Skip to main content
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog - Belmont University


Department of Performance Studies in Music - Course Descriptions

 
General Requirements (MUG)

MUG 2000. Recital/Workshop Attendance (0). Attendance at a prescribed number of student, faculty and guest recitals, major workshops and master classes, must be completed. Required of all music majors for a specifed number of semesters. (See individual curricula for specific degree requirements.) ($30.00 course fee).

MUG 2010. Piano Proficiency Examination (0). Students must demonstrate basic piano technical skills: scales, arpeggios, repertory memorization, melody harmonization, open-score reading, transposition and improvisation. Students must complete this course before scheduling Senior Recital.

MUG 2020. Sophomore Technical (0). Students must demonstrate technical understanding and mastery of their instrument or voice as a part of the Admission to Junior Standing and completion of lower division study.

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.

Class Applied Study (MF_)

A series of classes in a variety of applied areas which develop functional performance skills. These courses provide secondary, supportive or elective study. See curricular requirements for details. In addition to the course tuition, the fee for class instruction in voice, piano, guitar, percussion and composition is $90.00.

MFA 1110. Secondary Class Voice I (1). First semester secondary voice study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MFA 1120. Secondary Class Voice II (1). Second semester secondary voice study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MFB (Piano)

MFB 1000. Class Piano – Preparatory (1). Development of fundamental piano skills necessary for entry into Class Piano I. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MFB 1100. Keyboard Reading Lab (1). Development of beginning and intermediate sight reading skills for keyboardists. Required of keyboard principles who do not establish sight reading proficiency at audition. Must be continued until proficiency is established. Does not fulfill applied study requirements. Open to all students for elective credit. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90 course fee)

MFB 1110. Class Piano I (1). First semester class piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MFB 1120. Class Piano II (1). Second semester class piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MFB 2110. Class Piano III (1). Third semester class piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MFB 2120. Class Plano IV (1). Fourth semester class piano study. Piano Proficiency Exam required upon completion of this course. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MFD (Guitar)

MFD 1100. Guitar Reading Lab (1). Development of beginning and intermediate sight reading skills for guitarists. Required of guitar principals who do not establish sight-reading proficiency at audition. Must be continued until proficiency is established. Does not fulfill applied study requirements. Open to all students for elective credit. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MFD 1110. Introduction to Guitar Study (1). An introductory class for elective students of all levels of playing.  The course covers the key issues related to proper technical foundations, efficient practice techniques, chords, chart reading, and accompaniment styles. All elective students must take this course before enrolling in private guitar lessons. ($90.00 course fee)

MFG (String)

MFG 4940. String Chamber Practicum (1). The study and performance of chamber music literature for varying combinations of stringed instruments. Other instruments may also be included.

MFI (String/Brass)

MFI 3110. Chamber Ensemble-Brass (1). A chamber brass ensemble designed for upper level students.  Instrumentalists enrolled explore chamber repertoire for groups of like or mixed brass instruments.  Permission of the director is required.

MFI 3120. Chamber Ensemble-String Quartet (1). A chamber string ensemble designed for upper level students.  Instrumentalists enrolled will explore string quartet repertoire for groups of like or mixed string instruments.  Permission of the director is required.

MFK (Composition)

MFK 1110. Commercial Class Composition (1). A beginning commercial composition class, this course is a prerequisite for MUBK 1120 and MUBK 2110. Required for commercial music majors with composition and arranging emphasis. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

Private Applied Study (M__)

Private applied study is provided in voice, piano, organ, guitar, orchestral and band instruments. In addition to classical study in these areas, study is provided in commercial styles when appropriate. The fee for a one-credit 25-minute lesson is $150, the fee for a two-credit 25-minute lesson is $225, and the fee for a 50-minute lesson is $300 in addition to the course tuition.            

The applied course identification is indicated by a three-letter and four-number system. The second letter shows the area of study – classical or commercial.

MA_ – Classical Applied Study
MB_ – Commercial Applied Study
MC_ - Applied Blended 

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: MAA – classical vocal study; MBD – commercial guitar study; MAE – classical brass study.)

The numerical sequence identifies the following:

  • 1st number – year of study in the applied area: O preparatory student, 1 – 1st year, etc.
  • 2nd number – hours of credit awarded
    (1,2 hours credit = 25-minute lesson week)
    (3,4 hours credit = 50-minute lesson week)
  • 3rd number – semester of study within the year indicated in 1st number

MA_/MB_0100. Private Applied – Preparatory (1). Private study at preparatory level. This level of study does not count toward any degree program. 25-minute private lesson per week. Minimum of 6 hours per week practice expected. No audition or jury is required. ($150.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_1110, 1120, 2110, 2120. Private Applied (1). Prerequisite: Placement Audition. Lower Division private study. One 25-minute private lesson per week. Minimum of 6 hours per week practice is expected. Minors and majors must audition for admission and take a jury each semester. May be taken as an elective or secondary study without a jury. ($150.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_ 3110, 3120, 4110, 4120. Private Applied (1). Upper Division private study. One 25-minute private lesson per week, minimum of 6 hours practice per week required. ($150.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_ 1210, 1220, 2210, 2220. Private Applied – Principal Level (2). Prerequisite: Audition. Lower Division private study. One 25-minute private lesson per week. Minimum of 12 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. ($225.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_ 3210,3220,4210,4220. Private Applied – Principal Level (2). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper Division private study at principal level. One 25-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 12 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. ($225.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_ 1310, 1320, 2310, 2320. Private Applied – Major Level (3). Prerequisite: Audition. Lower Division private applied study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 18 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_ 3310, 3320, 4310, 4320. Private Applied – Major Level (3). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper division private applied study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 18 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_ 1410, 1420, 2410, 2420. Private Applied – Major Level (4). Prerequisite: Audition and permission of Associate Dean for Performance Studies. Extra-credit lower division private applied study. One 50-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 18 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_ 3410, 3420, 4410, 4420. Private Applied – Major Level (4). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper division private applied study. Extra-credit upper division private applied study at major level with permission of Associate Dean for Performance Studies. One 50-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 18 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. ($300.00 course fee)

MA_/MB_ 3000. 25-minute Recital (0). Prerequisite (if recital is Senior Recital): MUG2010. this recital is the Junior Recital for Perfomance majors and the Senior recital for all students pursuing all other music majors.

MA_/MB_ 4000. 50-minute Recital (0). Prerequisite (if recital is Senior Recital): MUG 2010. The recital is the Senior Recital for Performance majors.

Applied Support Courses

Classical Voice

MAA 1060. Diction & Song Literature I (English and Italian) (1). The study of Italian and English diction and song literature. Required of all classical voice principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAA 2050. Diction and Song Literature II (German and French) (1). Prerequisite: MAA 1060. The study of German and French diction and song literature. Required of all classical voice principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAA 3010. Musical Theatre Coaching (1). Coaching in style and presentation of musical theatre songs and monologues. Attention will be given to character development and repertoire to support student recitalists as well as new material for auditions. Open to Junior and Senior Musical Theatre majors. Repeatable course. Meets 1 hour per week for 14 weeks. ($100.00 course fee)

MAA 3050. Vocal Literature & Vocal Pedagogy (1). Prerequisite: MAA 205. The study of sacred song, opera and oratorio literature and methodology of teaching singing. Required of all classical voice principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAA 3070. Vocal Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MAA applied principal) An extension of the private lesson providing opportunity opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from the instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

MAA 4010. Musical Theatre Coaching (1). Prerequisite: MAA 3010. More in-depth coaching in style and presentation of musical theatre songs and monologues. Students will study audition technique, develop monologues and songs to support their recital, and learn new material for auditions. Repeatable course. Meets 1 hour per week for 14 weeks. ($100.00 course fee)

MAA 4070. Musical Theatre Seminar (0). This course offers performance practice opportunities for Music Theatre majors with an emphasis on learning performance, staging , and audition techniques. Class includes discussions of topics specific to musical theatre performers. Guests from the musical theatre community present workshops and master class sessions each semester as a part of Seminar. ($40.00 course fee)

Commercial Voice

MAA 1060. Diction & Song Literature I (1). The study of Italian and English diction and song literature. Required of all classical voice principals. meets 2 hours per week.

MBA 3030. Commercial Vocal Styles I (1). Prerequisite: MBA 2120. An in-depth study of Jazz styles. Required of all commercial vocalists. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBA 3040. Commercial Vocal Styles II (1).  Prerequisite: MBA 2120. An in-depth study of rock and pop styles. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBA 3050. Commercial Vocal Styles III (1). Prerequisite: MBA 2120. An in-depth study of country styles. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBA 3060. Singers' Reading Lab (1). Prerequisite: MUT 2350. Chart-writing and dictation using Nashville number system. Prerequisite to MUC 3180, Studio Singers. Meets 2 hours per week

MAA 3070. Vocal Seminar (0). (required each semester enrolled in MAA applied study) An extension of the private lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from the instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

MBA 3080. Commercial Vocal Seminar (0). (Required every semester for voice principals majoring in Commercial Music.) Seminar provides an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of improvisation, stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy. Students take Commercial Vocal Seminar (designated "Lower") during the first three semesters prior to beginning of commercial voice private lessons. Lower Seminar introduces commercial vocalists to commercial vocal styles and techniques in preparation for beginning of commercial private applied lessons. Commercial voice principals in semesters 4-8 take Commercial Vocal Seminar designated "Upper" which functions as an extension of the private applied lessons and provides opportunity for performance, critique and instruction.

MC_  3000. 25-Minute Recital-Blended (0). Prerequisite (if recital is Senior Recital): MUG2010. This recital is the Senior Recital for students pursuing a major requiring both classical and commercial upper level applied study.  The recital includes both classical and commercial components.  

MC_ 3090. Applied Seminar-Blended.  (0).   An extension of the private lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from the instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.   When adequate enrollment exists in a particular applied area, this blended seminar is required for students in majors requiring upper level private classical and commercial applied study leading to a blended recital.

Classical Piano

MAB 2050. Piano Literature I (Baroque and Classical Eras) (1, even years). A study of piano literature of the Baroque and Classical Eras. Required of all classical piano principals. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAB 2060. Piano Literature II (19th and 20th Centuries) (1, even years). A study of piano literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Required of all classical piano principals. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAB 3050. Piano Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MAB 2050 and 2060. A study of the methods and materials of teaching piano. Required of all classical piano principals. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAB 3070. Piano Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MAB applied principal) An extension of the private piano lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

Commercial Piano

MBI 2010. Improvisation I (1). A theoretical and practical approach to improvisation. Required of all commercial instrumentalists. Meets 2hours per week.

MBI 2020. Improvisation II.(1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. Continuation of study of improvisationfrom MBI 2010. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBI 3030. Commercial Styles (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. A study of the major styles of commercial music with attention to the characteristics that distinguish each style. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBB 3080. Commercial Keyboard Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MBB principal study) An extension of the private commercial piano lessons providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of improvisation, stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

Organ

MAP 2050. Organ Literature I (1). The study of organ literature through the works of J. S. Bach. Required of all organ principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAP 2060. Organ Literature II (1). A study of organ literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Required of all organ principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAP 3050. Service Playing (1). A study of methods and materials used in service playing. Required of all organ principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAP 3070. Organ Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUAC applied principal) An extension of the private organ lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

Classical Guitar
F ormerly listed with a 'U' in the second prefix letter position

MAD 2050. Classical Guitar Literature I (1, even years). Study of early music written and transcribed for guitar. Required of all classical guitar majors and principals. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAD 2060. Classical Guitar Literature II (1, even years). A study of the classical guitar repertory of the 19th and 20th centuries. Required of all classical guitar principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAD 3050. Classical Guitar Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MAD 2050, MAD 2060. A study of methods and materials of teaching classical guitar. Required of all classical guitar majors and principals. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAD 3070. Classical Guitar Seminar (0). (Required every semester enrolled in MUAD applied principal.) An extension of the private guitar lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

Commercial Guitar

MBI 2010. Improvisation I (1). A theoretical and practical approach to improvisation. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBI 2020. Improvisation II. (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. Continuation of study of improvisation from MBI 2010. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBI 3030. Commercial Instrumental Styles (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. A study of the major styles of commercial music with attention to the characteristics that distinguish each style. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBD 3080. Commercial Guitar Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MBD applied principal) An extension of the private guitar lesson providing a time for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of improvisation, stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

Classical Instruments

MAI 2050. Technique and Literature of the Major Instrument I (1, even years). Study of the techniques and literature of the student’s principal instrument. Required of all classical instrumental principals. This course will have as instructor the applied teacher of the particular instrument. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAI 2060. Technique and Literature of the Major Instrument II (1, even years). Continuation of the technical and literature studies of MAI 2050. Required of all classical instrumental principals and majors. This course will have as instructor the applied teacher of the particular instrument. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAI 3050. Instrumental Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MAI 2050 and 2060. A study of the methods and materials for teaching the student’s major instrument. Required of all traditional instrumental principals. Meets 2 hours per week.

MAI 3070. Instrumental Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUA applied principal) An extension of the private instrumental lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

Composition

MAK 3070. Composition Seminar (0). 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. Required for composition majors and commercial music majors with a composition and arranging emphasis each semester registered for private or class composition or arranging.

Commercial Instruments
F ormerly listed with a 'U' in the second prefix letter position

MBI 2010. Improvisation I (1). A theoretical and practical approach to improvisation. Required of all commercial instrumentalists. Meets two hours per week.

MBI 2020. Improvisation II (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. Continuation of study of improvisation from MBI 2010. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBI 2030. Ethnic Percussion (1). Course provides materials and instruction covering the history, style, and performance techniques of ethnic percussion, hand-drumming, and electronic drumset. Students acquire knowledge and skill related to congas, timbales, djembe, bodhran, Latin accessories, electronic drumset, and drum module programming. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBI 3030. Commercial Instrumental Styles (1). Prerequisites: MBI 2010. A study of the major styles of commercial music with attention to the characteristics that distinguish each style. Required of all commercial instrumentalists. Meets 2 hours per week.

MBI 3080. Commercial Instrumental Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MB_ applied principal) An extension of the private commercial instrumental lesson providing a time for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of improvisation, stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, technique and pedagogy.

Music Ensembles (MUN)

Ensembles are open by audition, or consultation with the director, to all Belmont University students. Ensembles may be repeated for additional credit.

MUN 3800. Tennessee Repertory Theatre Internship (2). Prerequisite: MAA 4000. One semester of involvement with various components of professional theatre production, granted by audition for the company. Requirements would be matched to the student’s need and level of proficiency. Internships would be an elective offering for those whose schedule would permit the intensive two- or three-week obligation necessary to mount a production or for those whose schedule would permit an ongoing relationship over the course of a semester.

MUN 3810. Phoenix (1). A 10-member vocal ensemble accompanied by a band. Phoenix performs music which is currently charting or has charted in Billboard magazine. The ensemble features music from all current rock/pop commercial genres. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 4 hours per week.

MUN 3820. Belmont Pops (1). A 30-50 voice mixed choir. Pops performs a variety of commercial styles (blues, jazz, pop/rock, country, Broadway, musical theatre, and gospel). Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 3830. Southbound (1). An 8-member vocal ensemble accompanied by a band. Southbound performs music featured on country radio formats including progressive country, traditional country, country dance music, country rock, rockabilly and western swing. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 4 hours per week.

MUN 3840. Session (1). Session is a 16-20 voice women's commercial vocal ensemble. Composed primarily of upper class female Commercial Music majors, this ensemble sings editions of pop literature arranged specifically for Session. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.

MUN 3860. Company (1). A 14-member show choir which performs literature from Broadway shows and popular music styles with fully-staged choreography. Company tours in the spring semester. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 4 hours per week.

MUN 3890. University Singers (1). An SATB choir which provides performance study in a variety of SATB choral ensemble repertoire. Open to all students of the university without audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 3900. Oratorio Chorus (0). Oratorio Chorus performs one major choral composition each semester, usually with orchestra. See School of Music Ensemble Requirements for specific number of semesters of Oratorio required for various principal areas. Open to all Belmont students and faculty without audition. Meets one day per week for 2 hours. ($65.00 course fee)

MUN 3910. Belmont Chorale (1). A 40-50 voice mixed choir which performs a variety of choral masterpieces, with an emphasis on the sacred choral literature. Chorale tours in the spring of each year. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 3920. Belmont Chamber Singers (1). A 16-20 voice mixed choir which performs a wide range of music from pre-Renaissance to modern and tours in the fall semester. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 3930. Women's Choir (1). Open to all women of the university without audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 3940. Men's Chorus (1). Open to all men of the university without audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 3960. Opera Theatre (1-3). Opera Theatre performs fully-staged operas as well as scenes from operas. Selected by audition. Credit is one hour per semester for solo and chorus roles. Two- or three-hours credit may be earned for the performance of a major role at the recommendation of the director and approval of the voice faculty and the Dean.

MUN 3970. Musical Theatre (0-3). Musical Theatre performs fully-staged musicals as well as scenes from musicals. Selected by audition with priority given to Musical Theatre majors. Credit varies but is typically zero credit for freshman who are minimally involved in the performance and one hour per semester for solo and chorus roles. Two- or three-hours credit may be earned for the performance of a major role at the recommendation of the director and the approval of the voice faculty and the Dean.

MUN 3980. Jazzmin (1). A 12-member mixed vocal jazz choir which performs vocal jazz literature including blues, standards, Latin, bebop, swing and contemporary jazz. Emphasis is on developing techniques in vocal jazz studies. Jazzmin tours in the spring semester. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 4 hours per week.

MUN 3990. Special Studies in Ensemble (0-3).

MUN 4710. Jazz String Quartet (1). A chamber string ensemble designed for upper level students.  Instrumentalists enrolled will explore jazz string quartet repertoire for groups of like or mixed string instruments.  Permission of the director is required.

MUN 4720. Jazz String Septet (1). A chamber string ensemble designed for upper level students.  Instrumentalists enrolled will explore jazz string ensemble literature for groups of like or mixed string instruments and rhythm section.  Permission of the director is required.

MUN 4730. Concert Band (1). The Concert Band provides an opportunity for wind and percussion instrumentalists (primarily non-music majors) to perform in a concert ensemble.  The ensemble performs between two and four concerts annually, and studies traditional and contemporary band repertoire.  No formal audition is required; however, a part placement audition determines seating within the ensemble.

MUN 4740. String Chamber Orchestra (1). The ensemble rehearses and performs Baroque and other string orchestra repertoire (literature not typically performed by the Symphony Orchestra).  Memebership is open to all students regardless of major.  Non-music majors are strongly encouraged to participate.  Requires permission of instructor.  Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4750. Commercial Guitar Ensemble (1). Commercial Guitar Ensemble, an auditioned ensemble, studies a wide variety of jazz and commercial music (past and present) arranged for multiple guitars and rhythm section.  Ensemble members read prepared arrangements; they also have opportunities to practice improvisation skills within the repertoire being rehearsed and performed.

MUN 4830. Bass Ensemble (1). This ensemble provides experience to both electric and upright bass players in all styles of commercial music. The ensemble perfroms at least one concert per semester. Admission is with the consent of the director. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4840. Bluegrass Ensemble (1). Performing traditional and current bluegrass, folk and country music, this ensemble performs several on- and off-campus concerts per semester. Open to any Belmont student by audition.

MUN 4850. Guitar Ensemble (1). Prerequisite: MFD 110 or permission of instructor. This ensemble studies and performs traditional guitar ensemble repertoire in both on- and off-campus concerts. An audition is required at the discretion of the director. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4860. Percussion Ensemble (1). This ensemble studies and performs the traditional percussion ensemble repertoire in both on- and off-campus concerts. An audition is required at the discretion of the director. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4870. Piano Ensemble (1). For piano principals or more advanced non-principals. This classical ensemble studies and performs traditional piano ensemble music in a variety of configurations: two piano, four hand, eight hand, etc. An audition may be required at the discretion of the director.

MUN 4880. World Percussion Ensemble (1). This ensemble studies and performs works from the world and ethnic percussion ensemble repertoire, with a particular emphasis on works written for the steel drum ensemble.  The group performs in a variety of settings both on and off campus.  Permission of the director is required.

MUN 4900. Belmont Wind Ensemble (1). Open to all students having previous band experience upon permission of director. The Wind Ensemble presents concerts and serves as a basis for other instrumental chamber ensembles. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4910. Jazz Band(1). The Jazz Band is a select group of instrumentalists which performs a wide variety of contemporary commercial music. Selected by audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4915. Jazz Band II (1). Jazz Band II is a select group of instrumentalists which performs a wide variety of contemporary commercial music. The ensemble is a feeder group for Jazz Band. Selected by audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4920. Collegium Musicum (1). An ensemble which performs music from the 14th - 18th centuries on authentic instruments.

MUN 4930. Belmont Symphony Orchestra (1). The orchestra performs standard and contemporary orchestral literature is combined with the Oratorio Chorus, Opera and Musical Theater Workshops for performances of major works. Open to all students, faculty, staff and community players upon permission of the Director. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4950. Jazz Small Group I (1). This ensemble provides experience in contemporary instrumental jazz. The group is composed of four to seven players including a rhythm section. Members are encouraged to compose and arrange music for the ensemble. Admission is by audition only. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4960. Jazz Small Group II (1). This ensemble provides experience in contemporary jazz and is a feeder for Jazz Small Group I. It is composed of four to seven players including a rhythm section. Members are encouraged to compose and arrange music for the ensemble. Admission is by audition only. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4970. Rock Ensemble (1). This ensemble provides experience in all styles of rock music. Standard rock instrumentation is used. The ensemble performs at least one concert per semester. Admission is with the consent of the director. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 4980. New Music Ensemble (1). This ensemble performs significant music of diverse 20th and 21st century classical styles.