Music Department Courses


MUS 101 R – Introduction to the Art of Music, 4 credits. E. Introductory survey of classical music of the Western European tradition from the 15th century to the present, including musical repertoire, performance practice and terminology. Focus on music within historical, political, sociological and cultural perspectives.
MUS 111 – Materials of Music I, 2 credits. E1. A fundamental course in notation, scales, intervals, triads and basic principles of voice leading in two-part and four-part writing. This course will also include the rudiments of aural skills: interval, scale and triad identification, solfege, and simple rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation. Throughout Materials of Music I, II, III and IV, students are introduced to the styles, forms, and compositional procedures of music and are required to analyze representative compositions as well as compose in various forms.
MUS 112 – Materials of Music II, 2 credits. E2. Further development of writing skills is covered, employing the principles of diatonic harmony including seventh chords, secondary dominants and simple modulation. Throughout Materials of Music I, II, III and IV, students are introduced to the styles, forms and compositional procedures of music and are required to analyze representative compositions as well as compose in various forms. Prerequisite: MUS 111 – Materials of Music I, Co-requisite: MUS 128 – Aural Skills I
MUS 121 – English Diction, 1 credit. B1. A fundamental course to acquaint students of voice with correct standard English diction and to familiarize them with the International Phonetic Alphabet as a clear system of notating speech sounds. Open to all students registered for vocal instruction.
MUS 122 – Italian Diction, 1 credit. B2. A continuation of the phonetic studies from MUS 121 – English Diction, with application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to the Italian language. Prerequisite: MUS 121 – English Diction or permission of instructor
MUS 123 – German Diction, 1 credit. B3. A continuation of the phonetic studies from MUS 121 – English Diction, with application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to the German language. Prerequisite: MUS 121 – English Diction or permission of instructor
MUS 124 – French Diction, 1 credit. B4. A continuation of the phonetic studies from MUS 121 – English Diction, with application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to the French language. Prerequisite: MUS 121 – English Diction or permission of instructor
MUS 125 – Voice Technique I, 1 credit. E. Group instruction in the basic principles of vocal technique, including breathing, posture and vocalization. Commensurate with Music 161 – Private Voice Instruction. No prerequisite.
MUS 126 – Voice Technique II, 1 credit. E. A continuation of Vocal Technique I. Prerequisite: MUS 125 – Vocal Technique I
MUS 128 – Aural Skills I, 2 credits. E2. Dictation and performance using diatonic materials, interval identification and performance, rhythm dictation, and performance in simple and compound meters. Prerequisite: MUS 111 – Materials of Music I, Co-Requisite: MUS 112 – Materials of Music II
MUS 161 – Voice Music, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 163 – Brass Music, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 165 – Woodwinds Music, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 166 – Piano Music, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 167 – Strings Music, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 168 – Percussion Music, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 169 – Organ Music, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 174 – Männerchor (freshman men’s chorus), 1 credit. This is a choir for first-year Concordia men who love to sing and enjoy the camaraderie that goes with being in a male chorus. The group rehearses three days a week and performs in four concerts throughout the school year including the Concordia Christmas Concert and the annual Oratorio Concert. Auditions are held during Orientation week.
MUS 175 – Cantabile (freshman women’s chorus), 1 credit. This is a choir for first-year Concordia women who love to sing, enjoy challenging music, and look forward to being part of a warm, welcoming group. Cantabile rehearses three days a week and performs in four concerts throughout the school year including the Concordia Christmas Concert and the annual Oratorio Concert. Auditions are held during Orientation week.
MUS 176 – The Concordia Choir, 1 credit. The Concordia Choir (sophomores and above) tours nationally and internationally, performing at major concert venues on a regular basis, in addition to campus concerts and chapel appearances.
MUS 177 – The Concordia Chapel Choir, 1 credit. The Concordia Chapel Choir (sophomores and above) also undertakes a regional tour and performs in local and campus concerts, as well as during chapel.
MUS 179 – Vocal Jazz Ensemble, 1 credit. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble specializes in the performance of American classic and contemporary song literature in the jazz idiom.
MUS 180 – Bel Canto, 1 credit. Bel Canto (women’s choir) performs in chapel regularly in addition to campus concerts and local appearances.
MUS 181 – The Concordia Band, 1 credit. The Concordia Band, an audition-based ensemble of the college’s finest wind and percussion instrumentalists, performs the finest wind band repertoire at concerts, convocations, as well as on its domestic tour. Membership is available to all students regardless of major. Auditions take place at the start of the fall semester. Audition information is located on the music department Web page.
MUS 182 – The Concordia Symphonic Band, 1 credit. The Concordia Symphonic Band, an audition-based ensemble, performs a variety of high quality repertoire for large wind band at concerts, chapel services and campus events. Membership is available to all students regardless of major. Auditions take place at the start of the fall semester. Audition information is located on the music department Web page.
MUS 182 – The Concordia Echo Band, 1 credit. The Concordia Echo Band is a non-audition-based concert band that rehearses weekly in order to prepare concerts on the college campus both semesters. Membership is open to all students regardless of major.
MUS 183 – The Concordia Orchestra and Concordia College Symphonia, 1 credit. The Concordia Orchestra performs representative works from the symphonic music literature in a series of concerts on campus and on its annual tours. The Concordia College Symphonia plays chamber works in on-campus concerts.
MUS 184 – The Concordia College Jazz and Saxophone Quartet, 1 credit. The Concordia College Jazz Ensembles consist of approximately 20 musicians each. These groups perform major works representing major jazz literature and styles at numerous concerts and clinics both on and off campus.
MUS 185 – Brass Ensemble, 1 credit. Smaller ensembles are formed on the basis of student Interest and ability and may perform in concerts and various college functions.
MUS 186 – Woodwind Ensemble and Woodwind Quintet, 1 credit. Smaller ensembles are formed on the basis of student Interest and ability and may perform in concerts and various college functions.
MUS 187 – String Ensemble, 1 credit. Smaller ensembles are formed on the basis of student Interest and ability and may perform in concerts and various college functions.
MUS 188 – Percussion Ensemble, 1 credit. The Percussion Ensemble is a chamber music organization consisting of 20 to 25 musicians who perform on the many and varied definite and indefinite pitched instruments of the percussion family. The Percussion Ensemble is open through audition to students of all levels who express an interest in performing on percussion instruments. The group performs a wide variety of literature from the “standard” percussion repertoire, as well as exciting new arrangements of popular, classical and folk music. All students, regardless of majors, are eligible to audition for the Percussion Ensemble.
MUS 189 – Lyric Opera Studio, 1 credit. Faculty-directed opera scenes presented in student recital
MUS 190 – Piano Ensemble, 1 credit. Smaller ensembles are formed on the basis of student Interest and ability and may perform in concerts and various college functions.
MUS 191 – Handbell Choirs, 1 credit. The Concordia College Handbell Choirs, Campana and Tintinnabula, consist of approximately 13 musicians each, selected by audition. They play on five octaves of Malmark bells and appear in campus concerts, chapel services and at various local events. They also play at churches and festivals in the region and participate in the annual Concordia Christmas Concerts.
MUS 192 – World Music Ensemble, 1 credit. The West African Drum Ensemble and other world music ensembles perform at concerts, chapel services and at various local events. Open to all.
MUS 193 – Marimba Choir, 1 credit. The Marimba Choir is a chamber music organization consisting of eight to 10 marimbists selected from the members of the Percussion Ensemble. They perform literature ranging from transcriptions of works by Bach, Mozart and other great composers, to Latin American, pops favorites, ragtime and contemporary literature for keyboard percussion. The Marimba Choir performs in the Percussion Ensemble concerts, as well as at numerous community and civic events. All students, regardless of their major, are eligible to audition for the Marimba Choir.
MUS 211 – Materials of Music III, 2 credits. E1. A continuation of MUS 112 – Materials of Music II with emphasis on chromatic harmony. Throughout Materials of Music I, II, III and IV, students are introduced to the styles, forms and compositional procedures of music and are required to analyze representative compositions as well as compose in various forms. Prerequisite: MUS 112 – Materials of Music II
MUS 212 – Materials of Music IV, 2 credits. E2. A study of post-tonal analysis and composition procedures. Throughout Materials of Music I, II, III and IV, students are introduced to the styles, forms and compositional procedures of music and are required to analyze representative compositions as well as compose in various forms. Prerequisite: MUS 211 – Materials of Music III
MUS 225 – Aural Skills II, 2 credits. E1. Dictation and performance using chromatic materials, and interval identification and performance. Continued development of rhythm dictation and performance. Prerequisites: MUS 112 – Materials of Music II and MUS 128 – Aural Skills I
MUS 226 – Aural Skills III, 2 credits. E2. Dictation and performance using post-tonal materials, and interval identification and performance. Continued development of rhythm dictation and performance. Prerequisites: MUS 211 – Materials of Music III and MUS 225 – Aural Skills II
MUS 227 – Fundamentals of Music for Classroom Teachers, 2 credits. E2. Basic training in the rudiments of music designed primarily for elementary education majors to gain command of music reading.
MUS 232 H – History of Western Music, 4 credits. E. A survey of Western musical practice from the early medieval period to the present. Focus is on the development of styles, genres, musical forms, media, social history, religious and liturgical contexts, and aesthetic perspectives. Prerequisite: MUS 112 – Materials of Music II or consent of instructor
MUS 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 2 to 4 credits. E2.
MUS 261 – Voice Lessons, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 263 – Brass Lessons, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 264 – Composition Lessons, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 265 – Woodwinds Lessons, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 266 – Piano Lessons, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 267 – Strings Lessons, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 268 – Percussion Lessons, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 269 – Organ Lessons, 1 to 2 credits.
MUS 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
MUS 308 – Contextual Studies I – Genre, 2 credits. D. A study of a musical genre which varies by semester. Focus on musical practice and its surrounding contexts. Prerequisite: MUS 232 – History of Western Music or consent of instructor
MUS 309 – Contextual Studies I – Period, 2 credits. D. A study of a musical period which varies by semester. Focus on musical practice and its surrounding contexts. Prerequisite: MUS 232 – History of Western Music or consent of instructor
MUS 310 – Contextual Studies I – Topic, 2 credits. D. A study of a musical topic, which varies by semester. Focus on musical practice and its surrounding contexts. Prerequisite: MUS 232 – History of Western Music or consent of instructor
MUS 312 – Counterpoint, 2 credits. D. An in-depth study of 18th century contrapuntal techniques and repertoire. This course can be used to fulfill the Creative Applications requirement. Prerequisite: MUS 212 – Materials of Music IV
MUS 331 – Choral Literature. 2 credits. E1. This course will acquaint students with the various types of quality choral literature appropriate for choirs of any age. Literature to be examined will include madrigals, motets, cantatas, masses, multicultural music, music for church choirs, music for SAB/TTBB/SSA choirs, as well as music for middle school and elementary choirs. Prerequisites: MUS 212 – Materials of Music IV and MUS 226 – Aural Skills III
MUS 343 – Orchestration, 2 credits. E2. A study of orchestral instruments and techniques; scoring for chamber ensembles and orchestra. This course can be used to fulfill the Creative Applications requirement. Prerequisite: MUS 211 – Materials of Music III or consent of instructor
MUS 352 – Italian Voice Seminar, 2 credits. Frequency. This course is designed to be a companion course with Accelerated Italian 112. Students who elect to take this course will have two hours of private voice lessons/coachings per week and three to five hours of rehearsals taught by David Hamilton and native Italian instructors. Students will prepare Italian songs and opera scenes for public performance in Trieste. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
MUS 361 Z – World Musics, 4 credits. E. An introduction to a variety of musical systems and the relationship of these to cultures in which they originate. Prerequisites: MUS 212 – Materials of Music IV, MUS 232 – History of Western Music, or consent of instructor
MUS 380 – Special Topics, 2 credits. E. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
MUS 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits. E.
MUS 394 – String and Woodwind Techniques, 2 credits. E. A laboratory course, designed for music education majors, covering practical performance and techniques of teaching string and woodwind instruments. Prerequisites: MUS 212 – Materials of Music IV and MUS 226 – Aural Skills III
MUS 395 – Brass and Percussion Techniques, 2 credits. E. A laboratory course, designed for music education majors, covering practical performance and techniques of teaching brass and percussion instruments. Prerequisites: MUS 212 – Materials of Music IV and MUS 226 – Aural Skills III
MUS 399 – Piano Proficiency, no credit. E. This course documents successful completion of the piano proficiency requirement.
MUS 408 – Contextual Studies II – Genre, 4 credits. E. A study of a musical genre which varies by semester. Focus on musical practice and its surrounding contexts. Emphasis on research and writing or analysis. Prerequisite: MUS 308, 309 or 310 – Contextual Studies
MUS 409 – Contextual Studies II – Period, 4 credits. E. A study of a musical period which varies by semester. Focus on musical practice and its surrounding contexts. Emphasis on research and writing or analysis. Prerequisite: MUS 308, 309 or 310 – Contextual Studies
MUS 410 – Contextual Studies II – Topic, 4 credits. E. A study of a musical topic which varies by semester. Focus on musical practice and its surrounding contexts. Emphasis on research and writing or analysis. MUS 308, 309 or 310 – Contextual Studies
MUS 423 – Critical Analysis I, 2 credits. B1. A study of analytical motivations, techniques and results, focusing on the major analytical methodologies and theoretical models in use today. Complementary study of musical forms from the Baroque through the present, including art and popular music. Prerequisite: MUS 212 – Materials of Music IV
MUS 424 – Critical Analysis II, 2 credits. B2. As a continuation of Critical Analysis I, a study of analytical motivations, techniques and results, focusing on the major analytical methodologies and theoretical models in use today. Complementary study of musical forms from the Baroque through the present, including art and popular music. Prerequisite: MUS 423 – Critical Analysis I
MUS 425 – Choral Conducting I, 2 credits. E1. A study of baton techniques, selection of voices, choir organization, the rehearsal, phonetics and literature. A choir is organized within the class for practical experience in conducting. Prerequisites: MUS 232 – History of Western Music or consent of instructor
MUS 426 – Choral Conducting II, 2 credits. E2. Analysis and conducting of choral literature of all periods. Prerequisite: MUS 425 – Choral Conducting I or MUS 427 – Instrumental Conducting I
MUS 427 – Instrumental Conducting I, 2 credits. E2. Exploration of the gestural, analytical, and psychological tenets of instrumental conducting. Prerequisites: MUS 211 – Materials of Music III, MUS 225 – Aural Skills II or consent of instructor.
MUS 428 – Instrumental Conducting II, 2 credits. E1. Advanced explanation of the gestural, analytical, and psychological tenets of instrumental conducting. Prerequisite: MUS 425 – Choral Conducting I or MUS 427 – Instrumental Conducting I
MUS 429 – Voice Repertoire, 2 credits. B1 (next offered Fall 2010). A course designed to acquaint the student with the song literature from the 17th century to the present. Interpretation, style and program building are studied. Prerequisite: MUS 232 – History of Western Music or permission of instructor
MUS 431 – Voice Class, 1 credit. B2, B4. Fundamentals of tone production and singing. This course is intended primarily for music education students with majors in instrumental music. It may be counted toward the ten 1-credit courses required in private instruction.
MUS 437 – Music Technology I, 2 credits. D. An in-depth study of digital audio synthesis, recording and editing. This course can be used to fulfill the Creative Applications requirement. Prerequisite: MUS 212 – Materials of Music IV
MUS 438 – Music Technology II, 2 credits. D. A continuation of Music Technology I with a focus on advanced synthesis and editing techniques, and composing in an interactive environment. This course can be used to fulfill the Creative Applications requirement. Prerequisite: MUS 437 – Music Technology I
MUS 461 – Voice Lessons, 2 to 4 credits.
MUS 463 – Brass Lessons, 2 to 4 credits.
MUS 464 – Composition Lessons, 2 to 4 credits.
MUS 465 – Woodwinds Lessons, 2 to 4 credits.
MUS 466 – Piano Lessons, 2 to 4 credits.
MUS 467 – Strings Lessons, 2 to 4 credits.
MUS 468 – Percussion Lessons, 2 to 4 credits.
MUS 469 – Organ Lessons, 2 to 4 credits.
MUS 472 – Methods and Materials for Teaching Voice, 2 credits. A2 (Spring 2011). This course acquaints students with basic principles and techniques of teaching voice, introduces the physiology of vocal production, and presents appropriate literature for beginning voice students. Prerequisites: two years of college vocal study or consent of instructor
MUS 473 – Methods and Materials for Teaching Piano, 2 credits. A2 (2011-2012). A course in teaching methods and available materials for piano instruction and a survey of the various pedagogical schools. Open to intermediate and advanced piano students. Prerequisite: MUS 232 – History of Western Music or consent of instructor
MUS 474 – Piano Repertoire, 2 credits. A2 (2011-2012). A study of the literature written for the keyboard from the time of J.S. Bach to the present, involving listening, analyzing and performing. Also includes ongoing consideration of the great keyboard players of the past and present. Prerequisite: MUS 232 – History of Western Music
MUS 475 – Organ Repertoire, 2 credits. D. An overview of organ literature from the 14th century to the present, involving listening, analyzing and performing. Includes a study of organ registration in regard to the literature of the various historical periods. Prerequisite: MUS 232 – History of Western Music or consent of instructor
MUS 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
MUS 482 – Senior Recital, 2 credits. E. Credit for senior recital granted to Bachelor of Music students only.