Courses

The college catalog is available online and provides a description of the classes offered in the department.

For information on when specific courses are offered, you may search for classes online.

Music Theory Courses

100 Reading of Music

first half of fall semester; 1, x Pickett
Music reading including treble and bass clefs, rhythms, accidentals, and notation procedures. Offered first half of the fall semester only. Prerequisite: the ability to discern if pitch is rising or falling; to be able to match pitches played on the piano with the voice. Corequisite: enrollment in private lessons or an ensemble, or consent of instructor.

125 Introduction to Music Theory

second half of fall semester; 2, x Pickett
Fundamentals of music including key signatures, scales, intervals, triads, and ear training. Offered second half of the fall semester only. Prerequisite: the ability to discern if pitch is rising or falling; to be able to match pitches played on the piano with the voice; a facile reading ability of treble and bass clefs. Corequisite: enrollment in private lessons or an ensemble, or consent of instructor.

126 Music Theory

x, 3 Pickett
A continuation of Music 125; harmony and partwriting. Prerequisite: Music 125 or consent of instructor

327 Romantic, Post Romantic and Twentieth-Century Music Theory

3, x Pickett
Chromatic harmony and twentieth-century composition techniques. Prerequisite: Music 126 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite for Music majors: Music 328.

328 Music Theory Laboratory

1, x Dixon
Intermediate and advanced ear training with emphasis on group and individual sight singing and independent work using computer dictation software. Receiving a grade of B or better will satisfy the aural proficiency requirement of the music major. Required of all music majors enrolled in Music 327. One hour per week. Corequisite: Music 327. This course may not be taken P-D-F.

440 Form and Elementary Composition

x, 3 Pickett/Earnest
A capstone course for theory, includes analytical techniques, forms, and elementary composition.

Music History Courses

150 Introduction to Music Literature

3; not offered 2004-05
A liberal arts approach to the study of music through historical style. Many musical compositions from the seventeenth through the twentieth century are presented through recordings and other media to aid in formulating musical taste. No previous knowledge of music theory or score reading is necessary as a basis for this course. Open to all students. Offered in alternate years.

354 Women as Composers

x, 3 Pickett
The lives and music of selected female classical music composers from the medieval era through the twenty-first century. Prerequisites: students must be fluent music readers, Music 398 and Music 399 or the equivalent, or consent of the instructor. Offered in alternate years. Distribution areas: fine arts, alternative voices, gender studies minor.

397 Music History: Medieval Through 1700

3, x Thompson
Designed to trace the history, styles, and literature of music from Gregorian Chant through the mid- Baroque. A reading knowledge of treble and bass clefs is essential. Offered in alternate years.

398 Music History: Eighteenth Century

x, 3 Dixon
The evolution of style in the eighteenth century through examination of the literature. Extensive listening assignments. Knowledge of treble and bass clefs is essential. Offered in alternate years.

399 Music History: Nineteenth Century

3, x Bode
The evolution of style in the nineteenth century through examination of the literature. Extensive listening assignments. Knowledge of treble and and bass clefs is essential. Offered in alternate years.

400 Music History and Literature of the Twentieth Century

x, 3 Pickett
The evolution of twentieth-century musical styles including Impressionism, Expressionism, neo- Classicalism, Serialism, and music of the post-1945 era. Listening and written examinations. A reading knowledge of treble and bass clefs and knowledge of basic harmony is necessary. Three periods per week. Offered in alternate years.

Ensembles

211, 212 Symphony Orchestra

1, 1 Dixon
A concert organization devoted to the study of orchestral music of all periods. One or more formal concerts presented each semester. Open to all instrumentalists by audition. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

231, 232 Wind Ensemble

1, 1 Crawford
A concert organization performing the entire range of wind ensemble repertoire. Open to all students by audition during the first week of classes. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

241, 242 Chorale

1, 1 Bode
Choral music of the highest standards, a cappella and accompanied. Open to all students by audition. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. Fee: $25. P-D-F not allowed.

251, 252 Special Ensembles

1, 1
Specific ensembles may vary each semester. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. The current offerings follow.

Section A: Music Theatre and Opera Production

x, 1 Staff
Rehearsal and performance of musicals and operas, given in conjunction with the theatre department. In general, music credit is offered for opera, and drama credit is given for musical theatre. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

Section B: Whitman Chamber Singers

1, 1 Bode
A 24-member select ensemble, specializing in traditional sixteenth-century through the twenty-first century. One formal on-campus concert plus additional off-campus performances each semester. Membership open only to members of the Chorale. P-D-F not allowed.

251, 252 Section E: Chamber Music

1, 1 Staff

Rehearsal and performance of works from the chamber music repertoires for various sizes and combinations of instruments from two to nine parts. Works will be selected according to the instruments represented by those enrolled but will emphasize works for small groups of strings and winds or instruments with piano. At least one public concert will be presented each semester. Open to all students by audition and consent of the instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

251,252 Section EB: Cello Choir

1, 1 Staff

An ensemble of only cellos ranging from 8 to 12 players. A formal concert plus occasional casual performances are given each semester. Music ranges from classical folk and everything in between. Open to all cellists by audition.

261, 262 Jazz Ensembles

1, 1 Glenn
Ensembles performing a variety of compositions written for big band. Open to all students by audition during the first week of classes. These courses are excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. The current offerings follow.

Section A: Jazz Ensemble I

1, 1 Glenn
A select jazz ensemble of 17-20 pieces. This group performs challenging material in the big band idiom. Jazz Ensemble I will perform one formal on-campus concert and several additional off-campus performances each semester. P-D-F not allowed.

Section B: Jazz Combo

1, 1 Glenn
A jazz combo of 12-20 pieces. This group works on developing skills in style, sight reading and improvisation in the jazz idiom. Jazz Combo will perform one formal on-campus performance each semester. P-D-F not allowed.

Composition Courses

480 Composition

3,3 Earnest
Private lessons in music composition and related skills. Students will compose throughout the semester and prepare a final project. Students will be expected to prepare parts and supervise rehearsals and a performance of this work at a student recital. With consent, this course may be repeated. Fee: $300 per credit per semester. Prerequisite: Music 327 and consent of instructor.

Applied Lessons

163, 164 Applied Music: Elementary Level

1, 1 Staff
Designed for students wishing to begin studies (or having very minimal experience) in applied music. A maximum of one credit per applied field per semester; open to all students. Each lesson is one-half hour per week for the duration of the semester. Students assigned to the appropriate instructor. All students registered in Applied Music required to attend eight approved musical performances each semester of enrollment. Fee: $300 each semester. Course sections may not be repeated in subsequent years. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

263, 264 Applied Music: Intermediate Level

1-2, 1-2 Staff
A maximum of two credits per applied field per semester. One credit for each half hour lesson per week. Students assigned to instructors on the basis of previous study. Lessons graded as any other academic course. All students registering in Applied Music required to attend eight musical performances each semester of enrollment. Fee: $300 per credit per semester. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

363, 364 Applied Music: Advanced Level

463, 464 Applied Music: Performance Level

1-2, 1-2 Staff
A maximum of two credits per applied field per semester. Open to advanced students by consent of music faculty. One credit for each half hour lesson per week. Lessons are graded as any other academic course. All students registered in Applied Music will be required to attend eight musical performances each semester of enrollment. Fee: $300 per credit per semester. Prerequisite: consent of music faculty. P-D-F not allowed.

Jazz Courses

160 Study of Jazz

3, x Glenn
Jazz appreciation and jazz history in a comprehensive study of the sources, style periods, important performers and recordings of jazz from its origins to the present. Open to all students.

260 Jazz Theory

x, 3 Glenn

Techniques of improvisation, composing, and arranging in the jazz idiom. Among the projects assigned during the semester are the transcription of a famous jazz solo and an original composition. A test in basic jazz chord voicings is part of the final exam. Prerequisites: Music 125 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

265 Jazz Composition and Arranging

x, 3 Glenn
This course is designed to examine composition and arranging techniques in the jazz idiom. Projects will include an original jazz composition and arranging that piece for a jazz septet and a 17-piece jazz ensemble. Prerequisite: Music 260 or consent of the instructor.

261, 262 Jazz Ensemble I

281, 282 Jazz Ensemble II

1, 1 Glenn
A jazz ensemble of 12-20 pieces. This group works on developing skills in style, sight reading and improvisation in the jazz idiom. Jazz Ensemble II will perform one formal on-campus performance each semester and possible additional performances, excluded from 18 credit limit. P-D-F not allowed.

Misc.

253, 254 Accompanying

1, 1 Thompson
This course is designed for pianists and will explore the skills and techniques necessary for accompanying soloists. It will be the required ensemble for pianists on applied lesson scholarship. Open to all students by audition and consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

271 Introduction to Music Technology

3, x Crawford
This course is designed to give the music student a broad understanding of the technologies available to music performers and composers. No previous experience is required. The course will include the following topics: computer music notation and layout, basics of MIDI recording, digital audio, sequencer basics, presentation software, accompaniment programs, survey of music theory and music education software, and other topics related to music instruction and performance. The course will consist of weekly projects based on the above topics. Students will complete a supervised project in their area of interest. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

300 Foreign Language Diction for Singers

3, x Thompson
Teaches the pronunciation principles of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and applies these pronunciation guidelines to various languages which singers encounter in vocal repertoire. Latin, Italian, German, and French pronunciation explored using opera and song literature. Three class sessions per week. Offered in alternate years.

310 Special Studies

3, 3 Staff

340 Beginning Conducting

2, x Bode
This course will offer instruction in the physical aspects of conducting: use of baton, independence of the left and right hands, familiarity with conducting patterns, etc. Musical examples from the instrumental and choral repertoire will be studied. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

371 Intermediate Music Technology

x, 3 Crawford

This course will continue the study of topics in music technology, with an emphasis on composing music with the computer, computer music notation, recording and missing techniques, and MIDI/Audio Sequencing. Also, an introduction to perception and cognition in music will be included. Prerequisite: Music 271 or consent of the instructor. May be repeated one time for credit.

411, 412 Independent Study

1-3, 1-3 Staff
Directed reading, research, composing, arranging, preparation of a critical paper, composition or project on a topic suggested by the student. The student must submit a detailed proposal to the music faculty in the semester preceding the anticipated study. The student is responsible for any extra expenses incurred in completing the project. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing or consent of instructor.

490 Seminar

3, x Staff
A seminar for advanced students in music designed to assist them in the integration of three principal areas of music study: theory and composition, literature and history, and applied music. Highly recommended for senior music majors.

498 Honors Thesis

3, 3 Staff
Designed to further independent investigation leading to the preparation of a written thesis. Required of and limited to senior honors candidates in music. Candidates should consult with department chairman prior to the end of the junior year. Prerequisites: consent of music faculty and admission to honors candidacy.