Department of Academic Studies in Music - Course Descriptions
Commercial Music Courses (MUC)
MUC 1110. Introduction to Music Technology (1). A one-semester requirement providing a basic introduction to various music technology applications, including MIDI, basic synthesizer operations, computer-assisted music notation, music based CAI, and basic sequencing. Meets 2 hours per week. Basic keyboard playing skills are recommended. ($90.00 course fee)
MUC 2150. Introduction to Sound Synthesis (1). Instruction in manipulating and navigating hardware and software based sound synthesizers. The course will concentrate on functions and components used within a synthesizer (oscillators, filters, envelop generators, etc.) as well as techniques used to generate synthesized sounds (e.g., analog, FM, granular and sample synthesis).
MUC 2160. Commercial Song Writing (3). Instruction and guidance in the creation of songs in various popular styles, including the commercial jingle. Designed for students in majors other than music.
MUC 2170. Commercial Song Writing Workshop (3). Prerequisite: MUC 2160. Instruction in writing lyrics and original music, creation of various popular styles, commercial jingles, demonstration recordings and placement of songs to be recorded professionally.
MUC 2180. Computer Assisted Music Notation (3). Prerequisite: MUT 1310 or permission of instructor. Techniques of music manuscript preparation for professional performance, including vocal and instrumental scores for studio recordings, printed educational music, live performance and lead sheet preparation. Includes both music calligraphy and notation by computer.
MUC 2210. Music Technology I (3). Prerequisite: MUC 1110 or permission of instructor. A practical study of the use of synthesizers, computers and related software and other MIDI-controlled devices in a variety of non real-time musical situations, including composition and arranging. Emphasis will be on the understanding of MIDI, sequencing techniques, sound editing and design, practical uses of varieties of synthesizers and other MIDI-controlled equipment.
MUC 2220. Music Technology II (3). Prerequisite: MUC 2210 or permission of instructor. This course provides advanced study of the use of synthesizers, computers and related software, and other MIDI-controlled devices in a variety of non real-time musical situations including composition and arranging. Emphasis will be on advanced concepts of MIDI, including controllers and system exclusive. In addition, other topics will be covered, including advanced sequencing techniques, various synthesis and sampling techniques, advanced sound editing and design, and the use of varieties of synthesizers and other MIDI-controlled equipment.
MUC 3170. Studio Instrumentalist (3, even years). Prerequisite: MUT 1320. The study of musical and technical knowledge and skills needed by the performing studio instrumentalist, including sessions in all styles of commercial music in the Belmont Recording Studio. ($30.00 course fee)
MUC 3180. Studio Singers (3). Prerequisite: MBA 3060, or permission of instructor. The study of musical and technical knowledge and skills needed by the professional studio singer, including sessions in the Belmont Studio. ($30.00 course fee)
MUC 3400. Composing Music for Media (3). Prerequisite: MUC 2210 or permission of instructor. Introduction to music for film and video media, including techniques, logistics, and artistic considerations.
MUC 4110. Advanced Computer Productions I (1). Prerequisites: MUC 2210 or permission of instructor. Individual weekly study with an instructor focusing on increasing skills in the operation of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Emphasis will be placed on mastering MIDI, some synthesizer programming, sequencing, and arranging techniques. Both technical and aesthetic aspects will be explored. Study will be tailored to the experience, abilities, and creative goals of the student. Each student registered for the course meets for 25 minutes per week in private study with the instructor. ($150 course fee)
MUC 4120. Advanced Computer Productions II (1). Prerequisites: MUC 4110. Individual weekly study with an instructor focusing on increasing skills in the operation of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Emphasis will be placed on mastering MIDI, some synthesizer programming, sequencing, and arranging techniques. Both technical and aesthetic aspects will be explored. Study will be tailored to the experience, abilities, and creative goals of the student. The course is a continuation of MUC 4110. Each student registered for the course meets for 25 minutes per week in private study with the instructor. ($150 course fee)
MUC 4991-4993. Special Studies in Commercial Music (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Opportunity for upper-level music students to pursue a special area of interest under faculty supervision. May be repeated. For 1-hour credit, course meets 25 minutes per week with a fee of $150. For 2- or 3-hours credit, course meets 50 minutes per week with a fee of $300.
Music Education Courses(MUE)
MUE 2210. Brass Methods (1). A study of brass instruments to acquaint students with basic techniques and pedagogical principals. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MUE 2220. Woodwind Methods (1). A study of woodwind instruments (clarinet and saxophone) to acquaint students with basic techniques and pedagogical principles. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MUE 2230. Introduction to Music Education (3). Introduction to music education is an overview of historical and philosophical issues in education as they specifically relate to the teaching of music.
MUE 3210. String Methods (1, odd years). A study of string instruments to acquaint students with basic techniques and pedagogical principles. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MUE 3220. Percussion Methods (1, odd years). A study of percussion instruments to acquaint students with basic techniques and pedagogical principles. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MUE 3230. Basic Conducting Techniques (3). Prerequisites: MUT 132, MUT 134. The study of a basic set of physical and musical skills vital to the practice of the conductor.
MUE 3240. Choral Conducting (3). Prerequisite: MUE 3230. The application of the basic techniques of conducting to the specific area of choral work and a survey of materials for various types of choral groups. Participation in MUE 3270 for 2 semesters required as a laboratory for this course.
MUE 3250. Marching Band Methods (1). An overview of the pedagogical and administrative components of the high school marching band. The course emphasizes marching band rehearsal techniques, computer assisted drill writing, the application of pedagogical skills to the marching band, and techniques leading to superior performing ensemble that supports the basic musical objectives of a quality band program. Meets tow hours per week. ($90 course fee)
MUE 3260. Instrumental Conducting (3, even years). Prerequisite: MUE 3230. The application of the basic techniques of conducting to the specific area of instrumental work and a survey of materials for various types instrumental groups.
MUE 3270. Conducting Lab (0). This lab is taken concurrently with MUE 3240 Choral Conducting, providing a laboratory choral group for the conducting class.
MUE 3290. Woodwind Methods II (1). A study of woodwind instruments (flute and double reeds) to acquaint students with basic techniques and pedagogical principles. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90 course fee)
MUE 4200. Student Teaching Seminar (0). A seminar dealing with practical and philosophical issues in current music education. Content of this course grows out of the student-teaching experience, MUE 4400, which is taken concurrently. Students receiving 4 credit hours will be required to submit projects related to their teaching which will augment their teaching portfolio.
MUE 4210. Elementary School Music Methods (2, even years). Recommended Prerequisite: MUE 2230. A course designed to acquaint the music specialist with the content, methodology, and materials of an elementary school music curriculum. Required of all Music Education majors. Lab required involving classroom observations and introduction to classroom instruments including pitched and unpitched percussion, recorder, and fretted instruments. Meets 3 hours per week.
MUE 4220. Middle School Music Methods (2, even years). Recommended prerequisite: MUE 2230. Materials and methods for the organization and implementation of a comprehensive music program in the middle school or junior high school. Required of all music education majors. Lab required involving classroom observations and introduction to classroom instruments including pitched and unpitched percussion, recorder, and fretted instruments. Meets 3 hours per week.
MUE 4230. Secondary Instrumental Music Methods (2, odd years). Recommended Prerequisite: MUE 2230 and 3230. MUE 4210, MUE 4220. Materials and methods for the organization, development, and implementation of an instrumental program in the schools. Lab required. Meets 3 hours per week.
MUE 4250. Psychology of Music (3). The study of the psychological basis of music in its performance and structures including theories of hearing and learning music, tests of musicality, the effect of music on audiences and programming strategies.
MUE 4260. Secondary Choral Music Methods (2, odd years). Recommended Prerequisites: MUE 3230 and 3230. Materials and methods for the organization, development, and implementation of a secondary school choral program. Meets 3 hours per week.
MUE 4280. Advanced Seminar in Choral Conducting (1). Prerequisites: MUE 3230, MUE 3240. Advanced Seminar in Choral Conducting offers the student opportunity for advanced instruction in choral conducting. Graded Pass/Fail, this elective meets two times a week and provides experience in conducting with a variety of traditional choral styles.
MUE 4290. Special Studies in Conducting (3). Prerequisites: MUE 3230, MUE 3240, and/or MUE 3260, and permission of instructor. May be repeated once. Opportunities of selected upper-level students to pursue advanced conducting projects under faculty supervision.
MUE 4400. Student Teaching in Music (8). A laboratory course giving student teacher experience in music education. This full-semester course allows for teaching experience on both elementary and secondary levels with either an instrumental or vocal emphasis. This course includes a seminar which meets once a week for the entire semester (MUE 4200). ($325.00 course fee)
MUE 4991-4993. Special Studies in Music Education (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Opportunity for upper-level music students to pursue a special area of interest under faculty supervision. May be repeated. For 1-hour credit, course meets 25 minutes per week with a fee of $150. For 2- or 3-hours credit, course meets 50 minutes per week with a fee of $300.
General Requirements (MUG)
MUG 4015. Senior Capstone in Music (3). Prerequisite: Senior standing and approval of academic advisor. To be taken in the final year of residence before graduation .This course is designed to provide a culminating experience for music majors, and address the integration of the major with the BELL Core curriculum. Activities are designed to allow students to reflect on their own professional development, explore the role of music in society, synthesize and expand their knowledge of music history and theory, and apply their broadening understanding of music by writing about their own repertory and performance area. Among the activities in this course, students will read and write about music and culture, listen to and analyze music, attend guest lectures, create a CV or other professional material, and create and present a final project.
Music History and Literature Courses (MUH/MUL)
MUH 1200. Introduction to Music: History, Style and Culture (3). Prerequisites: MUT 1300, MUT 1310, co-enrollment in MUT 1310, or permission of instructor. An introduction to Western art music through a chronological survey of styles, genres, and composers and through the comparative study of various non western musical practices. Emphasis will be placed on introducing students to listening techniques, terminology, researching, writing and critically thinking about music and its place in the web of culture.
MUH 2000. The Musical Experience (3). An introduction to experiencing and understanding our heritage of music through a study of musical style and music from a variety of periods and cultures. Emphasis will be placed on listening techniques. Students should gain a heightened appreciation for the beauty, variety and complexity of music which will enable them to more fully experience music in today’s culture.
MUH 2010. Popular Music Experience (3). An introductory survey of popular music. Emphasis will be placed on studying the history and evolution of genres from Tin Pan Ally to contemporary Rock styles. This course will also address socio-critical issues including the role of race, gender and religion in the evolution of popular music, the global impact of American popular music in non Western societies, and the influence of technology on the creation and consumption of popular music.
MUH 2020. World Music Experience (3). This course is an introductory survey of world music cultures. Emphasis will be placed on understanding various indigenous and ethnic musical practices from around the globe and as they exist in America. This course will also address various socio-political issues such as the politics of globalization and musical hybrity.
MUH 2110. Survey of Music History and Literature I (3). Prerequisite: MUT 1310 or permission of instructor. A general survey of the forms, styles, and composers of Western classical music through the Baroque era using directed listening to develop basic criteria for understanding music. An introduction to music from non-Western cultures is included in this semester of survey.
MUH 2120. Survey of Music History and Literature II (3). Prerequisite: MUT 1310 or permission of instructor. A survey of the forms, styles, and composers of the Classical Era to the present. Required of all music majors and minors.
MUH 2130. Today's Music (3). Each semester, a specific topic in “Today’s Music” will be studied in depth, i.e., “Roots of Country Music,” “Jazz-America’s Music,” “The Development of Music Theatre,” etc. Each topic will be organized around major figures and compositions of the area. May be repeated for additional credit if topic is different.
MUH 2140. The Arts for Education: Appreciation and Application (4). A broad overview of the arts designed for students who plan to work as educators in schools, churches, and other community agencies. (Required of all non-music licensure students to substitute for the BELL core fine arts requirement. Open to all students as an elective.) ($50.00 course fee)
MUH 2150. The History of Rock Music (3, odd years). This course will trace the development of "rock and roll" (and then, "rock") from its blues, country, gospel, soul and jazz roots to recent developments. The course will also analyze the social criticism and functional significance of these musics, as well as their influence on contemporary American life.
MUH 2160. Music for Education: Appreciation and Application (2). This course provides a broad overview of music for students who plan to work as educators in schools, churches, and other community agencies. Completes music component of MUH 2140 for those who have completed ART 2000. ($20.00 course fee)
MUH 2200. History of Western Music: 1700 - Present (3). Prerequisite: MUH 1200. This course will focus on genres, styles, and composers of the late Baroque (Bach and Handel) through the present day. Emphasis will be placed on directed listening, score study, terminology, research and writing about music and the various political, cultural and social factors that influenced music during this period.
MUH 3110. Studies in Early Music (3). Prerequisites: MUH 2110, MUH 2120. An in-depth study of musical style, form, and composers of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
MUH 3120. Studies in Baroque and Classical Music (3). Prerequisites: MUH 2110, MUH 2120. An in-depth study of musical style, form, and composers of the Baroque and Classical Eras.
MUH 3130. Studies in Nineteenth-Century Music (3). Prerequisites: MUH 2110, MUH 2120. An in-depth study of musical style, form and composers of the Romantic Era.
MUH 3140. Studies in Music Since 1900 (3). Prerequisites: MUH 2110, MUH 2120. An in-depth look at the development of classical music from 1900 to the present.
MUH 3200. History of Western Music: Ancient - 1700 (3). Prerequisite: MUH 1200, MUH 2200. This course will focus on genres, styles, and composers of music from Ancient Greece through the Baroque era. Emphasis will be placed on directed listening, score study, terminology, research and writing about music and the various political, cultural and social factors that influenced music during this period.
MUH 3210. Evolution of the Popular Song (3). Prerequisite: MUH 2000 or permission of instructor. This course is a history of the evolution of the popular song in Western society. Influential songs and songwriting styles from late nineteenth century to contemporary will be surveyed and analyzed with emphasis placed on how varios aspects of, and approaches to, songwriting (including formal and lyrical content) have reflected and influenced society and culture.
MUH 3991-3993. Special Studies in Music History and Literature (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Opportunity for upper-level music students to pursue a special area of interest under faculty supervision. May be repeated. For 1-hour credit, course meets 25 minutes per week. For 2- or 3-hours credit, course meets 50 minutes per week.
MUH 4110. History of Commercial Music (3). The study of commercial music through the sentimental ballad and popular song, including music industry development and the socio-musical influence of the commercial song.
MUH 4120. World Music (3, even years). This course will introduce the student to the study of the popular, classical and hybrid musics of the non-Western world and examine their influences upon Western classical, jazz and popular music.
MUH 4130. History of Musical Theatre (3, odd years). Prerequisite: MUT 1310. This course will review the history of musical theatre from its European beginnings to current activities in America and Britain. Required for Musical Theatre majors.
MUH 4210. Music History Seminar (3). Prerequisite: MUH 1200, 2200, 3200. A series of in-depth topical seminars for advanced undergraduate music students which will cover a wide range of periods, composers, and musical genres.
MUH 4991-4993. Special Studies in Music History and Literature (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Opportunity for upper-level music students to pursue a special area of interest under faculty supervision. May be repeated. For 1-hour credit, course meets 25 minutes per week with a fee of $150. For 2- or 3-hours credit, course meets 50 minutes per week with a fee of $300.
MUL 3960. Opera Staged Reading (0 or 1). Scenes from operas or complete operas performed in minimally staged readings. Open auditions are held for all roles. If taken for 0 credit, there is a $300 fee. This course does not satisfy requirements for ensemble participation.
Piano Pedagogy Courses (MUP)
MUP 3450. Piano Pedagogy and Literature for Beginners (3, odd years). A survey of materials and methods of teaching beginning piano students.
MUP 3460. Piano Pedagogy and Literature for Intermediates (3, odd years). A survey of materials and methods of teaching intermediate-level piano students.
MUP 3490. Accompanying (2, even years). A study of the principles and philosophy of accompanying along with supervised experiences.
MUP 4450. Supervised Piano Teaching (2). Teaching of beginning and intermediate-level students under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for additional credit.
MUP 4470. Group Piano Pedagogy (2, even years). The study of the philosophy, organization, and curriculum for group piano studies as a part of the private piano studio.
Church Music Courses (MUR)
MUR 3410. Church Music Education for Children (3, odd years). A study of philosophy, organization and implementation of the church's music program for children, preschool through grade 6.
MUR 3420. Church Music Education for Youth and Adults (3, odd years). A study of philosophy, organization, and implementation of the church's music program for youth and adults.
MUR 3430. Introduction to Instruments for the Church Musician (1, odd years). This course will focus on: a) fundamentals of organ registration, b) aspects of maintenance and purchase including a comparison of pipe and electronic instruments, c) brief historical overview; and d) playing as determined by backgrounds of individual class members. Meets 2 hours per week.
MUR 4410. Foundations of Church Music Ministry (3). The study of the church program of music, its basic organization, philosophies, and objectives.
MUR 4420. Hymnology (3, even years). A study of hymnody is made from earliest Old Testament references to the present.
MUR 4430. Music Ministry Internship (1). Practical experience in the church music program under faculty guidance; critical analysis and discussion of problems. Weekly seminar. May be repeated for credit once.
MUR 4440. Music in Worship in the 21st Century: Philosophy and Practice (3). An overview of the aesthetic and philosophical issues in current worship practice. Students in this course will develop Biblical and theological foundations of music in worship while gaining important skills necessary to plan, develop, and lead worship experiences in a variety of Christian music environments.
MUR 4991-4993. Special Studies in Church Music (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Opportunity for upper-level music students to pursue a special area of interest under faculty supervision. May be repeated. For 1-hour credit, course meets 25 minutes per week with a fee of $150. For 2- or 3-hours credit, course meets 50 minutes per week with a fee of $300.
Studies Abroad Music Courses (MUS)
MUS 1950-4950. Music Studies Aboard (1-16 hours). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes music studies abroad in Germany, Russia, Italy and France. For two-semester study abroad, an audition is also required.
Theory Courses (MUT)
MUT 1300. Fundamentals of Music (4). Development of fundamental aural, written and keyboard skills in music theory necessary for entry into MUT 1310, Harmony I.
MUT 1310 Harmony I (3). Prerequisite for MUT 1310 or a satisfactory score on the music theory placement exam. A study of elementary music theory with an emphasis on diatonic harmony, including principles of voice leading, harmonic motion, and simple phrase froms. Taken concurrently with MUT 1330.
MUT 1320 Harmony II (3). Prerequisite: MUT 1310. A continuation of MUT 1310 with an emphasis on diatonic seventh chords, secondary function, modulation, and 2- and 3-part forms. Taken concurrently with MUT 1340.
MUT 1330. Ear Training I (1) Prerequisite: MUT 1300 or a satisfactory score on the theory placement exam. Intensive training to develop elementary music reading and aural skills through sight-singing and dictation. Taken concurrently with MUT 1310. Meets 2 hours per week.
MUT 1340. Ear Training II (1) Prerequisite: MUT 1310, MUT 1330. A continuation of MUT 1330 with increased emphasis on minor mode and compound meter. Taken concurrently with MUT 1320.
MUT 1380. Music Theory for Music Business (3). Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on Theory Placement Test. An integrated study of Music Theory with an emphasis on popular and jazz harmonies.
MUT 2310. Harmony III (3) Prerequisite: MUT 1320. A study of advanced material in music theory including mode mixture, neapolitan and augmented sixth chords, and enharmonic modulation. Additionally, half the course focuses on popular and jazz techniques including modes and scales, chord substitution, and simple forms. Taken concurrently with MUT 2330.
MUT 2320. Harmony IV (3). Prerequisite: MUT 2310. The study of composition and analytical approaches to music since 1900. Taken concurrently with MUT 2340 or MUT 2350.
MUT 2330. Ear Training III (1). Prerequisite: MUT 2310, MUT 1340. Continued development of music reading and aural skills, including elements such as chromatic non-chord tones, secondary dominants, and modulation. Rhythmic devices include changing meter, irregular division of the beat, and irregular meters. Meets 2 hours per week.
MUT 2340. Ear Training IV Classical (1). Prequisite: MUT 2310, MUT 2330. Development of advanced aural skills through sight-singing and dictation, including advanced chromatic vocabulary and modulation. Meets 2 hours per week.
MUT 2350. Ear Training IV Commercial (1). Prerequisite: MUT 2330. Continuation of MUT 2330 with emphasis on harmonic vocabulary, harmonic function, and notation specific to commercial styles. Meets 2 hours per week.
MUT 3310. Form and Analysis (3). Prerequisite: MUT 2310. A study of the principles and techniques of harmonic, structural, and stylistic analysis of homophonic and contrapuntal forms in a variety of styles and genres.
MUT 3320. Orchestration and Instrumentation (3). Prerequisite: MUT 2310. An approach to scoring through knowledge of each instrument's timbre and range. Provides an opportunity to study scoring for like and mixed groups as well as full band and orchestra.
MUT 3330. Commercial Music Analysis (3). Prerequisites: MUT 2310 and MUT 2350. The study of popular song froms from a diverse jazz and commercial repertoire including composed and improvised materials. Analysis will consider formal and structural principles including phrase and motivic structure, chord/scale relationships, timbre, and and aesthetics.
MUT 4330. Contemporary Arranging (3). Prerequisite: MUT 3320 or permission of instructor. Instrumental and musical technical information, melodic and harmonic development, musical density, ensemble combination, arranging styles, and the procedure of writing a contemporary arrangement are studied in detail. Preparation of arrangements for the recording studio is included.
MUT 4340. Advanced Contemporary Arranging (3, even years). Prerequisite: MUT 4330 or permission of instructor. A continuation of MUT 4330, Contemporary Arranging. An in-depth study of commercial arranging with emphasis on scoring for strings, woodwinds, brass and studio orchestra.
MUT 4350. Analysis Techniques of Music Since 1900 (2, odd years). Prerequisite: MUT 2320. Advanced study of a variety of analytical techniques applicable to music since 1900 with a focus on pitch structure and formal organization.
MUT 4360. Counterpoint(2, even years). Prerequisite: MUT 2310. I: Introduction to contrapuntal writing and analysis with an emphasis on 18th-century style.
MUT 4370. Topics in Counterpoint (2, even years). Prerequisite: MUT 4360. Continuation of MUT 4360 with an emphasis on analysis and writing of 2-4 voice counterpoint in a variety of styles and genres. Course topics will vary.
MUT 4490. Senior Theory Project (3). An independent study for the Theory Major culminating in the writing and presentation of a paper or project on a theoretical or analytical subject. Strongly recommended to be taken in the first semester of the senior year.
MUT 4991-4993. Special Studies in Music Theory (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Opportunity for upper-level music students to pursue a special area of interest under faculty supervision. May be repeated. For 1-hour credit, course meets 25 minutes per week with a fee of $150. For 2- or 3- hours credit, course meets 50 minutes per week with a fee of $300.