The Instrumental Performance Specialization (piano, brass, guitar, strings, percussion, or woodwinds) emphasizes study of a primary instrument, with the option of a secondary instrument. Individualized attention by the music faculty, frequent opportunities for formal and informal student performances and forums on and off campus, ensembles, and quality private applied lessons characterize this specialization.
Music (BM, BA) Instrumental Performance Specialization
BA in Instrumental Performance
Music Core – 45 credits
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Basic integrated study of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music; topics include study of circle of fifths, scales, intervals, triads, time signatures, ear training, and correlation to keyboard work.
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Intermediate integrated study of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music, primarily focusing on four-part harmony (chorale style); topics include study of seventh chords, secondary dominants, secondary leading tone chords, introduction to modulation, as well as ear training (melody, rhythm, intervals, and harmonic progression dictations). Prerequisite:
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First and second enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. (Special Fee)
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First and second enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. (Special Fee)
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Ensembles including but not limited to Choir, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Liturgical Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Composition. (Repeatable course.)
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Advanced integrated study of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music; topics may include four part writing, form and analysis, tertian harmonic analysis, and its correlation to instruments and voice. Prerequisite: MUS 110.
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Continued advanced integrated study of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music; topics may include chromatic harmony, twentieth century techniques, analytical listening, and its correlation to instruments and voice. Prerequisite: MUS 211.
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Third and fourth enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 135/136. (Special fee)
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Third and fourth enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 135/136. (Special fee)
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A study of the development of music from the Baroque period (1600–1750) and the Classical period (1750–1820). Emphasis will be placed on the biographies of the great composers and in-depth guided listening and analyses of representative musical compositions. Live class performances will also be used for purposes of demonstration and development of appropriate performance practice.
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A study of the development of music from the Romantic period (1820–1900). Emphasis will be placed on the biographies of the great composers and in-depth guided listening and analyses of representative musical compositions. Live class performances will also be used for purposes of demonstration and development of appropriate performance practice.
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A study of the development of music from the twentieth century (1900 to the present). Emphasis will be placed on the biographies of the great composers and in-depth guided listening and analyses of representative compositions. Live class performances will also be used for purposes of demonstration and development of appropriate performance practice.
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Fifth and sixth semesters of study on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 287/288. (Special fee).
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Fifth and sixth semesters of study on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 287/288. (Special fee).
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This course is designed to cultivate the aural skills necessary for the developing music student. The skills that will be implemented include sight singing in various clefs, intervallic and chordal recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation.
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Techniques of instrumental and choral conducting.
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Ensembles including but not limited to Choir, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Liturgical Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Composition. (Repeatable course.)
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This is the seventh and eighth semester of study on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 335/338. (Special fee)
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This is the seventh and eighth semester of study on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 335/338. (Special fee)
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An integrative experience, including comprehensive examinations in music theory and music history, to assist the music major in preparation for graduate study or professional work.
BM in Instrumental Performance
Requirements – 13 credits
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First and second enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. (Special Fee)
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First and second enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. (Special Fee)
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Performance Workshop is a class designed to integrate music skills acquired in choral ensembles, applied lessons, and music coursework, with theatre skills, including acting and movement, through observation, research, and performance practice.
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An introduction to the technology, tools, and software used in the creation of digital music composition, music scoring, and computer-assisted instruction. Prerequisite: MUS 110 or by Permission of Instructor. (Special fee)
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Advanced instrumental and choral conducting techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 384.
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Ensembles including but not limited to Choir, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Liturgical Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Composition. (Repeatable course.)
BA in Instrumental Performance
Music Core – 37 credits
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Basic integrated study of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music; topics include study of circle of fifths, scales, intervals, triads, time signatures, ear training, and correlation to keyboard work.
-
Intermediate integrated study of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music, primarily focusing on four-part harmony (chorale style); topics include study of seventh chords, secondary dominants, secondary leading tone chords, introduction to modulation, as well as ear training (melody, rhythm, intervals, and harmonic progression dictations). Prerequisite:
-
First and second enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. (Special Fee)
-
First and second enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. (Special Fee)
-
Ensembles including but not limited to Choir, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Liturgical Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Composition. (Repeatable course.)
-
Advanced integrated study of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music; topics may include four part writing, form and analysis, tertian harmonic analysis, and its correlation to instruments and voice. Prerequisite: MUS 110.
-
Continued advanced integrated study of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music; topics may include chromatic harmony, twentieth century techniques, analytical listening, and its correlation to instruments and voice. Prerequisite: MUS 211.
-
Third and fourth enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 135/136. (Special fee)
-
Third and fourth enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 135/136. (Special fee)
-
A study of the development of music from the Baroque period (1600–1750) and the Classical period (1750–1820). Emphasis will be placed on the biographies of the great composers and in-depth guided listening and analyses of representative musical compositions. Live class performances will also be used for purposes of demonstration and development of appropriate performance practice.
-
A study of the development of music from the Romantic period (1820–1900). Emphasis will be placed on the biographies of the great composers and in-depth guided listening and analyses of representative musical compositions. Live class performances will also be used for purposes of demonstration and development of appropriate performance practice.
-
A study of the development of music from the twentieth century (1900 to the present). Emphasis will be placed on the biographies of the great composers and in-depth guided listening and analyses of representative compositions. Live class performances will also be used for purposes of demonstration and development of appropriate performance practice.
-
This course is designed to cultivate the aural skills necessary for the developing music student. The skills that will be implemented include sight singing in various clefs, intervallic and chordal recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation.
-
Techniques of instrumental and choral conducting.
-
Ensembles including but not limited to Choir, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Liturgical Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Composition. (Repeatable course.)
-
An integrative experience, including comprehensive examinations in music theory and music history, to assist the music major in preparation for graduate study or professional work.
Electives
Degree in Instrumental Performance – 7 credits
B.A. Degree in Instrumental Performance – 2 credits
BM Degree in Instrumental Performance – 7 credits
Elective Courses
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Review of fundamental music concepts including reading and notation, rhythm, pitch, and intervals; basic preparation for students wishing or needing to develop music-reading skill. Open to majors and non-majors. Majors need advisor’s approval to register.
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First and second enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. (Special Fee)
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First and second enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. (Special Fee)
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Introduction to basic playing and teaching methods on percussion instruments.
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Introduction to basic playing and teaching methods on woodwind instruments.
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Introduction to basic playing and teaching methods on brass instruments.
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Introduction to basic playing and teaching methods on string instruments.
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A choral ensemble comprised of students and community members. No audition required.
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A study of correct pronunciation for singing in English, Italian, French, and German through a study of the International Phonetic Alphabet.
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Formal instruction in the art of sight-reading. Emphasis on the development of techniques used to train the eye, hand and ear. A variety of musical styles will be presented. Prerequisite: Music major or permission of instructor.
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An overview of the standard piano literature from the Baroque and Classical periods. Primary teaching tools will be lectures, readings, recordings, and musical scores. The course is suited to the musician and non-musician alike. Prerequisite: none.
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An overview of the standard piano literature from the Romantic and Modern periods. Primary teaching tools will be lectures, readings, recordings and musical scores. The course is suited to the musician and non-musician alike. Prerequisite: none.
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Third and fourth enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 135/136. (Special fee)
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Third and fourth enrollments on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 135/136. (Special fee)
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A practical approach to the preparation of musical scores for collaborative piano playing with a singer, instrumentalist, or chorus. A large variety of repertoire will be examined. Prerequisite: Music Major or permission of instructor.
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Study of the physical properties of sound including sound propagation and perception, followed by an exploration of sound reinforcement systems and techniques. Prerequisites: MUS 110 or by permission of faculty. (Special Fee)
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A broad overview of the standard vocal repertoire. Examination of English, French, and German art song from the early Romantic period through the twentieth century masters of the form. Prerequisites: Music major or permission of instructor.
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A broad overview of operatic repertoire from its inception with the Florentine Camerata (circa. 1600) to the present. The works of Monteverdi, Handel, Mozart, the bel canto composers, and the great Romantic composers, including Verdi and Wagner, are studied and compared to the modern operas of Puccini, Strauss, Britten, Menotti, and other twentieth century masters. Prerequisites: Music major or permission of instructor.
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A course designed to trace the history of the American Musical Theatre from its origins in Minstrel Shows and Vaudeville to the 1950s. Works discussed will include the most important shows of each genre.
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A course designed to trace the history of the American Musical Theatre from the 1950s to the present. Works discussed will include the most important shows of each genre.
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An introduction to the technology, tools, and software used in the creation of digital music composition, music scoring, and computer-assisted instruction. Prerequisite: MUS 110 or by Permission of Instructor. (Special fee)
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A course exploring the American Musical Theatre during the golden age (1930–1960) and its predecessors in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
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Fifth and sixth semesters of study on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 287/288. (Special fee).
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Fifth and sixth semesters of study on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 287/288. (Special fee).
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A historical examination of the music of the worship service from early Gregorian and Hebrew chant, to contemporary compositions. This course will examine sacred music repertoire performance practices to assist in the development of the liturgy.
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Opportunity for research in areas of special interest to the student. Prerequisites: Senior status (90 credit hours); 2.50 overall GPA; all paperwork must be completed before the end of the semester preceding the Independent Study. Dean and Department Chair approval. For majors only.
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Investigation of resources and techniques necessary in the teaching of piano. An emphasis is placed on methods most suitable to beginning piano study. Prerequisite: Music Major or permission of instructor.
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A choral ensemble comprised of students and community members. No audition required. (Repeatable course)
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Advanced instrumental and choral conducting techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 384.
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A practical approach to preparation for recital and public performance. A one-on-one coaching with detailed attention paid to stylistic appropriateness, practice strategies, techniques of interpretation, memorization, and ensemble skills with the pianist. Prerequisite: For vocal specialization majors presenting junior or senior recital only. (Repeatable course)
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A practical approach to preparation for recital and public performance. A one-on-one coaching with detailed attention paid to stylistic appropriateness, practice strategies, techniques of interpretation, memorization, and ensemble skills with the pianist. For instrumental specialization majors presenting junior or senior recital only. (Repeatable course)
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Philosophy, curriculum, and methods pertinent to the development of musical expressions for students of music in different grades and levels.
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This is the seventh and eighth semester of study on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 335/338. (Special fee)
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A study of the anatomy and physiology of the voice and its function. Analysis of teaching methods and corrective techniques.
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This is the seventh and eighth semester of study on a particular instrument; for Music majors and minors only. Prerequisite: MUS 335/338. (Special fee)
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Practical experience within a professional setting. Prerequisites: Senior status (90+ credit hours), 2.5 overall GPA, all paperwork must be completed before the end of the semester preceding the internship. Prior approval of Department Chair and Dean required.