140 Piano
1 credit

MUS 141 Organ
1 credit

MUS 142 Voice
1 credit

MUS 143 Strings
1 credit

Includes violin, viola, cello, bass, harp and classical guitar.

MUS 144 Woodinds
1 credit

Includes flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon.

MUS 145 Brass
1 credit

Includes trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, French horn and tuba.

MUS 146 Percussion
1 credit

Includes mallet and percussion instruments.

MUS 147 Composition
1 credit

Individual lessons on modern procedures for composing music in the tradition of European and American concert music.

MUS 150 Women's Chorale
1 credit

The study of various styles of choral music with emphasis on vocal development. Opportunity for public performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 153 Wind Ensemble
1 credit

The study of representative literature with special emphasis on performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 154 Chamber Music
1 credit

The study and performance of instrumental and vocal chamber music. Prerequisite: Permission of Music Department chair.

MUS 155 Jazz Ensemble
1 credit

The study and performance of literature appropriate for this performance medium. By audition.

MUS 160 Percussion Ensemble
1 credit

The development of techniques for all percussion instruments, including work with mallets, Includes the study and performance of standard percussion ensemble literature.

MUS 180 University Choir
1 credit

The study of choral repertoire representing all historical periods and musical styles. Frequent public performance. By audition.

MUS 181 University Symphony
1 credit

The study of representative instrumental literature of different historical periods, with emphasis on public performances. By audition.

MUS 200 Digital Music
3 credits

This course is a comprehensive introduction to current technological applications in music, with an emphasis on midi, digital audio and analog mixing techniques. Material will be taught through creative assignments in a lab-style atmosphere. Student work will be maintained in an electronic portfolio and may be published on the digital music lab Web site. The ability to read music is helpful but not required.

MUS 207 Music Theory III
2 credits

A study of chromatic materials in tonal music, including the analysis and part writing procedures for secondary functions, mode mixture, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, diatonic and chromatic modulation. Prerequisite: Music 108.

MUS 208 Music Theory IV
2 credits

A study of musical materials and compositional techniques from the early 20th-century to the present. The course will be divided into two parts: the first being focuses on the Pre-WW II works of Debussy, Stravinsky, Bartok, and the Second Viennese school; the second will survey major trends since WW II, with an emphasis on music by American composers. Prerequisite: Music 207.

MUS 209 Musicianship Skills III
1 credit

A continuation of Musicianship Skills II. Students will learn advanced rhythmic exercises, including patterns with small and large beat divisions. Melody reading and ear-training exercises will focus on chromatic and modal materials. Prerequisite: Music 110.

MUS 210 Musicianship Skills IV
1 credit

As the fourth and final semester of the Musicianship Skills sequence, this course will focus on performance skills of advanced rhythms, chromatic and atonal melodies, and other materials common in 20th-century music. Rhythmic exercises will include meter changes, polyrhythms, and metric modulation. Ear-training will include the identification of atonal melodies and trichords. Prerequisite: Music 209.

MUS 211 Keyboard Harmony III
1 credit

As the third and final semester of the Keyboard Harmony sequence, this course will focus on the performance of advanced diatonic, chromatic, and modulating harmonic progressions. Prerequisite: Music 112.

MUS 282 Selected Topics
1 credit

MUS 300 Pro Tools
2 credits

An intermediate-level course in music production based on the Pro Tools HD system for recording and editing. In addition to learning Pro Tools software, students will study basic recording techniques, mixing, audio routing through patchbays and outboard equipment, signal processing with plug-ins, software instruments, and reverb sampling. Students will gain practical experience by being the lead or assistant engineer on recording projects. Prerequisite: Music 200.

MUS 301 History and Literature of Music
3 credits

A survey of Western European musical heritage from ancient times to the present. Includes formal and stylistic analysis of music representing the different periods through listening, score study and live performances.

MUS 302 History and Literature of Music
3 credits

A survey of Western European musical heritage from ancient times to the present. Includes formal and stylistic analysis of music representing the different periods through listening, score study and live performances.

MUS 309 Fundamentals of Conducting
3 credits

The study of basic conducting techniques, use of the baton, score study and preparation as well as methods of verbal and nonverbal communication.

MUS 312 Alexander Technique
2 credits

Introduces students to the principles of the Alexander Technique and the application of these principles in their major areas. The principles develop increased mind and body coordination and are most commonly applied to acting, singing, public speaking, musical instrument performance and athletic performance. Additional fee required. (cross-listed with ESSM 312 and Theatre Arts 312)

MUS 337 Dance for Musical Theatre
2 credits

This course provides students the opportunity to learn and perform dance styles most common to musical theatre. Tap, jazz, character and basic partnering will be choreographed into three or four dances that will be performed at the end of the course. Course will also cover the history of dance in musical theatre in America. (cross-listed with Theatre Arts 337)

MUS 340 Piano
2 credits

MUS 341 Organ
2 credits

MUS 342 Voice
2 credits

MUS 343 Strings
2 credits

Includes violin, viola, cello, bass, harp and classical guitar.

MUS 344 Woodwinds
2 credits

Includes flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon.

MUS 345 Brass
2 credits

Includes trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, French horn and tuba.

MUS 346 Percussion
2 credits

Includes mallet and percussion instruments.

MUS 347 Composition
1 credit

Individual lessons on modern procedures for composing music in the tradition of European and American concert music.

MUS 350 Women's Chorale
1 credit

The study of various styles of choral music with emphasis on vocal development. Opportunity for public performance.

MUS 353 Wind Ensemble
1 credit

The study of representative literature with special emphasis on performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 354 Chamber Music
1 credit

The study and performance of instrumental and vocal chamber music. Prerequisite: Permission of Music Department chair.

MUS 355 Jazz Esemble
1 credit

The study and performance of literature appropriate for this performance medium. By audition.

MUS 360 Percussion Ensemble
1 credit

The development of techniques for all percussion instruments, including work with mallets, Includes the study and performance of standard percussion ensemble literature.

MUS 370 Acting for Musical Theatre
2 credits

Musical Theatre Workshop is designed to develop a technique for musical solo and audition performances. The course will include song analysis, an acting approach to song and choice of material, and technique. (cross-listed with Theatre Arts 370)

MUS 375 Junior Recital
1 credit

MUS 380 University Choir
1 credit

The study of choral repertoire representing all historical periods and musical styles. Frequent public performance. By audition.

MUS 381 University Symphony
1 credit

The study of representative instrumental literature of different historical periods, with emphasis on public performances. By audition.

MUS 392 Liturgy and Worship
4 credits

This course is an introduction to Christian liturgical tradition, principally as expressed in Western Christianity. It will include some comparison with non-Christian religious customs, and will give considerable emphasis to the development of worship in the Protestant tradition. The subject matter will be approached from a historical perspective, but will also include some practical training if there is demand. Christian hymnody and liturgical music will also be introduced, with an emphasis on the distinctive Lutheran contributions in those areas. (cross-listed with Religion 392)

MUS 400 Advanced Pro Tools
2 credits

An advanced course in music and audio production. The primary focus will be on using Pro Tools for audio post-production, including aspects of synchronization and digital transfer. Other topics include surround mixing, soundtrack editing and design, automated dialog replacement, audio restoration plug-ins, and a study of Pro Tools-related hardware. Prerequisite: Music 300.

MUS 403 History of Musical Theatre
2 credits

This course is designed to have wide interdisciplinary appeal. It will trace the origins of American Musical Theatre to roots in Greek drama, early Christian passion plays and various genres of European opera. Throughout the course of study, parallels will be drawn between American Musical Theatre and various important examples from comic German Singspiels, Italian opera buffe, etc. Students should come away from this course with a new appreciation for musical theatre and opera as well as the American Film Musical.

MUS 407 Analyzing Music
2 credits

A survey of small and large musical structures through a study of selected European and American works from 1600 to the present. Primary forms to be explored will include variation, sonata, rondo, minuet, and arch form. Prerequisite: Music 208.

MUS 410 Choral Conducting
3 credits

The study and practical application of methods of choral ensemble training. Emphasis is threefold: mastery of conducting skills, understanding of the dynamics of the ensemble and knowledge of choral literature.

MUS 411 Instrumental Conducting
3 credits

Practical experience with a laboratory group in instrumental music.

MUS 423 String and Brass Techniques
2 credits

Elementary instruction in the technique of playing string and brass instruments. Recommended for public school music teachers.

MUS 424 Woodwind and Percussion Techniques
2 credits

Elementary instruction in the technique of playing woodwind and percussion instruments. Recommended for public school music teachers.

MUS 439 Creating Music
3 credits

An exploration of the creative aspects of music writing, combining elements of composition, orchestration and counterpoint. The composition element will focus on writing short instrumental and vocal works in traditional and modern forms. The orchestration component will involve a survey of instrumental characteristics and their compositional use within small and large ensembles. Counterpoint will be introduced through the study and writing of polyphonic structures, such as canon and fugue. Prerequisite: Music 208.

MUS 453 Vocal Pedagogy
2 credits

Covers the principles of teaching voice based on the physiological functions of the vocal mechanism. Individual as well as group instruction is considered. Recommended for vocal or choral students who may wish to teach in school or community.

MUS 454 Piano Pedagogy
2 credits

The study of piano teaching principles, including an examination of materials and methods of presentation for any age group. Opportunity for practical teaching experience under supervision. Highly recommended for advanced piano students who may wish to teach in school or community.

MUS 475 Capstone: Senior Recital/Thesis
1 credit

MUS 482 Selected Topics
1 credit

MUS 490 Independent Study
1 credit

MUS 492 Internship
1 credit

(graded P/NC only)

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