Music Courses

Applied Music Courses (MA_, MB_)

Private applied study is provided in voice, piano, organ, guitar, orchestral and wind band instruments. In addition to course tuition, the fee for a 25-minute lesson is $150 and the fee for a 50-minute lesson is $300.

The applied course identification is indicated by a three-letter and four-number system. The two letters are "MA" indicating classical study and "MB" indicating commercial study. The third letter indicates the area of study:A–voice; B–piano; D–guitar; E–brass; F–woodwinds; G–strings; H–percussion; I–other instruments; J–electric bass; K–composition; L–arranging; M–conducting; N–carillon; O–synthesizer; P-organ (Examples: MAG – classical string study; MBA – commercial voice study.)

The numerical sequence identifies the following:

1st number – year of study in the applied area
(5–1st year graduate level, 6–2nd year graduate level)

2nd number – hours of credit awarded
(1 hour credit = 25-minute lesson week)
(2, 3, 4 hours credit = 50-minute lesson week)

3rd number – semester of study within the year indicated in 1st number

MA_ 5110, 5120. Private Graduate Applied (1). Applied graduate study. One 25-minute lesson per week. Jury required if study leads to graduate full or lecture recital. ($150.00 course fee)

MA_ 5210, 5220. Private Graduate Applied (2). Applied graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Jury required if study leads to graduate full or lecture recital. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_ 5310, 5320. Private Graduate Applied (3). Applied graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Jury required. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_ 5410, 5420. Private Graduate Applied (4). Applied graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Jury required. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_ 6110, 6120, 6130, 6140. Private Graduate Applied (1). Applied graduate study. One 25-minute lesson per week. Jury required if study leads to graduate full or lecture recital. ($150.00 course fee)

MA_ 6210, 6220. Private Graduate Applied (2). Applied graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Jury required if study leads to graduate full or lecture recital. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_ 6310, 6320. Private Graduate Applied (3). Applied graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Jury required. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_ 6410, 6420. Private Graduate Applied (4). Applied graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Jury required. ($300.00 course fee)

MB_ 5110, 5120. Private Graduate Applied (1). Applied commercial graduate study. One 25-minute lesson per week. Jury required if study leads to graduate full recital, lecture recital, or recording project. ($150.00 course fee)

MB_ 6110, 6120. Private Graduate Applied (1). Applied commercial graduate study. One 25-minute lesson per week. Jury required if study leads to graduate full recital, lecture recital, or recording project. ($150.00 course fee)

MB_ 5210, 5220, 6210, 6220. Private Graduate Applied (2). Prerequisite: Audition or Permission of Director of Graduate Studies in Music. Applied commercial graduate study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Jury required if applied study leads to graduate recital, lecture recital, or recording project. ($300.00 course fee)

Music Composition Courses (MAK) (MUK)

MAK 5070. Graduate Composition Seminar (1). This seminar provides a weekly forum whose activities include: 1) performance of student's compositions, 2) writing for seminar members and reading these compositions, 3) discussion of compositions by faculty members, and 4) presentations on other pertinent topics.

MUK 5110. Music Technology for Composition (2). Utilizing various facets of music technology to assist in the ideas and process of music composition. Various types of music technology (Music notation programs, Audio/MIDI Sequencing applications, Synthesis, Samplers, MIDI Sound Modules, Software based synthesizers, etc.) will be used as aids in creating compositions. In addition to technology being a tool, attention will also be given to the use of technology as a creative outlet or as a "Musical Instrument."

Music Education Courses (MUE)

MUE 5100. Kodaly Pedagogy in America I (2). Kodaly Pedagogy in America I is a course designed to introduce the philosophy, sequential content, teaching techniques, and materials for Kodaly Music Education in kindergarten through third grade. The course should be taken concurrently with Kodaly Pedagogy in America I Project.

MUE 5110. Kodaly Pedagogy in America I Project (1). Kodaly Pedagogy in America I Project is taken concurrently with Kodaly Pedagogy in America I. It is an independent research project requiring the development of an extensive, analyzed collection of folksongs usable in Kodaly Music Education, kindergarten through third grade.

MUE 5120. Kodaly Pedagogy in America II (2). Prerequisites: MUE 5100, 5110. Kodaly Pedagogy in America II is a course designed to introduce the philosophy, sequential content teaching techniques and materials for Kodaly Music Education in fourth through sixth grades. The course should be taken concurrently with Kodaly Pedagogy in America II Project.

MUE 5130. Kodaly Pedagogy in America II Project (1). Prerequisites: MUE 5100, 5100. Kodaly Pedagogy in America II Project is taken concurrently with Kodaly Pedagogy in America II. It is an independent research project requiring the development of an extensive, analyzed collection of folksongs usable in Kodaly Music Education, fourth through sixth grades.

MUE 5140. Solfege I (2). This course is designed to develop basic aural, sightsinging, and keyboard skills for the Kodaly music educator. It incorporates use of pentatonic and diatonic music as well as music with simple altered tones.

MUE 5150. Solfege II (2). Prerequisite: MUE 5140. This course is designed to develop advanced level aural, sightsinging, and keyboard skills for the Kodaly music educator. It incorporates modal music as well as music using complex altered tones and modulation.

MUE 5160. Folksong Research (2). Prerequisite: MUE 5100. Folksong Research is a course designed to survey major categories of folksong and to develop theoretical skills usable in folksong analysis. Folksong Research should be taken concurrently with Folksong Research Project.

MUE 5170. Folksong Research Project (1). Prerequisite: MUE 5110. Folksong Research Project is taken concurrently with Folksong Research. It is an independent research project requiring the development of an extensive, analyzed collection of one category of folksongs.

MUE 5180. Issues in Kodaly Music Education (2). This course is designed to explore in depth one specific educational issue as it relates to Kodaly Music Education. Topics will change from year to year to offer maximum variety. Issues in Kodaly Music Education Project should be taken concurrently with the course.

MUE 5190. Issues in Kodaly Music Education Project (1). Issues in Kodaly Music Education Project is taken concurrently with Issues in Kodaly Music Education. It is an independent research project requiring the development of an extensive paper/collection correlated to the current topic of Issues in Kodaly Music Education.

MUE 5210. Foundations of Music Education (3). Foundations of Music Education provides an overview of the historical, philosophical, and psychological foundations of Music Education. Course content explores curricular design reflecting these diverse components of the field of Music Education.

MUE 5220. Methods and Materials in Elementary/Middle School Music Education (3). This course provides an overview of major contemporary systems of elementary/middle school music teaching. Philosophical/historical background, exemplary techniques, and resource materials are presented to clarify these methodologies as optional approaches for teaching music to children.

MUE 5230. Instrumental Technique and Repertory (3). An advanced instrumental conducting course which emphasizes continuing attention to physical skills of conducting, score analysis and interpretation, rehearsal skills and repertory development. Emphasis will be placed on exploration of musical materials appropriate for student instrumental groups.

MUE 5250. Contemporary Issues in Music Education (3). The course will prepare music educators to be conversant with and knowledgeable about current education topics / issues / trends which impact music education. Students will engage in current issues of curriculum and investigate sources for curriculum models; study the major landmarks, trends, and tools in music education assessment and accountability; consider legal and political issues related to education, and function as a community of leaders as they examine these and other topics related to general education as well as to music education.

MUE 5260. Advanced Choral Techniques (3). An advanced choral conducting course which emphasizes continuing attention to physical skills of conducting, score analysis, interpretation, and rehearsal procedures.

MUE 5300. Orff Pedagogy I: Basic Concepts (2). Initial level draws from the three components of Orff-Schulwerk teacher training: experiential, conceptual, and pedagogical. Skills necessary to plan and implement a variety of Orff-Schulwerk music and movement activities are learned working with the materials and procedures of the Orff-Schulwerk instructional model. The course should be taken concurrently with Orff Pedagogy I: Laboratory.

MUE 5310. Orff Pedagogy I: Laboratory (1). Initial level provides substantial experience-based learning that develops basic skills in movement, recorder, and the synthesis of music and movement through elemental styles/literature of global cultures. This course should be taken concurrently with Orff Pedagogy I: Basic Concepts.

MUE 5320. Orff Pedagogy II: Basic Concepts (2). Intermediate level continues the study of experiential, conceptual, and pedagogical components of Orff Schulwerk teacher training. Music and movement elements and skills needed for their implementation are developed. The role of teacher as facilitator is examined. This course should be taken concurrently with Orff Pedagogy II: Laboratory.

MUE 5330. Orff Pedagogy II: Laboratory (1). Further skill in recorder consort ensembles and movement are developed. Analysis is presented through elemental styles/literature of global cultures. This course should be taken concurrently with Orff Pedagogy II: Basic Concepts.

MUE 5340. Orff Pedagogy III: Basic Concepts (2). Level III includes a critical look at the pedagogical attributes of Orff-Schulwerk's contribution to music and movement. All levels of Schulwerk's three components and comprehension of Schulwerk's application to the discipline of music and other art forms are developed. Level III includes an extended practicum. This course should be taken concurrently with Orff Pedagogy III: Laboratory.

MUE 5350. Orff Pedagogy III: Laboratory (1). Ensemble and composition skills in recorder and movement are extensively developed. There is a concentrated focus on how classroom implementation is developed based on the synthesis of music and movement using music of the Americas and elemental styles/literature of global cultures. This course should be taken concurrently with Orff Pedagogy III: Basic Concepts.

MUE 5990. Special Studies (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Opportunity for music students to pursue a special area of interest under faculty supervision. May be repeated.

General Music Courses (MUG)

MUG 5010. Graduate History Review (1). A graduate level review of the forms, styles, and composers of all major historical music periods.

MUG 5020. Graduate Theory Review (1). A graduate level review of common practice harmony, twentieth-century styles, counterpoint, instrumentation, and form.

MUG 6000. Culminating Project/Examinations (2-3). Prerequisite: Student must have achieved Candidacy status. MUG 6000 includes the terminal requirements for the M.M. degree. All students are required to successfully complete comprehensive written and oral examinations and a culminating project which varies, depending on the student's particular track. Options and requirements for each culminating track are described in Guidelines for the Master of Music Degree accessed through the Belmont University Portal. The class is graded pass/fail. Students should register for the course during their final semester of enrollment.

Music History Courses (MUH)

MUH 5210. Music History Seminar (3). Prerequisite: MUG 5010 or passing score on Graduate History Placement Exam. A series of in-depth topical seminars for graduate music students which will cover a wide range of periods, composers, and musical genres.

MUH 5215. Music History Seminar: Commercial Music (3). Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on graduate entry placement test for MM in Commerical Music. A graduate level course which examines a history of commercial music beginning with the popular ballads of the mid-nineteenth century to popular music forms of the present day. This course examines the creation and production of many styles of commercial music including pop, jazz, country, and hip hop in terms of political, economic and social influences. This course is research intensive through the examination of primary sources and recordings of music from a largely un-notated tradition.

Commercial Music Courses (MUC)

MUC 5010. Advanced Improvisation (1). Course focusing on increasing skills in improvisational techniques used in prevalent mainstream commercial genres. Study will be tailored to the experience level, abilities, and creative goals of the students. Students registered for the course will meet in small group format for 50 minutes per week with the instructor. ($150.00 course fee)

MUC 5110. Music Industry Apprenticeship (2). Prerequisite: Permission of the Coordinator of Graduate Commercial Music. A formal career educational assignment that enables a student to work for a selected period of time as an apprentice to a music industry professional or a music industry organization. The student will document apprentice experiences in a Work Journal. An Apprentice Contract must be completed and approved prior to enrollment, describing specific responsibilities and expectations of the apprenticeship.

MUC 5990. Independent Study in Commercial Music (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and Coordinator of Graduate Commercial Music. Opportunity for graduate music students to pursue a special area of interest in commercial music under direct faculty supervision. May be repeated.

MUC 6010. Advanced Commercial Music Styles (1). Course focusing on increasing skills in performance styles used in prevalent mainstream commercial genres. Study will be tailored to the experience level, abilities, and creative goals of the students. Students registered for the course will meet in small group format for 50 minutes per week with the instructor. ($150.00 course fee)

MUC 6110. Advanced Media Writing I (2). Advanced writing, arranging, and production of music for short media forms (jingles, post-scoring for advertising spots, TV shows, game music, etc.). The course will focus on logistics, musical techniques, and artistic considerations used to create music that supports various short media forms. Industry use of these forms will be examined.

MUC 6120. Advanced Media Writing II (2). Prerequisite: MUC 6110. Advanced writing, arranging, and production of music for longer media forms (documentary and feature films, multi-media presentations, etc.). The course will focus on logistics, musical techniques, and artistic considerations used to create music that supports various longer media forms. Industry use of these forms will be examined.

MUC 6130. Lyric Writing for Media (1). Advanced instruction in the application and technique of the use of words (lyrics) in media music. The use of lyrics in basic songwriting, jingles, movie themes, TV show-themes, and other media forms will be reviewed. The class will participate in individual lyric writing projects, and group projects, and critique sessions.

Music Literature Courses (MUL)

MUL 5010. Keyboard Literature (3). A survey of keyboard literature from the Baroque era through the present. Emphasis will be placed on the standard keyboard performance literature along with the preeminent keyboard composers and common performance practices.

MUL 5020. Opera Literature (2). A survey of solo literature in opera from the Baroque period through the present. The focus will include literature, performance practice, and important composers.

MUL 5110. French and Italian Song Literature (2). A survey of Italian art song from the Baroque period through the present and French song literature from 1830 to the present. Emphasis will be placed on evolving performance practice and the important composers of both genres.

MUL 5120. German Lied (2). A survey of German and Austrian lieder and its composers from the Baroque era to the present. Focus will be placed on evolving performance practice. Literature from the 19th and 20th centuries will be emphasized.

MUL 5220. American/British Art Song (2). A survey of British and American art song works and their composers. The British portion will focus from John Dowland to the present. The American portion will focus on the post civil war period but will emphasize the 20th century.

MUL 5270. Choral Literature (3). Explores the significant choral literature of all styles and periods. Building a broad knowledge base of choral repertory and developing understanding of performance practice is emphasized. Attention is also given to selecting appropriate materials for specific groups.

MUL 5280. Instrumental Literature (3). A historical survey of major instrumental music literature through the study of selected pieces from the solo, chamber, wind band, and orchestral repertoire.

Music Ensembles (MUN)

MUN 5940. Graduate Chamber Music Studies (1). Prerequisite: Permission of director required. Composed of graduate students interested in pursuing the chamber repertoire for their applied area. Requires two (2) hours of rehearsal and 30 minutes of coached time per week. A Graduate Chamber Music Studies Contract designating a coach and planned repertoire must be completed by student and coach and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

MUN 5960. Ensemble Internship (1). Prerequisite: Permission of director required. Graduate students may select an internship with any of the following School of Music classical instrumental or choral ensembles: Instrumental - Belmont Wind Ensemble, Belmont Orchestra, Belmont Percussion Ensemble, Belmont Guitar Ensemble, Belmont Jazz Ensemble; Choral -Belmont Chamber Singers, Belmont Chorale, University Singers, Nashville Children's Choir, Opera Workshop, Oratorio Chorus, Women's Choir. An Internship Contract must be completed and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, describing specific responsibilities of the internship (e.g. assistant director, lead roles, etc.). Limited to two semesters of participation.

MUN 5970. Commercial Ensemble Internship (1). Prerequisite: Permission of ensemble director and Director of Graduate Studies in Music. Graduate students majoring in Commercial Music may select an internship with a School of Music commercial instrumental or choral ensemble. An Internship Contract must be completed and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, describing specific responsibilities of the internship (e.g. assistant director, arranger, etc.). Limited to two semesters of participation.

MUN 5980. Graduate Ensemble Studies (0-1). Prerequisite: Permission of ensemble director and instructor required. Graduate students may participate in an approved School of Music ensemble.

Pedagogy Courses (MUP)

MUP 5010. Introduction to Pedagogy of Applied Music (3). Introduction to Pedagogy of Applied Music will provide an overview of the current methods and literature, instructional techniques, philosophical bases, curriculum building, and administration of the teaching of applied music. The focus will include both pre-college and undergraduate college levels and both individual and class teaching situations.

MUP 5020. Advanced Pedagogy of Applied Music (3). Prerequisite: MUP 5010. This course is designed for advanced study in the field of pedagogy of applied music under faculty supervision. The focus may include, but will not be limited to, the following topics: supervised individual and independent research, observation, supervised teaching in Belmont Academy, supervised practicum in the vocal computerized lab, and other practicum experience.

MUP 5300. Supervised Teaching (1-2). Supervised teaching is tailored to the needs and interests of the graduate student, and will include teaching individuals or applied class, concurrent with a study of literature appropriate to the type, age, and maturity of students being taught.

MUP 6010. Commercial Music Pedagogy (1). Course focusing on increasing skills in introductory and advanced commercial pedagogical techniques. Study will be tailored to the experience level, abilities, and creative goals of the students. Students registered for the course will meet in small group format for 50 minutes per week with the instructor. ($150.00 course fee)

Church Music Courses (MUR)

MUR 5030. Issues in Church Music Education (2). A study of the philosophy and practice of the church music education program. The focus will include church music education methods and materials used to lead and teach various age groups from early childhood level through high school level.

MUR 5120. Music in Worship: Theology, History, and Practice (3). A survey of important views on the theology of music in worship with a focus on the historical development of approaches to worship in various Christian traditions. Emphasis will be placed on worship resources and planning for effective worship.

MUR 5130. Hymns: Their History and Use (2). A study of congregational song from the early church to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the practical use of hymns in modern worship.

MUR 5300. Supervised Music Ministry Practicum (1-2). The practicum includes a semester of supervised leadership in a church music program. The student will be supervised by an experienced choir director or pastor and by the student's faculty mentor.

Music Research Courses (MUS)

MUS 5010. Introduction to Music Research (3). Introduction to music research tools, materials, and techniques. The focus of the course will include major references and indexes, database, and internet research. The course will be relevant to all majors and will encompass both quantitative and qualitative research. A research project relating to the student's major will be required.

Music Theory Courses (MUT)

MUT 5210. Pedagogy of Music Theory (3). An overview of the teaching of music theory with attention to current methods and literature, instructional techniques, and building curriculum and content.

MUT 5310. Analytical Techniques (3). Prerequisite: MUG 5020 or passing score on Graduate Theory Placement Exam. Advanced study in the analysis of music from across a range of genres and styles. In addition to traditional harmonic and formal analysis, a variety of techniques will be explored and may include LaRue style analysis; analysis of rhythm and meter; and an introduction to Schenkerian and related linear-reductive systems.

MUT 5350. Compositional Analysis: Music Since 1900 (3). A stylistic analysis and writing course dealing with the application of twentieth-century compositional materials, devices, and procedures as demonstrated in the works of significant twentieth-century composers.

MUT 5360. Advanced Commercial Music Analysis (3). Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on graduate entry placement test for MM in Commercial Music. The advanced study of melodic, rhythmic, harmonic, and formal analysis in jazz and popular music through application of appropriate theoretical concepts and analytical tools including chord/scale relationships and stylistic traits. Included is an analysis of modern improvisation and songwriting techniques, as well as composition in a variety of styles.